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Rewiring Neuronal Circuits: A New Method for Fast Neurite Extension and Functional Neuronal Connection
Published on: June 13, 2017
Neurites from PC12 cells are connected to each other by synapse-like structures
Chan-Young Jeon1, Jae-Kwang Jin, Young-Ho Koh
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-Do, 200-702, Republic of Korea.
Synapse (New York, N.Y.)
|August 11, 2010
Summary
PC12 cells treated with NGF, bFGF, and cAMP can form synapse-like structures, with neurites exhibiting both presynaptic and postsynaptic properties. Rho inhibition further enhanced this neurite outgrowth and synapse formation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- PC12 cells are a widely used model for studying sympathetic neurons.
- Neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells can be induced by nerve growth factor (NGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether neurites from PC12 cells, stimulated by NGF, bFGF, and cAMP, form synapses.
- To determine if these neurites possess presynaptic and postsynaptic characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine neurite connections.
- Immunostaining identified specific marker proteins for axonal and dendritic components, as well as synaptic vesicles and postsynaptic membranes.
- The effect of Tat-C3 toxin, a Rho inhibitor, on neurite outgrowth and synapse formation was assessed.
Main Results:
- Neurite connections in PC12 cells revealed dense core vesicles and clathrin-coated membrane invaginations, characteristic of synapses.
- Axonal marker Tau-1 was found at neurite tips, while dendritic marker MAP-2 was present in connected neurite processes.
- Synaptic vesicle markers (SV2, synaptotagmin) and postsynaptic marker drebrin were identified in contacting neurites, indicating synapse-like structures.
- Tat-C3 toxin enhanced neurite outgrowth and the formation of synapse-like structures.
Conclusions:
- PC12 cell neurites induced by NGF, bFGF, and cAMP can form synapse-like structures with distinct presynaptic and postsynaptic features.
- Rho inhibition may play a role in promoting neurite outgrowth and the development of these synapse-like structures, warranting further investigation.
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