| First Author | Shi L | Year | 2010 |
| Journal | Neuron | Volume | 65 |
| Issue | 2 | Pages | 204-16 |
| PubMed ID | 20152127 | Mgi Jnum | J:167656 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:4868684 | Doi | 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.01.012 |
| Citation | Shi L, et al. (2010) Ephexin1 is required for structural maturation and neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction. Neuron 65(2):204-16 |
| abstractText | The maturation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) requires the topological transformation of postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-containing structures from a simple plaque to an elaborate structure composed of pretzel-like branches. This maturation process results in the precise apposition of the presynaptic and postsynaptic specializations. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the plaque-to-pretzel transition of AChR clusters. In this study, we identify an essential role for the RhoGEF ephexin1 in the maturation of AChR clusters. Adult ephexin1(-/-) mice exhibit severe muscle weakness and impaired synaptic transmission at the NMJ. Intriguingly, when ephexin1 expression is deficient in vivo, the NMJ fails to mature into the pretzel-like shape, and such abnormalities can be rescued by re-expression of ephexin1. We further demonstrate that ephexin1 regulates the stability of AChR clusters in a RhoA-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings reveal an indispensible role for ephexin1 in regulating the structural maturation and neurotransmission of NMJs. |
