Wnt Signaling Mediates LTP-Dependent Spine Plasticity and AMPAR Localization through Frizzled-7 Receptors

Summary The structural and functional plasticity of synapses is critical for learning and memory. Long-term potentiation (LTP) induction promotes spine growth and AMPAR accumulation at excitatory synapses, leading to increased synaptic strength. Glutamate initiates these processes, but the contribution from extracellular modulators is not fully established. Wnts are required for spine formation; however, their impact on activity-mediated spine plasticity and AMPAR localization is unknown. We found that LTP induction rapidly increased synaptic Wnt7a/b protein levels. Acute blockade of endogenous Wnts or loss of postsynaptic Frizzled-7 (Fz7) receptors impaired LTP-mediated synaptic strength, spine growth, and AMPAR localization at synapses. Live imaging of SEP-GluA1 and single-particle tracking revealed that Wnt7a rapidly promoted synaptic AMPAR recruitment and trapping. Wnt7a, through Fz7, induced CaMKII-dependent loss of SynGAP from spines and increased extrasynaptic AMPARs by PKA phosphorylation. We identify a critical role for Wnt-Fz7 signaling in LTP-mediated synaptic accumulation of AMPARs and spine plasticity.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights • LTP-mediated spine plasticity and AMPAR trafficking require Wnt-Fz7 signaling • LTP induction rapidly elevates Wnt7a/b protein at spines • Wnt7a induces the fast recruitment of synaptic and extrasynaptic AMPARs • Wnt7a-Fz7 promotes synaptic AMPAR localization via CaMKII, PKA, and ERK cascades

McLeod et al. reveal that Wnt7a-Fz7 signaling is required for LTP-mediated spine plasticity, AMPAR localization, and synaptic strength through the activation of the CaMKII, ERK, and PKA pathways. Their findings demonstrate that extracellular Wnt proteins are crucial upstream initiators of LTP-mediated structural and function synaptic plasticity.