Neuron
Volume 19, Issue 4, October 1997, Pages 787-799
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Article
Synaptic Clustering of the Cell Adhesion Molecule Fasciclin II by Discs-Large and its Role in the Regulation of Presynaptic Structure

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Abstract

The cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin II (FASII) is involved in synapse development and plasticity. Here we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that proper localization of FASII at type I glutamatergic synapses of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction is mediated by binding between the intracellular tSXV bearing C-terminal tail of FASII and the PDZ1–2 domains of Discs-Large (DLG). Moreover, mutations in fasII and/or dlg have similar effects on presynaptic ultrastructure, suggesting their functional involvement in a common developmental pathway. DLG can directly mediate a biochemical complex and a macroscopic cluster of FASII and Shaker K+ channels in heterologous cells. These results indicate a central role for DLG in the structural organization and downstream signaling mechanisms of cell adhesion molecules and ion channels at synapses.

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