Regulation of postsynaptic RapGAP SPAR by Polo-like kinase 2 and the SCFbeta-TRCP ubiquitin ligase in hippocampal neurons.

Ang, X. L., Seeburg, D. P., Sheng, M. & Harper, W. Regulation of postsynaptic RapGAP SPAR by Polo-like kinase 2 and the SCFbeta-TRCP ubiquitin ligase in hippocampal neurons.. The Journal of biological chemistry 283, 29424–32 (2008).

Abstract

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) regulates synaptic function, but little is known about specific UPP targets and mechanisms in mammalian synapses. We report here that the SCF(beta-TRCP) complex, a multisubunit E3 ubiquitin ligase, targets the postsynaptic spine-associated Rap GTPase activating protein (SPAR) for degradation in neurons. SPAR degradation by SCF(beta-TRCP) depended on the activity-inducible protein kinase Polo-like kinase 2 (Plk2). In the presence of Plk2, SPAR physically associated with the SCF(beta-TRCP) complex through a canonical phosphodegron. In hippocampal neurons, disruption of the SCF(beta-TRCP) complex by overexpression of dominant interfering beta-TRCP or Cul1 constructs prevented Plk2-dependent degradation of SPAR. Our results identify a specific E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates degradation of a key postsynaptic regulator of synaptic morphology and function.

Last updated on 04/06/2023
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