Minis Modulate Dendritic Protein Synthesis

Since the initial observation by Fatt and Katz in the 1950s of spontaneous miniature synaptic events (minis), their functional significance has continued to intrigue neurobiologists. Sutton et al. observed that blockade of synaptic activity leads to a reduction in protein synthesis. However, blocking miniature synaptic activity had the opposite effect and enhanced dendritic protein synthesis. These unexpected results suggest that local dendritic protein synthesis is regulated in a complex manner by different forms of synchronous and miniature synaptic events. M. A. Sutton, N. R. Wall, G. N. Aakalu, E. M. Schuman, Regulation of dendritic protein synthesis by miniature synaptic events. Science 304 , 1979-1983 (2004). [Abstract] [Full Text]