Impairment of Inhibitory Synapse Formation and Motor Behavior in Mice Lacking the NL2 Binding Partner LHFPL4/GARLH4

Cell Rep. 2018 May 8;23(6):1691-1705. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.015.

Abstract

Normal brain functions depend on the balanced development of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying inhibitory synapse formation is limited. Neuroligin-2 (NL2), a transmembrane protein at inhibitory postsynaptic sites, is capable of initiating inhibitory synapse formation. In an effort to search for NL2 binding proteins and the downstream mechanisms responsible for inhibitory synapse development, we identify LHFPL4/GARLH4 as a major NL2 binding partner that is specifically enriched at inhibitory postsynaptic sites. LHFPL4/GARLH4 and NL2 regulate the protein levels and synaptic clustering of each other in the cerebellum. Lhfpl4/Garlh4-/- mice display profound impairment of inhibitory synapse formation as well as prominent motor behavioral deficits and premature death. Our findings highlight the essential role of LHFPL4/GARLH4 in brain functions by regulating inhibitory synapse formation as a major NL2 binding partner.

Keywords: GABA(A)R; LHFPL4/GARLH4; inhibitory synapse; neuroligin-2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Motor Activity*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neural Inhibition*
  • Neurogenesis*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Synapses / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Lhfpl4 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • neuroligin 2