Control of excitatory CNS synaptogenesis by astrocyte-secreted proteins Hevin and SPARC.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Astrocytes regulate synaptic connectivity in the CNS through secreted signals. Here we identified two astrocyte-secreted proteins, hevin and SPARC, as regulators of excitatory synaptogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Hevin induces the formation of synapses between cultured rat retinal ganglion cells. SPARC is not synaptogenic, but specifically antagonizes synaptogenic function of hevin. Hevin and SPARC are expressed by astrocytes in the superior colliculus, the synaptic target of retinal ganglion cells, concurrent with the excitatory synaptogenesis. Hevin-null mice had fewer excitatory synapses; conversely, SPARC-null mice had increased synaptic connections in the superior colliculus. Furthermore, we found that hevin is required for the structural maturation of the retinocollicular synapses. These results identify hevin as a positive and SPARC as a negative regulator of synapse formation and signify that, through regulation of relative levels of hevin and SPARC, astrocytes might control the formation, maturation, and plasticity of synapses in vivo.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Kucukdereli, H; Allen, NJ; Lee, AT; Feng, A; Ozlu, MI; Conatser, LM; Chakraborty, C; Workman, G; Weaver, M; Sage, EH; Barres, BA; Eroglu, C
Published Date
- August 9, 2011
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 108 / 32
Start / End Page
- E440 - E449
PubMed ID
- 21788491
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC3156217
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1091-6490
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1073/pnas.1104977108
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States