Biochemical computation in dendritic spines

Ryohei Yasuda
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

Activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength are believed to be cellular basis of learning and memory. Cascades of biochemical reaction in dendritic spines, tiny postsynaptic compartments emanating from dendritic surface, underlie diverse forms of synaptic plasticity. The reaction in dendritic spines is mediated via signaling networks consist of hundreds of species of proteins. We have developed unique optical techniques to elucidate the operation principles of such signaling networks. First, based on 2-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging techniques, we have developed highly sensitive biosensors reporting signaling activity in single dendritic spines. In addition, we have developed an optogenetic inhibitor for protein kinase signaling. By monitoring and manipulating signaling components with high spatiotemporal resolution, we expect to reveal the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal regulation of signaling dynamics underlying synaptic plasticity and learning and memory.