DHHC8-dependent PICK1 palmitoylation is required for induction of cerebellar long-term synaptic depression

J Neurosci. 2013 Sep 25;33(39):15401-7. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1283-13.2013.

Abstract

The palmitoyl acyltransferase (PAT) DHHC8 is implicated in synaptic regulation but few DHHC8 substrates are known. Here we report that DHHC8 binds and palmitoylates the PDZ domain-containing protein PICK1 at a cysteine residue that is essential for long-term synaptic depression (LTD) in cultured mouse cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Cerebellar LTD is palmitoylation-dependent and induction of LTD requires DHHC8. Furthermore, PICK1 is a critical DHHC8 substrate whose palmitoylation is necessary for LTD. These results identify the first DHHC8 substrate required for a specific form of synaptic plasticity and provide new insights into synaptic roles of palmitoylation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases / genetics
  • Acyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebellum / cytology
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • Cerebellum / physiology*
  • Cysteine / metabolism
  • Lipoylation*
  • Long-Term Synaptic Depression*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • PDZ Domains
  • Purkinje Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Prkcabp protein, mouse
  • Acyltransferases
  • ZDHHC8 protein, mouse
  • Cysteine