Drebrin and cognitive impairment

The kinetics of cytoskeletal networks, with actin as a key factor, play a key role in regulating the morphology and function of dendritic spines. Drebrin is a neuron growth and brain development-related actin-binding protein and is present in 70% of the dendritic spines of excitatory synapses. It regulates the development and formation of dendritic spines and well-developed dendritic spines pave the way for presynaptic elements. Well-developed and mature synapses are prerequisite for maintaining nervous system physiology. Abnormal morphology of dendritic spines and loss of synapses are seen in many neurologic diseases associated with cognitive decline. However, the mechanisms governing these pathologic changes and their correlation with drebrin remain unclear. Exploring the relationship between drebrin and cognitive function may provide insight into the early prevention of cognitive impairment and in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.