Amyloid-β effects on synapses and memory require AMPA receptor subunit GluA3

Niels R Reinders, Yvonne Pao, Maria C Renner, Carla M da Silva-Matos, Tessa R Lodder, Roberto Malinow, Helmut W Kessels

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Abstract

Amyloid-β (Aβ) is a prime suspect for causing cognitive deficits during the early phases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Experiments in AD mouse models have shown that soluble oligomeric clusters of Aβ degrade synapses and impair memory formation. We show that all Aβ-driven effects measured in these mice depend on AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluA3. Hippocampal neurons that lack GluA3 were resistant against Aβ-mediated synaptic depression and spine loss. In addition, Aβ oligomers blocked long-term synaptic potentiation only in neurons that expressed GluA3. Furthermore, although Aβ-overproducing mice showed significant memory impairment, memories in GluA3-deficient congenics remained unaffected. These experiments indicate that the presence of GluA3-containing AMPARs is critical for Aβ-mediated synaptic and cognitive deficits.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E6526-E6534
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume113
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09 Oct 2016

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