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bioRxiv · 10.1101/812032

A presynaptic spectrin network controls active zone assembly and neurotransmitter release

Wang, Q.·Friend, L.·Vicidomini, R.·Han, T. H.·Nguyen, P.·Ting, C.-Y.·Serpe, M.
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Abstract

We have previously reported that Drosophila Tenectin (Tnc) recruits PS2/{beta}PS integrin to ensure structural and functional integrity at larval NMJs (Wang et al., 2018). In muscles, Tnc/integrin engages the spectrin network to regulate the size and architecture of synaptic boutons. In neurons, Tnc/integrin controls neurotransmitter release. Here we show that presynaptic Tnc/integrin modulates the synaptic accumulation of key active zone components, including the Ca2+ channel Cac and the active zone scaffold Brp. Presynaptic -Spectrin appears to be both required and sufficient for the recruitment of Cac and Brp. We visualized the endogenous -Spectrin and found that Tnc controls spectrin recruitment at synaptic terminals. Thus, Tnc/integrin anchors the presynaptic spectrin network and ensures the proper assembly and function of the active zones. Since pre- and postsynaptic Tnc/integrin limit each other, we hypothesize that this pathway links dynamic changes within the synaptic cleft to changes in synaptic structure and function.

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Wang, Q., Friend, L., Vicidomini, R., Han, T. H., Nguyen, P., Ting, C.-Y., Serpe, M.. 2019-10-21. A presynaptic spectrin network controls active zone assembly and neurotransmitter release. https://doi.org/10.1101/812032

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