Synaptic proteins and the assembly of synaptic junctions

The invasive capacity of HPV transformed cells requires the hDlg-dependent enhancement of SGEF/RhoG activity

A major target of the HPV E6 oncoprotein is the human Discs Large (hDlg) tumour suppressor, although how this interaction contributes to HPV-induced malignancy is still unclear. Using a proteomic approach we show that a strong interacting partner of hDlg is the RhoG-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor SGEF. The interaction between hDlg1 and SGEF involves both PDZ and SH3 domain recognition, and directly contributes to the regulation of SGEF's cellular localization and activity. Consistent with this, hDlg is a strong enhancer of RhoG activity, which occurs in an SGEF-dependent manner. We also show that HPV-18 E6 can interact indirectly with SGEF in a manner that is dependent upon the presence of hDlg and PDZ binding capacity. In HPV transformed cells, E6 maintains a high level of RhoG activity, and this is dependent upon the presence of hDlg and SGEF, which are found in complex with E6. Furthermore, we show that E6, hDlg and SGEF each directly contributes to the invasive capacity of HPV-16 and HPV-18 transformed tumour cells. These studies demonstrate that hDlg has a distinct oncogenic function in the context of HPV induced malignancy, one of the outcomes of which is increased RhoG activity and increased invasive capacity.

Müller cells upregulate the expression of SAP97 in light-injured rat retina

SAP97 is thought to play key roles in synapse assembly and synaptic plasticity. This study was carried out to determine whether it is involved in the Müller cell response to blue light injury. In light-injured rats, obvious intracellular edema in the outer retina was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The immunostaining of SAP97 was upregulated and concentrated in the Müller cell processes after photic injury, which was similar to the changes of AQP4 and the inwardly rectifying potassium channel, Kir4.1. Western blots showed that SAP97 and AQP4 protein levels were both increased on the third day after light exposure when compared with the control group (P<0.05). The upregulation of SAP97 coincides with the redistribution of AQP4 and Kir4.1 in blue light-injured rat retina.

Hermansky-Pudlak protein complexes, AP-3 and BLOC-1, differentially regulate presynaptic composition in the striatum and hippocampus

Endosomal sorting mechanisms mediated by AP-3 and BLOC-1 are perturbed in Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, a human genetic condition characterized by albinism and prolonged bleeding (OMIM #203300). Additionally, mouse models defective in either one of these complexes possess defective synaptic vesicle biogenesis (Newell-Litwa et al., 2009). These synaptic vesicle phenotypes were presumed uniform throughout the brain. However, here we report that AP-3 and BLOC-1 differentially regulate the composition of presynaptic terminals in the striatum and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Quantitative immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that the majority of AP-3 immunoreactivity in both wild-type striatum and hippocampus localizes to presynaptic axonal compartments, where it regulates synaptic vesicle size. In the striatum, loss of AP-3 (Ap3d(mh/mh)) resulted in decreased synaptic vesicle size. In contrast, loss of AP-3 in the dentate gyrus increased synaptic vesicle size, thus suggesting anatomically specific AP-3-regulatory mechanisms. Loss-of-function alleles of BLOC-1, Pldn(pa/pa), and Muted(mu/mu) revealed that this complex acts as a brain-region-specific regulator of AP-3. In fact, BLOC-1 deficiencies selectively reduced AP-3 and AP-3 cargo immunoreactivity in presynaptic compartments within the dentate gyrus both at the light and/or electron microscopy level. However, the striatum did not exhibit these BLOC-1-null phenotypes. Our results demonstrate that distinct brain regions differentially regulate AP-3-dependent synaptic vesicle biogenesis. We propose that anatomically restricted mechanisms within the brain diversify the biogenesis and composition of synaptic vesicles.

Role of PSD95 in membrane association and catalytic activity of nNOSalpha in nitrergic varicosities in mice gut

We have recently shown that membrane association of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-alpha (nNOSalpha) is critical in the regulation of synthesis of NO during nitrergic neurotransmission. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the synapse-associated proteins (SAPs) in membrane association of nNOSalpha. Varicosities (swellings on terminal axons) were isolated from mice gastrointestinal tract and examined for nNOSalpha, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and membrane interactions by coimmunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE. Our results show that PSD95 protein was present in the membrane fraction of the nerve varicosity, whereas both PSD95 and SAP97 were present in the cytosol. nNOSalpha was associated with PSD95 but not SAP97. nNOSalpha-PSD95 complex was bound to the membrane via palmitoylation of PSD95. Depalmitoylation of PSD95 with 2-bromopalmitate dislocates nNOSalpha and PSD95 from the varicosity membrane and abolishes NO production. These studies show that palmitoylation of PSD95 anchors nNOSalpha to the varicosity membrane and that it is obligatory for NO production by the enzyme. Palmitoylation of PSD95 may provide a novel target for regulation of nitrergic neurotransmission.

Messing up with traffic: different effects of antipsychotic agents on glutamate receptor complexes in vivo

Antipsychotic agents are major drugs for human neuropsychiatric conditions including schizophrenia, mood disorders, Tourette syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease. These drugs are divided in two groups-first-generation/typical and second-generation/atypical-on the basis of their propensity to induce extrapyramidal motor side effects. Furthermore, second-generation antipsychotics have been reported to be superior in addressing cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Understanding differences between the mechanism of action of first- and second-generation antipsychotic agents thus represents an interesting opportunity for the development of new compounds having better therapeutic action and less side effects. In this issue of Molecular Pharmacology, Fumagalli et al. (p. 1484) report that long-term treatment with the first-generation drug haloperidol interferes with the trafficking of both alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor complexes and associated molecules post-synaptic densities 95 and Ca(2+)calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in the rat frontal cortex. In contrast, the second-generation drug olanzapine did not affect glutamate receptor trafficking. The action of haloperidol on glutamate receptor trafficking in specific brain regions may contribute to the low efficacy of this drug on cognitive deficits and to the development of side effects. Overall, antipsychotics have been shown to act upon multiple signaling mechanisms (e.g., cAMP-protein kinase A, betaArrestin 2-Akt-GSK-3, and phospholipase C-inositol-protein kinase C pathways), mostly by blocking D2-class dopamine receptors (first generation) or D2-class dopamine and 5-HT(2) serotonin receptors (second generation). Identification of specific pathways by which haloperidol affects glutamate receptor trafficking may thus represent an important next step toward the development of better antipsychotic drugs.

Spatiotemporal definition of neurite outgrowth, refinement and retraction in the developing mouse cochlea

The adult mammalian cochlea receives dual afferent innervation: the inner sensory hair cells are innervated exclusively by type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGN), whereas the sensory outer hair cells are innervated by type II SGN. We have characterized the spatiotemporal reorganization of the dual afferent innervation pattern as it is established in the developing mouse cochlea. This reorganization occurs during the first postnatal week just before the onset of hearing. Our data reveal three distinct phases in the development of the afferent innervation of the organ of Corti: (1) neurite growth and extension of both classes of afferents to all hair cells (E18-P0); (2) neurite refinement, with formation of the outer spiral bundles innervating outer hair cells (P0-P3); (3) neurite retraction and synaptic pruning to eliminate type I SGN innervation of outer hair cells, while retaining their innervation of inner hair cells (P3-P6). The characterization of this developmental innervation pattern was made possible by the finding that tetramethylrhodamine-conjugated dextran (TMRD) specifically labeled type I SGN. Peripherin and choline-acetyltransferase immunofluorescence confirmed the type II and efferent innervation patterns, respectively, and verified the specificity of the type I SGN neurites labeled by TMRD. These findings define the precise spatiotemporal neurite reorganization of the two afferent nerve fiber populations in the cochlea, which is crucial for auditory neurotransmission. This reorganization also establishes the cochlea as a model system for studying CNS synapse development, plasticity and elimination.

Targeting the PDZ domains of molecular scaffolds of transmembrane ion channels

The family of multidomain proteins known as the synaptic associated proteins (SAPs) act as molecular scaffolds, playing an important role in the signaling and maintenance of several receptors and channels. The SAPs consist of 5 individual protein domains: 3 PDZ (PSD95, Disc Large, Zo1) domains, an SH3 domain, and an inactive guanyl kinase (GK) domain. The 3 PDZ domains bind the C-termini of specific receptors and channels, leading to the transient association with cytoskeletal and signaling proteins. Molecules targeting specific domains of the SAPs may provide a novel route for the regulation of channel and receptor function. Here we describe a structural-based approach for the development of such inhibitors for the PDZ domains of SAP90. The high sequence homology of the 3 domains has necessitated targeting regions outside the canonical binding pocket. The structural features of the PDZ domains with the C-termini of different receptors (GluR6), channels (Kv1.4), and cytoskeletal proteins (CRIPT) provide insight into targeting these regions.

Identification of PSD-95 as a Regulator of Dopamine-Mediated Synaptic and Behavioral Plasticity

To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying psychostimulant-elicited plasticity in the brain reward system, we undertook a phenotype-driven approach using genome-wide microarray profiling of striatal transcripts from three genetic and one pharmacological mouse models of psychostimulant or dopamine supersensitivity. A small set of co-affected genes was identified. One of these genes encoding the synaptic scaffolding protein PSD-95 is downregulated in the striatum of all three mutants and in chronically, but not acutely, cocaine-treated mice. At the synaptic level, enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) of the frontocortico-accumbal glutamatergic synapses correlates with PSD-95 reduction in every case. Finally, targeted deletion of PSD-95 in an independent line of mice enhances LTP, augments the acute locomotor-stimulating effects of cocaine, but leads to no further behavioral plasticity in response to chronic cocaine. Our findings uncover a previously unappreciated role of PSD-95 in psychostimulant action and identify a molecular and cellular mechanism shared between drug-related plasticity and learning.

Ca2+–calmodulin signalling pathway up-regulates GABA synaptic transmission through cytoskeleton-mediated mechanisms

We investigated the role of calcium (Ca(2+))/calmodulin (CaM) signaling pathways in modulating GABA synaptic transmission at CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices. Whole-cell pipettes were used to record type A GABA receptor (GABA(A)R)-gated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and to perfuse intracellularly modulators in the presence of glutamate receptor antagonists. GABA(A)R-gated IPSCs were enhanced by the postsynaptic infusions of adenophostin (1 microM), a potent agonist of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) that induces Ca(2+) release. The enhancement was blocked by co-infusing either 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (10 mM) or CaM-binding peptide (100 microM). Moreover, the postsynaptic infusion of Ca(2+)-CaM (40/10 microM) enhanced both evoked and spontaneous GABA(A)R-gated IPSCs. The enhancement was attenuated by co-infusing 100 microM CaM-KII(281-301), an autoinhibitory peptide of CaM-dependent protein kinases. These results indicate that postsynaptic Ca(2+)-CaM signaling pathways essentially enhance GABAergic synaptic transmission. In the investigation of synaptic targets for the enhancement, we found that IP(3)R agonist-enhanced GABA(A)R-gated IPSCs were attenuated by co-infusing colchicine (30 microM), vincristine (3 microM) or cytochalasin D (1 microM) that inhibits tubulin or actin polymerization, implying that actin filament and microtubules are involved. We conclude that postsynaptic Ca(2+)-CaM signaling pathways strengthen the function of GABAergic synapses via a cytoskeleton-mediated mechanism, probably the recruitment of receptors in the postsynaptic membrane.

Allosteric regulation and spatial distribution of kainate receptors bound to ancillary proteins

A diverse range of accessory proteins regulates the behaviour of most ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels. For glutamate receptor 6 (GluR6) kainate receptors, two unrelated proteins, concanavalin-A (Con-A) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), bind to extra- and intracellular domains, respectively, but are reported to exert similar effects on GluR6 desensitization behaviour. We have tested the hypothesis that distinct allosteric binding sites control GluR6 receptors via a common transduction pathway. Rapid agonist application to excised patches revealed that neither Con-A nor PSD-95 affect the onset of desensitization. The rate of desensitization elicited by 10 mM L-glutamate was similar in control (taufast = 5.5 +/- 0.4 ms), Con-A-treated patches (taufast = 6.1 +/- 0.5 ms) and patches containing PSD-95 and GluR6 receptors (taufast = 4.7 +/- 0.6 ms). Likewise, the time course of recovery from GluR6 desensitization was similar in both control and Con-A conditions, whereas PSD-95 accelerated recovery almost twofold. Peak and steady-state (SS) dose-response relationships to glutamate were unchanged by lectin treatment (e.g. control, EC50(SS) = 31 +/- 28 microM vs Con-A, EC50(SS) = 45 +/- 9 microM, n = 6), suggesting that Con-A does not convert non-conducting channels with high agonist affinity into an open conformation. Instead, we demonstrate that the effects of Con-A on macroscopic responses reflect a shift in the relative contribution of different open states of the channel. In contrast, the effect of PSD-95 on recovery behaviour suggests that the association between kainate receptors and cytoskeletal proteins regulates signalling at glutamatergic synapses. Our results show that Con-A and PSD-95 regulate kainate receptors via distinct allosteric mechanisms targeting selective molecular steps in the transduction pathway.

DLG differentially localizes Shaker K+-channels in the central nervous system and retina of Drosophila

Subcellular localization of ion channels is crucial for the transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system. Here we show that Discs-Large (DLG), a member of the MAGUK (membrane-associated guanylate kinases) family in Drosophila, co-localizes with Shaker potassium channels (Sh Kch) in most synaptic areas of the adult brain and in the outer membrane of photoreceptors. However, DLG is absent from axonal tracts in which Sh channels are concentrated. Truncation of the C-terminal of Sh (including the PDZ binding site) disturbs its pattern of distribution in both CNS and retina, while truncation of the guanylate kinase/C-terminal domain of DLG induces ectopic localization of these channels to neuronal somata in the CNS, but does not alter the distribution of channels in photoreceptors. Immunocytochemical, membrane fractionation and detergent solubilization analysis indicate that the C-terminal of Sh Kch is required for proper trafficking to its final destination. Thus, several major conclusions emerge from this study. First, DLG plays a major role in the localization of Sh channels in the CNS and retina. Second, localization of DLG in photoreceptors but not in the CNS seems to depend on its interaction with Sh. Third, the guanylate kinase/C-terminal domain of DLG is involved in the trafficking of Shaker channels but not of DLG in the CNS. Fourth, different mechanisms for the localization of Sh Kch operate in different cell types.

Scaffolding proteins organize multimolecular protein complexes for sensory signal transduction

Scaffolding proteins composed of protein-protein interaction domains have emerged as organizers of multiprotein complexes in diverse cellular compartments, including neuronal synapses, cell-cell junctions of epithelial cells, and the stimulus perceiving structures of sensory neurons. This review focuses on the INAD-assembled signalling complex of Drosophila photoreceptors, which organizes key components of the phototransduction cascade into a multiprotein signal transduction unit. The structure, the physiological consequences, and the assembly and targeting of the members of the INAD signalling complex will be described. In addition, the existence of signalling complexes in vertebrate photoreceptors, olfactory neurons and mechanosensitive hair cells will be discussed.

Characterization of a novel synGAP isoform, synGAP-beta

We cloned a cDNA encoding a novel synGAP, synGAP-d (GenBank(TM) accession number ), from a rat brain cDNA library. The clone consisted of 4801 nucleotides with a coding sequence of 3501 nucleotides, encoded a protein consisting of 1166 amino acids with >99% homology with 1092 amino acid overlaps to synGAP, and contained a 13-nucleotide insertion to the previously reported synGAP mRNAs, which suggested that the clone was a splice variant of synGAP. We also found that there are at least seven variants in the 3' portion of the synGAP mRNA and that they encoded five different protein isoforms. The coding sequence of these C-terminal variants were classified into alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2, beta3, beta4, and gamma, and synGAP-d was classified as the beta1 form. The previously reported synGAPs (synGAP-a, -b, and -c and p135synGAP) can be classified as the alpha1 isoform. All isoforms were expressed specifically in the brain. Unexpectedly, the beta isoform, which lacks a C-terminal PSD-95-binding motif ((S/T)XV), was more restricted to the postsynaptic density fraction than the motif-containing alpha1 isoform. The beta isoform did not interact with PSD-95 but specifically interacted with a nonphosphorylated alpha subunit of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II through its unique C-terminal tail.

Plasma membrane Ca2+-atpase isoforms 2b and 4b interact promiscuously and selectively with members of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase family of PDZ (PSD95/Dlg/ZO-1) domain-containing proteins

Spatial and temporal regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) signaling depends on localized Ca(2+) microdomains containing the requisite molecular components for Ca(2+) influx, efflux, and signal transmission. Plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) isoforms of the "b" splice type contain predicted PDZ (PSD95/Dlg/ZO-1) interaction domains. The COOH-terminal tail of PMCA2b isolated the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) protein SAP97/hDlg as a binding partner in a yeast two-hybrid screen. The related MAGUKs SAP90/PSD95, PSD93/chapsyn-110, SAP97, and SAP102 all bound to the COOH-terminal tail of PMCA4b, whereas only the first three bound to the tail of PMCA2b. Coimmunoprecipitations confirmed the interaction selectivity between PMCA4b and SAP102 as opposed to the promiscuity of PMCA2b and 4b in interacting with other SAPs. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy revealed the exclusive presence and colocalization of PMCA4b and SAP97 in the basolateral membrane of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells. In hippocampal neurons, PMCA2b was abundant throughout the somatodendritic compartment and often extended into the neck and head of individual spines where it colocalized with SAP90/PSD95. These data show that PMCA "b" splice forms interact promiscuously but also with specificity with different members of the PSD95 family of SAPs. PMCA-SAP interactions may play a role in the recruitment and maintenance of the PMCA at specific membrane domains involved in local Ca(2+) regulation.

Potential role of synaptopodin in spine motility by coupling actin to the spine apparatus

Dendritic spines are dynamic structures that rapidly remodel their shape and size. These morphological adaptations are regulated by changes in synaptic activity, and result from rearrangements of the postsynaptic cytoskeleton. A cytoskeletal molecule preferentially found in mature spines is the actin-associated protein synaptopodin. It is strongly expressed by spine-bearing neurons in the olfactory bulb, striatum, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. In the hippocampus, principal cells express synaptopodin mRNA and sort the protein to the spine compartment. Within the spine microdomain, synaptopodin is preferentially located in the spine neck and is closely associated with the spine apparatus. On the basis of these data we hypothesize that synaptopodin could affect spine motility by bundling actin filaments in the spine neck. In addition, it could link the actin cytoskeleton of spines to intracellular calcium stores, i.e., the spine apparatus and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

Type II brain 4.1 (4.1B/KIAA0987), a member of the protein 4.1 family, is localized to neuronal paranodes

Histochemical analyses of type II brain 4.1/4.1B/KIAA0987, a member of the protein 4.1 family, were carried out in rat brain. In situ hybridization (ISH) showed that type II brain 4.1 mRNA is expressed in a variety of neuronal cells. In particular, type II brain 4.1 mRNA was actively transcribed in the cells of the mesencephalon and the brainstem, which have large myelinated nerve fibers. Expression of type II brain 4.1 mRNA was not observed at least in glial cells distributed in nerve fiber tracts. In immunohistochemical studies using anti-type II brain 4.1-specific antibody, the major immunosignals appeared as brilliant pairs of dots along nerve fibers. Such immunosignals were detected throughout the brain, but were highly concentrated in nerve fiber tracts. These data suggested that type II brain 4.1 is predominantly localized to neuronal paranodes. Detailed analysis concentrating on the nodal region indicated that type II brain 4.1 is present at the paranodal membrane but not in the axoplasm. Weaker type II brain 4.1-specific immunosignals were observed along the internodal membrane of myelinated axons and in the cytoplasm of some neuronal cells. Finally, comparative immunohistochemical studies using antibodies against the other three protein 4.1 family members, type I brain 4.1/4.1N/KIAA0338, erythroid type 4.1 (4.1R) and 4.1G, demonstrated that each of these proteins is distributed in a unique pattern in the cerebellum. Our results are the first to show that type II brain 4.1 is the only member of the protein 4.1 family localized to neuronal paranodes.

PDZ domains in synapse assembly and signalling

Synaptic junctions are highly specialized structures designed to promote the rapid and efficient transmission of signals from the presynaptic terminal to the postsynaptic membrane within the central nervous system. Proteins containing PDZ domains play a fundamental organizational role at both the pre- and postsynaptic plasma membranes. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the assembly of synapses in the central nervous system.

Molecular determinants of presynaptic active zones

The presynaptic cytoskeletal matrix (cytomatrix) assembled at active zones has been implicated in defining neurotransmitter release sites. Munc13, Rim, Bassoon and Piccolo/Aczonin are recently identified presynaptic cytomatrix proteins. These multidomain proteins are thought to organize the exocytotic and endocytotic machinery precisely at active zones.

Regulation of neuregulin signaling by PSD-95 interacting with ErbB4 at CNS synapses

Neuregulins (NRGs) and their receptors, the ErbB protein tyrosine kinases, are essential for neuronal development, but their functions in the adult CNS are unknown. We report that ErbB4 is enriched in the postsynaptic density (PSD) and associates with PSD-95. Heterologous expression of PSD-95 enhanced NRG activation of ErbB4 and MAP kinase. Conversely, inhibiting expression of PSD-95 in neurons attenuated NRG-mediated activation of MAP kinase. PSD-95 formed a ternary complex with two molecules of ErbB4, suggesting that PSD-95 facilitates ErbB4 dimerization. Finally, NRG suppressed induction of long-term potentiation in the hippocampal CA1 region without affecting basal synaptic transmission. Thus, NRG signaling may be synaptic and regulated by PSD-95. A role of NRG signaling in the adult CNS may be modulation of synaptic plasticity.

Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction: molecular components and mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity

Understanding the mechanisms that mediate synaptic plasticity is a primary goal of molecular neuroscience. The Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction provides a particularly useful model for investigating the roles of synaptic components in both structural and functional plasticity. The powerful molecular genetics of this system makes it possible to uncover new synaptic components and signaling molecules, as well as their function in the intact organism. Together with the mouse hippocampus and Aplysia dissociated cell culture, the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction has been among the most valuable model systems for examining the molecular and cellular basis of neuronal plasticity.

Piccolo, a presynaptic zinc finger protein structurally related to bassoon

Piccolo is a novel component of the presynaptic cytoskeletal matrix (PCM) assembled at the active zone of neurotransmitter release. Analysis of its primary structure reveals that Piccolo is a multidomain zinc finger protein structurally related to Bassoon, another PCM protein. Both proteins were found to be shared components of glutamatergic and GABAergic CNS synapses but not of the cholinergic neuromuscular junction. The Piccolo zinc fingers were found to interact with the dual prenylated rab3A and VAMP2/Synaptobrevin II receptor PRA1. We show that PRA1 is a synaptic vesicle-associated protein that is colocalized with Piccolo in nerve terminals of hippocampal primary neurons. These data suggest that Piccolo plays a role in the trafficking of synaptic vesicles (SVs) at the active zone.

Synaptic vesicle biogenesis

Synaptic vesicles, which have been a paradigm for the fusion of a vesicle with its target membrane, also serve as a model for understanding the formation of a vesicle from its donor membrane. Synaptic vesicles, which are formed and recycled at the periphery of the neuron, contain a highly restricted set of neuronal proteins. Insight into the trafficking of synaptic vesicle proteins has come from studying not only neurons but also neuroendocrine cells, which form synaptic-like microvesicles (SLMVs). Formation and recycling of synaptic vesicles/SLMVs takes place from the early endosome and the plasma membrane. The cytoplasmic machinery of synaptic vesicle/SLMV formation and recycling has been studied by a variety of experimental approaches, in particular using cell-free systems. This has revealed distinct machineries for membrane budding and fission. Budding is mediated by clathrin and clathrin adaptors, whereas fission is mediated by dynamin and its interacting protein SH3p4, a lysophosphatidic acid acyl transferase.

Cellular and subcellular localization of a newly identified member of the protein 4.1 family, brain 4.1, in the cerebellum of adult and postnatally developing rats

For obtaining a deeper insight into the properties of a newly characterized member of the protein 4.1 family, brain 4.1, the cellular and subcellular localization was investigated in the cerebellar cortex of adult and postnatally developing rats. Fluorescent immunohistochemical observations showed that brain 4.1 localized predominantly to glomeruli in the granular layer and throughout the molecular layer in adult rat cerebellar cortex. Analysis of subcellular localization of brain 4.1 by immuno-electron microscopy further demonstrated that presynaptic terminals of mossy fibers and parallel fibers, cytoplasm of granule cells and cytoplasm and/or processes of glial cells contained brain 4.1 while postsynaptic regions of the dendrites of granule cells and Purkinje cells, axons and myelin sheaths did not. Thus, one of the major subcellular destination of brain 4.1 was presynaptic terminal in the cerebellum. This was further supported by the fact that the immunostaining pattern of brain 4.1 in the cerebellum changed in a similar way to that of a synaptic terminal marker, synaptophysin during the postnatal development. Immunoblot analysis also demonstrated that contents of brain 4.1 isoforms varied in parallel with the changes of the immunostaining pattern. Biochemical analysis confirmed the presence of brain 4.1 at synaptic terminals, but there was no obvious correlation between each isoform and its subcellular localization. These results suggested that brain 4.1 is involved in the formation and maintenance of synapse as a membrane skeletal component at presynaptic terminals in the cerebellum.

nRap GEP: a novel neural GDP/GTP exchange protein for rap1 small G protein that interacts with synaptic scaffolding molecule (S-SCAM)

Synaptic scaffolding molecule (S-SCAM) has six PDZ domains through which it interacts with N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and neuroligin at synaptic junctions. We isolated here a novel S-SCAM-binding protein. This protein has one PDZ, one Ras association, one Ras GDP/GTP exchange protein (Ras GEP) domain, and one C-terminal consensus motif for binding to PDZ domains. We named it nRap GEP (neural Rap GEP). nRap GEP moreover has an incomplete cyclic AMP (cAMP)-binding (CAB) domain. The domain organization of nRap GEP is similar to that of Epac/cAMP-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) I, except that Epac/cAMP-GEFI has complete CAB and Ras GEP domains but lacks the other two domains and the C-terminal motif. nRap GEP showed GEP activity for Rap1 but did not bind cAMP. nRap GEP was specifically expressed in rat brain. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that nRap GEP and S-SCAM were localized at synaptic areas of the cerebellum. These results suggest that nRap GEP is a novel neural Rap1-specific GEP which is associated with S-SCAM.

Proline-rich synapse-associated proteins ProSAP1 and ProSAP2 interact with synaptic proteins of the SAPAP/GKAP family

We have recently isolated a novel proline-rich synapse-associated protein-1 (ProSAP1) that is highly enriched in postsynaptic density (PSD). A closely related multidomain protein, ProSAP2, shares a highly conserved PDZ (PSD-95/discs-large/ZO-1) domain (80% identity), a ppI domain that mediates the interaction with cortactin, and a C-terminal SAM (sterile alpha-motif) domain. In addition, ProSAP2 codes for five ankyrin repeats and a SH3 (Src homology 3) domain. Transcripts for both proteins are coexpressed in many regions of rat brain, but show a distinct expression pattern in the cerebellum. Using the PDZ domains of ProSAP1 and 2 as bait in the yeast two-hybrid system, we isolated several clones of the SAPAP/GKAP (SAP90/PSD-95-associated protein/guanylate kinase-associated protein) family. The association of the proteins was verified by coimmunoprecipitation and cotransfection in HEK cells. Therefore, proteins of the ProSAP family represent a novel link between SAP90/PSD-95 bound membrane receptors and the cytoskeleton at glutamatergic synapses of the central nervous system.

Synamon, a novel neuronal protein interacting with synapse-associated protein 90/postsynaptic density-95-associated protein

Guanylate kinase-associated protein (GKAP)/SAP90/PSD-95-associated protein (SAPAP)/DLG-associated protein (DAP) is a protein of the postsynaptic density (PSD), and binds to the guanylate kinase domain of PSD-95/synapse-associated protein (SAP) 90 and synaptic scaffolding molecule. GKAP/SAPAP/DAP recruits PSD-95/SAP90 and its interacting protein, brain-enriched guanylate kinase-interacting protein, into the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction in transfected cells, suggesting that GKAP/SAPAP/DAP may link several PSD components to the Triton X-100-insoluble structures in the PSD. We have identified here a novel neuronal GKAP/SAPAP/DAP-binding protein and named it synamon. Synamon has seven ankyrin repeats at the NH(2) terminus followed by one src homology 3 domain and one PSD-95/Dlg-A/ZO-1 domain, and several proline-rich regions at the carboxyl terminus. Synamon interacts with the COOH-terminal region of GKAP/SAPAP/DAP via the middle region containing a PSD-95/Dlg-A/ZO-1 domain. Synamon was coimmunoprecipitated with SAPAP from rat crude synaptosomes and colocalized with SAPAP in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Because synamon is composed of various protein-interacting modules, it may also interact with proteins other than GKAP/SAPAP/DAP to organize the architecture of the PSD.

A novel neuron-enriched homolog of the erythrocyte membrane cytoskeletal protein 4.1

We report the molecular cloning and characterization of 4.1N, a novel neuronal homolog of the erythrocyte membrane cytoskeletal protein 4.1 (4.1R). The 879 amino acid protein shares 70, 36, and 46% identity with 4.1R in the defined membrane-binding, spectrin-actin-binding, and C-terminal domains, respectively. 4.1N is expressed in almost all central and peripheral neurons of the body and is detected in embryonic neurons at the earliest stage of postmitotic differentiation. Like 4.1R, 4.1N has multiple splice forms as evidenced by PCR and Western analysis. Whereas the predominant 4.1N isoform identified in brain is approximately 135 kDa, a smaller 100 kDa isoform is enriched in peripheral tissues. Immunohistochemical studies using a polyclonal 4.1N antibody revealed several patterns of neuronal staining, with localizations in the neuronal cell body, dendrites, and axons. In certain neuronal locations, including the granule cell layers of the cerebellum and dentate gyrus, a distinct punctate-staining pattern was observed consistent with a synaptic localization. In primary hippocampal cultures, mouse 4.1N is enriched at the discrete sites of synaptic contact, colocalizing with the postsynaptic density protein of 95 kDa (a postsynaptic marker) and glutamate receptor type 1 (an excitatory postsynaptic marker). By analogy with the roles of 4.1R in red blood cells, 4.1N may function to confer stability and plasticity to the neuronal membrane via interactions with multiple binding partners, including the spectrin-actin-based cytoskeleton, integral membrane channels and receptors, and membrane-associated guanylate kinases.

Regulation of DLG localization at synapses by CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation

Discs large (DLG) mediates the clustering of synaptic molecules. Here we demonstrate that synaptic localization of DLG itself is regulated by CaMKII. We show that DLG and CaMKII colocalize at synapses and exist in the same protein complex. Constitutively activated CaMKII phenocopied structural abnormalities of dlg mutant synapses and dramatically increased extrajunctional DLG. Decreased CaMKII activity caused opposite alterations. In vitro, CaMKII phosphorylated a DLG fragment with a stoichiometry close to one. Moreover, expression of site-directed dlg mutants that blocked or mimicked phosphorylation had effects similar to those observed upon inhibiting or constitutively activating CaMKII. We propose that CaMKII-dependent DLG phosphorylation regulates the association of DLG with the synaptic complex during development and plasticity, thus providing a link between synaptic activity and structure.

Isolation and characterization of mammalian homologues of Caenorhabditis elegans lin-7: localization at cell-cell junctions

In Caenorhabditis elegans, the vulval induction is mediated by the let-23 receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/ Ras signaling pathway. The precise localization of the let-23 RTK at the epithelial junctions is essential for the vulval induction, and requires three genes including lin-2, -7, and -10. The mammalian homologue of lin-2 has been identified as a protein interacting with a neuronal adhesion molecule, neurexin, and named CASK. CASK has recently been reported to interact with syndecans and an actin-binding protein, band 4.1, at epithelial and synaptic junctions, and to play central roles in the formation of cell-cell junctions. The product of C. elegans lin-7 directly interacts with let-23 RTK and localize it at epithelial junctions. Here, we report three rat homologues of lin-7 ubiquitously expressed in various tissues. These homologues are accumulated at the junctional complex region in cultured Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, and are also localized at the synaptic junctions in neurons. The mammalian homologues of lin-7 may be implicated in the formation of cell-cell junctions.

The presynaptic cytomatrix protein Bassoon: sequence and chromosomal localization of the human BSN gene

Bassoon is a novel 420-kDa protein recently identified as a component of the cytoskeleton at presynaptic neurotransmitter release sites. Analysis of the rat and mouse sequences revealed a polyglutamine stretch in the C-terminal part of the protein. Since it is known for some proteins that abnormal amplification of such polyglutamine regions can cause late-onset neurodegeneration, we cloned and localized the human BASSOON gene (BSN). Phage clones spanning most of the open reading frame and the 3' untranslated region were isolated from a human genomic library and used for chromosomal localization of BSN to chromosome 3p21 by FISH. The localization was confirmed by PCR on rodent/human somatic cell hybrids; it is consistent with the localization of the murine Bsn gene at chromosome 9F. Sequencing revealed a polyglutamine stretch of only five residues in human, and PCR amplifications from 50 individuals showed no obvious length polymorphism in this region. Analysis of the primary structure of Bassoon and comparison to previous database entries provide evidence for a newly emerging protein family.

MAGUIN, a novel neuronal membrane-associated guanylate kinase-interacting protein

Postsynaptic density (PSD)-95/Synapse-associated protein (SAP) 90 and synaptic scaffolding molecule (S-SCAM) are neuronal membrane-associated guanylate kinases. Because PSD-95/SAP90 and S-SCAM function as synaptic scaffolding proteins, identification of ligands for these proteins is important to elucidate the structure of synaptic junctions. Here, we report a novel protein interacting with the PDZ domains of PSD-95/SAP90 and S-SCAM and named it MAGUIN-1 (membrane-associated guanylate kinase-interacting protein-1). MAGUIN-1 has one sterile alpha motif, one PDZ, and one plekstrin homology domain. MAGUIN-1 is localized at the plasma membrane via the plekstrin homology domain and the C-terminal region and interacts with PSD-95/SAP90 and S-SCAM via a C-terminal PDZ domain-binding motif. MAGUIN-1 has a short isoform, MAGUIN-2, which lacks a PDZ domain-binding motif. MAGUINs are expressed in neurons and localized in the cell body and neurites and are coimmunoprecipitated with PSD-95/SAP90 and S-SCAM from rat crude synaptosome. MAGUIN-1 may play an important role with PSD-95/SAP90 and S-SCAM to assemble the components of synaptic junctions.

The junction-associated protein AF-6 interacts and clusters with specific Eph receptor tyrosine kinases at specialized sites of cell-cell contact in the brain

The AF-6/afadin protein, which contains a single PDZ domain, forms a peripheral component of cell membranes at specialized sites of cell-cell junctions. To identify potential receptor-binding targets of AF-6 we screened the PDZ domain of AF-6 against a range of COOH-terminal peptides selected from receptors having potential PDZ domain-binding termini. The PDZ domain of AF-6 interacts with a subset of members of the Eph subfamily of RTKs via its COOH terminus both in vitro and in vivo. Cotransfection of a green fluorescent protein-tagged AF-6 fusion protein with full-length Eph receptors into heterologous cells induces a clustering of the Eph receptors and AF-6 at sites of cell-cell contact. Immunohistochemical analysis in the adult rat brain reveals coclustering of AF-6 with Eph receptors at postsynaptic membrane sites of excitatory synapses in the hippocampus. Furthermore, AF-6 is a substrate for a subgroup of Eph receptors and phosphorylation of AF-6 is dependent on a functional kinase domain of the receptor. The physical interaction of endogenous AF-6 with Eph receptors is demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation from whole rat brain lysates. AF-6 is a candidate for mediating the clustering of Eph receptors at postsynaptic specializations in the adult rat brain.

Turnover analysis of glutamate receptors identifies a rapidly degraded pool of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit, NR1, in cultured cerebellar granule cells

The number, composition, and location of receptors in neurons are critically important factors in determining the neuron's response to neurotransmitters. The functional expression of receptors appears to be regulated both generally, at the level of transcription or translation, and locally, at the level of the individual synapse. A key component in the regulation of any protein is its turnover rate, which, measured in half-lives, ranges from a few minutes to several days. In the present study, we measured the turnover rates of subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors, the two major ionotropic glutamate receptors, using cultured cerebellar granule cells. Turnover rates for NR1, NR2A/B, GluR2/3, and GluR4 subunits were determined by pulse-chase labeling of cells with [35S]methionine. Half-lives were found to be 18 +/- 5 h and 23 +/- 8 h for the AMPA receptor subunits GluR2/3 and GluR4, respectively, and 16 +/- 5 h for NR2A. The NR1 subunit showed a biphasic decay with half-lives of 2 and 34 h for the rapidly and slowly degraded populations, respectively. Splice variants of the NR1 subunit with different carboxyl-terminal cassettes, C2 and C2', showed similar biphasic degradation patterns. To further characterize the rapidly degraded pool of NR1, surface receptors were labeled by biotinylation, and half-lives of the biotinylated proteins were determined. All surface NR1 was slowly degraded with a pattern similar to that of NR2A, GluR2/3, and GluR4, suggesting that the rapidly degraded pool is confined to the cytoplasm and not assembled with NR2 subunits. A significant amount of NR1 was not immunoprecipitated by NR2 subunit-specific antibodies after solubilization with deoxycholate. This unassembled pool, but not the assembled one, was greatly diminished following treatment of cycloheximide for 5 h, indicating that the rapidly degraded pool of NR1 is not assembled with NR2. These results show that NMDA and AMPA receptors have similar turnover rates, but NMDA receptors have a separate pool of NR1 subunits that is rapidly degraded and accounts for most of the intracellular pool.

Isolation of PSD-Zip45, a novel Homer/vesl family protein containing leucine zipper motifs, from rat brain

Using monoclonal antibody against the 45 kDa postsynaptic density protein, we isolated a novel isoform of Homer/vesl. The NH2-terminal region containing a PDZ domain of this protein is identical to that of Homer/vesl, and the COOH-terminal region containing unique leucine zippers shows self-multimerization. We named this protein PSD-Zip45. In addition to specific binding of PSD-Zip45 mediated by a PDZ domain to the metabotropic glutamate receptors 1alpha or 5, the distribution of PSD-Zip45 transcripts is highly consistent with that of metabotropic glutamate receptor transcripts. The PSD-Zip45 is, therefore, the first candidate as receptor anchoring proteins containing leucine zipper motifs in the central nervous system.

BEGAIN (brain-enriched guanylate kinase-associated protein), a novel neuronal PSD-95/SAP90-binding protein

PSD-95/SAP90 is a synaptic membrane-associated guanylate kinase with three PDZ, one SH3, and one guanylate kinase (GK) domain. PSD-95/SAP90 binds various proteins through the PDZ domains and organizes synaptic junctions. PSD-95/SAP90 also interacts with the postsynaptic density (PSD) fraction-enriched protein, named SAPAP (also called GKAP and DAP), through the GK domain. SAPAP is Triton X-100-insoluble and recruits PSD-95/SAP90 into the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction in the transfected cells, suggesting that SAPAP may fix PSD-95/SAP90 to the PSD. Here we report a novel protein interacting with the GK domain of PSD-95/SAP90, BEGAIN. BEGAIN is specifically expressed in brain and enriched in the PSD fraction. BEGAIN is Triton X-100-soluble in the transfected cells but is recruited to the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction by SAPAP when coexpressed with PSD-95/SAP90. BEGAIN may be a novel PSD component associated with the core complex of PSD-95/SAP90 and SAPAP.

A role for cyclin-dependent kinase(s) in the modulation of fast anterograde axonal transport: effects defined by olomoucine and the APC tumor suppressor protein

Proteins that interact with both cytoskeletal and membrane components are candidates to modulate membrane trafficking. The tumor suppressor proteins neurofibromin (NF1) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) both bind to microtubules and interact with membrane-associated proteins. The effects of recombinant NF1 and APC fragments on vesicle motility were evaluated by measuring fast axonal transport along microtubules in axoplasm from squid giant axons. APC4 (amino acids 1034-2844) reduced only anterograde movements, whereas APC2 (aa 1034-2130) or APC3 (aa 2130-2844) reduced both anterograde and retrograde transport. NF1 had no effect on organelle movement in either direction. Because APC contains multiple cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) consensus phosphorylation motifs, the kinase inhibitor olomoucine was examined. At concentrations in which olomoucine is specific for cyclin-dependent kinases (5 microM), it reduced only anterograde transport, whereas anterograde and retrograde movement were both affected at concentrations at which other kinases are inhibited as well (50 microM). Both anterograde and retrograde transport also were inhibited by histone H1 and KSPXK peptides, substrates for proline-directed kinases, including CDKs. Our data suggest that CDK-like axonal kinases modulate fast anterograde transport and that other axonal kinases may be involved in modulating retrograde transport. The specific effect of APC4 on anterograde transport suggests a model in which the binding of APC to microtubules may limit the activity of axonal CDK kinase or kinases in restricted domains, thereby affecting organelle transport.

SAP97 is associated with the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor GluR1 subunit

Rapid glutamatergic synaptic transmission is mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors and depends on their precise localization at postsynaptic membranes opposing the presynaptic neurotransmitter release sites. Postsynaptic localization of N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors may be mediated by the synapse-associated proteins (SAPs) SAP90, SAP102, and chapsyn-110. SAPs contain three PDZ domains that can interact with the C termini of proteins such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits that carry a serine or threonine at the -2 position and a valine, isoleucine, or leucine at the very C terminus (position 0). We now show that SAP97, a SAP whose function at the synapse has been unclear, is associated with alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors. AMPA receptors are probably tetramers and are formed by two or more of the four AMPA receptor subunits GluR1-4. GluR1 possesses a C-terminal consensus sequence for interactions with PDZ domains of SAPs. SAP97 was present in AMPA receptor complexes immunoprecipitated from detergent extracts of rat brain. After treatment of rat brain membrane fractions with the cross-linker dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate) and solubilization with sodium dodecylsulfate, SAP97 was associated with GluR1 but not GluR2 or GluR3. In vitro experiments with recombinant proteins indicate that SAP97 specifically associates with the C terminus of GluR1 but not other AMPA receptor subunits. Our findings suggest that SAP97 may be involved in localizing AMPA receptors at postsynaptic sites through its interaction with the GluR1 subunit.

Bassoon, a novel zinc-finger CAG/glutamine-repeat protein selectively localized at the active zone of presynaptic nerve terminals

The molecular architecture of the cytomatrix of presynaptic nerve terminals is poorly understood. Here we show that Bassoon, a novel protein of >400,000 Mr, is a new component of the presynaptic cytoskeleton. The murine bassoon gene maps to chromosome 9F. A comparison with the corresponding rat cDNA identified 10 exons within its protein-coding region. The Bassoon protein is predicted to contain two double-zinc fingers, several coiled-coil domains, and a stretch of polyglutamines (24 and 11 residues in rat and mouse, respectively). In some human proteins, e.g., Huntingtin, abnormal amplification of such poly-glutamine regions causes late-onset neurodegeneration. Bassoon is highly enriched in synaptic protein preparations. In cultured hippocampal neurons, Bassoon colocalizes with the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin and Piccolo, a presynaptic cytomatrix component. At the ultrastructural level, Bassoon is detected in axon terminals of hippocampal neurons where it is highly concentrated in the vicinity of the active zone. Immunogold labeling of synaptosomes revealed that Bassoon is associated with material interspersed between clear synaptic vesicles, and biochemical studies suggest a tight association with cytoskeletal structures. These data indicate that Bassoon is a strong candidate to be involved in cytomatrix organization at the site of neurotransmitter release.

Characterization of a new beta-spectrin gene which is predominantly expressed in brain

We recently identified a gene which shows high similarity to the beta-spectrin gene but with a different chromosomal location from either of the two known beta-spectrin genes [T. Nagase, K.-I. Ishikawa, D. Nakajima, M. Ohira, N. Seki, N. Miyajima, A. Tanaka, H. Kotani, N. Nomura, O. Ohara, Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes: VII. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which can code for large proteins in vitro, DNA Res. 4 (1997) 141-150]. In order to further characterize this new spectrin gene and its product, we isolated the rat counterpart of this gene and analyzed it in terms of its protein coding sequence, the tissue distribution of its mRNA and the product, and the regional distribution of the mRNA and the product in the brain. The results indicated that this gene was most abundantly transcribed in the brain and neurons were the predominant cell-type to express this gene. In particular, Purkinje cells were the richest in this gene product, and this new form of beta-spectrin was found more prominently in the dendrites than in the cell bodies. Since the expression pattern and the subcellular localization of this gene product were quiet distinct from those of the two beta-spectrin isoforms already characterized, this beta-spectrin gene would play an important role in neuronal membrane skeleton although it has been overlooked to date.

PDZ motifs in PTP-BL and RIL bind to internal protein segments in the LIM domain protein RIL

The specificity of protein-protein interactions in cellular signaling cascades is dependent on the sequence and intramolecular location of distinct amino acid motifs. We used the two-hybrid interaction trap to identify proteins that can associate with the PDZ motif-rich segment in the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-BL. A specific interaction was found with the Lin-11, Isl-1, Mec-3 (LIM) domain containing protein RIL. More detailed analysis demonstrated that the binding specificity resides in the second and fourth PDZ motif of PTP-BL and the LIM domain in RIL. Immunohistochemistry on various mouse tissues revealed a submembranous colocalization of PTP-BL and RIL in epithelial cells. Remarkably, there is also an N-terminal PDZ motif in RIL itself that can bind to the RIL-LIM domain. We demonstrate here that the RIL-LIM domain can be phosphorylated on tyrosine in vitro and in vivo and can be dephosphorylated in vitro by the PTPase domain of PTP-BL. Our data point to the presence of a double PDZ-binding interface on the RIL-LIM domain and suggest tyrosine phosphorylation as a regulatory mechanism for LIM-PDZ associations in the assembly of multiprotein complexes. These findings are in line with an important role of PDZ-mediated interactions in the shaping and organization of submembranous microenvironments of polarized cells.

Interactions of drebrin and gephyrin with profilin

Profilin is an actin monomer-binding protein which stimulates actin polymerization. Recent studies have revealed that profilin interacts with VASP, Mena, Bnilp, Bnrlp, and mDia, all of which have the proline-rich domain. Here, we isolated three profilin-binding proteins from rat brain cytosol by glutathione S-transferase-profilin affinity column chromatography and identified them as Mena, drebrin, and gephyrin. These proteins had a proline-rich domain and directly interacted with profilin.

Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase isoform 4b binds to membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) proteins via their PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1) domains

Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases are P-type pumps important for intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. The extreme C termini of alternatively spliced "b"-type Ca2+ pump isoforms resemble those of K+ channels and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits that interact with channel-clustering proteins of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family via PDZ domains. Yeast two-hybrid assays demonstrated strong interaction of Ca2+ pump 4b with the PDZ1 + 2 domains of several mammalian MAGUKs. Pump 4b and PSD-95 could be co-immunoprecipitated from COS-7 cells overexpressing these proteins. Surface plasmon resonance revealed that a C-terminal pump 4b peptide interacted with the PDZ1 + 2 domains of hDlg with nanomolar affinity (KD = 1.6 nM), whereas binding to PDZ3 was in the micromolar range (KD = 1.2 microM). In contrast, the corresponding C-terminal peptide of Ca2+ pump 2b interacted weakly with PDZ1 + 2 and not at all with PDZ3 of hDlg. Ca2+ pump 4b bound strongly to PDZ1 + 2 + 3 of hDlg on filter assays, whereas isoform 2b bound weakly, and the splice variants 2a and 4a failed to bind. Together, these data demonstrate a direct physical binding of Ca2+ pump isoform 4b to MAGUKs via their PDZ domains and reveal a novel role of alternative splicing within the family of plasma membrane Ca2+ pumps. Alternative splicing may dictate their specific interaction with PDZ domain-containing proteins, potentially influencing their localization and incorporation into functional multiprotein complexes at the plasma membrane.

The synthesis of ATP by glycolytic enzymes in the postsynaptic density and the effect of endogenously generated nitric oxide

The major contribution of this paper is the finding of a glycolytic source of ATP in the isolated postsynaptic density (PSD). The enzymes involved in the generation of ATP are glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is available for the regeneration of NAD+, as well as aldolase for the regeneration of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P). The ATP was shown to be used by the PSD Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and can probably be used by two other PSD kinases, protein kinase A and protein kinase C. We confirmed by immunocytochemistry the presence of G3PD in the PSD and its binding to actin. Also present in the PSD is NO synthase, the source of NO. NO increases the binding of NAD, a G3PD cofactor, to G3PD and inhibits its activity as also found by others. The increased NAD binding resulted in an increase in G3PD binding to actin. We confirmed the autophosphorylation of G3PD by ATP, and further found that this procedure also increased the binding of G3PD to actin. ATP and NO are connected in that the formation of NO from NOS at the PSD resulted, in the presence of NAD, in a decrease of ATP formation in the PSD. In the discussion, we raise the possible roles of G3PD and of ATP in protein synthesis at the PSD, the regulation by NO, as well as the overall regulatory role of the PSD complex in synaptic transmission.

Neurabin: a novel neural tissue-specific actin filament-binding protein involved in neurite formation

We purified from rat brain a novel actin filament (F-actin)-binding protein of approximately 180 kD (p180), which was specifically expressed in neural tissue. We named p180 neurabin (neural tissue-specific F-actin- binding protein). We moreover cloned the cDNA of neurabin from a rat brain cDNA library and characterized native and recombinant proteins. Neurabin was a protein of 1,095 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 122,729. Neurabin had one F-actin-binding domain at the NH2-terminal region, one PSD-95, DlgA, ZO-1-like domain at the middle region, a domain known to interact with transmembrane proteins, and domains predicted to form coiled-coil structures at the COOH-terminal region. Neurabin bound along the sides of F-actin and showed F-actin-cross-linking activity. Immunofluorescence microscopic analysis revealed that neurabin was highly concentrated in the synapse of the developed neurons. Neurabin was also concentrated in the lamellipodia of the growth cone during the development of neurons. Moreover, a study on suppression of endogenous neurabin in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons by treatment with an antisense oligonucleotide showed that neurabin was involved in the neurite formation. Neurabin is a candidate for key molecules in the synapse formation and function.

Synaptopodin: an actin-associated protein in telencephalic dendrites and renal podocytes

Synaptopodin is an actin-associated protein of differentiated podocytes that also occurs as part of the actin cytoskeleton of postsynaptic densities (PSD) and associated dendritic spines in a subpopulation of exclusively telencephalic synapses. Amino acid sequences determined in purified rat kidney and forebrain synaptopodin and derived from human and mouse brain cDNA clones show no significant homology to any known protein. In particular, synaptopodin does not contain functional domains found in receptor-clustering PSD proteins. The open reading frame of synaptopodin encodes a polypeptide with a calculated Mr of 73.7 kD (human)/74.0 kD (mouse) and an isoelectric point of 9.38 (human)/9. 27 (mouse). Synaptopodin contains a high amount of proline ( approximately 20%) equally distributed along the protein, thus virtually excluding the formation of any globular domain. Sequence comparison between human and mouse synaptopodin revealed 84% identity at the protein level. In both brain and kidney, in vivo and in vitro, synaptopodin gene expression is differentiation dependent. During postnatal maturation of rat brain, synaptopodin is first detected by Western blot analysis at day 15 and reaches maximum expression in the adult animal. The exclusive synaptopodin synthesis in the telencephalon has been confirmed by in situ hybridization, where synaptopodin mRNA is only found in perikarya of the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus, i.e., the expression is restricted to areas of high synaptic plasticity. From these results and experiments with cultured cells we conclude that synaptopodin represents a novel kind of proline-rich, actin-associated protein that may play a role in modulating actin-based shape and motility of dendritic spines and podocyte foot processes.

Synaptic clustering of the cell adhesion molecule fasciclin II by discs-large and its role in the regulation of presynaptic structure

The cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin II (FASII) is involved in synapse development and plasticity. Here we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that proper localization of FASII at type I glutamatergic synapses of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction is mediated by binding between the intracellular tSXV bearing C-terminal tail of FASII and the PDZ1-2 domains of Discs-Large (DLG). Moreover, mutations in fasII and/or dlg have similar effects on presynaptic ultrastructure, suggesting their functional involvement in a common developmental pathway. DLG can directly mediate a biochemical complex and a macroscopic cluster of FASII and Shaker K+ channels in heterologous cells. These results indicate a central role for DLG in the structural organization and downstream signaling mechanisms of cell adhesion molecules and ion channels at synapses.

Presynaptic recordings from Drosophila: correlation of macroscopic and single-channel K+ currents

We have performed direct electrophysiological recordings from Drosophila peptidergic synaptic boutons in situ, taking advantage of a mutation, ecdysone, which causes an increase in size of these terminals. Using patch-clamp techniques, we have analyzed voltage-dependent potassium currents at the macroscopic and single-channel level. The synaptic membrane contained at least two distinct voltage-activated potassium currents with different kinetics and voltage sensitivity: an IA-like current with fast activation and inactivation kinetics and voltage-dependent steady-state inactivation; a complex delayed current that includes a slowly inactivating component, resembling the IK described in other preparations; and a noninactivating component. The IA-like current in these peptidergic boutons is not encoded by the gene Shaker, because it is not affected by null mutations at this locus. Rather, synaptic IA has properties similar to those of the Shal-encoded IA. Single-channel recordings revealed the presence in synaptic membranes of three different potassium channel types (A2, KD, KL), with biophysical properties that could account for the macroscopic currents and resemble those of the Shal, Shab, and Shaw channels described in heterologous expression systems and Drosophila neuronal somata. A2 channels (6-9 pS) have brief open times, and like the macroscopic IA they exhibited voltage-dependent steady-state inactivation and a rapidly inactivating ensemble average current profile. KD channels (13-16 pS) had longer open times, activate and inactivate with much slower kinetics, and may account for the slowly inactivating component of the macroscopic current. KL (44-54 pS) channels produced a noninactivating ensemble average and may contribute to the delayed macroscopic current observed.