Shank (SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains protein) Family Proteins are scaffolding proteins found in the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses. The PSD, a structure within the postsynaptic membrane of dendritic spines, contains a complex assembly of proteins which organize neurotransmitter receptors and regulatory elements.
[1] The PSD coordinates communication of incoming signals to various targets and changes its composition in response to neural signals to aid neuronal plasticity
[2] Shank proteins function as the master organizer of the PSD with their ability to recruit and form multimeric complexes with postsynaptic receptors, signaling molecules, and cytoskeletal proteins, like AMPA,
Neuroligin and NMDA
glutamate receptors.
[3] Within the PSD, there are over 300 individual shank molecules, roughly 5% of the total protein molecules within the PSD.
[4] Shanks contain five domains for protein-protein interactions, including an ankyrin repeat domain, used to bind acting regulating proteins, an Src homology 3 (Sh3) domain, used to bind AMPA receptors, a PDZ domain, used to bind G protein coupled receptors, several proline-rich domains, and a C-terminal SAM domain, which is responsible for mediating Shank multimerization. (See Image)
[1] Shank also mediates the maturation of dendritic spines in neurons.
[3] See also
Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Chromosome 22q13 Deletion Syndrome
Chromosome 22q13 deletion syndrome (22q13DS) is a neurobehavioral syndrome marked by global developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features.[3] The Shank-3 gene is located within this region of chromosome 22. Studies have revealed that point mutations in Shank-3 can cause the neurodevelopmental symptoms associated with 22q13DS, accounting for 1% of all autism cases.[5] At the molecular level, disruption of the full length Shank-3 protein reduces AMPA receptor signaling and spine remodeling.[4]Mice who were haploinsufficient for Shank-3, emitted fewer ultrasonic vocalizations during interactions with estrus female mice, a behavior reminiscent of that seen in Autism patients. Further, Shank knockout mice have less dendritic spine development, a diminished PSD size, decreased levels of proteins GKAP and Homer, and greatly impaired synaptic signaling. Interestingly, overexpression of Shank-3 may also result in an ASD, supporting the hypothesis that Autism is caused by improper Excitatory/Inhibitory neuronal ratios in the brain.[4] Measurements of broad miRNA expression levels in Autism patients uncovered aberrant levels of miRNAs for genes involved in ASDs like MeCP2, the cause of Rett Syndrome, NRXN-1, a gene implicated in ASDs, and Shank-3, adding support to Shank-3’s role in autism.[6] Due to the marked reduction in AMPA receptor signalling in Shank-3 mutants, compounds that enhance AMPA transmission (AMPAkinses) serve as potential therapeutic approaches to treating some ASDs.[4]
βPIX Structure
βPIX is a protein belonging to a group of guanine nucleotide exchange factors used by Rho GTPase family members, like Rac1 and Cdc42. Rac1 and Cdc42 regulate the actin cytoskeleton of synapses.[7] PIX has an N-terminal Src homology 3 (SH3) domain which associates with PAK, a coiled-coil (CC) domain, which is critical for multimerization, and a C-terminal PDZ binding domain which interacts with the PDZ domain of Shank.[7] The interaction of Shank with βPIX promotes the synaptic localization of βPIX and βPIX associated p21 Associated Kinase (PAK). Since PAK regulates actin cytoskeletons, and dendritic spines are actin-rich structures, it is believed that Shank recruits βPIX to dendritic spines to regulate the PSD.[1]
Shank Family Protein Structure
The contains 90 amino acids and folds into a compact consisting of a six-stranded β-sandwich flanked by two alpha helices.[7] βPIX possess a via within its CC domain, a , and a at the C-terminus. Interestingly, only 1 Shank molecule is bound to the CC domain trimer of βPIX in an . The of βPIX forms a number of with the Shank PDZ domain. Shank-3-Arg 679 forms the with βPIX, tightly H-Bonding Glutamate 643, forming 2 weak bonds with Phe 696, and Van der Waals interactions with ring of Phe 696. Abolishing this interaction through mutagenesis completely eliminates the assembly. Upon binding of βPIX, the PDZ domain undergoes a significant . Lys 682 undergoes a nearly to make room for the βPIX PDZ binding domain.[7]
Shank Oligomerization
Shank proteins are positioned between scaffolding proteins that are bound to either neurotransmitter receptors or the actin cytoskeleton. This puts Shank proteins in a perfect position to create the underlying structure of the PSD.[2] The of Shank-3 can () to form large sheets composed of helical fibers stacked side by side. The proposed sheet structure with radially projecting protein interaction domains, is ideal architecture for a protein that must contact both membrane and cytoplasmic components at a synaptic surface.[2] It resembles the structure of a peg board, with Shank oligomers forming the board and PIX proteins forming the pegs to which things attach. Models of this sort validate the importance of Shank-3 as master scaffolding proteins and illustrate how slight mutations can disrupt an entire PSD and synaptic function.
Page Development
This article was developed based on lectures given in Chemistry 543 by Prof. Clarence E. Schutt at Princeton University.
3D structures of Shank Family Proteins
Updated on 21-March-2022
6cpi – hSHK1 SH3 domain – human - NMR
1q3o – rSHK1 PDZ domain – rat
1q3p – rSHK1 PDZ domain + guanylate kinase-associated protein peptide
3l4f - rSHK1 PDZ domain + guanine nucleotide exchange factor 7 C terminal
3qjm, 3qjn - rSHK1 PDZ domain + β-PIX
3o5n - rSHK1 PDZ domain + inhibitor
5o99 – rSHK2 SH3 domain
6cpj – rSHK2 SH3 domain - NMR
2f3n, 2f44 – rSHK3 SAM domain (mutant)
5g4x – rSHK3 N-terminal
5ova – rSHK3 PDZ domain
5ovc, 5ovp, 5ovv, 6exj – rSHK3 PDZ domain + peptide
5izu – SHK3 residues 533-655 + SAPAP3 peptide - mouse
6kyk – mSHK3 NTD-ANK domain (mutant) + RAP1
6kyh – mSHK3 NTD-ANK domain (mutant) + HRas
References
