Molecular control of dendritic remodeling

Abstract

Dendrites are the entry site of neural signals into neurons. Once formed, dendrites do not maintain their structure, rather are dynamically remodeled in vivo: some dendrites are pruned away, while others lengthen and branch out. Dendritic remodeling occurs not only during neural development but also in mature dendrites under both physiological and pathological conditions, suggesting its contribution to neural plasticity. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood; however, they are just beginning to be elucidated from studies in vertebrate and invertebrate model systems. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of dendritic remodeling by focusing particularly on insights obtained from layer IV spiny stellate neurons in the rodent somatosensory cortex and Drosophila sensory neurons.