Neuroligin-1 knockdown reduces survival of adult-generated newborn hippocampal neurons.
Survival of adult-born hippocampal granule cells is modulated by neural activity, and thought to be enhanced by excitatory synaptic signaling. Here, we report that a reduction in the synaptogenic protein neuroligin-1 in adult-born neurons in vivo decreased their survival, but surprisingly, this effect was independent of changes in excitatory synaptic function. Instead, the decreased survival was associated with unexpected changes in dendrite and spine morphology during granule cell maturation, suggesting a link between cell growth and survival.
Portland VA Medical Center Portland, OR, USA ; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA.
Eric
E
Schnell
School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA.
Thomas H
TH
Long
The Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA.
Aesoon L
AL
Bensen
The Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA.
Eric K
EK
Washburn
The Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA.
Gary L
GL
Westbrook
adult neurogenesis; cell survival; dendritic growth; dendritic spine; neuroligin-1; synaptogenesis