NF-κB signalling regulates the growth of neural processes in the developing PNS and CNS

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2005-04Suggested citation
Gutierrez, Humberto;
Hale, Valerie A.;
Dolcet Roca, Xavier;
Davies, Alun M.;
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(2005)
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NF-κB signalling regulates the growth of neural processes in the developing PNS and CNS.
Development, 2005, vol. 32, núm. 7, p. 1713-1726.
https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.01702.
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The proper growth and elaboration of neural processes is essential for the establishment of a functional nervous system during development and is an integral feature of neural plasticity throughout life. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is classically known for its ubiquitous roles in inflammation, immune and stress-related responses and regulation of cell survival in all tissues, including the nervous system. NF-kappa B participation in other cellular processes remains poorly understood. Here we report a mechanism for controlling the growth of neural processes in developing peripheral and central neurons involving the transcription factor NF-kappa B. Inhibiting NF-kappa B activation with super-repressor I kappa B-alpha, BAY 11 7082 (I kappa B-alpha phosphorylation inhibitor) or N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal (proteosomal degradation inhibitor), or inhibiting NF-kappa B transcriptional activity with kappa B decoy DNA substantially reduced the size and complexity of the neurite arbors of sensory neurons cultured with brain-derived neurotrophic factor while having no effect on their survival. NF-kappa B exerted this effect during a restricted period of development following the phase of naturally occurring neuronal death when the processes and connections of the remaining neurons are extensively modified and refined. Inhibiting NF-kappa B activation or NF-kappa B transcriptional activity in layer 2 pyramidal neurons in postnatal somatosensory cortical slices reduced dendritic arbor size and complexity. This function of NF-kappa B has important implications for neural development and may provide an explanation for reported involvement of NF-kappa B in learning and memory.