Syndapin promotes formation of a postsynaptic membrane system in Drosophila

Mol Biol Cell. 2009 Apr;20(8):2254-64. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e08-10-1072. Epub 2009 Feb 25.

Abstract

Syndapins belong to the F-BAR domain protein family whose predicted functions in membrane tubulation remain poorly studied in vivo. At Drosophila neuromuscular junctions, syndapin is associated predominantly with a tubulolamellar postsynaptic membrane system known as the subsynaptic reticulum (SSR). We show that syndapin overexpression greatly expands this postsynaptic membrane system. Syndapin can expand the SSR in the absence of dPAK and Dlg, two known regulators of SSR development. Syndapin's N-terminal F-BAR domain, required for membrane tubulation in cultured cells, is required for SSR expansion. Consistent with a model in which syndapin acts directly on postsynaptic membrane, SSR expansion requires conserved residues essential for membrane binding in vitro. However, syndapin's Src homology (SH) 3 domain, which negatively regulates membrane tubulation in cultured cells, is required for synaptic targeting and strong SSR induction. Our observations advance knowledge of syndapin protein function by 1) demonstrating the in vivo relevance of membrane remodeling mechanisms suggested by previous in vitro and structural analyses, 2) showing that SH3 domains are necessary for membrane expansion observed in vivo, and 3) confirming that F-BAR proteins control complex membrane structures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila Proteins / chemistry
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / cytology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / ultrastructure
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism*
  • Intracellular Membranes / ultrastructure
  • Larva / cytology
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Neuromuscular Junction / cytology
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / ultrastructure
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Synd protein, Drosophila