Organization of the Arp2/3 complex in hippocampal spines

J Neurosci. 2008 May 28;28(22):5654-9. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0756-08.2008.

Abstract

Changes in the morphology of a dendritic spine require remodeling of its actin-based cytoskeleton. Biochemical mechanisms underlying actin remodeling have been studied extensively, but little is known about the physical organization of the actin-binding proteins that mediate remodeling in spines. Long-term potentiation-inducing stimuli trigger expansion of the spine head, suggesting local extension and branching of actin filaments. Because filament branching requires the Arp2/3 complex, we used quantitative immunoelectron microscopy to elucidate the organization of ARPC-2 (Arp2/3 complex subunit 2), an essential component of the complex. Our data from CA1 hippocampus indicate that Arp2/3 concentrates within spines in a previously unrecognized torroidal domain, apparently specialized to mediate actin filament branching.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Dendritic Spines / metabolism*
  • Dendritic Spines / ultrastructure*
  • Hippocampus / ultrastructure*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Models, Neurological
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex