Destroy the old to build the new: Activity-dependent lysosomal exocytosis in neurons

Lysosomes are organelles that support diverse cellular functions such as terminal degradation of macromolecules and nutrient recycling. Additionally, lysosomes can fuse with the plasma membrane, a phenomenon referred to lysosomal exocytosis, release their contents, including hydrolytic enzymes cargo proteins. Recently, neuronal activity has been shown induce exocytosis in dendrites axons. Secreted enzyme cathepsin B induces stabilizes synaptic structural changes by degrading local extracellular matrix. Extracellular matrix reorganization could also enhance lateral diffusion co-released organizer Cbln1 along surface axons facilitate new synapse formation. Similarly, dendritic AMPA-type glutamate receptors be facilitated functional plasticity. Therefore, is powerful way building structures through coordinated destruction old environment. Understanding mechanisms which regulated neurons expected lead development therapeutics for plasticity following spinal cord injury or neurodegenerative disease.