Transcriptional Regulation of the Tbr1-CASK-CINAP Protein Complex in Response to Neuronal Activity

摘要: In neurons, postsynaptic density (PSD) refers to an electron dense structure underneath the plasma membrane at site, containing various protein molecules essential for responding presynaptic signals, including ion channels, scaffold proteins, signaling molecules, and cytoskeletons. The proteins provide linkage among cytoskeleton. Accumulating data indicate that associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) are important involved in synaptic targeting, clustering of channels (Sheng Sala 2001; Kim Sheng 2004; Montgomery, Zamorano Garner 2004). Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine (CASK) belongs MAGUK family. Although CASK contains a CaMK-like domain, it doesn’t possess activity. Instead, like other functions as multidomain scaffolding protein. Recent studies showed not only performs its function site but also enters nuclei neurons regulates gene expression via interaction with transcriptional factor T-brain-1 (Tbr-1) nucleosome assembly CINAP (CASK-interacting protein). Tbr-1-CASK-CINAP complex modulates NMDA receptor subunit 2b (NR2b). More interestingly, levels controlled by novel feedback mechanism explains how activity expression. this chapter, molecular characteristics CASK, Tbr-1, will be described first, followed discussion regulation NR2b CINAP-CASK-Tbr-1 complex.