Convergence of adenosine and GABA signaling for synapse stabilization during development

Abstract

During development, neural circuit formation requires the stabilization of active γ-aminobutyric acid–mediated (GABAergic) synapses and the elimination of inactive ones. Here, we demonstrate that, although the activation of postsynaptic GABA type A receptors (GABA_ARs) and adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2ARs) stabilizes GABAergic synapses, only A_2AR activation is sufficient. Both GABA_AR- and A_2AR-dependent signaling pathways act synergistically to produce adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate through the recruitment of the calcium–calmodulin–adenylyl cyclase pathway. Protein kinase A, thus activated, phosphorylates gephyrin on serine residue 303, which is required for GABA_AR stabilization. Finally, the stabilization of pre- and postsynaptic GABAergic elements involves the interaction between gephyrin and the synaptogenic membrane protein Slitrk3. We propose that A_2ARs act as detectors of active GABAergic synapses releasing GABA, adenosine triphosphate, and adenosine to regulate their fate toward stabilization or elimination.