All-trans retinoic acid induces synaptic plasticity in human cortical neurons

A defining feature of the brain is ability its synaptic contacts to adapt structurally and functionally in an experience-dependent manner. In human cortex, however, direct experimental evidence for coordinated structural functional adaptation currently lacking. Here, we probed plasticity cortical slices using vitamin derivative all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), a putative treatment neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Our experiments demonstrated that excitatory synapses superficial (layer 2/3) pyramidal neurons underwent changes presence atRA. These adaptations were accompanied by ultrastructural remodeling calcium-storing spine apparatus organelle required mRNA translation. It was not observed synaptopodin-deficient mice, which lack organelles. We conclude atRA potent mediator adult cortex.