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Updated: Sep 5, 2025

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Published on: September 20, 2024
The E3 ligase Thin controls homeostatic plasticity through neurotransmitter release repression
Martin Baccino-Calace1,2, Katharina Schmidt1, Martin Müller1,2,3
1Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Thin regulates presynaptic homeostatic plasticity by controlling neurotransmitter release. Thin degrades Dysbindin, linking proteostasis to synaptic function and neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Synaptic transmission and protein homeostasis are tightly regulated.
- The role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP) is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in PHP.
- To identify novel regulators of synaptic proteostasis and neurotransmitter release.
Main Methods:
- An electrophysiology-based genetic screen of E3 ligase-encoding genes in Drosophila.
- In vitro degradation assays.
- Localization studies in presynaptic boutons.
Main Results:
- The E3 ligase Thin (TRIM32 ortholog) was identified as a key regulator of PHP.
- Presynaptic Thin negatively regulates neurotransmitter release by limiting release-ready vesicles.
- Thin controls release via Dysbindin, a schizophrenia-susceptibility gene.
Conclusions:
- The E3 ligase Thin links protein degradation-dependent proteostasis of Dysbindin to homeostatic regulation of neurotransmitter release.
- This finding provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
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