MicroRNA132 modulates short-term synaptic plasticity but not basal release probability in hippocampal neurons

PLoS One. 2010 Dec 29;5(12):e15182. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015182.

Abstract

MicroRNAs play important regulatory roles in a broad range of cellular processes including neuronal morphology and long-term synaptic plasticity. MicroRNA-132 (miR132) is a CREB-regulated miRNA that is induced by neuronal activity and neurotrophins, and plays a role in regulating neuronal morphology and cellular excitability. Little is known about the effects of miR132 expression on synaptic function. Here we show that overexpression of miR132 increases the paired-pulse ratio and decreases synaptic depression in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons without affecting the initial probability of neurotransmitter release, the calcium sensitivity of release, the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents or the size of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. These findings are the first to demonstrate that microRNAs can regulate short-term plasticity in neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / chemistry
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Electrophysiology / methods
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Synaptic Vesicles / metabolism

Substances

  • MIRN132 microRNA, mouse
  • MicroRNAs
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Calcium