Prion protein is essential for the RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST)-dependent developmental switch in synaptic NMDA receptors.

ABSTRACT: It is important that the correct amounts of GluN2 subunits are maintained, as they determine NMDAR functional properties, which are crucial to neuronal communication, synaptogenesis and cognitive function. The transcriptional repressor RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is critical for the postnatal developmental switch in NMDARs. However, the mechanisms triggering REST and the link between NMDARs and REST are unclear. Here we show a new physiological essential role for cellular prion protein (PrP^C) in REST-dependent homeostasis and the developmental switch of NMDARs. REST and REST-associated proteins were overactivated in the hippocampi of Prnp knockout mice (Prnp ^0/0 ) compared with wild-type Prnp (Prnp ^+/+ ) mice. This coincided with the disruptio

SUBMITTER: Song Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5945644 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature