ARC expands the DAAM1 microexon-mediated actin-RHOA/ROCK Interplay

Abstract

Actin cytoskeleton and its dynamics play a crucial role in synaptic function, influencing dendritic spines' structural and functional plasticity. Recent findings unveiled the significance of alternative splicing of a neural-specific microexon in DAAM1 in modulating actin's role in synaptic processes. This article discusses the impact of this microexon on actin polymerization, the RHOA/ROCK signaling pathway, and cognitive functions. Furthermore, we present new results that reveal a more complex scenario involving the upregulation of the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (ARC) protein in DAAM1 microexon KO models, which may further affect synaptic function and cognition.