Are dendritic spines more than just structural protrusions? This review delves into the structure and function of dendritic spines, the neuronal protrusions that receive input from excitatory synapses. It highlights the importance of these spines in synaptic function and plasticity, emphasizing their role as biochemical compartments, particularly for calcium signaling. The review underscores the association of abnormal dendritic spines with numerous brain disorders. This comprehensive overview examines the various components within spines, including neurotransmitter receptors, organelles, and signaling systems. It explores the dependence of spine formation, plasticity, and maintenance on synaptic activity and sensory experience. The review highlights the rapid, large-amplitude calcium signals within spines, crucial for inducing synaptic plasticity. Given the recent work that has highlighted spines are highly specialized compartments for rapid large-amplitude Ca2+ signals underlying the induction of synaptic plasticity, numerous brain disorders are associated with abnormal dendritic spines. It emphasizes the critical role of synaptic activity and sensory experience in shaping spine formation, plasticity, and maintenance. This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable resource for neuroscientists and researchers interested in synaptic function and neurological disorders.
Published in Annual Review of Physiology, this paper aligns with the journal's focus on providing comprehensive overviews of key physiological processes. By exploring the structure and function of dendritic spines, the review contributes to a deeper understanding of neuronal communication and synaptic plasticity, core themes within the scope of the journal. The emphasis on calcium signaling and its role in brain disorders further enhances the paper's relevance to the journal's audience of physiologists and neuroscientists.