Synapse regulation exploits the capacity of actin to function as a stable structural
component or as a dynamic filament. Beyond its well-appreciated role in eliciting visible
morphological changes at the synapse, the emerging picture points to an active contribution
of actin to the modulation of the efficacy of pre- and postsynaptic terminals. Moreover, by
engaging distinct pools of actin and divergent signalling pathways, actin-dependent
morphological plasticity could be uncoupled from modulation of synaptic strength. The aim
of this Review is to highlight some of the recent progress in elucidating the role of the actin
cytoskeleton in synaptic function.
