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- Title
Orchestration of synaptic functions by WAVE regulatory complex-mediated actin reorganization.
- Authors
Han, Kyung Ah; Ko, Jaewon
- Abstract
The WAVE regulatory complex (WRC), composed of five components—Cyfip1/Sra1, WAVE/Scar, Abi, Nap1/Nckap1, and Brk1/HSPC300—is essential for proper actin cytoskeletal dynamics and remodeling in eukaryotic cells, likely by matching various patterned signals to Arp2/3-mediated actin nucleation. Accumulating evidence from recent studies has revealed diverse functions of the WRC in neurons, demonstrating its crucial role in dictating the assembly of molecular complexes for the patterning of various trans-synaptic signals. In this review, we discuss recent exciting findings on the physiological role of the WRC in regulating synaptic properties and highlight the involvement of WRC dysfunction in various brain disorders. Brain disorders: Multiple roles of protein complex need further exploration Extensive research is needed to understand how the components of a critical protein complex at synapses influence the properties of neural circuits. Jaewon Ko and Kyung Ah Han, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea, reviewed the roles of the five protein components in the WAVE Regulatory Complex (WRC), and how they organize synaptic properties and neural circuits. The WRC plays key roles in the dynamics and remodeling of actin, a major cytoskeletal protein critical for synapse formation and maintenance. The WRC also activates other protein complexes significantly involved in controlling actin activity. Each WRC component has distinct functions at synapses, such as regulating the growth of dendritic spines (protrusions on dendrites, the extensions of neurons that receive stimuli) and presynaptic assembly. Undoubtedly, dysfunction of the WRC components are associated with various brain disorders.
- Publication
Experimental & Molecular Medicine EMM, 2023, Vol 55, Issue 6, p1065
- ISSN
1226-3613
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/s12276-023-01004-1