Mef2 promotes spine elimination in absence of δ-catenin

delta-Catenin is a component of the cadherin-catenin cell adhesion complex and its loss has been implicated in the mental retardation associated with the Cri du chat syndrome. We have previously demonstrated that loss of delta-catenin in a murine model during development results in excessive spine and synaptic density and function. In order to examine the role of potential molecules that might cooperate with delta-catenin to regulate spine density, we focused on Mef2. Our data demonstrate that while loss of delta-catenin does not alter the expression levels of endogenous Mef2, expression of Mef2 in neurons that are knocked down for delta-catenin promotes spine elimination. These results establish a molecular mechanism by which excessive spines in the absence of delta-catenin may be eliminated and may point toward pharmacological therapy for the Cri du chat syndrome. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.