Electrical synapse structure requires distinct isoforms of a postsynaptic scaffold

This study expands the notion of molecular complexity at the ESD, revealing that an individual genomic locus can contribute distinct isoforms to the macromolecular complex at electrical synapses. Further, independent scaffold isoforms have differential contributions to developmental assembly of the interneuronal GJ channels. We propose that ESD molecular complexity arises both from the diversity of unique genes and from distinct isoforms encoded by single genes. Overall, ESD proteomic diversity is expected to have critical impacts on the development, structure, function, and plasticity of electrical transmission.

Source: PLoS Genetics - November 27, 2023 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Jennifer Carlisle Michel Source Type: research