Dendritic spines: Structure, dynamics and regulation

Dendritic spines are tiny protrusions that receive excitatory synaptic inpu t and compartmentalize postsynaptic responses. Heterogeneous in size and sh ape, and modifiable by activity and experience, dendritic spines have long been thought to provide a morphological basis for synaptic plasticity Altho ugh advanced imaging techniques have highlighted the rapid and regulated mo tility of spines in living neurons, the functional significance of spine pl asticity remains elusive. Recent insights into the molecular mechanisms tha t regulate spine morphogenesis offer potential ways to manipulate dendritic spines in vivo and to explore their physiological roles in the brain.