The Integrated Stress Response effector GADD34 is repurposed by neurons to promote stimulus-induced translation

Summary Neuronal protein synthesis is required for long-lasting plasticity and long-term memory consolidation. Dephosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α is one of the key translational control events that is required to increase de novo protein synthesis that underlies long-lasting plasticity and memory consolidation. Here, we interrogate the molecular pathways of translational control that are triggered by stimulation of neurons with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which results in eIF2α dephosphorylation and de novo protein synthesis. Primary rodent neurons exposed to BDNF displayed elevated translation, but not transcription, of GADD34, which facilitates eIF2α dephosphorylation and subsequent de novo protein synthesis. Furthermore, GADD34 requires G-actin generated by cofilin to dephosphorylate eIF2α and enhance protein synthesis. Finally, GADD34 is required for the BDNF-induced translation of synaptic plasticity-related proteins. Overall, we provide evidence that neurons repurpose GADD34, an effector of the Integrated Stress Response, as an orchestrator of rapid increases in eIF2-dependent translation in response to plasticity-inducing stimuli.