TRAF6 controls excitatory spinogenesis and excitation-inhibition balance though binding neuroplastin

Abstract

Cell-autonomous mechanisms of early synaptogenesis and their impact on the excitatory-inhibitory brain balance are poorly understood. By analyzing binding motifs in cytoplasmic regions of synaptogenic cell adhesion molecules, we identified a tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) binding motif in neuroplastin. Three-dimensional molecular modelling and biochemical approaches identified amino acids in neuroplastin binding the TRAF-C of TRAF6 with micromolar affinity. TRAF6 is required for spinogenesis and its association with neuroplastin fostered formation of new postsynapses in young hippocampal neurons. Also, TRAF6 is strictly necessary to restore failed spinogenesis in neuroplastin-deficient neurons via neuroplastin expression. These features are independent from neuroplastin extracellular adhesive properties or its known interaction with plasma-membrane Ca2+ ATPases. Furthermore, TRAF6-mediated neuroplastin-dependent spinogenesis determinates the excitatory synapse density and in turn the balance of E-I synapses in mature neurons. These findings provide a highly specific cell-encoded mechanism for early synaptogenesis crucial for neuronal connectivity.