Stimulated ErbB4 internalization is necessary for neuregulin signaling in neurons

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 Mar 9;354(2):505-10. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.01.009. Epub 2007 Jan 10.

Abstract

Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) plays an important role in neural development, synapse formation, and synaptic plasticity by activating ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases. Although ligand-induced endocytosis has been shown to be important for many receptor tyrosine kinases, whether NRG1 signaling depends on ErbB endocytosis remains controversial. Here, we provide evidence that ErbB4, a prominent ErbB protein in the brain, becomes internalized in NRG1-stimulated neurons. The induced ErbB4 endocytosis requires its kinase activity. Remarkably, inhibition of ErbB endocytosis attenuates NRG1-induced activation of Erk and Akt in neurons. These observations indicate a role of ErbB endocytosis in NRG1 signaling in neurons.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endocytosis / physiology*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Neuregulin-1 / physiology*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Rats
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Receptor, ErbB-4
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • Neuregulin-1
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Erbb2 protein, rat
  • Erbb4 protein, rat
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Receptor, ErbB-4