Title | Dendrite growth increased by visual activity requires NMDA receptor and Rho GTPases. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2002 |
Authors | Sin WChey, Haas K, Ruthazer ES, Cline HT |
Journal | Nature |
Volume | 419 |
Issue | 6906 |
Pagination | 475-80 |
Date Published | 2002 Oct 03 |
ISSN | 0028-0836 |
Keywords | Animals, cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein, Dendrites, Neurons, Photic Stimulation, rac GTP-Binding Proteins, Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate, rho GTP-Binding Proteins, Superior Colliculi, Vision, Ocular, Xenopus laevis |
Abstract | Previous studies suggest that neuronal activity may guide the development of synaptic connections in the central nervous system through mechanisms involving glutamate receptors and GTPase-dependent modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Here we demonstrate by in vivo time-lapse imaging of optic tectal cells in Xenopus laevis tadpoles that enhanced visual activity driven by a light stimulus promotes dendritic arbor growth. The stimulus-induced dendritic arbor growth requires glutamate-receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, decreased RhoA activity and increased Rac and Cdc42 activity. The results delineate a role for Rho GTPases in the structural plasticity driven by visual stimulation in vivo. |
URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12368855 |
DOI | 10.1038/nature00987 |
Alternate Journal | Nature |
PubMed ID | 12368855 |
Grant List | F32 EY006963-03 / EY / NEI NIH HHS / United States R01 EY012102 / EY / NEI NIH HHS / United States |