Non-ionotropic signaling through the NMDAreceptor GluN2B carboxy-terminal domain drives dendritic spine plasticity and reverses fragile X phenotypes

Barnes, SA, Thomazeau, A, Finnie, P, Heinrich, M, Heynen, A, Komiyama, N, Grant, S, Menniti, FS, Osterweil, E, and Bear, MF. Metabotropic signalling through the NMDA receptor carboxyterminal domain alters dendritic spine morphology and reverses fragile X phenotypes in mouse hippocampus. Cell Rep. 2025 Mar 25;44(3):115311. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115311. Epub 2025 Feb 20. PMID: 39983718.

cfos is an immediate early gene commonly used to identify neuronal activation. After loud sound stimulation, neurons in the inferior colliculus are activated and cFos is expressed in the nucleus. Here, we present a protocol for quantifying neuronal activity in response to auditory stimulation using cFos immunostaining in the mouse inferior colliculus. We then detail procedures for image acquisition and analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Louros et al.1.