Abstract
The creation of enduring modifications in synaptic efficacy requires new protein synthesis. Neurons face the formidable challenge of directing these newly made proteins to the appropriate subset of synapses. One attractive solution to this problem is the local translation of mRNAs that are targeted to dendrites and perhaps to synapses themselves. The molecular mechanisms mediating such local protein synthesis, notably CPEB-mediated cytoplasmic polyadenylation, are now being elucidated.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Brain / cytology
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Brain / embryology
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Brain / growth & development
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Brain / metabolism*
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Dendrites / metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Organ Specificity
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Poly A / genetics
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Poly A / metabolism
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Protein Biosynthesis*
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Synapses / metabolism*
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors*
Substances
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA-Binding Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors
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Poly A