Postsynaptic density protein: Difference between revisions

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Apologies, these domains have not been crystalized into one structure yet so the models that will be seen are all individual pieces of the whole molecule. As such this page is more of an over look into the individual pieces of PSD-95 rather than the entirety of PSD-95

'''PSD-95''' or '''postsynaptic density protein 95''' is a scaffolding protein that is found in the postsynaptic density (PSD) in the excitatory neurons of the cerebral cortex. This protein belongs to the Membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUK) family. The proteins of the MAGUK family have been found to be a key factor in many processes. These processes include the development of tissues, communications between cells, cellular charge activation, and signal transduction between cells just to name a few. <ref> DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.428 </ref> PSD-95 permeates the PSD, a large curved protein complex that lines the postsynaptic membrane (PSM) or the cellular interior of a synapse.  This protein complex’s primary function is one of support. It is known to hold not only synaptic receptors in place in the membrane but it holds their respective signaling molecules as well. PSD-95 is integral to the organization of these receptors, as well as the downstream signaling proteins. Due to the scaffolding directive of PSD-95, its structure is actually a series of proteins to make a much larger binding protein complex. PSD-95 not only enriches synaptic transmissions but it is also known to play a major role in synaptic plasticity through the lattice it makes at the synaptic membrane.