The Immunoglobulin Super Family Protein RIG-3 Prevents Synaptic Potentiation and Regulates Wnt Signaling

Kavita Babu, Zhitao Hu, Shih-Chieh Chien, Gian Garriga, Joshua M. Kaplan

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cell surface Ig superfamily proteins (IgSF) have been implicated in several aspects of neuron development and function. Here, we describe the function of a Caenorhabditis elegans IgSF protein, RIG-3. Mutants lacking RIG-3 have an exaggerated paralytic response to a cholinesterase inhibitor, aldicarb. Although RIG-3 is expressed in motor neurons, heightened drug responsiveness was caused by an aldicarb-induced increase in muscle ACR-16 acetylcholine receptor (AChR) abundance, and a corresponding potentiation of postsynaptic responses at neuromuscular junctions. Mutants lacking RIG-3 also had defects in the anteroposterior polarity of the ALM mechanosensory neurons. The effects of RIG-3 on synaptic transmission and ALM polarity were both mediated by changes in Wnt signaling, and in particular by inhibiting CAM-1, a Ror-type receptor tyrosine kinase that binds Wnt ligands. These results identify RIG-3 as a regulator of Wnt signaling, and suggest that RIG-3 has an anti-plasticity function that prevents activity-induced changes in postsynaptic receptor fields. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103-116
JournalNeuron
Volume71
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

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