Shank-cortactin interactions control actin dynamics to maintain flexibility of neuronal spines and synapses.

ABSTRACT: The family of Shank scaffolding molecules (comprising Shank1, 2 and 3) are core components of the postsynaptic density (PSD) in neuronal synapses. Shanks link surface receptors to other scaffolding molecules within the PSD, as well as to the actin cytoskeleton. However, determining the function of Shank proteins in neurons has been complicated because the different Shank isoforms share a very high degree of sequence and domain homology. Therefore, to control Shank content while minimizing potential compensatory effects, a miRNA-based knockdown strategy was developed to reduce the expression of all synaptically targeted Shank isoforms simultaneously in rat hippocampal neurons. Using this approach, a strong (>75%) reduction in total Shank protein levels was achieved at individual dendritic s

SUBMITTER: MacGillavry HD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5007541 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature