biostudies-literatureFigiel IFoundation for Polish ScienceNational Science Centre2506https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8847666biostudies-literatureUnknown12(1)Dystroglycan (DG) is a cell membrane protein that binds to the extracellular matrix in various mammalian tissues. The function of DG has been well defined in embryonic development as well as in the proper migration of differentiated neuroblasts in the central nervous system (CNS). Although DG is known to be a target for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), cleaved in response to enhanced synaptic activity, the role of DG in the structural remodeling of dendritic spines is still unknown. Here, we report for the first time that the deletion of DG in rat hippocampal cell cultures causes pronounced changes in the density and morphology of dendritic spines. Furthermore, we noted a decrease in laminin, one of the major extracellular partners of DG. We have also observed that the lack of DG evokesScientific reportsThe cell adhesion protein dystroglycan affects the structural remodeling of dendritic spines.PMC8847666UMO-2017/27/N/NZ3/02417UMO-2017/26/E/NZ4/00637UMO-2015/19/B/NZ3/01376POIR.04.04.00-00-43BC/17-00Magnowska MBijata MWojtowicz TWlodarczyk JBuszka ABaczynska EFigiel IfalseThe cell adhesion protein dystroglycan affects the structural remodeling of dendritic spines.Dystroglycan (DG) is a cell membrane protein that binds to the extracellular matrix in various mammalian tissues. The function of DG has been well defined in embryonic development as well as in the proper migration of differentiated neuroblasts in the central nervous system (CNS). Although DG is known to be a target for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), cleaved in response to enhanced synaptic activity, the role of DG in the structural remodeling of dendritic spines is still unknown. Here, we report for the first time that the deletion of DG in rat hippocampal cell cultures causes pronounced changes in the density and morphology of dendritic spines. Furthermore, we noted a decrease in laminin, one of the major extracellular partners of DG. We have also observed that the lack of DG evokes2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Feb2025-04-04T09:10:08.713Z2025-04-04T09:10:08.713ZS-EPMC88476663516921410.1038/s41598-022-06462-7