Characterization of MALS/Velis-1, -2, and -3: a family of mammalian LIN-7 homologs enriched at brain synapses in association with the postsynaptic density-95/NMDA receptor postsynaptic complex

J Neurosci. 1999 Jun 1;19(11):4189-99. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.19-11-04189.1999.

Abstract

Protein assembly at the postsynaptic density (PSD) of neuronal synapses is mediated in part by protein interactions with PSD-95/discs large/zona occludens-1 (PDZ) motifs. Here, we identify MALS-1, -2, -3, a family of small synaptic proteins containing little more than a single PDZ domain. MALS-1, -2, and -3 are mammalian homologs LIN-7, a Caenorhabditis elegans protein essential for vulval development. In contrast to functions for LIN-7 in epithelial cells, MALS-1 and -2 are selectively expressed in specific neuronal populations in brain and are enriched in PSD fractions. In cultured hippocampal neurons, MALS proteins are clustered together with PSD-95 and NMDA type glutamate receptors, consistent with a postsynaptic localization for MALS proteins. Immunoprecipitation and affinity chromatography studies readily identify association of MALS with PSD-95 and an NMDA receptor subunit. The PDZ domain of MALS selectively binds to peptides terminating in E-T/S-R/X-V/I/L, which corresponds to the C terminus of NMDA type 2 receptors and numerous other ion channels at the PSD. This work suggests a role for MALS proteins in regulating recruitment of neurotransmitter receptors to the PSD.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amylases / analysis*
  • Amylases / genetics
  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry / physiology*
  • COS Cells
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins*
  • Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein
  • Escherichia coli Proteins*
  • Helminth Proteins / analysis*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins / analysis*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Multigene Family*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Rats
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / chemistry
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Synapses / chemistry*

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein
  • Dlg4 protein, rat
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Helminth Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • LIN-7 protein, C elegans
  • LIN-7 protein, mammalian
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • postsynaptic density proteins
  • Amylases
  • MalS protein, E coli

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF173081
  • GENBANK/AF173082
  • GENBANK/AF173083