A single fear-inducing stimulus induces a transcription-dependent switch in synaptic AMPAR phenotype.

Changes in emotional state are known to alter neuronal excitability and can modify learning and memory formation. Such experience-dependent neuronal plasticity can be long-lasting and is thought to involve the regulation of gene transcription. We found that a single fear-inducing stimulus increased GluR2 (also known as Gria2) mRNA abundance and promoted synaptic incorporation of GluR2-containing AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in mouse cerebellar stellate cells. The switch in synaptic AMPAR phenotype was mediated by noradrenaline and action potential prolongation. The subsequent rise in intracellular Ca(2+) and activation of Ca(2+)-sensitive ERK/MAPK signaling triggered new GluR2 gene transcription and a switch in the synaptic AMPAR phenotype from GluR2-lacking, Ca(2+)-permeable receptors to GluR2-containing, Ca(2+)-impermeable receptors on the order of hours. The change in glutamate receptor phenotype altered synaptic efficacy in cerebellar stellate cells. Thus, a single fear-inducing stimulus can induce a long-term change in synaptic receptor phenotype and may alter the activity of an inhibitory neural network.