Shank protein: Difference between revisions

[[Image:Shank Schematic.png|150px|left]]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shank Family Proteins are scaffolding proteins found in the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses. The PSD, a structure within the postsynaptic membrane of dendritic spines, contains a complex assembly of proteins which organize neurotransmitter receptors and regulatory elements.<ref name="Park">PMID:12626503</ref> The PSD coordinates communication of incoming signals to various targets and changes its composition in response to neural signals to aid neuronal plasticity<ref name="Baron">PMID:16439662</ref> Shank proteins function as the master organizer of the PSD with their ability to recruit and form multimeric complexes with postsynaptic receptors, signaling molecules, and cytoskeletal proteins, like AMPA, [[Neuroligin-Neurexin Interaction|Neuroligin]] and NMDA [[Glutamate Receptors|glutamate receptors]].<ref name="Durand">PMID:17173049</ref>  Within the PSD, there are over 300 individual shank molecules, roughly  5% of the total protein molecules within the PSD.<ref name="Bozdagi">PMID: 21167025</ref> Shanks contain five domains for protein-protein interactions, including an ankyrin repeat domain, used to bind acting regulating proteins, an Src homology 3 (Sh3) domain, used to bind AMPA receptors, a PDZ domain, used to bind G protein coupled receptors,  several proline-rich domains, and a C-terminal SAM domain, which is responsible for mediating Shank multimerization. (See Image)<ref name="Park"/> Shank also mediates the maturation of dendritic spines in neurons.<ref name="Durand"/> See also [[Neurodevelopmental Disorders]].