D-serine influences synaptogenesis in a p19 cell model

Recently, D-serine has been identified as an important NMDA-receptor co-agonist, which might play a role in central nervous system development. We investigated this by studying rat P19 cells, an established model for neuronal and glial differentiation. Our results show that (1) the D-serine synthesizing enzyme serine racemase was expressed upon differentiation, (2) extracellular D-serine concentrations increased upon differentiation, which was inhibited by serine racemase antagonism, and (3) inhibition of D-serine synthesis or prevention of D-serine binding to the NMDA-receptor increased synaptophysin expression and intercellular connections, supporting a role for NMDA-receptor activation by D-serine, synthesized by serine racemase, in shaping synaptogenesis and neuronal circuitry during central nervous system development. In conjunction with recent evidence from literature, we therefore suggest that D-serine deficiency might be responsible for the severe neurological phenotype seen in patients with serine deficiency disorders. In addition, this may provide a pathophysiological mechanism for a role of D-serine deficiency in psychiatric disorders.

 

Authors: 
S.A. Fuchs, M.W. Roeleveld, L.W. Klomp, R. Berger, T.J. de Koning
Authors from the NMC: 
DOI: 
10.1007/8904_2011_116
Pages: 
2012; 6: 47-53
Published in: 
JIMD Reports
Date of publication: 
February, 2012
Status of the publication: 
Published/accepted