A synapse-specific refractory period for plasticity at individual dendritic spines.

A refractory period in which newly modified synaptic connections are unable to undergo further plasticity is a proposed mechanism through which newly formed memories can be preserved at the synaptic level while brain plasticity is ongoing. Here, we provide new insights into the spatiotemporal signaling mechanisms that regulate the establishment and maintenance of a refractory period for plasticity at individual excitatory synapses in the hippocampus, a region of the brain vital for learning and memory. Our results have implications in the identification of molecular targets that could serve to improve learning outcomes associated with disease.