Trans-synaptic EphB2-ephrin-B3 interaction regulates excitatory synapse density by inhibition of postsynaptic MAPK signaling.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-11-2010

Abstract

Nervous system function requires tight control over the number of synapses individual neurons receive, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate synapse number remain obscure. Here we present evidence that a trans-synaptic interaction between EphB2 in the presynaptic compartment and ephrin-B3 in the postsynaptic compartment regulates synapse density and the formation of dendritic spines. Observations in cultured cortical neurons demonstrate that synapse density scales with ephrin-B3 expression level and is controlled by ephrin-B3-dependent competitive cell-cell interactions. RNA interference and biochemical experiments support the model that ephrin-B3 regulates synapse density by directly binding to Erk1/2 to inhibit postsynaptic Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Together these findings define a mechanism that contributes to synapse maturation and controls the number of excitatory synaptic inputs received by individual neurons.

Volume

107

Issue

19

First Page

8830

Last Page

8835

ISSN

1091-6490

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

20410461

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS