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Structural basis of calcium-dependent C1ql1/BAI3 assemblies in synaptic connectivity
Liangyu Liao1,2, Ying Han3,4, Fengfeng Niu1,2
1Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Secreted C1q-like proteins (C1qls) bridge synapses by forming calcium-modulated hexamers. This dynamic assembly of C1ql1 scaffolds BAI3 receptors, crucial for synaptic connectivity and maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are essential for synaptic connectivity.
- Secreted factors like C1q-like proteins (C1qls) bridge pre- and post-synapses by interacting with CAMs.
- The precise mechanisms of secreted factors in synapse assembly are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of C1ql-mediated synaptic connectivity.
- To elucidate the assembly mechanism of C1ql1 and its interaction with the postsynaptic receptor BAI3 (ADGRB3).
Main Methods:
- Biochemical, structural (Cryo-EM), and computational analyses.
- Cellular and in vivo studies.
Main Results:
- The globular C1q (gC1q) domain of C1ql1 forms a calcium-modulated hexamer via domain swapping.
- Calcium ions stabilize the C1ql1_gC1q hexamer in complex with BAI3's CUB domain.
- C1ql1 hexamers assemble into linear clusters, potentially scaffolding BAI3 receptors.
- C1ql1 assembly is critical for receptor accumulation and synapse maintenance.
Conclusions:
- A mechanism for secreted factor-mediated synaptic connectivity is proposed.
- Calcium-modulated assembly of C1qls and their interaction with CAMs drive synaptic connectivity.
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