GSBS Student Publications
Title
A critical step for postsynaptic F-actin organization: regulation of Baz/Par-3 localization by aPKC and PTEN
GSBS Program
Neuroscience
Publication Date
2009-8
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Neurobiology; Budnik Lab; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Program
Document Type
Article
Disciplines
Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Abstract
Actin remodeling has emerged as a critical process during synapse development and plasticity. Thus, understanding the regulatory mechanisms controlling actin organization at synapses is exceedingly important. Here, we used the highly plastic Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) to understand mechanisms of actin remodeling at postsynaptic sites. Previous studies have suggested that the actin-binding proteins Spectrin and Coracle play a critical role in NMJ development and the anchoring of glutamate receptors most likely through actin regulation. Here, we show that an additional determinant of actin organization at the postsynaptic region is the PDZ protein Baz/Par-3. Decreasing Baz levels in postsynaptic muscles has dramatic consequences for the size of F-actin and spectrin domains at the postsynaptic region. In turn, proper localization of Baz at this site depends on both phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events. Baz phosphorylation by its binding partner, atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), is required for normal Baz targeting to the postsynaptic region. However, the retention of Baz at this site depends on its dephosphorylation mediated by the lipid and protein phosphatase PTEN. Misregulation of the phosphorylation state of Baz by genetic alterations in PTEN or aPKC activity has detrimental consequences for postsynaptic F-actin and spectrin localization, synaptic growth, and receptor localization. Our results provide a novel mechanism of postsynaptic actin regulation through Baz, governed by the antagonistic actions of aPKC and PTEN. Given the conservation of these proteins from worms to mammals, these results are likely to provide new insight into actin organization pathways. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009.
DOI of Published Version
10.1002/dneu.20728
Source
Dev Neurobiol. 2009 Aug;69(9):583-602. Link to article on publisher's site
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Developmental neurobiology
Related Resources
PubMed ID
19472188
Repository Citation
Ramachandran, Preethi; Barria, Romina; Ashley, James A.; and Budnik, Vivian, "A critical step for postsynaptic F-actin organization: regulation of Baz/Par-3 localization by aPKC and PTEN" (2009). GSBS Student Publications. 1717.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/gsbs_sp/1717