Selimi, FekrijeCristea, Ileana MHeller, Elizabeth AChait, Brian THeintz, Nathaniel2023-05-232023-05-232009-01-012018-01-22https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/42607Precise neuronal networks underlie normal brain function and require distinct classes of synaptic connections. Althought it has been shown that certain individual proteins can localize to different classes of synapses, the biochemical composition of specific synapse types is not known. Here, we have used a combination of genetically engineered mice, affinity purification, and mass spectrometry to profile proteins at parallel fiber/Purkinje cell synapses. We identify approximately 60 candidate postsynaptic proteins that can be classified into 11 functional categories. Proteins involved in phospholipid metabolism and signaling, such as the protein kinase MRCKγ, are major unrecognized components of this synapse type. We demonstrate that MRCKγ can modulate maturaion of dendritic spines in cultured cortical neurons, and that it is localized specifically to parallel fiber/Purkinje cell synapses in vivo. Our data identify a novel synapse-specific signaling pathway, and provide an approach for detailed investigations of the biochemical complexity of central nervous system synapse types.© 2009 Heintz et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural BiologyNeurologyNeuroscience and NeurobiologyNeurosciencesPharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTranslational Medical ResearchReport