{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Mesdc2 plays a key role in cell-surface expression of Lrp4 and postsynaptic specialization in myotubes.
{Author}: Hoshi T;Tezuka T;Yokoyama K;Iemura S;Natsume T;Yamanashi Y;
{Journal}: FEBS Lett
{Volume}: 587
{Issue}: 23
{Year}: Nov 2013 29
{Factor}: 3.864
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.10.001
{Abstract}: 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.