Abstract

The neurotrophins are best known for their ability to support neuronal survival and differentiation, but a role in synapse formation and plasticity has recently emerged. For central neurons, brain-derived neurotrophic factor can increase the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses by regulating axonal morphology or by directly promoting synapse formation. In addition, neurotrophins promote the maturation and stabilization of the cellular and molecular components that are responsible for neurotransmitter release, and this ultimately leads to an increase in the number of functional synapses. These long-term structural and molecular changes are likely to be crucial not only during development, but also during synaptic plasticity in the adult.

Author affiliations

1. Group of Growth Factors in Vertebrate Development, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28006 Madrid, Spain.
2. Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Building 36/Room 3DO2, 36 Convent Drive, MSC 4092, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4092, USA.
3. Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel.

Correspondence to: Carlos Vicario-Abejón¹ Email: cvicario@cib.csic.es