PTP? functions as a presynaptic receptor for the glypican-4/LRRTM4 complex and is essential for excitatory synaptic transmission.

ABSTRACT: Leukocyte common antigen-related receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases--comprising LAR, PTP?, and PTP?--are synaptic adhesion molecules that organize synapse development. Here, we identify glypican 4 (GPC-4) as a ligand for PTP?. GPC-4 showed strong (nanomolar) affinity and heparan sulfate (HS)-dependent interaction with the Ig domains of PTP?. PTP? bound only to proteolytically cleaved GPC-4 and formed additional complex with leucine-rich repeat transmembrane protein 4 (LRRTM4) in rat brains. Moreover, single knockdown (KD) of PTP?, but not LAR, in cultured neurons significantly reduced the synaptogenic activity of LRRTM4, a postsynaptic ligand of GPC-4, in heterologous synapse-formation assays. Finally, PTP? KD dramatically decreased both the frequency and amplitude of excitatory synaptic transmission. This effect was reversed by wild-type PTP?, but not by a HS-binding-defective PTP? mutant. Our results collectively suggest that presynaptic PTP?, together with GPC-4, acts in a HS-dependent manner to maintain excitatory synapse development and function.

SUBMITTER: Ko JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4330736 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature