Differential dependence of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons on glia for the establishment of synaptic transmission

Turko, P., Groberman, K., Browa, F., Cobb, S. and Vida, I. (2019) Differential dependence of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons on glia for the establishment of synaptic transmission. Cerebral Cortex, 29(3), pp. 1230-1243. (doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhy029) (PMID:29425353)

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Abstract

In the mammalian cortex, GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons represent 2 major neuronal classes, which establish inhibitory and excitatory synapses, respectively. Despite differences in their anatomy, physiology and developmental origin, both cell types require support from glial cells, particularly astrocytes, for their growth and survival. Recent experiments indicate that glutamatergic neurons also depend on astrocytes for synapse formation. However, it is not clear if the same holds true for GABAergic neurons. By studying highly pure GABAergic cell cultures, established through fluorescent activated cell sorting, we find that purified GABAergic neurons are smaller and have reduced survival, nevertheless they establish robust synaptic transmission in the absence of glia. Support from glial cells reverses morphological and survival deficits, but does little to alter synaptic transmission. In contrast, in cultures of purified glutamatergic neurons, morphological development, survival and synaptic transmission are collectively dependent on glial support. Thus, our results demonstrate a fundamental difference in the way GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons depend on glia for the establishment of synaptic transmission, a finding that has important implications for our understanding of how neuronal networks develop.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, EXC 257, I.V.).
Keywords:FAC sorting, GABAergic neurons, glia, developmental neuroscience, glutamatergic neurons, synaptic transmission.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cobb, Dr Stuart
Authors: Turko, P., Groberman, K., Browa, F., Cobb, S., and Vida, I.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Cerebral Cortex
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:1047-3211
ISSN (Online):1460-2199
Published Online:07 February 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 The Authors
First Published:First published in Cerebral Cortex 29(3): 1230-1243
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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