Presynaptic α2δs role in controlling synaptic strength and plasticity
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (CaV) complexes contain auxiliary subunits, α2δs, that are extracellular synaptic molecules and linked to brain disorders.
The α2δs are implicated in controlling synapse development and function through distinct CaV-dependent and independent pathways but the mechanism remain unclear.
The researchers uncover that presynaptic α2δs are positive regulators of Munc13-1 levels, an essential neurotransmitter release protein, but mammalian synapse development, ultrastructure, and presynaptic CaV2.1 organization are independent of α2δs.
Their results define the presynaptic α2δ regulatory roles and suggest a new α2δ role in controlling synaptic strength and plasticity.
