Activity-dependent regulation of inhibitory synapse development by Npas4

Yingxi Lin, Brenda L. Bloodgood, Jessica L. Hauser, Ariya D. Lapan, Alex C. Koon, Tae Kyung Kim, Linda S. Hu, Athar N. Malik, Michael E. Greenberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

443 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neuronal activity regulates the development and maturation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the mammalian brain. Several recent studies have identified signalling networks within neurons that control excitatory synapse development. However, less is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activity-dependent development of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-releasing inhibitory synapses. Here we report the identification of a transcription factor, Npas4, that plays a role in the development of inhibitory synapses by regulating the expression of activity-dependent genes, which in turn control the number of GABA-releasing synapses that form on excitatory neurons. These findings demonstrate that the activity-dependent gene program regulates inhibitory synapse development, and suggest a new role for this program in controlling the homeostatic balance between synaptic excitation and inhibition.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1198-1204
Number of pages7
JournalNature
Volume455
Issue number7217
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 30 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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