A nucleolar protein ApLLP induces ApC/EBP expression required for long-term synaptic facilitation in aplysia neurons
Abstract
In Aplysia, long-term synaptic plasticity is induced by serotonin (5-HT) or neural activity and requires gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that ApLLP, a novel nucleolus protein, is critically involved in both long-term facilitation (LTF) and behavioral sensitization. Membrane depolarization induced ApLLP expression, which activated ApC/EBP expression through a direct binding to CRE. LTF was produced by a single pulse of 5-HT 30 min after the membrane depolarization. This LTF was blocked when either ApLLP or ApC/EBP were blocked by specific antibodies. In contrast, ApLLP overexpression induced LTF in response to a single 5-HT treatment. Simultaneously, a siphon noxious stimulus (SNS) to intact Aplysia induced ApLLP and ApC/EBP expression, and single tail shock 30 min after SNS transformed short-term sensitization to long-term sensitization of siphon withdrawal reflex. These results suggest that ApLLP is an activity-dependent transcriptional activator that switches short-term facilitation to long-term facilitation.
References
C/EBP is an immediate-early gene required for the consolidation of long-term facilitation in Aplysia
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Calcium & Bioenergetics
Bioenergetic processes, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis, concern the transformation of energy by cells. Here is the latest research on the role of calcium in bioenergetics.
Basal Forebrain & Food Avoidance
Neurons in the basal forebrain play specific roles in regulating feeding. Here are the latest discoveries pertaining to the basal forebrain and food avoidance.
Brain developing: Influences & Outcomes
This feed focuses on influences that affect the developing brain including genetics, fetal development, prenatal care, and gene-environment interactions. Here is the latest research in this field.