Leptin-induced spine formation requires TrpC channels and the CaM kinase cascade in the hippocampus

Matasha Dhar, Gary A. Wayman, Mingyan Zhu, Talley J. Lambert, Monika A. Davare, Suzanne M. Appleyard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

Leptin is a critical neurotrophic factor for the development of neuronal pathways and synaptogenesis in the hypothalamus. Leptin receptors are also found in other brain regions, including the hippocampus, and a postnatal surge in leptin correlates with a time of rapid growth of dendritic spines and synapses in the hippocampus. Leptin is critical for normal hippocampal dendritic spine formation as db/db mice, which lack normal leptin receptor signaling, have a reduced number of dendritic spines in vivo. Leptin also positively influences hippocampal behaviors, such as cognition, anxiety, and depression, which are critically dependent on dendritic spine number. What is not known are the signaling mechanisms by which leptin initiates spine formation. Here we show leptin induces the formation of dendritic protrusions (thin headless, stubby and mushroom shaped spines), through trafficking and activation of TrpC channels in cultured hippocampal neurons. Leptin-activation of the TrpC current is dose dependent and blocked by targeted knockdown of the leptin receptor. The nonselective TrpC channel inhibitors SKF96365 and 2-APB or targeted knockdown of TrpC1 or 3, but not TrpC5, channels also eliminate the leptin-induced current. Leptin stimulates the phosphorylation of CaMKIγ and β-Pix within 5 min and their activation is required for leptin-induced trafficking of TrpC1 subunits to the membrane. Furthermore, we show that CaMKIγ, CaMKK, β-Pix, Rac1, and TrpC1/3 channels are all required for both the leptin-sensitive current and leptin-induced spine formation. These results elucidate a critical pathway underlying leptin's induction of dendritic morphological changes that initiate spine and excitatory synapse formation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)10022-10033
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume34
Issue number30
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • CaM kinase
  • Dendritic spine
  • Leptin
  • TrpC

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Leptin-induced spine formation requires TrpC channels and the CaM kinase cascade in the hippocampus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this