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Simultaneous analyses of clutch coupling and actin polymerization in dendritic spines of rodent hippocampal neurons during chemical LTP.

ABSTRACT: Dendritic spine enlargement by synaptic activation is thought to increase synaptic efficacy underlying learning and memory. This process requires forces generated by actin polymerization and actin-adhesion coupling (clutch coupling). Here, we describe a protocol to monitor actin filament retrograde flow and actin polymerization within spines using a standard epi-fluorescence microscope. In combination with chemical long-term potentiation, this protocol allows us to quantify clutch coupling efficiency and actin polymerization rate, which are essential variables for generating forces for activity-dependent spine enlargement. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kastian et al. (2021).

SUBMITTER: Kastian RF

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8536781 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Simultaneous analyses of clutch coupling and actin polymerization in dendritic spines of rodent hippocampal neurons during chemical LTP.

Kastian Ria Fajarwati RF Minegishi Takunori T Inagaki Naoyuki N

STAR protocols 20211019 4

Dendritic spine enlargement by synaptic activation is thought to increase synaptic efficacy underlying learning and memory. This process requires forces generated by actin polymerization and actin-adhesion coupling (clutch coupling). Here, we describe a protocol to monitor actin filament retrograde flow and actin polymerization within spines using a standard epi-fluorescence microscope. In combination with chemical long-term potentiation, this protocol allows us to quantify clutch coupling effic ...[more]

PMID: 34723214

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