IntroductionThe brain exerts considerable structural and functional plasticity [1][2][3]. As an important interface between neurons, synapses are required for computation of circuits and information processing. Accumulating evidence indicates that once formed, synapses and dendrites can be maintained for long periods of time. However, they are eliminated or rewired to respond to environmental changes, as reported by Walsh and Lichtman (2003) [4]. The cell biology of neurons has been developed to the understanding of pathological mechanisms of brain disorders. This review article will pay an attention to the biological and pathological role of BDNF, which modulate synaptic plasticity in adult brain because this knowledge could prove beneficial for the development of new therapies against brain diseases. Dendritic spines are actin-rich structures, which are part of most excitatory synapses in the central nervous systems. Recent studies have shown that the morphological plasticity of the spine plays a crucial role in higher brain functions, such as learning and memory. This review focuses on recent advances in the research of dendrite spines, synaptic plasticity, and BDNF. Lastly, we will introduce recent reports demonstrating the role of BDNF in depression.
Dendrite SpinesThe majority of excitatory synapses develop small protrusions on dendrites, called dendrite spines, which form the main platforms of synaptic input for neurons. Neurotransmitter receptors are largely localized at the surface of spines to counteract the presynaptic structure, axon terminals. Previously, consensus was that spine morphology is controlled for higher brain functions, such as learning and memory. Indeed, this notion has been supported by a significant number of studies. The strength of synaptic activity is controlled by the size and number of dendritic spines [5,6]. Activity-dependent remodeling and stability of spine structures is an important cellular mechanism for the maintenance and refinement of neuronal circuits [7,8]. Developing brain spines are structurally dynamic. Conversely, stable spines predominate during adult stages [2]. Interestingly, imaging studies demonstrate experience-dependent structural alterations of spines in animals [6,8], and spine genesis has a salient association with human cognitive function [9]. Moreover, autopsy studies of patients with dementia indicated a correlation between brain dysfunction and abnormal spine morphology [10,11]. Although synaptic function cannot be assessed from spine morphology, the regulatory mechanisms of spine morphogenesis, and the dynamics of spine morphology would provide insight into higher brain functions and their disorders.Dendritic spines are actin-rich protrusions [12,13] and highly dynamic [14]. The dynamics are controlled by the architecture of their actin cytoskeleton [15]. The formation, maturation, and plasticity of spines depend on actin cytoskeleton remodeling [16,17]. Many of the key molecules controlling this process are members of the Rhofamily of small GTPases...