Neurobeachin regulates neurotransmitter receptor trafficking to synapses

J Cell Biol. 2013 Jan 7;200(1):61-80. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201207113. Epub 2012 Dec 31.

Abstract

The surface density of neurotransmitter receptors at synapses is a key determinant of synaptic efficacy. Synaptic receptor accumulation is regulated by the transport, postsynaptic anchoring, and turnover of receptors, involving multiple trafficking, sorting, motor, and scaffold proteins. We found that neurons lacking the BEACH (beige-Chediak/Higashi) domain protein Neurobeachin (Nbea) had strongly reduced synaptic responses caused by a reduction in surface levels of glutamate and GABA(A) receptors. In the absence of Nbea, immature AMPA receptors accumulated early in the biosynthetic pathway, and mature N-methyl-d-aspartate, kainate, and GABA(A) receptors did not reach the synapse, whereas maturation and surface expression of other membrane proteins, synapse formation, and presynaptic function were unaffected. These data show that Nbea regulates synaptic transmission under basal conditions by targeting neurotransmitter receptors to synapses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Transport / physiology
  • Receptors, GABA-A / genetics
  • Receptors, GABA-A / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Kainic Acid / genetics
  • Receptors, Kainic Acid / metabolism*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / genetics
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*
  • Synapses / genetics
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nbea protein, mouse
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Receptors, Kainic Acid
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate