Growth differentiation factor 5 is a key physiological regulator of dendrite growth during development
Abstract
Dendrite size and morphology are key determinants of the functional properties of neurons. Here, we show that growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) subclass of the transforming growth factor β superfamily with a wellcharacterised role in limb morphogenesis, is a key regulator of the growth and elaboration of pyramidal cell dendrites in the developing hippocampus. Pyramidal cells co-express GDF5 and its preferred receptors, BMP receptor 1B and BMP receptor 2, during development. In culture, GDF5 substantially increased dendrite, but not axon, elongation from these neurons by a mechanism that depends on activation of SMADs 1/5/8 and upregulation of the transcription factor HES5. In vivo, the apical and basal dendritic arbours of pyramidal cells throughout the hippocampus were markedly stunted in both homozygous and heterozygous Gdf5 null mutants, indicating that dendrite size and complexity are exquisitely sensitive to the level of endogenous GDF5 synthesis. © 2013. ; This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust [grant number 085984 to A.M.D.]; Proyecto de Excelencia of Regional Government Andalussia [grant number P10- CVI-6740 to A.R.-T.]; Fundação para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia [grant SFRH/BD/60498/2009 to C.O.]; and a 'Sara Borrell' Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Institutes of Health 'Carlos III', Spain [grant number CD08/00078 to P.J.C.]. Deposited in PMC for immediate release ; Peer Reviewed
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