Arc, a growth factor and activity-regulated gene, encodes a novel cytoskeleton-associated protein that is enriched in neuronal dendrites

Gregory L. Lyford, Kanato Yamagata, Walter E. Kaufmann, Carol A. Barnes, Laura K. Sanders, Neal G. Copeland, Debra J. Gilbert, Nancy A. Jenkins, Anthony A. Lanahan, Paul F. Worley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1038 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neuronal activity is an essential stimulus for induction of plasticity and normal development of the CNS. We have used differential cloning techniques to identify a novel immediate-early gene (IEG) cDNA that is rapidly induced in neurons by activity in models of adult and developmental plasticity. Both the mRNA and the encoded protein are enriched in neuronal dendrites. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicates a region of homology with α-spectrin, and the full-length protein, prepared by in vitro transcription/translation, coprecipitates with F-actin. Confocal microscopy of the native protein in hippocampal neurons demonstrates that the IEG-encoded protein is enriched in the subplasmalemmal cortex of the cell body and dendrites and thus colocalizes with the actin cytoskeletal matrix. Accordingly, we have termed the gene and encoded protein Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein). Our observations suggest that Arc may play a role in activity-dependent plasticity of dendrites.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)433-445
Number of pages13
JournalNeuron
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Arc, a growth factor and activity-regulated gene, encodes a novel cytoskeleton-associated protein that is enriched in neuronal dendrites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this