Calsyntenin-3, a protein encoded by the CLSTN3 gene, was identified as a synapse-organizing protein unique in binding and recruiting alpha-neurexins, but not beta-neurexins; interestingly, the majority of NRXN variations associated with ASD and schizophrenia selectively affect alpha-neurexins. Additional studies demonstrated that calsyntenin-3 is required for normal functional GABAergic and glutamatergic synapse development (Pettem et al., 2013).
Molecular Function
May modulate calcium-mediated postsynaptic signals and forms a complex with APBA2 and APP. Subcellular localization is most prominent in the postsynaptic specializations of asymmetric (type I) synapses with both axodendritic and axospinous localization. Present throughout all cortical layers of the brain, with highest levels in GABAergic neurons.
External Links
References
Type
Title
Type of Disorder
Associated Disorders
Author, Year
Primary
The specific -neurexin interactor calsyntenin-3 promotes excitatory and inhibitory synapse development.
Model Type:
Genetic
Model Genotype:
Homozygous
Mutation:
Exon 2 and 3 of the Clstn3 locus were floxed and excised by crossing with EIIa- Cre mice, resulting in a truncating frameshift.
Allele Type: Targeted (Knock out)
Strain of Origin: 129S7
Genetic Background: C57BL/6
ES Cell Line: 129/Ola
Mutant ES Cell Line: Model Source:
Description: Clstn3 ko mice show reductions in punctate vglut1 and gad65 in the ca1 and dentate gyrus compared to wild type littermate controls
Exp Paradigm: Quantitative high resolution analysis using confocal microscopy
Description: At the higher end of stimulation range, fepsp responses were significantly higher in the clstn3 ko hippocampal slices compared to wt littermate controls
Exp Paradigm: Fepsp responses plotted from stepwise increase in stimulation is measured
Description: Mipsc and mepsc frequency was also reduced clstn3 ko slices
Exp Paradigm: Whole cell recordings were made from ca1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices to measure miniature postsynaptic currents ( e and i)
