%0 Journal Article
%T Mesdc2 plays a key role in cell-surface expression of Lrp4 and postsynaptic specialization in myotubes.
%A Hoshi T
%A Tezuka T
%A Yokoyama K
%A Iemura S
%A Natsume T
%A Yamanashi Y
%J FEBS Lett
%V 587
%N 23
%D Nov 2013 29
%M 24140340
%F 3.864
%R 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.10.001
%X Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4) is essential for pre- and post-synaptic specialization at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), an indispensable synapse between a motor nerve and skeletal muscle. Muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK must form a complex with Lrp4 to organize postsynaptic specialization at NMJs. Here, we show that the chaperon Mesdc2 binds to the intracellular form of Lrp4 and promotes its glycosylation and cell-surface expression. Furthermore, knockdown of Mesdc2 suppresses cell-surface expression of Lrp4, activation of MuSK, and postsynaptic specialization in muscle cells. These results suggest that Mesdc2 plays an essential role in NMJ formation by promoting Lrp4 maturation.