The Reelin Signaling Pathway Promotes Dendritic Spine Development in Hippocampal Neurons

The development of distinct cellular layers and precise synaptic circuits is essential for the formation of well functioning cortical structures in the mammalian brain. The extracellular protein Reelin, through the activation of a core signaling pathway, including the receptors ApoER2 and VLDLR (ver...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of neuroscience 2008-10, Vol.28 (41), p.10339-10348
Main Authors: Niu, Sanyong, Yabut, Odessa, D'Arcangelo, Gabriella
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal - deficiency
Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal - metabolism
Cells, Cultured
Dendritic Spines - physiology
Dendritic Spines - ultrastructure
Extracellular Matrix Proteins - deficiency
Extracellular Matrix Proteins - metabolism
Hippocampus - cytology
Hippocampus - physiology
Hippocampus - ultrastructure
LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
Mice
Nerve Tissue Proteins - deficiency
Nerve Tissue Proteins - metabolism
Pyramidal Cells - physiology
Pyramidal Cells - ultrastructure
Receptors, LDL - metabolism
Receptors, Lipoprotein - metabolism
Recombinant Proteins - metabolism
Serine Endopeptidases - deficiency
Serine Endopeptidases - metabolism
Signal Transduction - physiology
src-Family Kinases - metabolism
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Summary:The development of distinct cellular layers and precise synaptic circuits is essential for the formation of well functioning cortical structures in the mammalian brain. The extracellular protein Reelin, through the activation of a core signaling pathway, including the receptors ApoER2 and VLDLR (very low density lipoprotein receptor) and the adapter protein Dab1 (Disabled-1), controls the positioning of radially migrating principal neurons, promotes the extension of dendritic processes in immature forebrain neurons, and affects synaptic transmission. Here we report for the first time that the Reelin signaling pathway promotes the development of postsynaptic structures such as dendritic spines in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Our data underscore the importance of Reelin as a factor that promotes the maturation of target neuronal populations and the development of excitatory circuits in the postnatal hippocampus. These findings may have implications for understanding the origin of cognitive disorders associated with Reelin deficiency.
ISSN:0270-6474
1529-2401
DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1917-08.2008