Regulation of Synaptic Homeostasis by Translational Mechanisms

Abstract The ability of synapses to modify their functional properties and adjust the amount of neurotransmitter release at their terminals is essential for formation of appropriate neural circuits during development and crucial for higher brain functions throughout life. Many forms of synaptic plasticity can adjust synaptic strength down (depression) or up (potentiation); however, depending on the cellular context as the forces of change act upon the synapse, other synaptic mechanisms are activated to resist change. This form of synaptic plasticity is generally referred to as homeostatic synaptic plasticity. Accumulating experimental evidence indicates that translational mechanisms play a critical role in the regulation of homeostatic synaptic plasticity. This chapter will review studies that contribute to this body of evidence, including a role for the target of rapamycin in the retrograde regulation of synaptic homeostasis.