Spine microdomains for postsynaptic signaling and plasticity.
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2009-05
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Changes in the molecular composition and signaling properties of excitatory glutamatergic synapses onto dendritic spines mediate learning-related plasticity in the mammalian brain. This molecular adaptation serves as the most celebrated cell biological model for learning and memory. Within their micron-sized dimensions, dendritic spines restrict the diffusion of signaling molecules and spatially confine the activation of signal transduction pathways. Much of this local regulation occurs by spatial compartmentalization of glutamate receptors. Here, we review recently identified cell biological mechanisms regulating glutamate receptor mobility within individual dendritic spines. We discuss the emerging functions of glutamate receptors residing within sub-spine microdomains and propose a model for distinct signaling platforms with specialized functions in synaptic plasticity.
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Newpher, Thomas M, and Michael D Ehlers (2009). Spine microdomains for postsynaptic signaling and plasticity. Trends in cell biology, 19(5). pp. 218–227. 10.1016/j.tcb.2009.02.004 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/27387.
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Thomas Mark Newpher
I teach, mentor, and advise in Duke’s Neuroscience major, and serve as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience. I also direct the Summer Neuroscience Program of Research, where I provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for undergraduate research fellows. I earned my B.A. in Biology from Thiel College and my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Microbiology from Case Western Reserve University. In addition, I received postdoctoral training in the Departments of Neurobiology and Cell Biology at Duke University, where my research focused on the molecular mechanisms that underlie learning-related synaptic plasticity.
As a faculty member in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience I teach several courses, including Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (NEUROSCI 223), Contemporary Neuroscience Methods (NEUROSCI 376), the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (NEUROSCI 461S), and Neuroplasticity and Disease (NEUROSCI 353S). My courses use a variety of team-based learning activities to promote critical thinking skills, foster collaboration among students, and create an engaging, student-centered classroom experience. As a co-PI in the Duke Team-Based Learning lab, I study the impacts of collaborative learning on student performance and classroom dynamics.
Unless otherwise indicated, scholarly articles published by Duke faculty members are made available here with a CC-BY-NC (Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial) license, as enabled by the Duke Open Access Policy. If you wish to use the materials in ways not already permitted under CC-BY-NC, please consult the copyright owner. Other materials are made available here through the author’s grant of a non-exclusive license to make their work openly accessible.