Abstract
Homer is a neuronal immediate early gene (IEG) that is enriched at excitatory synapses and binds group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Here, we characterize a family of Homer-related proteins derived from three distinct genes. Like Homer IEG (now termed Homer 1a), all new members bind group 1 mGluRs. In contrast to Homer 1a, new members are constitutively expressed and encode a C-terminal coiled-coil (CC) domain that mediates self-multimerization. CC-Homers form natural complexes that cross-link mGluRs and are enriched at the postsynaptic density. Homer 1a does not multimerize and blocks the association of mGluRs with CC-Homer complexes. These observations support a model in which the dynamic expression of Homer 1a competes with constitutively expressed CC-Homers to modify synaptic mGluR properties.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Brain / metabolism
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Carrier Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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Carrier Proteins / chemistry
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Carrier Proteins / genetics
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Carrier Proteins / physiology*
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Homer Scaffolding Proteins
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Mice
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Multigene Family / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
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Neuropeptides / antagonists & inhibitors
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Neuropeptides / chemistry
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Neuropeptides / genetics
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Neuropeptides / physiology*
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Rats
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Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / metabolism*
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Synapses / metabolism*
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Tissue Distribution
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Homer Scaffolding Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Neuropeptides
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Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate
Associated data
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GENBANK/AF093257
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GENBANK/AF093258
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GENBANK/AF093259
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GENBANK/AF093260
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GENBANK/AF093261
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GENBANK/AF093262
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GENBANK/AF093263
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GENBANK/AF093264
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GENBANK/AF093265
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GENBANK/AF093266
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GENBANK/AF093267
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GENBANK/AF093268