Synaptic Clustering of the Cell Adhesion Molecule Fasciclin II by Discs-Large and its Role in the Regulation of Presynaptic Structure

Abstract

The cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin II (FASII) is involved in synapse development and plasticity. Here we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that proper localization of FASII at type I glutamatergic synapses of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction is mediated by binding between the intracellular tSXV bearing C-terminal tail of FASII and the PDZ1–2 domains of Discs-Large (DLG). Moreover, mutations in fasII and/or dlg have similar effects on presynaptic ultrastructure, suggesting their functional involvement in a common developmental pathway. DLG can directly mediate a biochemical complex and a macroscopic cluster of FASII and Shaker K + channels in heterologous cells. These results indicate a central role for DLG in the structural organization and downstream signaling mechanisms of cell adhesion molecules and ion channels at synapses.