Dendrite growth increased by visual activity requires NMDA receptor and Rho GTPases.

TitleDendrite growth increased by visual activity requires NMDA receptor and Rho GTPases.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsSin WChey, Haas K, Ruthazer ES, Cline HT
JournalNature
Volume419
Issue6906
Pagination475-80
Date Published2002 Oct 03
ISSN0028-0836
KeywordsAnimals, 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.
URLhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12368855
DOI10.1038/nature00987
Alternate JournalNature
PubMed ID12368855
Grant ListF32 EY006963-03 / EY / NEI NIH HHS / United States
R01 EY012102 / EY / NEI NIH HHS / United States