AAV-mediated hippocampal expression of short and long Homer 1 proteins differentially affect cognition and seizure activity in adult rats

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2005 Feb;28(2):347-60. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2004.10.002.

Abstract

Homer proteins mediate molecular rearrangements leading to changes in spine morphology. This points to a role of Homer in learning and memory. Homer 1c features both the ligand binding domain and a coiled-coiled domain for self-multimerization. Homer 1a lacks the coiled-coiled domain. Here, we report a new isoform which we termed 1g, lacking the Homer ligand binding domain. We dissected the functional roles of the individual Homer 1 domains, encoded by Homer 1a, 1c, and 1g, in vivo. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated overexpression of these forms in the hippocampus of adult rats has opposing effects on learning behavior. Increased levels of Homer 1a impaired hippocampal-dependent memory, while Homer 1g and 1c slightly enhanced memory performance. Homer 1g induced anxiety. Moreover, AAV-Homer 1a animals showed attenuation of electrographic seizures in a model of status epilepticus. These results suggest that Homer 1 proteins play an active role in behavioral plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anxiety Disorders / genetics
  • Anxiety Disorders / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Dependovirus / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epilepsy / genetics
  • Epilepsy / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression / physiology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Hippocampus / physiopathology
  • Homer Scaffolding Proteins
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology
  • Memory Disorders / genetics
  • Memory Disorders / metabolism*
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Homer Scaffolding Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins