16/02 – Frank KIRCHHOFF : impaired bidirectional communication between interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells affects social behaviour

SPPIN’s webinar winter-spring 2021, 16 Feb at 10h30, online – Ask link to a SPPIN member.

Frank KIRCHHOFF, Professor of Molecular Physiology, CIPMM, Saarland University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Homburg, Germany

Cortical neural circuits are complex but very precise networks of balanced excitation and inhibition (E/I). Yet, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that form the E/I balance are just beginning to emerge. Here, using conditional GABAB receptor-deficient mice we identified a GABA/TNF-related cytokine (TNFSF12)- mediated bidirectional communication pathway between interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) that determines interneuron apoptosis, density and function in the developing medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Furthermore, interruption of the GABAergic signalling to OPCs resulted in reduced myelination and hypoactivity of interneurons, strong changes of cortical network activities and impaired social behaviour. Glial transmitter receptors are pivotal elements fine-tuning distinct brain functions.