Local protein synthesis is a ubiquitous feature of neuronal pre- and postsynaptic compartments

There is ample evidence for localization of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and protein synthesis in neuronal dendrites; however, demonstrations of these processes in presynaptic terminals are limited. We used expansion microscopy to resolve pre- and postsynaptic compartments in rodent neurons. Most presynaptic terminals in the hippocampus and forebrain contained mRNA and ribosomes. We sorted fluorescently labeled mouse brain synaptosomes and then sequenced hundreds of mRNA species present within excitatory boutons. After brief metabolic labeling, >30% of all presynaptic terminals exhibited a signal, providing evidence for ongoing protein synthesis. We tested different classic plasticity paradigms and observed distinct…

• EM
  European Molecular Biology Organization

  Award: ALTF 1095-2015
• AV
  Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung

  Award: FRA 1184902 HFST-P
• AN
  Agence Nationale de la Recherche

  Award: ANR-10-LABX-43 BRAIN Dolipran
• FP
  Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale

  Award: ING20150532192
• HE
  H2020 European Research Council

  Award: 743216