The present invention relates to methods of altering the competence of a dendrite and/or the viability of a neuron by modulating the level of Elk-1 in a dendrite. The present invention also provides methods of altering the ATP levels in a neuron, methods of isolating at least one protein of a mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex, methods of introducing an RNA into a neuron, methods of translating an RNA in a dendrite, methods of monitoring risk of neurodegeneration of a neuron, and methods of treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
