Regulation of postsynaptic RapGAP SPAR by Polo-like kinase 2 and the SCFbeta-TRCP ubiquitin ligase in hippocampal neurons

J Biol Chem. 2008 Oct 24;283(43):29424-32. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M802475200. Epub 2008 Aug 22.

Abstract

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) regulates synaptic function, but little is known about specific UPP targets and mechanisms in mammalian synapses. We report here that the SCF(beta-TRCP) complex, a multisubunit E3 ubiquitin ligase, targets the postsynaptic spine-associated Rap GTPase activating protein (SPAR) for degradation in neurons. SPAR degradation by SCF(beta-TRCP) depended on the activity-inducible protein kinase Polo-like kinase 2 (Plk2). In the presence of Plk2, SPAR physically associated with the SCF(beta-TRCP) complex through a canonical phosphodegron. In hippocampal neurons, disruption of the SCF(beta-TRCP) complex by overexpression of dominant interfering beta-TRCP or Cul1 constructs prevented Plk2-dependent degradation of SPAR. Our results identify a specific E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates degradation of a key postsynaptic regulator of synaptic morphology and function.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Stem Cell Factor / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism
  • beta-Transducin Repeat-Containing Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • SIPA1L1 protein, human
  • Sipa1l1 protein, rat
  • Stem Cell Factor
  • beta-Transducin Repeat-Containing Proteins
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • PLK2 protein, human
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Plk2 protein, rat