Erbin interacts with TARP γ-2 for surface expression of AMPA receptors in cortical interneurons

Nat Neurosci. 2013 Mar;16(3):290-9. doi: 10.1038/nn.3320. Epub 2013 Jan 27.

Abstract

Inhibitory neurons control the firing of glutamatergic neurons and synchronize brain activity. However, little is known about mechanisms of excitatory synapse formation in inhibitory neurons. Here we demonstrate that Erbin is specifically expressed in cortical inhibitory neurons. It localizes at excitatory synapses and regulates AMPA receptor (AMPAR) surface expression. Erbin mutation reduced mEPSCs and AMPAR currents specifically in parvalbumin (PV)-positive interneurons but not in pyramidal neurons. We found that the AMPAR auxiliary protein TARP γ-2 was specifically expressed in cortical interneurons. Erbin interacts with TARP γ-2 and is crucial for its stability. Deletion of the γ-2-interacting domain in Erbin attenuated surface AMPAR and excitatory transmission in PV-positive interneurons. Furthermore, we observed behavioral deficits in Erbin-null mice and in mice expressing an Erbin truncation mutant that is unable to interact with TARP γ-2. These observations demonstrate a crucial function for Erbin in AMPAR surface expression in cortical PV-positive interneurons and may contribute to a better understanding of psychiatric disorders.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Calcium Channels / genetics
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism*
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Interneurons / cytology
  • Interneurons / metabolism*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Miniature Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology
  • Motor Activity / genetics
  • Parvalbumins / metabolism
  • Receptors, AMPA / genetics
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism*
  • Synapses / genetics
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Transmission / genetics
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Cacng2 protein, mouse
  • Calcium Channels
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Erbb2ip protein, mouse
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Parvalbumins
  • Receptors, AMPA
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid