The biophysical basis underlying the maintenance of early phase long-term potentiation

The maintenance of synaptic changes resulting from long-term potentiation (LTP) is essential for brain function such as memory and learning. Different LTP phases have been associated with diverse molecular processes pathways, the underpinnings on short, well long time scales, are established. However, principles intermediate scale 1-6 hours that mediate early phase (E-LTP) remain elusive. We hypothesize interplay between specific features postsynaptic receptor trafficking responsible sustaining during this phase. test hypothesis by formalizing a biophysical model integrates several experimentally-motivated mechanisms. captures wide range experimental findings predicts preserved when dynamics shaped structural spine in conjunction increased recycling endosomes cooperative binding receptors. Furthermore, our provides predictions to verify experimentally.