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The neurons in our brain communicate with one another through specialized structures called synapses. In certain types of neuron, synapses sit on spiny protrusions. These spines are more than just structural protuberances: it seems that spine growth can be induced by stimulating neurons, indicating that changes in spine density may reflect changes in the synaptic activity − and hence the computational power − of individual neurons1. But what are the molecular mechanisms underlying spine growth? On page 677 of this issue, Passafaro et al.2 identify a key player in spine production − and surprisingly, it is a protein already known for its important role in synaptic function
