Two-photon glutamate uncaging to study structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines

Abstract

The activity-dependent structural remodeling of dendritic spines in response to sensory experience is vital for the dynamic regulation of neuronal circuit connectivity that supports complex behavior. Here, we discuss how the two-photon glutamate uncaging technique can be applied to study the mechanisms that drive activity-dependent structural and functional plasticity in individual dendritic spines. Our goal is to provide the reader with the key background for this technique and to present guidelines, practical details, and potential caveats associated with its implementation.