Rapid synapse elimination after postsynaptic protein synthesis inhibition in vivo.
To examine the role of retrograde signals on synaptic maintenance, we inhibited protein synthesis in individual postsynaptic cells in vivo while monitoring presynaptic terminals. Within 12 h, axon terminals begin to atrophy and withdraw from normal postsynaptic sites. Structural similarities between this process and naturally occurring synapse elimination suggest that short-lived target derived factors not only participate in synaptic maintenance in adults, but also regulate elimination of connections during development.
McCann
Corey M
CM
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Nguyen
Quyen T
QT
Santo Neto
Humberto
H
Lichtman
Jeff W
JW
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors
D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic