WNT7A-positive dendritic cytonemes control synaptogenesis in cortical neurons
2024
WNT7A-positive dendritic cytonemes control synaptogenesis in cortical neurons
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Piers Thomas M., Fang Kevin, Namboori Seema C., Liddle Corin, Rogers Sally, Bhinge Akshay, Killick Richard, Scholpp Steffen
Primary Institution: University of Exeter
Hypothesis
How does WNT7A signalling orchestrate synapse formation and the spatial arrangement of synapses along dendrites?
Conclusion
Dendritic filopodia carrying WNT7A are essential for precise calcium signalling and the formation of synapses at specific locations.
Supporting Evidence
- WNT7A is loaded on dendritic filopodia during spine formation in human cortical neurons.
- WNT7A at filopodia tips leads to the induction of calcium transients and clustering of synaptic proteins.
- Extracellularly provided WNT7A protein can support synaptogenesis but lacks spatial information.
- Dendritic filopodia are WNT7A-bearing cytonemes required for focal calcium signalling.
- Membrane-tethered WNT7A is necessary for clustering of pre- and postsynaptic markers.
Takeaway
WNT7A helps neurons connect by guiding them to the right spots, like a traffic light for building connections.
Methodology
The study used super-resolution imaging and iPSC-derived cortical neuron cultures to observe WNT7A's role in synapse formation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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