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Astrocytic neuroligins control astrocyte morphogenesis and synaptogenesis
Jeff A Stogsdill1, Juan Ramirez1, Di Liu2
1Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Nature
|November 10, 2017
Summary
Astrocyte ( glial cell ) development relies on neuronal contact, influencing synapse formation. Neuroligin 2 (NL2) deficiency impairs excitatory synapses but enhances inhibitory ones, suggesting a role in neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Glial Cell Biology
Background:
- Astrocytes are glial cells with extensive processes interacting with synapses.
- Mechanisms controlling astrocyte morphology and its impact on synaptic connectivity are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms controlling astrocyte morphogenesis.
- To determine if astrocyte infiltration of the neuropil affects synaptic connectivity.
- To elucidate the role of neuroligins in astrocyte development and synaptic function.
Main Methods:
- Studied astrocyte morphogenesis in the mouse cortex.
- Investigated the role of neuroligin (NL) family proteins (NL1, NL2, NL3) and neuronal neurexins.
- Analyzed synaptic formation and function in mice with astrocyte-specific NL2 deficiency.
Main Results:
- Astrocyte morphogenesis depends on direct contact with neuronal processes and parallels synaptic circuit development.
- Neuroligins (NL1, NL2, NL3) expressed by astrocytes interact with neuronal neurexins to control astrocyte morphology.
- Absence of astrocytic NL2 diminishes excitatory synapse formation/function while enhancing inhibitory synaptic function.
Conclusions:
- Astrocyte morphogenesis is linked to synaptogenesis via neuroligin-neurexin interactions.
- Astrocyte NL2 plays a critical role in regulating excitatory and inhibitory synaptic balance.
- Dysfunctional neuroligins in astrocytes may contribute to neurological disorders.
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