1Laboratory of Neural Signal Transduction, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes of Biological Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai 200031, China
2The Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
Corresponding author: Yizheng Wang. E-mail: yzwang@ion.ac.cn

Abstract 

The spatial patterns of dendritic structures diverge in different types of neurons as adaptations to their unique functions. Although different intracellular mechanisms underlying dendritic morphogenesis have been suggested, it is evident that the elevation in intracellular Ca2+ levels plays a major role in the process. Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels, known to be non-selective Ca2+-permeable cation channels, act as environmental detectors to sense and transduce extracellular signals into different intracellular responses, including the regulation of dendritic growth, via Ca2+ infl ux. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of Ca2+ signaling, especially signals mediated by Ca2+ infl ux via TRPC channels, and the underlying molecular events in dendritic development.

Keywords

dendrite; calcium; TRPC; neurotrophin

[SpringerLink]