Primary rat hippocampal neurons at DIV 10 were successfully transfected using Magnetofectamine (Magnetofection)

Transfection of 10 DIV neuronal cultures were performed as described by Buerli et al protocol (Nature Protocol, 2007), in 35 mm dishes using the Magnetofectamine transfection Kit with 1.5 µg DNA.

This paper demonstrated the high efficiency of Magnetofectamine kit from OZ Biosciences to efficiently transfect primary hippocampal neurons.

article reference: The Journal of Neuroscience, 2014 • 34(40):13516–13534,

Pro-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Inhibits GABAergic Neurotransmission by Activating Endocytosis and Repression of GABAA Receptors 

Baptiste Riffault, Igor Medina, Camille Dumon, Carine Thalman, Nadine Ferrand, Perrine Friedel, Jean-Luc Gaiarsa, and Christophe Porcher.
Abstract

GABA is the canonical inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. This inhibitory action is largely mediated by GABA type A receptors (GABA_ARs). Among the many factors controlling GABAergic transmission, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to play a major role in regulating synaptic inhibition. Recent findings have demonstrated that BDNF can be released as a precursor (proBDNF). Although the role of mature BDNF on GABAergic synaptogenesis and maintenance has been well studied, an important question still unanswered is whether secreted proBDNF might affect GABAergic neurotransmission. Here, we have used 14 d in vitro primary culture of hippocampal neurons and ex vivo preparations from rats to study the function of proBDNF in regulation of GABA_AR trafficking and activity. We demonstrate that proBDNF impairs GABAergic transmission by the activation of two distinct pathways: (1) a RhoA-Rock-PTEN pathway that decreases the phosphorylation levels of GABA_AR, thus affecting receptor function and triggering endocytosis and degradation of internalized receptors, and (2) a JAK-STAT-ICER pathway leading to the repression of GABA_ARs synthesis. These effects lead to the diminution of GABAergic synapses and are correlated with a decrease in GABAergic synaptic currents. These results revealed new functions for proBDNF-p75 neurotrophin receptor signaling pathway in the control of the efficacy of GABAergic synaptic activity by regulating the trafficking and synthesis of GABA_ARs at inhibitory synapses. 

Magnetofectamine from OZ Biosciences is a very efficient transfection reagent based on Magnetofection™ technology.