The role of the store-operated calcium entry channel Orai1 in cultured rat hippocampal synapse formation and plasticity

Abstract

The possible role of store operated calcium entry (SOCE) through the Orai1 channel in the formation and functions of dendritic spines was studied in cultured hippocampal neurons. In calcium store-depleted neurons a transient elevation of extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]o) caused a rise in [Ca²⁺]i that was mediated by activation of the SOCE. The store depletion resulted in an increase in STIM2 (an endoplasmic calcium sensor) association with Orai1 in dendritic spines. The response to the rise in [Ca²⁺]o was larger in spines endowed with a cluster of Orai1 molecules than in spines devoid of Orai1. Transfection of neurons with a dominant negative Orai1 resulted in retarded maturation of dendritic spines, a reduction in synaptic connectivity with afferent neurons and a reduction in ability to undergo morphological changes following induction of chemical LTP. Likewise, siRNA-treated neurons had fewer mature dendritic spines, and lower rates of mEPSCs compared to scrambled control siRNA treated neurons. Thus, influx of calcium through Orai1 channels facilitates maturation of dendritic spines and formation of functional synapses in central neurons.

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