MicroRNA-134 activity in somatostatin interneurons regulates H-Ras localization by repressing the palmitoylation enzyme, DHHC9.

ABSTRACT: MicroRNA-134 (miR-134) serves as a widely accepted model for microRNA function in synaptic plasticity. In this model, synaptic activity stimulates miR-134 expression, which then regulates dendrite growth and spine formation. By using a ratiometric microRNA sensor, we found, unexpectedly, that miR-134 activity in cortical neurons was restricted to interneurons. Using an assay designed to trap microRNA-mRNA complexes, we determined that miR-134 interacted directly with the mRNA encoding the palmitoylation enzyme, DHHC9. This enzyme is known to palmitoylate H-Ras, a modification required for proper membrane trafficking. Treatment with bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, decreased DHHC9 expression in somatostatin-positive interneurons and membrane localization of an H-Ras reporter in a m

SUBMITTER: Chai S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3816481 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature