Research
NMDA Receptor Activation Stimulates Transcription-Independent Rapid Wnt5a Protein Synthesis via the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Molecular Brain 2012, 5:1 doi:10.1186/1756-6606-5-1
Published: 4 January 2012Abstract (provisional)
Wnt proteins are emerging key regulators of the plasticity and functions of adult brains. However, the mechanisms by which the expression of Wnt proteins is regulated in neurons are unclear. Using primary cortical cultures, we show that activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) induces rapid Wnt5a protein synthesis. This NMDAR-regulated Wnt5a synthesis does not require transcription and is a result of activity-dependent translation. We also show that NMDAR-regulated Wnt5a translation depends on MAPK signaling but not mTOR signaling. Our findings suggest that the synaptic activity of CNS neurons activates NMDARs, which in turn stimulate translation from stored Wnt5a mRNA via the MAPK signaling pathway.