Cited by 348Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchRNA and protein synthesis mechanismsGenetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Translational control in synaptic plasticity and cognitive dysfunction

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Buffington, Shelly A., Huang, Wei, Costa-Mattioli, Mauro·2014·Annual Review of Neuroscience

Abstract

Activity-dependent changes in the strength of synaptic connections are fundamental to the formation and maintenance of memory. The mechanisms underlying persistent changes in synaptic strength in the hippocampus, specifically long-term potentiation and depression, depend on new protein synthesis. Such changes are thought to be orchestrated by engaging the signaling pathways that regulate mRNA translation in neurons. In this review, we discuss the key regulatory pathways that govern translational control in response to synaptic activity and the mRNA populations that are specifically targeted by these pathways. The critical contribution of regulatory control over new protein synthesis to proper cognitive function is underscored by human disorders associated with either silencing or mutation of genes encoding proteins that directly regulate translation. In light of these clinical implications, we also consider the therapeutic potential of targeting dysregulated translational control to treat cognitive disorders of synaptic dysfunction.

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Crossref · 10.1146/annurev-neuro-071013-014100

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  • When NMDAR activity is reduced, as with ketamine or 2R,6R-HNK, eEF2K activity falls, eEF2 becomes dephosphorylated, and translational inhibition is rapidly lifted.

    “When NMDAR activity is reduced, as with ketamine or (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (2R,6R-HNK), eEF2K activity falls, eEF2 becomes dephosphorylated, and translational inhibition is rapidly lifted [141,143,145].”

    From Synaptic Plasticity—Intrinsic Excitability and Antidepressant Discovery (2026) · cites this paper as [143]

    In “Translational Control Mechanisms” (page not provided), the review says eEF2K phosphorylates eEF2, NMDAR activation increases eEF2 phosphorylation, and phosphorylated eEF2 is thought to block general translation. It does not report that reduced NMDAR activity—specifically from ketamine or (2R,6R)-HNK—lowers eEF2K activity, dephosphorylates eEF2, or rapidly lifts translational inhibition. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • eEF2K acts as a molecular brake on protein synthesis.

    “Translational control is a central driver of rapid synaptic plasticity, with eEF2K acting as a molecular brake on protein synthesis [141,142,143].”
  • Neuronal protein synthesis is crucial for synaptic function and memory formation, and it is dysregulated in Alzheimer's.

    “Neuronal protein synthesis has been well established as crucial for synaptic function and memory formation, and it is dysregulated in Alzheimer’s (43).”
  • Learning and long-term memory formation are improved by enhanced histone acetylation, which could be improved by HDAC inhibitors.

    “The synthesis of new proteins is necessary for long-term changes in synaptic plasticity and learning (132–134). In this context, learning and long-term memory formation are improved by enhanced histone acetylation (135), which could be improved by HDAC inhibitors (HDACi).”

    From The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication (2020) · cites this paper as [134]

    The Introduction and Translational Control Mechanisms sections discuss protein synthesis and other mechanisms affecting long-term memory, but do not address enhanced histone acetylation or HDAC inhibitors. Searches of our copy for those terms found no passage supporting the claim attributed to this source. (LLM, conf=0.74)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

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Authors
Buffington, S. A., Huang, W., & Costa-Mattioli, M.
Affiliations
  • Baylor College of Medicine (US)
  • Department of Neuroscience, Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030;, ,
Venue
Annual Review of Neuroscience
Published
2014-07-08
Volume
37
Issue
1
Pages
17-38
ISSN
  • 0147-006X (ISSN-L)
  • 1545-4126
OpenAlex
W2120053143
Cited by
348
References
166
Citations by year
2026: 17 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 36 · 2020: 36 · 2019: 30 · 2018: 43 · 2017: 33 · 2016: 33 · 2015: 21 · 2014: 11
FWCI
3.73
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Annual Review of Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Searle Scholars Program
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R01NS076708)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Keywords
translational regulation, synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, long-term depression, hippocampus, mRNA translation, memory formation, cognitive impairment, synaptic dysfunction
MeSH terms
Animals, Cognition Disorders, Hippocampus, Humans, Models, Biological, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Neuronal Plasticity, Protein Biosynthesis, Signal Transduction

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