The Synaptic Autophagy Cycle

J Mol Biol. 2020 Apr 3;432(8):2589-2604. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.12.028. Epub 2019 Dec 20.

Abstract

Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is an evolutionarily conserved pathway in which proteins and organelles are delivered to the lysosome for degradation. In neurons, autophagy was originally described as associated with disease states and neuronal survival. Over the last decade, however, evidence has accumulated that autophagy controls synaptic function in both the axon and dendrite. Here, we review this literature, highlighting the role of autophagy in the pre- and postsynapse, synaptic plasticity, and behavior. We end by discussing open questions in the field of synaptic autophagy.

Keywords: autophagy; endocytosis; protein degradation; synaptic plasticity; synaptic transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autophagy*
  • Cell Survival
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity*
  • Neurons / pathology*