Protease activated receptor 1-induced glutamate release in cultured astrocytes is mediated by Bestrophin-1 channel but not by vesicular exocytosis

• Main Authors: Oh Soo-Jin, Han Kyung-Seok, Park Hyungju, Woo Dong ho, Kim Hye, Traynelis Stephen F, Lee C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-10-01
• Series: Molecular Brain
• Subjects: Astrocyte; Bestrophin-1; Glutamate
• Online Access: http://www.molecularbrain.com/content/5/1/38

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Glutamate is the major transmitter that mediates the principal form of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. It has been well established that glutamate is released via Ca²⁺-dependent exocytosis of glutamate-containing vesicles in neurons. However, whether astrocytes exocytose to release glutamate under physiological condition is still unclear.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>We report a novel form of glutamate release in astrocytes via the recently characterized Ca²⁺-activated anion channel, Bestrophin-1 (Best1) by Ca²⁺ dependent mechanism through the channel pore. We demonstrate that upon activation of protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1), an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration leads to an opening of Best1 channels and subsequent release of glutamate in cultured astrocytes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results provide strong molecular evidence for potential astrocyte-neuron interaction via Best1-mediated glutamate release.</p>