Cdk5-Mediated Phosphorylation of delta-Catenin Regulates Its Localization and GluR2-Mediated Synaptic Activity

Abstract

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)-mediated phosphorylation plays an important role in proper synaptic function and transmission. Loss of Cdk5 activity results in abnormal development of the nervous system accompanied by massive disruptions in cortical migration and lamination, therefore impacting synaptic activity. The Cdk5 activator p35 associates with δ-catenin, the synaptic adherens junction protein that serves as part of the anchorage complex of AMPA receptor at the postsynaptic membrane. However, the implications of Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of δ-catenin have not been fully elucidated. Here we show that Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of δ-catenin regulates its subcellular localization accompanied by changes in dendritic morphogenesis and synaptic activity. We identified two Cdk5 phosphorylation sites in mouse δ-catenin, serines 300 and 357, and report that loss of Cdk5 phosphorylation of δ-catenin increased its localization to the membrane. Furthermore, mutations of the serines 300 and 357 to alanines to mimic nonphosphorylated δ-catenin resulted in increased dendritic protrusions accompanied by increased AMPA receptor subunit GluR2 localization at the membrane. Consistent with these observations, loss of Cdk5 phosphorylation of δ-catenin increased the AMPA/NMDA ratio. This study reveals how Cdk5 phosphorylation of the synaptic mediator protein δ-catenin can alter its localization at the synapse to impact neuronal synaptic activity. Copyright © 2010 the authors.