The membrane skeleton is constitutively remodeled in neurons by calcium signaling

Science. 2025 Aug 7;389(6760):eadn6712. doi: 10.1126/science.adn6712. Epub 2025 Aug 7.

Abstract

The membrane skeleton in neurons adopts a periodic lattice structure in which actin filaments, capped by adducin and tropomodulin, form ring-shaped structures connected by spectrin tetramers along neurites. This membrane-associated periodic skeleton (MPS) is important for many neuronal functions. Using live-cell super-resolution imaging, we found that the MPS is surprisingly dynamic, undergoing local disassembly and reformation constitutively in axons. MPS remodeling is driven by calcium signaling, leading to actin-ring destabilization through protein kinase C-mediated adducin phosphorylation and to spectrin degradation by calpain. Formin, an actin-nucleating and -polymerizing enzyme, plays a dual role in MPS remodeling and maintenance. MPS remodeling is enhanced by neuronal activity and functionally facilitates endocytosis. Our results highlight the importance of a dynamic membrane skeletal structure in neuronal function.

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton* / metabolism
  • Actin Cytoskeleton* / ultrastructure
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Axons / physiology
  • Axons / ultrastructure
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Calpain / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane* / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane* / ultrastructure
  • Endocytosis
  • Mice
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
  • Neurons* / metabolism
  • Neurons* / physiology
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Kinase C / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Spectrin / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins
  • Calpain
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Protein Kinase C
  • Spectrin