MicroRNA-92 modulates K(+) Cl(-) co-transporter KCC2 expression in cerebellar granule neurons

J Neurochem. 2010 May;113(3):591-600. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06560.x. Epub 2009 Dec 26.

Abstract

MicroRNAs have been associated to fine-tuning spatial and temporal control of gene expression during neuronal development. The neuronal Cl(-) extruding, K(+)Cl(-) co-transporter 2 (KCC2) is known to play an important role in neuronal Cl(-) homeostasis and in determining the physiological response to activation of anion selective GABA receptors. Here we show that microRNA-92 is developmentally down-regulated during maturation of rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) in vitro. Computational predictions suggest several high-ranking targets for microRNA-92 including the KCC2 gene. Consistently, the KCC2 protein levels were up-regulated in mature CGN in vitro and a functional association between microRNA-92 and KCC2 3' untranslated region was established using luciferase assays. The generation of an inward directed Cl(-) electrochemical gradient, necessary for the hyperpolarizing effect of GABA, requires robust KCC2 expression in several neuronal types. Here we show that lentiviral-mediated microRNA-92 over-expression reduced KCC2 protein levels and positively shifted reversal potential of GABA induced Cl(-) currents in CGNs. In addition KCC2 re-expression reversed microRNA-92 electrophysiological phenotype. Consistently microRNA-92 inhibition induced both an increase of the level of KCC2 and a negative shift in GABA reversal potential. These findings introduce a new player in the developmental change of GABA from depolarization to hyperpolarization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebellum / cytology
  • Cerebellum / growth & development
  • Cerebellum / metabolism*
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / metabolism
  • Electrophysiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Genes, Reporter / genetics
  • Genetic Vectors
  • K Cl- Cotransporters
  • Lentivirus / genetics
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs / pharmacology*
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Symporters / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Symporters / biosynthesis*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • MicroRNAs
  • Symporters
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Luciferases