H2-Kb and H2-Db regulate cerebellar long-term depression and limit motor learning

MJ McConnell, YH Huang… - Proceedings of the …, 2009 - National Acad Sciences
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2009National Acad Sciences
There are more than 50 class I MHC (MHCI) molecules in the mouse genome, some of
which are now known to be expressed in neurons; however, the role of classical MHCI
molecules in synaptic plasticity is unknown. We report that the classical MHCI molecules, H2-
Kb and H2-Db, are co-expressed by Purkinje cells (PCs). In the cerebellum of mice deficient
for both H2-Kb and H2-Db (KbDb−/−), there is a lower threshold for induction of long-term
depression (LTD) at parallel fiber to PC synapses. This change may be a result of additional …
There are more than 50 class I MHC (MHCI) molecules in the mouse genome, some of which are now known to be expressed in neurons; however, the role of classical MHCI molecules in synaptic plasticity is unknown. We report that the classical MHCI molecules, H2-Kb and H2-Db, are co-expressed by Purkinje cells (PCs). In the cerebellum of mice deficient for both H2-Kb and H2-Db (KbDb−/−), there is a lower threshold for induction of long-term depression (LTD) at parallel fiber to PC synapses. This change may be a result of additional glutamate release observed at KbDb−/− CF to PC synapses, which are thought to “train” the cerebellar circuit. A behavioral correlate of cerebellar LTD is motor learning; acquisition and retention of a Rotarod behavioral task is significantly better in KbDb−/− mice than in WT cohorts. These physiological and behavioral phenotypes in KbDb−/− mice reveal a surprising role for classical MHCI molecules in synaptic plasticity and motor learning.
National Acad Sciences