In the mammalian brain, a number of genes essential for circuit development and synaptic plasticity are controlled by neuronal activity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. HDAC4 is a member of the class IIa histone deacetylase family of nuclear repressors that shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm and interact with tissue-specific transcription factors (TFs) in a signal-regulated manner. Human genetic studies have shown that mutations in the HDAC4 locus cause mental retardation, but the consequences of HDAC4 deficiency on neural circuits remain elusive. Our recent exciting observations support the hypothesis that HDAC4 is a molecular substrate for NMDA receptor-dependent transcriptional control of synaptic strength. We found that, in cultured neurons, HDAC4 represses multiple synapse-related genes thereby affecting the structural organization of central synapses and their physiological properties. Furthermore, NMDA receptors prevent the binding of HDAC4 to neuronal chromatin and TFs, and mis- regulation of this transcriptional pathway in the mouse forebrain impairs neurotransmission and spatial memory. We have developed a comprehensive genetic toolbox and assembled a team of qualified investigators to rigorously investigate the outcomes of nuclear HDAC4 signaling in mouse models. In SA1, the interplay between synaptic inputs and HDAC4 repressor activity will be tested in mutant animals that are deficient for NMDA receptors, and in a new unique mouse strain that enables acute drug-inducible manipulation of synaptic neurotransmitter release from specific neuronal types in vivo. In SA2, we will use both genetic loss- and gain- of-function approaches to define the role of HDAC4 in regulating basal neurotransmission and experience- dependent forms of synaptic plasticity in the Dentate Gyrus (DG), a brain region that relays cortical information into the hippocampus and promotes several cognitive tasks. To this end, we will interrogate mice that either lack native HDAC4 due to conditional gene silencing, or express a constitutively nuclear repressor mutant in the wildtype background. Finally, imaging experiments directed towards SA3 will test how nuclear HDAC4 signaling impacts the connectivity between excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the DG, and the architectures of their functional synapses. These studies will gain significant new insights into the mechanisms of experience-dependent transcriptional silencing/de-repression in the brain, elucidate the role of HDAC4 in controlling synaptic function, and provide a molecular explanation for a rare human disease.

Public Health Relevance

Synaptic dysfunctions have been implicated in a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. This proposal aims to investigate the mechanisms of transcriptional control of genes essential for development and function of synaptic connectivity in the mammalian brain. These studies will provide new and significant insights into molecular bases of neuronal plasticity and information processing, and will define the links between synaptic abnormalities and human disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS087026-02
Application #
9008085
Study Section
Neurodifferentiation, Plasticity, and Regeneration Study Section (NDPR)
Program Officer
Mamounas, Laura
Project Start
2015-04-01
Project End
2019-03-31
Budget Start
2016-04-01
Budget End
2017-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Scripps Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
781613492
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037
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Lobanova, Anastasia; She, Robert; Pieraut, Simon et al. (2017) Different requirements of functional telomeres in neural stem cells and terminally differentiated neurons. Genes Dev 31:639-647
Kwon, Seok-Kyu; Sando 3rd, Richard; Lewis, Tommy L et al. (2016) LKB1 Regulates Mitochondria-Dependent Presynaptic Calcium Clearance and Neurotransmitter Release Properties at Excitatory Synapses along Cortical Axons. PLoS Biol 14:e1002516
Shimojo, Masafumi; Courchet, Julien; Pieraut, Simon et al. (2015) SNAREs Controlling Vesicular Release of BDNF and Development of Callosal Axons. Cell Rep 11:1054-66
Pieraut, Simon; Gounko, Natalia; Sando 3rd, Richard et al. (2014) Experience-dependent remodeling of basket cell networks in the dentate gyrus. Neuron 84:107-122