Regulatory Molecules of Synaptic Plasticity in Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

Synaptic plasticity is the capacity of synaptic transmission between neurons to be strengthened or weakened. There are many signal molecules accumulated in the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes that can lead to the regulation of synaptic plasticity and involvement in numerous of neurological and psychiatric diseases, including anxiety disorder. However, the regulatory mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the development of anxiety disorder have not been well summarized. This review mainly aims to discuss the biological functions and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity-related molecules in anxiety disorder, with a particular focus on the metabotropic glutamate receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated channels, and postsynaptic density 95. The summarized functions and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity-related molecules in anxiety will provide insight into novel neuroplasticity modifications for targeted therapy for anxiety.

LSD Modulates Proteins Involved in Cell Proteostasis, Energy Metabolism and Neuroplasticity in Human Cerebral Organoids

“…Emerging evidence suggests that LSD could cause lasting changes in neuronal plasticity and brain function (7). LSD exhibited potential therapeutic effects for anxiety, depression, and addiction (8)(9)(10), conditions associated with impaired neuroplasticity (11)(12)(13). It is hypothesized that psychedelics like LSD exert long-term psychotropic effects by acutely inducing heightened plasticity in brain circuits (9).…”