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Synaptic adhesion molecule OBCAM; synaptogenesis and dynamic internalization

Mayumi Yamada1, Takashi Hashimoto, Noriko Hayashi

  • 1Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan.

Brain Research
|July 31, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Opioid-binding cell adhesion molecule (OBCAM) is crucial for forming new synapses in hippocampal neurons. Its surface levels dynamically change with neuronal activity, impacting synaptic plasticity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Opioid-binding cell adhesion molecule (OBCAM) belongs to the IgLON family within the immunoglobulin superfamily.
  • Investigating OBCAM's role in neuronal function is essential for understanding synaptic development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the functions and dynamics of OBCAM in hippocampal neurons.
  • To determine OBCAM's involvement in synaptogenesis and its regulation by neuronal activity.

Main Methods:

  • Western blotting to assess OBCAM expression levels over time.
  • Double labeling immunofluorescence microscopy to localize OBCAM.
  • Functional inhibition using OBCAM-specific antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides.
  • Overexpression of OBCAM mRNA via plasmid vectors.
  • Investigating OBCAM internalization pathways using 4-aminopyridine and filipin.

Main Results:

  • OBCAM expression increased with neuronal culture development.
  • OBCAM localized to postsynaptic spines, co-localizing with PSD-95.
  • Inhibiting OBCAM function or suppressing its expression reduced synapse formation.
  • Overexpressing OBCAM augmented synapse formation.
  • Neuronal activity promoted OBCAM internalization via a raft-dependent pathway.

Conclusions:

  • OBCAM functions as a synaptic cell adhesion molecule involved in synaptogenesis.
  • OBCAM's surface localization is dynamically regulated by neuronal activity.
  • These findings highlight OBCAM's importance in synaptic plasticity and neuronal network formation.

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