A dynamic gene regulatory code drives synaptic development of hippocampal granule cells

Sci Adv. 2025 Oct 24;11(43):eadx5140. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adx5140. Epub 2025 Oct 22.

Abstract

Connecting neurons into functional circuits requires the formation, maturation, and plasticity of synapses. While advances have been made in identifying individual genes regulating synapse development, the molecular programs orchestrating their action during circuit integration of neurons remain poorly understood. Here, we take a multiomic approach to reconstruct gene regulatory networks (GRNs), comprising transcription factors (TFs), regulatory regions, and predicted target genes, in hippocampal granule cells (GCs). We find a dynamic gene regulatory code, with early and late postnatal GRNs regulating cell morphogenesis and synapse organization and plasticity, respectively. Our results predict sequential regulations, with early-active TFs delaying the activation of later GRNs and their putative synaptic targets. Using a loss-of-function approach, we identify Bcl6 as a regulator of pre- and postsynaptic structural maturation and synaptic transmission and Smad3 as a modulator of inhibitory synaptic transmission in GCs. Together, these findings highlight the networks of key TFs and target genes orchestrating GC synapse development.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Hippocampus* / cytology
  • Hippocampus* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Neurogenesis / genetics
  • Neuronal Plasticity / genetics
  • Neurons* / cytology
  • Neurons* / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6 / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6 / metabolism
  • Smad3 Protein / genetics
  • Smad3 Protein / metabolism
  • Synapses* / genetics
  • Synapses* / metabolism
  • Synaptic Transmission / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6
  • Smad3 Protein