Delta-catenin at the synaptic-adherens junction.
Trends Cell Biol
; 15(3): 172-8, 2005 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15752981
ABSTRACT
Delta-catenin belongs to the p120-catenin (p120(ctn)) protein family, which is characterized by ten, characteristically spaced Armadillo repeats that bind to the juxtamembrane segment of the classical cadherins. Delta-catenin is the only member of this family that is expressed specifically in neurons, where it binds to PDZ domain proteins in the post-synaptic compartment. As a component of both adherens and synaptic junctions, delta-catenin can link the adherens junction to the synapse and, thereby, coordinate synaptic input with changes in the adherens junction. By virtue of its restriction to the post-synaptic area, delta-catenin creates an asymmetric adherens junction in the region of the synapse. The crucial nature of the specialized function of delta-catenin in neurons is demonstrated by a targeted gene mutation, which causes deficits in learning and in synaptic plasticity. Taken together, recent evidence indicates that delta-catenin is a sensor of synaptic activity and implements activity-related morphological changes at the synapse.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Sinapses
/
Junções Aderentes
/
Proteínas do Citoesqueleto
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2005
Tipo de documento:
Article