Expression of C1ql3 in Discrete Neuronal Populations Controls Efferent Synapse Numbers and Diverse Behaviors

Martinelli D., Chew K., Rohlmann A., Lum M., Ressl S., Hattar S., Brunger A., Missler M., Südhof T.

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

C1ql3 is a secreted neuronal protein that binds to BAI3, an adhesion-class GPCR. C1ql3 is homologous to other gC1q-domain proteins that control synapse numbers, but a role for C1ql3 in regulating synapse density has not been demonstrated. We show in cultured neurons that C1ql3 expression is activity dependent and supports excitatory synapse density. Using newly generated conditional and constitutive C1ql3 knockout mice, we found that C1ql3-deficient mice exhibited fewer excitatory synapses and diverse behavioral abnormalities, including marked impairments in fear memories. Using circuit-tracing tools and conditional ablation of C1ql3 targeted to specific brain regions, we demonstrate that C1ql3-expressing neurons in the basolateral amygdala project to the medial prefrontal cortex, that these efferents contribute to fear memory behavior, and that C1ql3 is required for formation and/or maintenance of these synapses. Our results suggest that C1ql3 is a signaling protein essential for subsets of synaptic projections and the behaviors controlled by these projections.

Details about the publication

JournalNeuron
Volume91
Issue5
Page range1034-1051
StatusPublished
Release year2016
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
DOI10.1016/j.neuron.2016.07.002
Link to the full texthttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84979743102&origin=inward

Authors from the University of Münster

Missler, Markus
Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology
Rohlmann, Astrid
Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology