Slitrk2 controls excitatory synapse development via PDZ-mediated protein interactions

Sci Rep. 2019 Nov 19;9(1):17094. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-53519-1.

Abstract

Members of the Slitrk (Slit- and Trk-like protein) family of synaptic cell-adhesion molecules control excitatory and inhibitory synapse development through isoform-dependent extracellular interactions with leukocyte common antigen-related receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (LAR-RPTPs). However, how Slitrks participate in activation of intracellular signaling pathways in postsynaptic neurons remains largely unknown. Here we report that, among the six members of the Slitrk family, only Slitrk2 directly interacts with the PDZ domain-containing excitatory scaffolds, PSD-95 and Shank3. The interaction of Slitrk2 with PDZ proteins is mediated by the cytoplasmic COOH-terminal PDZ domain-binding motif (Ile-Ser-Glu-Leu), which is not found in other Slitrks. Mapping analyses further revealed that a single PDZ domain of Shank3 is responsible for binding to Slitrk2. Slitrk2 forms in vivo complexes with membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family proteins in addition to PSD-95 and Shank3. Intriguingly, in addition to its role in synaptic targeting in cultured hippocampal neurons, the PDZ domain-binding motif of Slitrk2 is required for Slitrk2 promotion of excitatory synapse formation, transmission, and spine development in the CA1 hippocampal region. Collectively, our data suggest a new molecular mechanism for conferring isoform-specific regulatory actions of the Slitrk family in orchestrating intracellular signal transduction pathways in postsynaptic neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / cytology
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein / genetics
  • Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurogenesis
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • PDZ Domains*
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs*
  • Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 2 / genetics
  • Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 2 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission*

Substances

  • Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein
  • Dlg4 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Shank3 protein, mouse
  • Slitrk protein, mouse
  • Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 2