Abstract
The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a complex assembly of proteins associated with the postsynaptic membrane that organizes neurotransmitter receptors, signaling pathways, and regulatory elements within a cytoskeletal matrix. Here we show that the sterile alpha motif domain of rat Shank3/ProSAP2, a master scaffolding protein located deep within the PSD, can form large sheets composed of helical fibers stacked side by side. Zn2+, which is found in high concentrations in the PSD, binds tightly to Shank3 and may regulate assembly. Sheets of the Shank protein could form a platform for the construction of the PSD complex.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / analysis
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / chemistry*
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
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Animals
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Binding Sites
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Crystallization
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Crystallography, X-Ray
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Hippocampus / chemistry
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Microscopy, Electron
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Models, Molecular
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Mutation
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Neurons / chemistry
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Protein Conformation
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Protein Folding
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Protein Structure, Quaternary
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Protein Subunits / chemistry
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Rats
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / analysis
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Solubility
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Synapses / chemistry*
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Zinc / metabolism
Substances
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Protein Subunits
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Shank3 protein, rat
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Zinc