Beta-catenin regulates acetylcholine receptor clustering in muscle cells through interaction with rapsyn

J Neurosci. 2007 Apr 11;27(15):3968-73. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4691-06.2007.

Abstract

Agrin is believed to be a factor used by motoneurons to direct acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering at the neuromuscular junction. However, exactly how agrin mediates this effect remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that the beta-catenin interacts with rapsyn, a molecule key for AChR clustering. Agrin stimulation increases the association of beta-catenin with surface AChRs. Suppression of beta-catenin expression inhibited agrin-induced AChR clustering, suggesting a necessary role of beta-catenin in this event. The beta-catenin action did not appear to require the function of T-cell factors (TCFs), suggesting a mechanism independent of TCF-mediated transcription. In contrast, prevention of beta-catenin from interacting with alpha-catenin attenuated agrin-induced AChR clustering. These results suggest that beta-catenin may serve as a link between AChRs and alpha-catenin-associated cytoskeleton, revealing a novel function of beta-catenin in synaptogenesis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chick Embryo
  • Mice
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Muscle Proteins / genetics
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Myoblasts / cytology
  • Myoblasts / physiology*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / cytology
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiology
  • Receptor Aggregation / physiology
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / physiology*
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Muscle Proteins
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • beta Catenin
  • peripheral membrane protein 43K