Follistatin mediates learning and synaptic plasticity via regulation of Asic4 expression in the hippocampus
Y Chen, Shin‐Meng Deng, Hui‐Wen Chen, Chi-Hui Tsao, Wei-Ting Chen, Sin‐Jhong Cheng, Hsien‐Sung Huang, Bertrand Chin‐Ming Tan, Martin M. Matzuk, Jonathan Flint, Guo‐Jen Huang
Abstract
Significance Adult neurogenesis, which is known to be a heritable trait, is thought to be involved in learning, stress-related anxiety, and antidepressant action. In this study, we map genes influencing adult neurogenesis and identify a candidate gene, follistatin ( Fst ) for further study. By utilizing a brain-specific knockout and viral vector-mediated gene transfer, we reveal the importance of hippocampal FST in neurogenesis, learning, and synaptic plasticity. From RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, we identify Asic4 as a critical downstream target gene regulated by FST. Our work demonstrates that FST functions in the hippocampus at least in part through regulating Asic4 expression. Overall, we illustrate the role of hippocampal Fst in learning and synaptic plasticity.