Modulation of synaptic transmission by the BCL-2 family protein BCL-xL

Elizabeth A. Jonas, Daniel Hoit, John A. Hickman, Teresa A. Brandt, Brian M. Polster, Yihru Fannjiang, Erin McCarthy, Marlena K. Montanez, J. Marie Hardwick, Leonard K. Kaczmarek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

89 Scopus citations

Abstract

BCL-2 family proteins are known to regulate cell death during development by influencing the permeability of mitochondrial membranes. The anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein BCL-xL is highly expressed in the adult brain and localizes to mitochondria in the presynaptic terminal of the adult squid stellate ganglion. Application of recombinant BCL-xL through a patch pipette to mitochondria inside the giant presynaptic terminal triggered multiconductance channel activity in mitochondrial membranes. Furthermore, injection of full-length BCL-xL protein into the presynaptic terminal enhanced postsynaptic responses and enhanced the rate of recovery from synaptic depression, whereas a recombinant pro-apoptotic cleavage product of BCL-xL attenuated postsynaptic responses. The effect of BCL-xL on synaptic responses persisted in the presence of a blocker of mitochondrial calcium uptake and was mimicked by injection of ATP into the terminal. These studies indicate that the permeability of outer mitochondrial membranes influences synaptic transmission, and they raise the possibility that modulation of mitochondrial conductance by BCL-2 family proteins affects synaptic stability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8423-8431
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume23
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 10 2003

Keywords

  • ATP
  • BCL-2
  • BCL-xL
  • Mitochondria
  • Neurotransmitter release
  • Squid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modulation of synaptic transmission by the BCL-2 family protein BCL-xL'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this