Temperature-dependent structural plasticity of hippocampal synapses

Zhendong Feng, Lopamudra Saha, Clio Dritsa, Qi Wan, Oleg Glebov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The function of the central nervous system (CNS) is strongly affected by temperature. However, the underlying processes remain poorly understood. Here, we show that hypothermia and hyperthermia trigger bidirectional re-organization of presynaptic architecture in hippocampal neurons, resulting in synaptic strengthening, and weakening, respectively. Furthermore, hypothermia remodels inhibitory postsynaptic scaffold into enlarged, sparse synapses enriched in GABAA receptors. This process does not require protein translation, and instead is regulated by actin dynamics. Induction of hypothermia in vivo enhances inhibitory synapses in the hippocampus, but not in the cortex. This is confirmed by the proteomic analysis of cortical synapses, which reveals few temperature-dependent changes in synaptic content. Our results reveal a region-specific form of environmental synaptic plasticity with a mechanism distinct from the classic temperature shock response, which may underlie functional response of CNS to temperature.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1009970
JournalFrontiers in cellular neuroscience
Volume16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Oct 2022

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Temperature-dependent structural plasticity of hippocampal synapses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this