Open AccessNew views of Arc, a master regulator of synaptic plasticity
Author(s) -
Jason D. Shepherd,
Mark F. Bear
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
nature neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 13.403
H-Index - 422
eISSN - 1546-1726
pISSN - 1097-6256
DOI - 10.1038/nn.2708
Subject(s) - arc (geometry) , neuroscience , synaptic plasticity , effector , regulator , neuroplasticity , master regulator , biology , function (biology) , metaplasticity , perspective (graphical) , psychology , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , transcription factor , computer science , receptor , mathematics , geometry , artificial intelligence
Many proteins have been implicated in synaptic and experience-dependent plasticity. However, few demonstrate the exquisite regulation of expression and breadth of functional importance as the immediate early gene product Arc. Here we review and attempt to synthesize the disparate views of Arc in neuronal function. The main conclusion garnered from this body of work is that Arc is a critical effector molecule downstream of many molecular signaling pathways and that dysregulation of Arc expression can have dire consequences for normal brain function.