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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
Profilin2 contributes to synaptic vesicle exocytosis, neuronal excitability, and novelty-seeking behavior
Pietro Pilo Boyl1, Alessia Di Nardo, Christophe Mulle
1EMBL, Mouse Biology Unit, Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy.
Abstract:
Profilins are actin binding proteins essential for regulating cytoskeletal dynamics, however, their function in the mammalian nervous system is unknown. Here, we provide evidence that in mouse brain profilin1 and profilin2 have distinct roles in regulating synaptic actin polymerization with profilin2 preferring a WAVE-complex-mediated pathway. Mice lacking profilin2 show a block in synaptic actin polymerization in response to depolarization, which is accompanied by increased synaptic excitability of glutamatergic neurons due to higher vesicle exocytosis. These alterations in neurotransmitter release correlate with a hyperactivation of the striatum and enhanced novelty-seeking behavior in profilin2 mutant mice. Our results highlight a novel, profilin2-dependent pathway, regulating synaptic physiology, neuronal excitability, and complex behavior.
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