Gephyrin: a central GABAergic synapse organizer

Exp Mol Med. 2015 Apr 17:47:e158. doi: 10.1038/emm.2015.5.

Abstract

Gephyrin is a central element that anchors, clusters and stabilizes glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors at inhibitory synapses of the mammalian brain. It self-assembles into a hexagonal lattice and interacts with various inhibitory synaptic proteins. Intriguingly, the clustering of gephyrin, which is regulated by multiple posttranslational modifications, is critical for inhibitory synapse formation and function. In this review, we summarize the basic properties of gephyrin and describe recent findings regarding its roles in inhibitory synapse formation, function and plasticity. We will also discuss the implications for the pathophysiology of brain disorders and raise the remaining open questions in this field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • GABAergic Neurons / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Protein Transport
  • Synapses / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • gephyrin