An architectural framework that may lie at the core of the postsynaptic density

MK Baron, TM Boeckers, B Vaida, S Faham, M Gingery… - Science, 2006 - science.org
MK Baron, TM Boeckers, B Vaida, S Faham, M Gingery, MR Sawaya, D Salyer…
Science, 2006science.org
The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a complex assembly of proteins associated with the
postsynaptic membrane that organizes neurotransmitter receptors, signaling pathways, and
regulatory elements within a cytoskeletal matrix. Here we show that the sterile alpha motif
domain of rat Shank3/ProSAP2, a master scaffolding protein located deep within the PSD,
can form large sheets composed of helical fibers stacked side by side. Zn2+, which is found
in high concentrations in the PSD, binds tightly to Shank3 and may regulate assembly …
The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a complex assembly of proteins associated with the postsynaptic membrane that organizes neurotransmitter receptors, signaling pathways, and regulatory elements within a cytoskeletal matrix. Here we show that the sterile alpha motif domain of rat Shank3/ProSAP2, a master scaffolding protein located deep within the PSD, can form large sheets composed of helical fibers stacked side by side. Zn2+, which is found in high concentrations in the PSD, binds tightly to Shank3 and may regulate assembly. Sheets of the Shank protein could form a platform for the construction of the PSD complex.
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