Localized synaptic potentiation by BDNF requires local protein synthesis in the developing axon

Neuron. 2002 Nov 14;36(4):675-88. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)01023-1.

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to promote neuronal survival, guide axonal pathfinding, and participate in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. In Xenopus nerve-muscle cultures, localized contact of a single BDNF-coated bead with the presynaptic axon resulted in potentiation of transmitter secretion at the developing synapses, but only when the bead was placed within 60 microm from the synapse. The localized potentiation induced by BDNF is accompanied by a persistent local elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) in the axon and requires constitutive presynaptic protein translation, even for axons severed from the cell body. Thus, presynaptic local TrkB signaling and protein synthesis allow a localized source of BDNF to potentiate transmitter secretion from nearby synapses, a property suited for spatially restricted synaptic modification by neurotrophins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism*
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / pharmacology
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling / drug effects
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / drug effects
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology
  • Microspheres
  • Motor Neurons / cytology
  • Motor Neurons / drug effects
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / embryology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Neuromuscular Junction / cytology
  • Neuromuscular Junction / drug effects
  • Neuromuscular Junction / embryology*
  • Presynaptic Terminals / drug effects
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism*
  • Presynaptic Terminals / ultrastructure
  • Receptor, trkB / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, trkB / biosynthesis*
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Receptor, trkB
  • Acetylcholine
  • Calcium