Fig. 3.

Lipocalin-2 reduces dendritic spine actin turnover in an iron-dependent manner. Neurons were transfected with β-actin–GFP and treated with either wild-type lipocalin-2 (Holo-Lcn-2) or its iron-free form (Apo-Lcn-2). Actin fluorescence in single spines was bleached with a short laser pulse, and fluorescent recovery was measured over time (Upper) Representative examples. (Lower) Quantification. Holo-Lcn-2 treatment resulted in a decrease in actin's mobile fraction in spines, and the effect was potentiated when Apo-Lcn-2 was applied instead. ***P < 0.001. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM.