Specific factors in blood from young but not old mice directly promote synapse formation and NMDA-receptor recruitment

2019/06/03 by Kathlyn J. Gan, Thomas C. Südhof · 1 voice · 1 citation
Neuroscience · #Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms #Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research #Regulation of Appetite and Obesity

paper · pdf · doi:10.1073/pnas.1902672116

openalex publication_date 2019/06/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, thereby increasing synaptic connectivity. Mass spectrometry revealed that thrombospondin-4 (THBS4) and SPARC-like protein 1 (SPARCL1) were enriched in serum from young mice. Strikingly, recombinant THBS4 and SPARCL1 both increased dendritic arborization and doubled synapse numbers in cultured neurons. In addition, SPARCL1 but not THBS4 tripled NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic responses. Thus, at least two proteins enriched in young blood, THBS4 and SPARCL1, directly act on neurons as synaptogenic factors. These proteins may represent rejuvenation factors that enhance synaptic connectivity by increasing dendritic arborization, synapse formation, and synaptic transmission.

Citations

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Discussions

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