Neuregulin-β induces expression of an NMDA-receptor subunit

摘要: Neuregulins (also known as ARIA, NDF, heregulin, GGF) are a family of widely expressed growth and differentiation factors. secreted from motor neurons accumulate at maturing neuromuscular junctions, where they stimulate transcription genes encoding specific acetylcholine receptors. How these factors function central synapses, however, is unknown. In the cerebellum, neuregulins concentrated in glutamatergic mossy fibres that innervate granule cells internal granule-cell layer1. We have analysed effects on expression NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors because receptor composition changes dramatically NR2C subunit specifically induced layer during synaptogenesis. Here we report addition neuregulin-β isoform to cultured cerebellar slices increases messenger RNAs by least 100-fold; only minor with neuregulin-α isoform. This stimulation requires synaptic activity receptors, well neuregulin-β. Addition NMDA-receptor-channel blocker AP-5 prevents upregulation neuregulin, whereas an AMPA/kainate-receptor antagonist does not. Consistent find express its ErbB2 ErbB4 before receptor. Our results indicate regulate neurotransmitter synapses brain, manner analogous junction.