A fight for neurotransmission: SCRAPPER trashes RIM.
The presynaptic scaffold molecule RIM1alpha is important for regulating neurotransmitter release. In this issue, Yao et al. (2007) show in mice that an E3 ubiquitin ligase, SCRAPPER, targets a set of presynaptic proteins including RIM1alpha for degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Their results identify protein degradation as a mechanism for holding rapid synaptic communication in check.
Dobie
Frederick
F
Brain Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
Craig
Ann Marie
AM
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019706:Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005838:Genotype; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009474:Neurons / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D017729:Presynaptic Terminals / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D046988:Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / Q000378:metabolism; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D013569:Synapses / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism*; D025801:Ubiquitin / Q000378:metabolism*; D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*