Polysialic Acid Promotes Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity by Modulating AMPA Receptor Function: Implications for Cognitive Enhancement
Disciplines
Molecular Biology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Polysialic acid (PSA), a highly negatively charged carbohydrate polymer attached to the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), has emerged as a critical modulator of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. This study investigates the concentration-dependent effects of PSA on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a key form of synaptic plasticity underlying hippocampal-dependent memory. NCAM, a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in neurite outgrowth, cell migration, and synaptogenesis, has been implicated in synaptic modulation through PSA modification. While previous research has demonstrated PSA's ability to modulate synaptic plasticity, the specific mechanism remains not fully explored. Glutamate receptors, particularly α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, play fundamental roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. The NMDA receptors play role in LTP induction, whereas AMPA receptors are crucial for LTP expression. Our findings reveal that PSA enhances LTP in a concentration-dependent manner by potentiating AMPA receptor function. This enhancement of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by PSA underscores its significance as a crucial regulator of neuronal function and cognitive enhancement. By facilitating LTP, PSA contributes to improved learning and memory processes. Our future investigations will focus on exploring the potential for PSA as a therapeutic option for various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Vishnu Suppiramaniam
Additional Faculty
Kawsar Chowdhury, Cellular and Molecular Biology, kchowdhu@kennesaw.edu
Polysialic Acid Promotes Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity by Modulating AMPA Receptor Function: Implications for Cognitive Enhancement
Polysialic acid (PSA), a highly negatively charged carbohydrate polymer attached to the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), has emerged as a critical modulator of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. This study investigates the concentration-dependent effects of PSA on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a key form of synaptic plasticity underlying hippocampal-dependent memory. NCAM, a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in neurite outgrowth, cell migration, and synaptogenesis, has been implicated in synaptic modulation through PSA modification. While previous research has demonstrated PSA's ability to modulate synaptic plasticity, the specific mechanism remains not fully explored. Glutamate receptors, particularly α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, play fundamental roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. The NMDA receptors play role in LTP induction, whereas AMPA receptors are crucial for LTP expression. Our findings reveal that PSA enhances LTP in a concentration-dependent manner by potentiating AMPA receptor function. This enhancement of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by PSA underscores its significance as a crucial regulator of neuronal function and cognitive enhancement. By facilitating LTP, PSA contributes to improved learning and memory processes. Our future investigations will focus on exploring the potential for PSA as a therapeutic option for various neurological and psychiatric disorders.