CNS synaptogenesis promoted by glia-derived cholesterol

Item Type:	Article
Title:	CNS synaptogenesis promoted by glia-derived cholesterol
Creators Name:	Mauch, D.H. and Naegler, K. and Schumacher, S. and Goeritz, C. and Mueller, E.C. and Otto, A. and Pfrieger, F.W.
Abstract:	The molecular mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS) are poorly understood. Previous reports showed that a glia-derived factor strongly promotes synapse development in cultures of purified CNS neurons. Here, we identify this factor as cholesterol complexed to apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins. CNS neurons produce enough cholesterol to survive and grow, but the formation of numerous mature synapses demands additional amounts that must be provided by glia. Thus, the availability of cholesterol appears to limit synapse development. This may explain the delayed onset of CNS synaptogenesis after glia differentiation and neurobehavioral manifestations of defects in cholesterol or lipoprotein homeostasis.
Keywords:	Anticholesteremic Agents, Apolipoproteins E, Cultured Cells, Cholesterol, Conditioned Culture Media, Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials, Lovastatin, Neuroglia, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Phosphatidylcholines, Sprague-Dawley Rats, Retinal Ganglion Cells, Sphingomyelins, Synapses, Synaptic Transmission, Animals, Rats
Source:	Science
ISSN:	0036-8075
Publisher:	American Association for the Advancement of Science
Volume:	294
Number:	5545
Page Range:	1354-1357
Date:	9 November 2001
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1126/science.294.5545.1354
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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