Angiotensin-Receptor-Associated Protein Modulates Ca2+ Signals in Photoreceptor and Mossy Fiber cells

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 23;9(1):19622. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-55380-8.

Abstract

Fast, precise and sustained neurotransmission requires graded Ca2+ signals at the presynaptic terminal. Neurotransmitter release depends on a complex interplay of Ca2+ fluxes and Ca2+ buffering in the presynaptic terminal that is not fully understood. Here, we show that the angiotensin-receptor-associated protein (ATRAP) localizes to synaptic terminals throughout the central nervous system. In the retinal photoreceptor synapse and the cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell synapse, we find that ATRAP is involved in the generation of depolarization-evoked synaptic Ca2+ transients. Compared to wild type, Ca2+ imaging in acutely isolated preparations of the retina and the cerebellum from ATRAP knockout mice reveals a significant reduction of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity. Thus, in addition to its conventional role in angiotensin signaling, ATRAP also modulates presynaptic Ca2+ signaling within the central nervous system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mossy Fibers, Hippocampal / metabolism*
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Agtrap protein, mouse