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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
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Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and “Neuron Ball” Culture
Published on: August 2, 2019
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Presynaptic structural and functional plasticity are coupled by convergent Rap1 signaling
Yeongjin David Kim1, Hyun Gwan Park1, Seunghwan Song2
1Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|May 15, 2024
Summary
Rap1 signaling links Abelson kinase and cAMP pathways to control presynaptic actin remodeling. This mechanism regulates both structural plasticity via bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and functional plasticity during synaptic potentiation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Presynaptic actin remodeling is crucial for synaptic plasticity but poorly understood.
- Vav signaling regulates synaptic growth and potentiation through bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced macropinocytosis and vesicle mobilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking BMP signaling and activity-dependent potentiation to presynaptic actin dynamics.
- To identify key signaling nodes that integrate distinct plasticity pathways.
Main Methods:
- Investigated signaling pathways in presynaptic boutons.
- Utilized genetic and molecular approaches to study protein interactions and signaling cascades.
Main Results:
- Gef26/PDZ-GEF and Rap1 signaling connect Abelson kinase activation to Vav-mediated macropinocytosis.
- Adenylate cyclase Rutabaga (Rut)-cAMP-Epac signaling drives reserve pool vesicle mobilization during post-tetanic potentiation (PTP).
- Rap1 acts as a convergent node, coupling Abelson kinase and cAMP signaling to Vav for synaptic potentiation.
Conclusions:
- Rap1 is an essential signaling hub integrating structural and functional plasticity mechanisms.
- Rap1 regulates presynaptic actin cytoskeleton dynamics via Vav-dependent pathways.
- These findings reveal a novel signaling network controlling synaptic plasticity.
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