Activity-dependent localization in spines of the F-actin capping protein CapZ screened in a rat model of dementia

Takuma Kitanishi, Jun Sakai, Shinichi Kojima, Yoshito Saitoh, Kaoru Inokuchi, Masahiro Fukaya, Masahiko Watanabe, Norio Matsuki, Maki K. Yamada*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Actin reorganization in dendritic spines is hypothesized to underlie neuronal plasticity. Actin-related proteins, therefore, might serve as useful markers of plastic changes in dendritic spines. Here, we utilized memory deficits induced by fimbria-fornix transection (FFT) in rats as a dementia model to screen candidate memory-associated molecules by using a two-dimensional gel method. Comparison of protein profiles between the transected and control sides of hippocampi after unilateral FFT revealed a reduction in the F-actin capping protein (CapZ) signal on the FFT side. Subsequent immunostaining of brain sections and cultured hippocampal neurons revealed that CapZ localized in dendritic spines and the signal intensity in each spine varied widely. The CapZ content decreased after suppression of neuronal firing by tetrodotoxin treatment in cultured neurons, indicating rapid and activity-dependent regulation of CapZ accumulation in spines. To test input specificity of CapZ accumulation in vivo, we delivered high-frequency stimuli to the medial perforant path unilaterally in awake rats. This path selectively inputs to the middle molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, where CapZ immunoreactivity increased. We conclude that activity-dependent, synapse-specific regulation of CapZ redistribution might be important in both maintenance and remodeling of synaptic connections in neurons receiving specific spatial and temporal patterns of inputs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)737-747
Number of pages11
JournalGenes to Cells
Volume15
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Activity-dependent localization in spines of the F-actin capping protein CapZ screened in a rat model of dementia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this