Functional Characterization of the Dendritically Localized mRNA Neuronatin in Hippocampal Neurons NNAT Is a Dendritically Translated Ca+2 Regulator
2011

Neuronatin: A Calcium Regulator in Hippocampal Neurons

Sample size: 5 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Oyang Elaine L., Davidson Bonnie C., Lee Winfong, Poon Michael M.

Primary Institution: Department of Biology, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California, United States of America

Hypothesis

How is neuronatin translation locally regulated and is it involved in dendritic calcium signaling in mature hippocampal neurons?

Conclusion

Neuronatin is translated in hippocampal dendrites and regulates calcium levels, impacting synaptic plasticity.

Supporting Evidence

  • Neuronatin is expressed in the CA2 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus.
  • TTX/APV treatment increased dendritic neuronatin levels significantly.
  • Neuronatin overexpression led to elevated calcium levels in dendrites.
  • Neuronatin associates with SERCA2, suggesting a role in calcium regulation.

Takeaway

Neuronatin helps control calcium in brain cells, which is important for how they work and learn.

Methodology

The study used immunofluorescent staining, Western blot, and RT-PCR to analyze neuronatin expression and translation in hippocampal neurons.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on rat models, which may not fully represent human neuronal function.

Participant Demographics

Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the experiments.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024879

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