Function of NLGN2 in regulating CLU maturation

Abstract

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are key molecules involved in synaptogenesis by regulating neuron initiation contact, synapse formation and maturation. Asymmetric Neurexin-Neuroligin partner is extensively investigated among CAMs, not only because of its function in synaptogenesis, but also because of its specific mutation in human Autism spectrum disorders. Neuroligin2 (NLGN2), a member of Neuroligin families, exclusively expresses at the inhibitory synapses and regulates the formation of inhibitory synapses. Although the importance of NLGN2 in inhibitory synapse formation is highlighted in several studies, the function of NLGN2 in regulating protein trafficking is poorly unknown. To better understand the function of NLGN2, we performed co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry and found CLU as potential candidate of NLGN2 binding partner. We firstly performed in vitro co-immunoprecipitation and verified that NLGN2 could interact with the mature form of CLU. When co-expressed this protein and NLGN2 in HEK293T cells, they co-localized and formed new puncta at Golgi sites. In addition, NLGN2 affected CLU protein levels in vitro and in vivo, which mediated the process of cell autophagy. Further studies to investigate the function of their interaction may provide new understanding for NLGN2 in regulating protein secretion.

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology