QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

HOME  |   SEARCH  |   ARCHIVE  |   SUBSCRIBE  |   CONTACT  |   HELP

The Journal of Neuroscience, October 8, 2008, 28(41):10339-10348; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1917-08.2008

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Supplemental Data Submit an eLetter Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Niu, S. Articles by D'Arcangelo, G. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Niu, S. Articles by D'Arcangelo, G.

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

Cellular/Molecular
The Reelin Signaling Pathway Promotes Dendritic Spine Development in Hippocampal Neurons

Sanyong Niu,^1,2 * Odessa Yabut,^3,4 * and Gabriella D'Arcangelo⁴

¹The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, ²Department of Pediatrics and ³Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, and ⁴Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854

Correspondence should be addressed to Dr. Gabriella D'Arcangelo, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Email: darcangelo{at}biology.rutgers.edu

The development of distinct cellular layers and precise synaptic circuits is essential for the formation of well functioning cortical structures in the mammalian brain. The extracellular protein Reelin, through the activation of a core signaling pathway, including the receptors ApoER2 and VLDLR (very low density lipoprotein receptor) and the adapter protein Dab1 (Disabled-1), controls the positioning of radially migrating principal neurons, promotes the extension of dendritic processes in immature forebrain neurons, and affects synaptic transmission. Here we report for the first time that the Reelin signaling pathway promotes the development of postsynaptic structures such as dendritic spines in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Our data underscore the importance of Reelin as a factor that promotes the maturation of target neuronal populations and the development of excitatory circuits in the postnatal hippocampus. These findings may have implications for understanding the origin of cognitive disorders associated with Reelin deficiency.

Key words: reeler; Dab1; VLDLR; ApoER2; synapse; postsynaptic

---

Received Dec. 6, 2007; revised Aug. 7, 2008; accepted Sept. 4, 2008.

Correspondence should be addressed to Dr. Gabriella D'Arcangelo, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Email: darcangelo{at}biology.rutgers.edu

Home  |   Search  |   Archive  |   Subscribe  |   Contact  |   Help