Cited by 115Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchGenetics and Neurodevelopmental DisordersAutism Spectrum Disorder Research

Shank3 Deficiency Induces NMDA Receptor Hypofunction via an Actin-Dependent Mechanism

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Duffney, Lara J., Wei, Jing, Cheng, Jia, Liu, Wenhua, Smith, Katharine R., Kittler, Josef T., Yan, Zhen·2013·The Journal of Neuroscience

Abstract

Shank3, which encodes a scaffolding protein at glutamatergic synapses, is a genetic risk factor for autism. In this study, we examined the impact of Shank3 deficiency on the NMDA-type glutamate receptor, a key player in cognition and mental illnesses. We found that knockdown of Shank3 with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) caused a significant reduction of NMDAR-mediated ionic or synaptic current, as well as the surface expression of NR1 subunits, in rat cortical cultures. The effect of Shank3 siRNA on NMDAR currents was blocked by an actin stabilizer, and was occluded by an actin destabilizer, suggesting the involvement of actin cytoskeleton. Since actin dynamics is regulated by the GTPase Rac1 and downstream effector p21-activated kinase (PAK), we further examined Shank3 regulation of NMDARs when Rac1 or PAK was manipulated. We found that the reducing effect of Shank3 siRNA on NMDAR currents was mimicked and occluded by specific inhibitors for Rac1 or PAK, and was blocked by constitutively active Rac1 or PAK. Immunocytochemical data showed a strong reduction of F-actin clusters after Shank3 knockdown, which was occluded by a PAK inhibitor. Inhibiting cofilin, the primary downstream target of PAK and a major actin depolymerizing factor, prevented Shank3 siRNA from reducing NMDAR currents and F-actin clusters. Together, these results suggest that Shank3 deficiency induces NMDAR hypofunction by interfering with the Rac1/PAK/cofilin/actin signaling, leading to the loss of NMDAR membrane delivery or stability. It provides a potential mechanism for the role of Shank3 in cognitive deficit in autism.

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Crossref · 10.1523/jneurosci.1175-13.2013

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  1. Smart FM, Halpain S (2000) Regulation of dendritic spine stability. Hip- pocampus 10:542-554. CrossRef Medline · DOI

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Authors
Duffney, L. J., Wei, J., Cheng, J., Liu, W., Smith, K. R., Kittler, J. T., & Yan, Z.
Affiliations
  • University College London (GB)
  • University at Buffalo, State University of New York (US)
Venue
The Journal of Neuroscience
Published
2013-10-02
Volume
33
Issue
40
Pages
15767-15778
ISSN
  • 0270-6474 (ISSN-L)
  • 1529-2401
OpenAlex
W2045491381
Cited by
115
References
87
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 15 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 6
FWCI
5.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Neuroscience (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (5r21mh101690-02, MH-101690)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R21-MH101690, R01MH085774)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Keywords
SHANK3, NMDA receptor hypofunction, actin cytoskeleton, Rac1, p21-activated kinase, cofilin, glutamatergic synapses, autism spectrum disorder, synaptic currents, cortical neurons, actin depolymerization
MeSH terms
Actins, Animals, Cells, Cultured, Cerebral Cortex, Humans, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Synaptic Transmission, Neurons, Synapses, Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate, rac1 GTP-Binding Protein, RNA Interference, RNA, Small Interfering, Rats, p21-Activated Kinases, HEK293 Cells

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