PKA and Ube3a regulate SK2 channel trafficking to promote synaptic plasticity in hippocampus: Implications for Angelman Syndrome

Sci Rep. 2020 Jun 17;10(1):9824. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-66790-4.

Abstract

The ubiquitin ligase, Ube3a, plays important roles in brain development and functions, since its deficiency results in Angelman Syndrome (AS) while its over-expression increases the risk for autism. We previously showed that the lack of Ube3a-mediated ubiquitination of the Ca2+-activated small conductance potassium channel, SK2, contributes to impairment of synaptic plasticity and learning in AS mice. Synaptic SK2 levels are also regulated by protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates SK2 in its C-terminal domain, facilitating its endocytosis. Here, we report that PKA activation restores theta burst stimulation (TBS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal slices from AS mice by enhancing SK2 internalization. While TBS-induced SK2 endocytosis is facilitated by PKA activation, SK2 recycling to synaptic membranes after TBS is inhibited by Ube3a. Molecular and cellular studies confirmed that phosphorylation of SK2 in the C-terminal domain increases its ubiquitination and endocytosis. Finally, PKA activation increases SK2 phosphorylation and ubiquitination in Ube3a-overexpressing mice. Our results indicate that, although both Ube3a-mediated ubiquitination and PKA-induced phosphorylation reduce synaptic SK2 levels, phosphorylation is mainly involved in TBS-induced endocytosis, while ubiquitination predominantly inhibits SK2 recycling. Understanding the complex interactions between PKA and Ube3a in the regulation of SK2 synaptic levels might provide new platforms for developing treatments for AS and various forms of autism.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Angelman Syndrome / metabolism
  • Angelman Syndrome / pathology
  • Angelman Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / pathology
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / physiopathology
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Endocytosis
  • Hippocampus / pathology*
  • Hippocampus / physiopathology
  • Long-Term Potentiation
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mutation
  • Neuronal Plasticity*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Domains
  • Protein Transport
  • Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / chemistry
  • Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / metabolism*
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Kcnn2 protein, mouse
  • Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
  • Ube3a protein, mouse
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases