Figure 7.

MEF2 mediates the MIA-induced reduction in synapse density. A, Representative Western blots showing increased MEF2 protein from 8 DIV cultured neurons from MIA or saline control offspring. B, Densitometry shows increased levels of MEF2A, -C, and –D protein relative to GAPDH loading controls. Data were averaged from four different cultures of each group. C, Preventing the MIA-induced increase in MEF2 rescues the MIA-induced reduction in synapse density. MIA or saline control neurons were transfected with shSCR or MEF2A+D shRNAs from 6 to 8 DIV. Synapse density was quantified as in Figure 5; n ≥ 65 dendrites (22 cells) per condition, three experiments. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.