ELKS1 and Ca(2+) channel subunit β4 interact and colocalize at cerebellar synapses

Neuroreport. 2012 Jan 4;23(1):49-54. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e32834e7deb.

Abstract

The cytoskeletal matrix of the active zone and synaptic voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) are both necessary components for the organization and regulation of synaptic vesicle release. In this study, we report a novel interaction between the cytoskeletal matrix of the active zone protein, ELKS1b, and the VDCC subunit, β4, in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. We found that the two proteins coimmunoprecipitated using antibodies against each protein. Using fluorescent immunohistochemistry, we observed colocalization between ELKS1b and VDCC β4 in the molecular layer of the cerebellum, suggesting that these proteins are both present in molecular layer synapses. Analysis of a P/Q-type VDCC knockout mouse (Cacna1a(-/-)) revealed that the localization of the VDCC β4 subunit to the molecular layer was disrupted, although ELKS1b protein localization was not affected. These results demonstrate that these two proteins interact in vitro and colocalize in the cerebellum, and suggest that their interaction may play a role at the molecular layer synapses of the cerebellum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiology
  • Calcium Channels / analysis
  • Calcium Channels / genetics
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels, N-Type
  • Calcium Channels, P-Type / genetics
  • Calcium Channels, Q-Type / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cerebellum / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Protein Subunits / analysis
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Calcium Channels, N-Type
  • Calcium Channels, P-Type
  • Calcium Channels, Q-Type
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Erc1 protein, mouse
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Protein Subunits
  • voltage-dependent calcium channel (P-Q type)
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins