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

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 requ

SUBMITTER: Pielage J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2064525 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature