Cited by 3Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchMicroRNA in disease regulationNeuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms

MicroRNA‐138‐5p suppresses excitatory synaptic strength at the cerebellar input layer

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Delvendahl, Igor, Daswani, Reetu, Winterer, Jochen, Germain, Pierre‐Luc, Uhr, Nora Maria, Schratt, Gerhard, Müller, Martin·2025·The Journal of Physiology

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Abstract

MicroRNAs are small, highly conserved non‐coding RNAs that negatively regulate mRNA translation and stability. In the brain, miRNAs contribute to neuronal development, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. MicroRNA 138‐5p (miR‐138‐5p) controls inhibitory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus and is highly expressed in cerebellar excitatory neurons. However, its specific role in cerebellar synaptic transmission remains unknown. Here, we investigated excitatory transmission in the cerebellum of mice expressing a sponge construct that sequesters endogenous miR‐138‐5p. Mossy fibre stimulation‐evoked EPSCs in granule cells were ∼40% larger in miR‐138‐5p sponge mice compared to controls. Furthermore, we observed larger miniature EPSC amplitudes, suggesting an increased number of functional postsynaptic AMPA receptors. High‐frequency train stimulation revealed enhanced short‐term depression following miR‐138‐5p downregulation. Together with computational modelling, this suggests a negative regulation of presynaptic release probability. Overall, our results demonstrate that miR‐138‐5p suppresses synaptic strength through pre‐ and postsynaptic mechanisms, providing a potentially powerful mechanism for tuning excitatory synaptic input into the cerebellum. image Key points: MicroRNAs are powerful regulators of mRNA translation and control key cell biological processes including synaptic transmission, but their role in regulating synaptic function in the cerebellum has remained elusive. In this study, we investigated how microRNA‐138‐5p (miR‐138‐5p) modulates excitatory transmission at adult murine cerebellar mossy fibre to granule cell synapses. Downregulation of miR‐138‐5p enhances excitatory synaptic strength at the cerebellar input layer and increases short‐term depression. miR‐138‐5p exerts its regulatory function through both pre‐ and postsynaptic mechanisms by negatively regulating release probability at mossy fibre boutons, as well as functional AMPA receptor numbers in granule cells. These findings provide insights into the role of miR‐138‐5p in the cerebellum and expand our understanding of microRNA‐dependent control of excitatory synaptic transmission and short‐term plasticity.

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Authors
Delvendahl, I., Daswani, R., Winterer, J., Germain, P., Uhr, N. M., Schratt, G., & Müller, M.
Affiliations
  • University of Freiburg (DE)
  • ETH Zurich (CH)
  • University of Zurich (CH)
Corresponding author
Delvendahl, Igor
Venue
The Journal of Physiology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2025-05
Volume
603
Issue
10
Pages
3161-3179
ISSN
  • 0022-3751 (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-7793
OpenAlex
W4410272343
Cited by
3
References
86
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 2
FWCI
0.95
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • The Journal of Physiology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) (acceptedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Repository for Publications and Research Data (ETH Zurich) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • FreiDok plus (Universitätsbibliothek Freiburg) (submittedVersion)
  • Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • ETH Zürich Research Collection (cc-by)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (535029399)
  • Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (144816, 174018)
  • Universität Zürich
  • H2020 European Research Council (679881)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cancer Research › MicroRNA in disease regulation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
Keywords
cerebellum, excitatory synaptic transmission, synaptic efficacy, short-term depression, presynaptic release probability, AMPA receptors, miniature EPSCs, microRNA sponge, synaptic plasticity
MeSH terms
Animals, Cerebellum, Male, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Synaptic Transmission, Synapses, Receptors, AMPA, Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials, MicroRNAs, Mice

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