A Presynaptic Function of Shank Protein in Drosophila

作者：Song Wu, Guangming Gan, Zhiping Zhang, Jie Sun, Qifu Wang, Zhongbao Gao, Meixiang Li, Shan Jin, Juan Huang, Ulrich Thomas, Yong‐hui Jiang, Yan Li, Rui Tian, Yongqing Zhang · 发表于：Journal of Neuroscience · 年份：2017 · DOI：10.1523/jneurosci.0893-17.2017 · 被引用次数：26 · 研究领域：Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research、Retinal Development and Disorders、Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms

Human genetic studies support that loss-of-function mutations in the SH 3 domain and ank yrin repeat containing family proteins (SHANK1-3), the large synaptic scaffolding proteins enriched at the postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses, are causative for autism spectrum disorder and other neuropsychiatric disorders in humans. To better understand the in vivo functions of Shank and facilitate dissection of neuropathology associated with SHANK mutations in human, we generated multiple mutations in the Shank gene, the only member of the SHANK family in Drosophila melanogaster . Both male and female Shank null mutants were fully viable and fertile with no apparent morphological or developmental defects. Expression analysis revealed apparent enrichment of Shank in the neuropils of the CNS. Specifically, Shank coexpressed with another PSD scaffold protein, Homer, in the calyx of mushroom bodies in the brain. Consistent with high expression in mushroom body calyces, Shank mutants show an abnormal calyx structure and reduced olfactory acuity. These morphological and functional phenotypes were fully rescued by pan-neuronal reexpression of Shank, and only partially rescued by presynaptic but no rescue by postsynaptic reexpression of Shank. Our findings thus establish a previously unappreciated presynaptic function of Shank. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mutations in SHANK family genes are causative for idiopathic autism spectrum disorder. To understand the neural function of Shank, a larg...