A postsynaptic spectrin scaffold defines active zone size, spacing, and efficacy at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction

J Cell Biol. 2006 Nov 6;175(3):491-503. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200607036.

Abstract

Synaptic connections are established with characteristic, cell type-specific size and spacing. In this study, we document a role for the postsynaptic Spectrin skeleton in this process. We use transgenic double-stranded RNA to selectively eliminate alpha-Spectrin, beta-Spectrin, or Ankyrin. In the absence of postsynaptic alpha- or beta-Spectrin, active zone size is increased and spacing is perturbed. In addition, subsynaptic muscle membranes are significantly altered. However, despite these changes, the subdivision of the synapse into active zone and periactive zone domains remains intact, both pre- and postsynaptically. Functionally, altered active zone dimensions correlate with an increase in quantal size without a change in presynaptic vesicle size. Mechanistically, beta-Spectrin is required for the localization of alpha-Spectrin and Ankyrin to the postsynaptic membrane. Although Ankyrin is not required for the localization of the Spectrin skeleton to the neuromuscular junction, it contributes to Spectrin-mediated synapse development. We propose a model in which a postsynaptic Spectrin-actin lattice acts as an organizing scaffold upon which pre- and postsynaptic development are arranged.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Ankyrins / genetics
  • Ankyrins / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / cytology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
  • Electrophysiology
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials
  • Larva
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Muscles / innervation
  • Muscles / metabolism*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / growth & development*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism
  • Neuromuscular Junction / ultrastructure
  • Presynaptic Terminals / ultrastructure
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA Interference
  • Spectrin / genetics
  • Spectrin / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Membranes / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Ankyrins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Spectrin