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Homer/vesl proteins and their roles in CNS neurons

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Abstract

Since their initial discovery in 1997, Homer/Vesl proteins have become increasingly investigated as putative regulators of receptor and ion-channel function in the central nervous system. Within a relatively brief period, numerous research reports have described manifold effects of Homer proteins, including the modulation of the trafficking of type I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), axonal pathfinding, mGluR coupling to calcium and potassium channels, agonist-independent mGluR activity, ryanodine receptor regulation, locomotor activity, and behavioral plasticity. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the induction, expression, and structure of the various forms of Homer proteins, as well as their roles in neuronal function. In addition, we provide an outlook on novel developments with regard to the involvement of Homer-1a in hippocampal synaptic function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kantonsschule Hohe Promenade, Promenadengasse 11, CH-8001, Zurich, Switzerland

    Markus U. Ehrengruber

  2. Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland

    Markus U. Ehrengruber & Sonia Hennou

  3. Department of Physiology, University of California, 94107, San Francisco, CA

    Akihiko Kato

  4. Mitsubishi Kagaku Institute of Life Sciences (MITILS), 194-8511, Tokyo, Japan

    Kaoru Inokuchi

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  1. Markus U. Ehrengruber
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Ehrengruber, M.U., Kato, A., Inokuchi, K. et al. Homer/vesl proteins and their roles in CNS neurons. Mol Neurobiol 29, 213–227 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1385/MN:29:3:213

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