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  • Neuron-derived extracellular vesicles contain synaptic proteins, promote spine formation, activate TrkB-mediated signalling and preserve neuronal complexity.

Neuron-derived extracellular vesicles contain synaptic proteins, promote spine formation, activate TrkB-mediated signalling and preserve neuronal complexity.

Journal of extracellular vesicles (2023-09-25)
Julia Solana-Balaguer, Genís Campoy-Campos, Núria Martín-Flores, Leticia Pérez-Sisqués, Laia Sitjà-Roqueta, Melike Kucukerden, Ana Gámez-Valero, Albert Coll-Manzano, Eulàlia Martí, Esther Pérez-Navarro, Jordi Alberch, Jordi Soriano, Mercè Masana, Cristina Malagelada
ABSTRACT

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in intercellular communication as carriers of signalling molecules such as bioactive miRNAs, proteins and lipids. EVs are key players in the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) by influencing synaptic events and modulating recipient neurons. However, the specific role of neuron-to-neuron communication via EVs is still not well understood. Here, we provide evidence that primary neurons uptake neuron-derived EVs in the soma, dendrites, and even in the dendritic spines, and carry synaptic proteins. Neuron-derived EVs increased spine density and promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6), via TrkB-signalling, without impairing the neuronal network activity. Strikingly, EVs exerted a trophic effect on challenged nutrient-deprived neurons. Altogether, our results place EVs in the spotlight for synaptic plasticity modulation as well as a possible therapeutic tool to fight neurodegeneration.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-GluR1 Antibody, from rabbit, purified by affinity chromatography
Sigma-Aldrich
Dynamin Inhibitor I, Dynasore, The Dynamin Inhibitor I, Dynasore, also referenced under CAS 304448-55-3, controls the biological activity of Dynamin. This small molecule/inhibitor is primarily used for Membrane applications.
Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-β-Actin−Peroxidase antibody, Mouse monoclonal, clone AC-15, purified from hybridoma cell culture