The transcription factor calcium-response factor limits NMDA receptor-dependent transcription in the developing brain.

ABSTRACT: Neuronal activity sculpts brain development by inducing the transcription of genes such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) that modulate the function of synapses. Sensory experience is transduced into changes in gene transcription via the activation of calcium signaling pathways downstream of both L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (L-VGCCs) and NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). These signaling pathways converge on the regulation of transcription factors including calcium-response factor (CaRF). Although CaRF is dispensable for the transcriptional induction of Bdnf following the activation of L-VGCCs, here we show that the loss of CaRF leads to enhanced NMDAR-dependent transcription of Bdnf as well as Arc. We identify the NMDAR subunit-encoding gene Grin3a as a regulatory

SUBMITTER: Lyons MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4828290 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature