Synaptic clustering of the cell adhesion molecule fasciclin II by discs-large and its role in the regulation of presynaptic structure

Neuron. 1997 Oct;19(4):787-99. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(00)80961-7.

Abstract

The cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin II (FASII) is involved in synapse development and plasticity. Here we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that proper localization of FASII at type I glutamatergic synapses of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction is mediated by binding between the intracellular tSXV bearing C-terminal tail of FASII and the PDZ1-2 domains of Discs-Large (DLG). Moreover, mutations in fasII and/or dlg have similar effects on presynaptic ultrastructure, suggesting their functional involvement in a common developmental pathway. DLG can directly mediate a biochemical complex and a macroscopic cluster of FASII and Shaker K+ channels in heterologous cells. These results indicate a central role for DLG in the structural organization and downstream signaling mechanisms of cell adhesion molecules and ion channels at synapses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / analysis
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / biosynthesis*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Drosophila / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Insect Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Mammals
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Mutagenesis
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiology*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / ultrastructure*
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synapses / ultrastructure*
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Insect Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • fasciclin II
  • dlg1 protein, Drosophila