Simultaneous analyses of clutch coupling and actin polymerization in dendritic spines of rodent hippocampal neurons during chemical LTP

Abstract

Summary: Dendritic spine enlargement by synaptic activation is thought to increase synaptic efficacy underlying learning and memory. This process requires forces generated by actin polymerization and actin-adhesion coupling (clutch coupling). Here, we describe a protocol to monitor actin filament retrograde flow and actin polymerization within spines using a standard epi-fluorescence microscope. In combination with chemical long-term potentiation, this protocol allows us to quantify clutch coupling efficiency and actin polymerization rate, which are essential variables for generating forces for activity-dependent spine enlargement.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kastian et al. (2021).

Keywords

• Cell Biology
• Cell culture
• Microscopy
• Neuroscience