RESUMEN
In this issue of Neuron, Bossi, Dhanasobhon, and colleagues uncover the functional relevance of GluN1/GluN3A excitatory glycine receptors (eGlyRs) in the neocortex and amygdala. This study provides exciting new insights into the role of unconventional eGlyRs in brain function.
Asunto(s)
Fenómenos Fisiológicos del Sistema Nervioso , Receptores de Glicina , Glicina , Neuronas , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Input from the sensory organs is required to pattern neurons into topographical maps during development. Dendritic complexity critically determines this patterning process; yet, how signals from the periphery act to control dendritic maturation is unclear. Here, using genetic and surgical manipulations of sensory input in mouse somatosensory thalamocortical neurons, we show that membrane excitability is a critical component of dendritic development. Using a combination of genetic approaches, we find that ablation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors during postnatal development leads to epigenetic repression of Kv1.1-type potassium channels, increased excitability, and impaired dendritic maturation. Lesions to whisker input pathways had similar effects. Overexpression of Kv1.1 was sufficient to enable dendritic maturation in the absence of sensory input. Thus, Kv1.1 acts to tune neuronal excitability and maintain it within a physiological range, allowing dendritic maturation to proceed. Together, these results reveal an input-dependent control over neuronal excitability and dendritic complexity in the development and plasticity of sensory pathways.
Asunto(s)
Dendritas/fisiología , Neuronas/fisiología , Corteza Somatosensorial/fisiología , Tálamo/fisiología , Animales , Femenino , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Canal de Potasio Kv.1.1/genética , Canal de Potasio Kv.1.1/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Ratones Transgénicos , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/genética , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/metabolismo , Corteza Somatosensorial/citología , Transmisión Sináptica/fisiología , Tálamo/citología , Vibrisas/inervación , Vibrisas/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Clinical trials report that Ginkgo biloba extracts (e.g., EGb761) reduce cognitive symptoms in age-associated memory impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the mechanisms behind their neuroprotective ability remain to be fully established. In this study, the effect of EGb761 on the amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism has been investigated by both in vitro and in vivo models. To this aim, alpha-secretase, the enzyme regulating the non-amyloidogenic processing of APP and the release of alphaAPPs, the alpha-secretase metabolite, were studied in superfusates of hippocampal slices after EGb761 incubation, and in hippocampi and cortices of EGb761-treated rats. PKC translocation state was evaluated as well. EGb761 increases alphaAPPs release through a PKC-independent manner. This effect is not accompanied by a modification of either APP forms or alpha-secretase expression. Moreover, EGb761 influence on alphaAPPs release was strictly dependent on treatment dosage. Our findings suggest that the benefit of EGb761 reported by previous clinical studies is underscored by a specific biological mechanism of this compound on APP metabolism, directly affecting the release of the non-amyloidogenic metabolite. Additional research will be needed to clearly define the effective clinical relevance, thus considering EGb761 as a possible supplementary treatment in dementing diseases.