Title
Rapid activity-dependent modifications in synaptic structure and function require bidirectional Wnt signaling
GSBS Program
Neuroscience
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Neurobiology
Date
3-18-2008
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Animals; Drosophila; Drosophila Proteins; Neuromuscular Junction; Presynaptic Terminals; Signal Transduction; Synapses; Wnt Proteins
Disciplines
Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Abstract
Activity-dependent modifications in synapse structure play a key role in synaptic development and plasticity, but the signaling mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We demonstrate that glutamatergic Drosophila neuromuscular junctions undergo rapid changes in synaptic structure and function in response to patterned stimulation. These changes, which depend on transcription and translation, include formation of motile presynaptic filopodia, elaboration of undifferentiated varicosities, and potentiation of spontaneous release frequency. Experiments indicate that a bidirectional Wnt/Wg signaling pathway underlies these changes. Evoked activity induces Wnt1/Wg release from synaptic boutons, which stimulates both a postsynaptic DFz2 nuclear import pathway as well as a presynaptic pathway involving GSK-3beta/Shaggy. Our findings suggest that bidirectional Wg signaling operates downstream of synaptic activity to induce modifications in synaptic structure and function. We propose that activation of the postsynaptic Wg pathway is required for the assembly of the postsynaptic apparatus, while activation of the presynaptic Wg pathway regulates cytoskeletal dynamics.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Neuron. 2008 Mar 13;57(5):705-18. Link to article on publisher's site