Topic: dendritic spine plasticity

Understanding the intricate network of molecular interactions responsible for synaptic plasticity remains a significant challenge in neuroscience research. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been repeatedly implicated in the plasticity of excitatory synapses, notably in proBDNF processing. Our current study extends these findings by elucidating MMP-9's crucial role in dendritic spine plasticity through its involvement in the insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGFIR) signaling pathway. Specifically, we demonstrate that MMP-9 is essential for IGFIR activation, a key process in long-term

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a widely used method of non-invasive brain stimulation in both research and clinical settings, aimed at inducing synaptic plasticity and targeting conditions like pharmaco-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying rTMS-induced plasticity remain not well understood. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification in the human transcriptome. m6A is known for its reversible nature and thus is a prime candidate for modulating synaptic plasticity via gene expressio