Lateral Mobility of Presynaptic α7-Containing Nicotinic Receptors and Its Relevance for Glutamate Release

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1482-13.2013
• Publication Date: 2013-10-23T17:37:01Z
• Authors: David Gomez-Varela; Darwin K. Berg
• Keywords: Postsynaptic density; Synaptic cleft

Surface diffusion of postsynaptic receptors shapes synaptic transmission. Presynaptic also influence transmission, but the relevance their mobility for function is unknown. Using single-particle tracking with quantum dots, we show that calcium-permeable α7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine (α7–nAChRs), capable promoting transmitter release, are mobile on presynaptic terminals constrained in space rat hippocampal neurons culture. Additional immobilization α7-nAChRs by antibody crosslinking increases glutamate release capacity as seen frequency spontaneous miniature currents and size readily releasable pool transmitter. Conversely, blocking targeting tetanus toxin to individual synapses α7–nAChR dwell time at sites. The effects require functional α7–nAChRs may depend CAST/ELKS (calpastatin/glutamine, leucine, lysine, serine-rich protein), which an unbiased proteomic screen yielded. results support a new homeostatic regulatory mechanism restrain be adjusted needed sites via active zone proteins maintain capability.