The neuronal Rho-GEF Kalirin-7 interacts with PDZ domain-containing proteins and regulates dendritic morphogenesis

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Spine function requires precise control of the actin cytoskeleton. Kalirin-7, a GDP/GTP exchange factor for Rac1, interacts with PDZ proteins such as PSD-95, colocalizing with PSD-95 at synapses of cultured hippocampal neurons. PSD-95 and Kalirin-7 interact in vivo and in heterologous expression systems. In primary cortical neurons, transfected Kalirin-7 is targeted to spines and increases the number and size of spine-like structures. A Kalirin-7 mutant unable to interact with PDZ proteins remains in the cell soma, inducing local formation of aberrant filopodial neurites. Kalirin-7 with an inactivated GEF domain reduces the number of spines below control levels. These results provide evidence that PDZ proteins target Kalirin-7 to the PSD, where it regulates dendritic morphogenesis through Rac1 signaling to the actin cytoskeleton.

Publication Date

1-1-2001

Publication Title

Neuron

ISSN

08966273

Volume

29

Issue

1

First Page

229

Last Page

242

PubMed ID

11182094

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/S0896-6273(01)00193-3

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