Shank protein: Difference between revisions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shank proteins are positioned between scaffolding proteins that are bound to either neurotransmitter receptors or the actin cytoskeleton. This puts Shank proteins in a perfect position to create the underlying structure of the PSD.<ref name="Baron"/> The <scene name='Shank_Family_Proteins/Multimer_opening_single/1'>SAM domain</scene> of Shank-3 can <scene name='Shank_Family_Proteins/Multimer_opening/2'>oligomerize</scene> (<scene name='Shank_Family_Proteins/Multimer_opening_alt/2'>Alternate View</scene>) to form large sheets composed of helical fibers stacked side by side. The proposed sheet structure with radially projecting protein interaction domains, is ideal architecture for a protein that must contact both membrane and cytoplasmic components at a synaptic surface.<ref name="Baron"/>  It resembles the structure of a peg board, with Shank oligomers forming the board and PIX proteins forming the pegs to which things attach. Models of this sort validate the importance of Shank-3 as master scaffolding proteins and illustrate how slight mutations can disrupt an entire PSD and synaptic function.