Trans-synaptic Teneurin signalling in neuromuscular synapse organization and target choice

Nature. 2012 Mar 18;484(7393):237-41. doi: 10.1038/nature10923.

Abstract

Synapse assembly requires trans-synaptic signals between the pre- and postsynapse, but our understanding of the essential organizational molecules involved in this process remains incomplete. Teneurin proteins are conserved, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-repeat-containing transmembrane proteins with large extracellular domains. Here we show that two Drosophila Teneurins, Ten-m and Ten-a, are required for neuromuscular synapse organization and target selection. Ten-a is presynaptic whereas Ten-m is mostly postsynaptic; neuronal Ten-a and muscle Ten-m form a complex in vivo. Pre- or postsynaptic Teneurin perturbations cause severe synapse loss and impair many facets of organization trans-synaptically and cell autonomously. These include defects in active zone apposition, release sites, membrane and vesicle organization, and synaptic transmission. Moreover, the presynaptic microtubule and postsynaptic spectrin cytoskeletons are severely disrupted, suggesting a mechanism whereby Teneurins organize the cytoskeleton, which in turn affects other aspects of synapse development. Supporting this, Ten-m physically interacts with α-Spectrin. Genetic analyses of teneurin and neuroligin reveal that they have differential roles that synergize to promote synapse assembly. Finally, at elevated endogenous levels, Ten-m regulates target selection between specific motor neurons and muscles. Our study identifies the Teneurins as a key bi-directional trans-synaptic signal involved in general synapse organization, and demonstrates that proteins such as these can also regulate target selection.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins / deficiency
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / cytology*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Larva / cytology
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscles / cytology
  • Muscles / metabolism
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / deficiency
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Transmission*
  • Tenascin / deficiency
  • Tenascin / genetics
  • Tenascin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Nrx protein, Drosophila
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Ten-a protein, Drosophila
  • Ten-m protein, Drosophila
  • Tenascin
  • futsch protein, Drosophila
  • neuroligin 1