ALTERATION IN EXPRESSION OF LONG-TERM POTENTIATION (LTP) THROUGH PROTEIN MANIPULATION OR GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION

Abstract

Long-term potentiation is a property of synaptic plasticity that modulates the strength of transmissions between synapses of neurons. Increased stimulation promotes more glutamate release from the presynaptic axon terminal, which is received by the NMDA and AMPA glutamate receptors in the postsynaptic terminal, enacting a cascade of postsynaptic events that enhances overall synaptic connection. With glutamate release in the presynaptic terminal to the NMDA and AMPA receptors in the postsynaptic terminal, increased stimulation promotes strength of signals to enact a cascade overall improving synaptic connections. This process can be altered through various prenatal and postnatal exposures. This literature review delves into how prenatal and postnatal influences impact the alteration in expression of long-term potentiation in typical and atypical populations. It aims to draw new conclusions about memory formation processes across neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals through evaluating protein, chemical, drug, and genetic differences. Through characterizing long-term potentiation differences between the two populations, there can be further investigation into interventions and therapies to promote synaptic activity for intellectually and developmentally disabled populations. This can serve to educate and offer opportunities for disabled populations to receive and apply methods of care to promote health equity and equal opportunities for all individuals to engage with life.