CAST/ELKS Proteins Control Voltage-Gated Ca²⁺ Channel Density and Synaptic Release Probability at a Mammalian Central Synapse.

ABSTRACT: In the presynaptic terminal, the magnitude and location of Ca²⁺ entry through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCCs) regulate the efficacy of neurotransmitter release. However, how presynaptic active zone proteins control mammalian VGCC levels and organization is unclear. To address this, we deleted the CAST/ELKS protein family at the calyx of Held, a Ca_V2.1 channel-exclusive presynaptic terminal. We found that loss of CAST/ELKS reduces the Ca_V2.1 current density with concomitant reductions in Ca_V2.1 channel numbers and clusters. Surprisingly, deletion of CAST/ELKS increases release probability while decreasing the readily releasable pool, with no change in active zone ultrastructure. In addition, Ca²⁺ channel coupling is uncha

SUBMITTER: Dong W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6372087 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature