The ketogenic diet increases Neuregulin 1 expression via elevating histone acetylation and its anti-seizure effect requires ErbB4 kinase activity

BACKGROUND: The ketogenic diet (KD)has been considered an effective treatment for epilepsy, whereas its underlying mechanisms remain obscure. We have previously reported that the KD feeding increased Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) expression in the hippocampus; disruption of NRG1 signaling by genetically deleting its receptor-ErbB4 abolished KDs effects on inhibitory synaptic activity and seizures. However, it is still unclear about the mechanisms underlying the effect of KD on NRG1 expression and whether the effects of KD require ErbB4 kinase activity. METHODS: The effects of the KD on NRG1 expression were assessed via western blotting and real-time PCR. Acetylation level at the Nrg1 promoter locus was examined using the chromatin immunoprecipitation technique. Kainic acid (KA)-induced acute seizure model was utilized to examine the effects of KD and histone deacetylase inhibitor-TSA on seizures. Synaptic activities in the hippocampus were recorded with the technique of electrophysiology. The obligatory role of ErbB4 kinase activity in KDs effects on seizures and inhibitory synaptic activity was evaluated by using ErbB kinase antagonist and transgenic mouse-T796G. RESULTS: We report that KD specifically increases Type I NRG1 expression in the hippocampus. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation technique, we observe increased acetylated-histone occupancy at the Nrg1 promoter locus of KD-fed mice. Treatment of TSA dramatically elevates NRG1 expression and diminishes the difference between the effects of the control diet (CD) and KD. These data indicate that KD increases NRG1 expression via up-regulating histone acetylation. Moreover, both pharmacological and genetic inhibitions of ErbB4 kinase activity significantly block the KDs effects on inhibitory synaptic activity and seizure, suggesting an essential role of ErbB4 kinase activity. CONCLUSION: These results strengthen our understanding of the role of NRG1/ErbB4 signaling in KD and shed light on novel therapeutic interventions for epilepsy. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00611-7.