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Neuronal profilin isoforms are addressed by different signalling pathways
Kai Murk1, Nina Wittenmayer, Kristin Michaelsen-Preusse
1Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
Plos One
|April 4, 2012
Summary
Two profilin isoforms, PFN1 and PFN2a, are found in the central nervous system and their levels change with neuronal activity, suggesting distinct roles in synaptic plasticity and neuronal nuclei.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Profilins regulate actin dynamics, crucial for cell structure and function.
- While most cells have one profilin, the central nervous system (CNS) has two: PFN1 and PFN2a.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of PFN1 and PFN2a in neuronal activity-dependent structural plasticity.
- To determine if the presence of two profilin isoforms is linked to neuronal complexity and activity.
Main Methods:
- Immunoelectron microscopy and immunofluorescence on rodent neurons and brain sections.
- Analysis of profilin levels in response to neuronal stimulation (KCl, BDNF) and NMDA receptor inhibition (APV).
- Simultaneous labeling with isoform-specific antibodies to identify profilins in synapses and neuronal nuclei.
Main Results:
- Both PFN1 and PFN2a are present in synapses, with higher abundance postsynaptically.
- Neuronal stimulation increased synaptic levels of both PFN1 and PFN2a.
- NMDA receptor inhibition decreased PFN2a but not PFN1; BDNF increased both isoforms.
- Both profilins were found in neuronal nuclei, with activity-dependent changes in their levels.
Conclusions:
- PFN1 and PFN2a have isoform-specific roles in actin dynamics within different signaling pathways at excitatory and inhibitory synapses.
- Both profilins likely play functional roles in neuronal nuclei.
- The findings support the hypothesis linking profilin isoform expression to neuronal activity and structural plasticity.
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