Furin promotes dendritic morphogenesis and learning and memory in transgenic mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Furin, a proprotein convertase, is linked to diseases.
• Its role in neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate furin's function in neuronal plasticity and cognitive processes.
• Determine the molecular mechanisms underlying furin's effects on learning and memory.

Main Methods:

• Utilized brain-specific furin transgenic (Furin-Tg) mice.
• Assessed dendritic spine density, neural progenitor cell proliferation, and long-term potentiation (LTP).
• Measured BDNF forms, ERK, and CREB activity; performed CREB knockdown experiments.

Main Results:

• Furin-Tg mice showed increased dendritic spine density and neural progenitor cell proliferation.
• Enhanced LTP and spatial learning/memory performance were observed.
• Elevated mature BDNF to pro-BDNF ratio and increased ERK/CREB activity were found.
• CREB knockdown negated furin-induced LTP and cognitive improvements.

Conclusions:

• Furin promotes dendritic morphogenesis and enhances learning and memory in mice.
• The BDNF-ERK-CREB signaling pathway mediates these effects.
• Furin represents a potential target for cognitive enhancement strategies.