Neurexin-3 subsynaptic densities are spatially distinct from Neurexin-1 and essential for excitatory synapse nanoscale organization in the hippocampus

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40419-2
• Publication Date: 2023-08-05T11:01:44Z
• Authors: Brian A Lloyd; Ying Han; Rebecca Roth; Bo Zhang; Jason Aoto
• Keywords: Neurexin; Postsynaptic density

Abstract Proteins critical for synaptic transmission are non-uniformly distributed and assembled into regions of high density called subsynaptic densities (SSDs) that transsynaptically align in nanocolumns. Neurexin-1 neurexin-3 essential presynaptic adhesion molecules non-redundantly control NMDAR- AMPAR-mediated transmission, respectively, via transsynaptic interactions with distinct postsynaptic ligands. Despite their functional relevance, fundamental questions regarding the nanoscale properties individual neurexins, influence on organization excitatory synapses mechanisms controlling how neurexins engage precise unknown. Using Double Helix 3D dSTORM neurexin mouse models, we identify as a molecule regulates synapse nano-organization hippocampus. Furthermore, endogenous neurexin-1 form discrete non-overlapping SSDs enriched opposite Thus, may explain signal parallel to govern different properties.