Distinct temporal expression of GW182 in neurons regulates dendritic arborization

Precise development of the dendritic architecture is a critical determinant of mature neuronal circuitry. MicroRNA-mediated regulation of protein synthesis plays a crucial role in dendritic morphogenesis but the role of miRISC protein components in this process is less studied. Here, we show an important role of a key miRISC protein GW182 in the regulation of dendritic growth. We have identified a distinct brain region specific Spatio-temporal expression pattern of GW182 during rat postnatal development. We found that the window of peak GW182 expression coincides with the period of extensive dendritic growth, both in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Perturbation of GW182 function during a specific temporal window resulted in reduced dendritic growth of cultured hippocampal neurons. Mechanistically, we show that GW182 modulates dendritic growth by regulating global somato-dendritic translation, and actin cytoskeletal dynamics of developing neurons. Furthermore, we found that GW182 affects dendritic architecture by regulating the expression of actin modulator LIMK1. Taken together, our data reveal a previously undescribed neurodevelopmental expression pattern of GW182 and its role in dendritic morphogenesis, through both translational control and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. SummaryGW182 is a key component of miRNA induced silencing complex (miRISC). Nawalpuri et al. show that GW182 has a unique temporal expression profile during neuronal development. The developmentally controlled expression of GW182 influences dendritic morphology by regulating the expression of actin modulator LIMK1.