Ubiquitin ligase RNF167 regulates AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Nov 20;109(47):19426-31. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1217477109. Epub 2012 Nov 5.

Abstract

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate the majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission, and their density at postsynaptic sites determines synaptic strength. Ubiquitination is a posttranslational modification that dynamically regulates the synaptic expression of many proteins. However, very few of the ubiquitinating enzymes implicated in the process have been identified. In a screen to identify transmembrane RING domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligases that regulate surface expression of AMPARs, we identified RNF167. Predominantly lysosomal, a subpopulation of RNF167 is located on the surface of cultured neurons. Using a RING mutant RNF167 or a specific shRNA to eliminate endogenous RNF167, we demonstrate that AMPAR surface expression increases in hippocampal neurons with disrupted RNF167 activity and that RNF167 is involved in activity-dependent ubiquitination of AMPARs. In addition, RNF167 regulates synaptic AMPAR currents, whereas synaptic NMDAR currents are unaffected. Therefore, our study identifies RNF167 as a selective regulator of AMPAR-mediated neurotransmission and expands our understanding of how ubiquitination dynamically regulates excitatory synapses.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • HeLa Cells
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Humans
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Transmission*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, AMPA
  • RNF167 protein, rat
  • TTC3 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • glutamate receptor ionotropic, AMPA 2
  • glutamate receptor ionotropic, AMPA 1