The role of Piccolo in cancer treatment: relationship with EGFR and related therapies, and a marker for new targeted therapies

Synaptic logistics: The presynaptic scaffold protein Piccolo a nodal point tuning synaptic vesicle recycling, maintenance and integrity

Properly working synapses are one important guarantor for a functional and healthy brain. They are small, densely packed structures, where information is transmitted through the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles (SVs). The latter cycle within the presynaptic terminal as they first fuse with the plasma membrane to deliver their neurotransmitter, and afterwards become recycled and prepared for a new release event. The synapse is an autonomous structure functioning mostly independent of the neuronal soma. Dysfunction in synaptic processes associated with local insults or genetic abnormalities can directly compromise synapse function and integrity and subsequently lead to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, measures need to be in place counteracting these threats for instance through the continuous replacement of old and damaged SV proteins. Interestingly recent studies show that the presynaptic scaffolding protein Piccolo contributes to health, function and integrity of synapses, as it mediates the delivery of synaptic proteins from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) towards synapses, as well as the local recycling and turnover of SV proteins within synaptic terminals. It can fulfill these various tasks through its multi-domain structure and ability to interact with numerous binding partners. In addition, Piccolo has recently been linked with the early onset neurodegenerative disease Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 3 (PCH3) further underlying its importance for neuronal health. In this review, we will focus on Piccolo's contributions to synapse function, health and integrity and make a connection how those may contribute to the disease pattern of PCH3.