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Sustained Depolarization Induces Gene Expression Pattern Changes Related to Synaptic Plasticity in a Human
Anna Maria Carrese1, Rossella Vitale1, Manuela Turco1,2
1Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80126, Italy.
Molecular Neurobiology
|June 28, 2024
Summary
Synaptic activity dynamically regulates neuronal gene expression. Our study used human cholinergic neurons to model synaptic plasticity, revealing key molecular mechanisms potentially relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Neuronal gene expression is dynamically regulated by synaptic activity.
- Synaptic dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and epilepsy.
- The role of neuroprotective gene expression in these diseases is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity using a human cellular model.
- To explore the impact of synaptic activity on neuronal gene expression, including neurotrophic and synaptic genes.
- To examine the role of long non-coding RNAs in synaptic plasticity regulation.
Main Methods:
- Developed a cellular model of synaptic activity using differentiated human cholinergic neurons derived from SH-SY5Y cells.
- Utilized depolarization induction to modulate gene expression.
- Analyzed the expression kinetics of neurotrophic genes, synaptic markers, and long non-coding RNAs.
Main Results:
- Depolarization induction significantly modulated the expression of neurotrophic genes and synaptic markers.
- Observed distinct induction kinetics for various long non-coding RNAs, including primate-specific ones.
- Demonstrated the utility of the SH-SY5Y cellular model for studying synaptic plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic activity plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal gene expression and synaptic plasticity.
- The SH-SY5Y cellular model is effective for elucidating molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in human systems.
- Findings may offer insights into the pathophysiology of diseases involving synaptic dysfunction.
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