The habenular G-protein-coupled receptor 151 regulates synaptic plasticity and nicotine intake.

ABSTRACT: The habenula, an ancient small brain area in the epithalamus, densely expresses nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and is critical for nicotine intake and aversion. As such, identification of strategies to manipulate habenular activity may yield approaches to treat nicotine addiction. Here we show that GPR151, an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) highly enriched in the habenula of humans and rodents, is expressed at presynaptic membranes and synaptic vesicles and associates with synaptic components controlling vesicle release and ion transport. Deletion of Gpr151 inhibits evoked neurotransmission but enhances spontaneous miniature synaptic currents and eliminates short-term plasticity induced by nicotine. We find that GPR151 couples to the G-alpha inhibitory protein Gα_o1<

SUBMITTER: Antolin-Fontes B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7071848 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature