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Published on: July 10, 2018
NMDA-dependent switch of proBDNF actions on developing GABAergic synapses
Anais Langlois1, Diabe Diabira, Nadine Ferrand
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 901, Marseille 13009, France.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF) bidirectionally controls GABAergic synapses. NMDA receptor activity dictates whether proBDNF potentiates or depresses these crucial neuronal connections.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is vital for neuronal development.
- BDNF is secreted as a precursor (proBDNF) that is cleaved into mature BDNF.
- The role of proBDNF in GABAergic synapse development is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of proBDNF on developing GABAergic synapses.
- To elucidate the role of NMDA receptors in mediating proBDNF's actions.
- To understand the signaling pathways involved in proBDNF-mediated synaptic plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Studied the secretion and signaling of proBDNF in neuronal cultures.
- Utilized electrophysiological recordings to assess GABAergic synaptic activity.
- Investigated the involvement of NMDA receptors and p75(NTR) in proBDNF's effects.
Main Results:
- Regulated secretion of proBDNF bidirectionally controls GABAergic synaptic activity.
- NMDA receptor activation determines the direction of plasticity (potentiation or depression).
- proBDNF signals through p75(NTR) to modulate GABAergic synapses.
Conclusions:
- proBDNF-p75(NTR) signaling plays a novel role in synaptic plasticity.
- Synaptic activity, via NMDA receptors, dictates proBDNF's modulatory effects on GABAergic connections.
- Revealed a new mechanism for activity-dependent development of GABAergic circuits.
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