CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of the GTPase Rem2 is required to restrict dendritic complexity

J Neurosci. 2013 Apr 10;33(15):6504-15. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3861-12.2013.

Abstract

The morphogenesis of the dendritic arbor is a critical aspect of neuronal development, ensuring that proper neural networks are formed. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this dendritic remodeling remain obscure. We previously established the activity-regulated GTPase Rem2 as a negative regulator of dendritic complexity. In this study, we identify a signaling pathway whereby Rem2 regulates dendritic arborization through interactions with Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaMKs) in rat hippocampal neurons. Specifically, we demonstrate that Rem2 functions downstream of CaMKII but upstream of CaMKIV in a pathway that restricts dendritic complexity. Furthermore, we show that Rem2 is a novel substrate of CaMKII and that phosphorylation of Rem2 by CaMKII regulates Rem2 function and subcellular localization. Overall, our results describe a unique signal transduction network through which Rem2 and CaMKs function to restrict dendritic complexity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 1 / metabolism
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 / metabolism*
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 4 / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendrites / metabolism*
  • Dendrites / ultrastructure*
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Male
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Transport
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 1
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 4
  • Camk1 protein, rat
  • Camk4 protein, rat
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Rem2 protein, rat