Protein Transport from Synapse-to-Nucleus and the Regulation of Gene Expression

The communication between synapses and the neuronal nucleus has attracted substantial interest over the years. This interest is primarily driven by the hypothesis that synapse-to-nucleus signaling, initiated from both pre- and postsynaptic sites, could selectively trigger the expression of genes responsible for the consolidation of long-term memory. However, it remains largely enigmatic how the spatiotemporal integration of synaptic inputs is achieved at the genomic level and which molecular mechanisms are involved in these processes. Additionally, it is unclear how neurons integrate electrochemical signaling with nuclear trafficking of molecular motor-transported cargoes following induction of synaptic plasticity. This chapter summarizes current understanding of protein transport from synapse to the nucleus. It comprehensively lists principal molecular players involved and regulatory elements that govern this dynamic process. Several functional implications and open questions are also discussed.