Common pathways for growth and for plasticity

► NMDARs activate Ras and PI3K, via Ras-GRFs as Ca2+ sensors. ► PIP3 may have direct actions on the synaptic scaffold and via downstream Akt/GSK3β. ► PTEN is a specific mediator of NMDA receptor-dependent LTD. ► NCAM-FGFR signaling facilitates AMPA receptor synaptic delivery, and enhances LTP. ► PKC signaling is required for synaptic and cognitive effects of NCAM-FGFR.