Dependence of NMDA/GSK-3β mediated metaplasticity on TRPM2 channels at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses

Mol Brain. 2011 Dec 21:4:44. doi: 10.1186/1756-6606-4-44.

Abstract

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a calcium permeable non-selective cation channel that functions as a sensor of cellular redox status. Highly expressed within the CNS, we have previously demonstrated the functional expression of these channels in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus. Although implicated in oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death, and potentially in neurodegenerative disease, the physiological role of TRPM2 in the central nervous system is unknown. Interestingly, we have shown that the activation of these channels may be sensitized by co-incident NMDA receptor activation, suggesting a potential contribution of TRPM2 to synaptic transmission. Using hippocampal cultures and slices from TRPM2 null mice we demonstrate that the loss of these channels selectively impairs NMDAR-dependent long-term depression (LTD) while sparing long-term potentiation. Impaired LTD resulted from an inhibition of GSK-3β, through increased phosphorylation, and a reduction in the expression of PSD95 and AMPARs. Notably, LTD could be rescued in TRPM2 null mice by recruitment of GSK-3β signaling following dopamine D2 receptor stimulation. We propose that TRPM2 channels play a key role in hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Hippocampus / cytology*
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • N-Methylaspartate / metabolism*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology
  • TRPM Cation Channels / genetics
  • TRPM Cation Channels / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, AMPA
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • TRPM Cation Channels
  • TRPM2 protein, mouse
  • N-Methylaspartate
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Gsk3b protein, mouse
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3