The Drosophila postsynaptic DEG/ENaC channel ppk29 contributes to excitatory neurotransmission

Alexis Hill, Xingguo Zheng, Xiling Li, Ross McKinney, Dion Dickman, Yehuda Ben-Shahar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

The protein family of degenerin/epithelial sodium channels (DEG/ENaCs) is composed of diverse animal-specific, non-voltage-gated ion channels that play important roles in regulating cationic gradients across epithelial barriers. Some family members are also enriched in neural tissues in both vertebrates and invertebrates. However, the specific neurophysiological functions of most DEG/ENaC-encoding genes remain poorly understood. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model for deciphering the functions of DEG/ENaC genes because its genome encodes an exceptionally large number of DEG/ENaC subunits termed pickpocket (ppk) 1-31. Here we demonstrate that ppk29 contributes specifically to the postsynaptic modulation of excitatory synaptic transmission at the larval neuromuscular junction. Electrophysiological data indicate that the function of ppk29 in muscle is necessary for normal postsynaptic responsivity to neurotransmitter release and for normal coordinated larval movement. The ppk29 mutation does not affect gross synaptic morphology and ultrastructure, which indicates that the observed phenotypes are likely due to defects in glutamate receptor function. Together, our data indicate that DEG/ENaC ion channels play a fundamental role in the postsynaptic regulation of excitatory neurotransmission.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3171-3180
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume37
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 22 2017

Keywords

  • DEG/ENaC
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Fruit fly
  • NMJ
  • Synapse

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Drosophila postsynaptic DEG/ENaC channel ppk29 contributes to excitatory neurotransmission'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this