Podosomes are present in a postsynaptic apparatus and participate in its maturation

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Oct 27;106(43):18373-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0910391106. Epub 2009 Oct 12.

Abstract

A critical step in synapse formation is the clustering of neurotransmitter receptors in the postsynaptic membrane, directly opposite the nerve terminal. At the neuromuscular junction, a widely studied model synapse, acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) initially aggregate to form an ovoid postsynaptic plaque. As the synapse matures, the plaque becomes perforated and is eventually transformed into a complex, branched structure. We found that this transformation also occurs in myotubes cultured in the absence of neurons, and used this system to seek machinery that orchestrates postsynaptic maturation. We show that perforations in the AChR aggregate bear structures resembling podosomes, dynamic actin-rich adhesive organelles involved in matrix remodeling in non-neuronal cells but not described in neural structures. The location and dynamics of synaptic podosomes are spatiotemporally correlated with changes in AChR aggregate topology, and pharmacological disruption of podosomes leads to rapid alterations in AChR organization. Our results indicate that synaptic podosomes play critical roles in maturation of the postsynaptic membrane.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Endocytosis
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / cytology*
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / metabolism*
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Actins
  • Receptors, Cholinergic