Synaptic plasticity: Transporting memories.

摘要

In humans, polymorphisms in the gene encoding KIBRA have been linked to variation in memory performance; however, the neural function of this protein has been unclear. Now, Huganir and colleagues report that KIBRA regulates AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking and synaptic plasticity.Fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain mainly occurs through AMPARs, and the trafficking of such receptors to and from synapses is integral to the various mechanisms of synaptic plasticity that are linked to learning and memory, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD).