GPCR endocytosis rewires neuronal gene expression and cellular architecture

Beta-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) endosomal signaling induces dendritic growth and synapse formation in neurons, orchestrating gene regulation and cellular architecture.

• Why it matters: Understanding how GPCR activation leads to long-lasting neuronal changes is crucial for insights into brain plasticity and related disorders, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well characterized.
• What they did: The study examined β2AR signaling in neurons, revealing that active receptors on endosomes trigger compartmentalized pathways that regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis, promoting structural remodeling.
• The result: This work uncovers spatial and biochemical principles of GPCR-driven neuronal plasticity, enabling targeted strategies to modulate neural architecture and function in health and disease.