A strategy to capture and characterize the synaptic transcriptome

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Apr 30;110(18):7464-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1304422110. Epub 2013 Apr 15.

Abstract

Here we describe a strategy designed to identify RNAs that are actively transported to synapses during learning. Our approach is based on the characterization of RNA transport complexes carried by molecular motor kinesin. Using this strategy in Aplysia, we have identified 5,657 unique sequences consisting of both coding and noncoding RNAs from the CNS. Several of these RNAs have key roles in the maintenance of synaptic function and growth. One of these RNAs, myosin heavy chain, is critical in presynaptic sensory neurons for the establishment of long-term facilitation, but not for its persistence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aplysia / genetics*
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods*
  • Genome / genetics
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Kinesins / metabolism
  • Long-Term Potentiation / genetics
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Protein Transport / genetics
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA / metabolism
  • RNA Transport / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Synapses / genetics*
  • Transcriptome / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA
  • Myosin Heavy Chains
  • Kinesins

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE30389
  • GEO/GSE30440