Published February 16, 2016 | Version v1
Journal article Open

ARHGAP12 Functions as a Developmental Brake on Excitatory Synapse Function

  • 1. Radboud University Medical Centre
  • 2. Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour,
  • 3. University of Eastern Finland

Description

The molecular mechanisms that promote excitatory synapse development have been extensively studied. However, the molecular events preventing precocious excitatory synapse development so that synapses form at the correct time and place are less well understood. Here, we report the functional characterization of ARHGAP12, a previously uncharacterized Rho GTPase-activating protein (RhoGAP) in the brain. ARHGAP12 is specifically expressed in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, where it localizes to the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory synapses. ARHGAP12 negatively controls spine size via its RhoGAP activity and promotes, by interacting with CIP4, postsynaptic AMPA receptor endocytosis. Arhgap12 knockdown results in precocious maturation of excitatory synapses, as indicated by a reduction in the proportion of silent synapses. Collectively, our data show that ARHGAP12 is a synaptic RhoGAP that regulates excitatory synaptic structure and function during development.

Notes

EUR 5000 APC fee partially funded (2000 euros) by the EC FP7 Post-Grant Open Access Pilot

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Additional details

Funding

GENCODYS – Genetic and Epigenetic Networks in Cognitive Dysfunction 241995
European Commission