Activity-dependent dendritic arborization mediated by CaM-kinase I activation and enhanced CREB-dependent transcription of Wnt-2

Neuron. 2006 Jun 15;50(6):897-909. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.05.008.

Abstract

Members of the Wnt signaling family are important mediators of numerous developmental events, including activity-dependent dendrite development, but the pathways regulating expression and secretion of Wnt in response to neuronal activity are poorly defined. Here, we identify an NMDA receptor-mediated, Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway that couples neuronal activity to dendritic arborization through enhanced Wnt synthesis and secretion. Activity-dependent dendritic outgrowth and branching in cultured hippocampal neurons and slices is mediated through activation by CaM-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) of the membrane-associated gamma isoform of CaMKI. Downstream effectors of CaMKI include the MAP-kinase pathway of Ras/MEK/ERK and the transcription factor CREB. A serial analysis of chromatin occupancy screen identified Wnt-2 as an activity-dependent CREB-responsive gene. Neuronal activity enhances CREB-dependent transcription of Wnt-2, and expression of Wnt-2 stimulates dendritic arborization. This novel signaling pathway contributes to dynamic remodeling of the dendritic architecture in response to neuronal activity during development.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 1
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / physiology*
  • Dendrites / enzymology
  • Dendrites / genetics
  • Dendrites / physiology*
  • Enzyme Activation / physiology
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Hippocampus / enzymology
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / physiology
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics*
  • Wnt2 Protein / genetics
  • Wnt2 Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
  • Wnt2 Protein
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 1
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • Camk1 protein, rat
  • Pnck protein, rat