Abstract
CNS synapses are complex sites of cell-cell communication. Identification and characterization of the protein components of synapses will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of neurotransmission and plasticity. We applied multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) to purified, guanidine-solubilized postsynaptic fractions to identify novel synaptically localized molecules. We identified several actin-associated proteins known to regulate actin polymerization and control cell motility in nonneural cells that have not previously been associated with CNS synaptic function. One of these is lasp-1, an actin-associated LIM and SH3 domain-containing protein. We show that lasp-1 is strongly expressed by CNS neurons and is concentrated at synaptic sites. Overall, the preponderance of actin-associated proteins in postsynaptic density fractions, and specifically those involved in actin reorganization, suggests that there are many modes by which the state of synaptic F-actin polymerization and, hence, synaptic physiology are affected.
2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Actins / metabolism*
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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Animals
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Brain / metabolism*
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Brain / ultrastructure
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Cells, Cultured
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Cytoskeletal Proteins
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DNA, Protozoan
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Dendrites / chemistry
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Dendrites / metabolism*
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Dendrites / ultrastructure
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Homeodomain Proteins / biosynthesis
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Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
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Homeodomain Proteins / ultrastructure
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LIM Domain Proteins
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Male
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Microfilament Proteins / biosynthesis
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Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
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Microfilament Proteins / ultrastructure
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Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis
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Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
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Neoplasm Proteins / ultrastructure
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / ultrastructure
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Synaptic Membranes / chemistry
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Synaptic Membranes / metabolism*
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Synaptic Membranes / ultrastructure
Substances
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Actins
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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Cytoskeletal Proteins
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DNA, Protozoan
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Homeodomain Proteins
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LASP1 protein, human
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LIM Domain Proteins
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Lasp1 protein, rat
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Microfilament Proteins
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Neoplasm Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins