Supramodular structure and synergistic target binding of the N-terminal tandem PDZ domains of PSD-95

PDZ domain proteins play critical roles in binding, clustering and subcellular targeting of membrane receptors and ion channels. PDZ domains in multi-PDZ proteins often are arranged in groups with highly conserved spacing and intervening sequences; however, the functional significance of such tandem arrangements of PDZs is unclear. We have solved the three-dimensional structure of the first two PDZ domains of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95 PDZ1 and PDZ2), which are closely linked to each other in the PSD-95 family of scaffold proteins. The two PDZs have limited freedom of rotation and their C-terminal peptide-binding grooves are aligned with each other with an orientation preference for binding to pairs of C termini extending in the same direction. Increasing the spacing between PDZ1 and PDZ2 resulted in decreased binding between PDZ12 and its dimeric targets. The same mutation impaired the functional ability of PSD-95 to cluster Kv1.4 potassium channels in heterologous cells. The data presented provide a molecular basis for preferential binding of PSD-95 to multimeric membrane proteins with appropriate C-terminal sequences.     

Identification of specificity and promiscuity of PDZ domain interactions through their dynamic behavior

PDZ domains (PDZs), the most common interaction domain proteins, play critical roles in many cellular processes. PDZs perform their job by binding specific protein partners. However, they are very promiscuous, binding to more than one protein, yet selective at the same time. We examined the binding related dynamics of various PDZs to have insight about their specificity and promiscuity. We used full atomic normal mode analysis and a modified coarse‐grained elastic network model to compute the binding related dynamics. In the latter model, we introduced specificity for each single parameter constant and included the solvation effect implicitly. The modified model, referred to as specific‐Gaussian Network Model (s‐GNM), highlights some interesting differences in the conformational changes of PDZs upon binding to Class I or Class II type peptides. By clustering the residue fluctuation profiles of PDZs, we have shown: (i) binding selectivities can be discriminated from their dynamics, and (ii) the dynamics of different structural regions play critical roles for Class I and Class II specificity. s‐GNM is further tested on a dual‐specific PDZ which showed only Class I specificity when a point mutation exists on the βA‐βB loop. We observe that the binding dynamics change consistently in the mutated and wild type structures. In addition, we found that the binding induced fluctuation profiles can be used to discriminate the binding selectivity of homolog structures. These results indicate that s‐GNM can be a powerful method to study the changes in binding selectivities for mutant or homolog PDZs. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Evaluation of energetic and dynamic coupling networks in a PDZ domain protein

A number of computational and experimental studies have identified intramolecular communication "pathways" or "networks" important for transmitting allostery. Here, we have used mutagenesis and NMR relaxation methods to investigate the scope and nature of the communication networks found in the second post-synaptic density-95/discs large/zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) domain of the human protein tyrosine phosphatase 1E protein (hPTP1E) (PDZ2). It was found that most mutations do not have a significant energetic contribution to peptide ligand binding. Three mutants that showed significant changes in binding also displayed context-dependent dynamic effects. Both a mutation at a partially exposed site (H71Y) and a buried core position (I35V) had a limited response in side-chain (2)H-based dynamics when compared to wild-type PDZ2. In contrast, a change at a second core position (I20F) that had previously been shown to be part of an energetic and dynamic network, resulted in extensive changes in side-chain dynamics. This response is reminiscent to that seen previously upon peptide ligand binding. These results shed light on the nature of the PDZ2 dynamic network and suggest that position 20 in PDZ2 acts as a "hub" that is energetically and dynamically critical for transmitting changes in dynamics throughout the PDZ domain.     

Ligand binding of the second PDZ domain regulates clustering of PSD-95 with the Kv1.4 potassium channel.

The molecular mechanisms underlying the protein assembly at synaptic junctions are thought to be important for neural functions. PSD-95, one of the major postsynaptic density proteins, is composed of three PDZ domains (PDZ1, PDZ2, and PDZ3), an SH3 domain, and a GK (guanylate kinase ) domain. It binds to the N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor NR2 subunit or to the Shaker-type K(+) channel, Kv1.4, via the PDZ1 or PDZ2 domain, whereas PDZ3 binds to distinct partners. The intramolecular interaction of these multiple domains has been implicated in efficient protein clustering. We introduced missense and deletion mutations into PDZ1 (PDZ1mDelta) and/or PDZ2 (PDZ2mDelta) of the full-length PSD-95 to disrupt the association of each domain with the target proteins, while preserving the overall structure. The ion channel clustering activities of the PSD-95 mutants were analyzed in COS-1 cells coexpressing each mutant and Kv1.4. The mutant bearing the dysfunctional PDZ2 (PSD-95:1-2mDelta) showed significantly reduced clustering efficiency, whereas the mutant with the dysfunctional PDZ1 (PSD-95:1mDelta-2) exhibited activity comparable with the wild-type activity. Furthermore, we also examined the requirements for the position of PDZ2 in full-length PSD-95 by constructing a series of PDZ1-PDZ2 inversion mutants. Surprisingly, the clustering activity of PSD-95:2-1mDelta was severely defective. Taken together, these findings show that PDZ2, which is endowed with the highest affinity for Kv1.4, is required for efficient ligand binding. In addition, the ligand binding at the position of the second PDZ domain in full-length PSD-95 is prerequisite for efficient and typical cluster formation. This study suggests that the correct placement of the multiple domains in the full-length PSD-95 protein is necessary for the optimal protein activity.     

Ligand-dependent dynamics and intramolecular signaling in a PDZ domain

Allosteric communication is a fundamental process that proteins use to propagate signals from one site to functionally important distal sites. Although allostery is usually associated with multimeric proteins and enzymes, “long-range” communication may be a fundamental property of proteins. In some cases, communication occurs with minimal structural change. PDZ (post-synaptic density-95/discs large/zonula occludens-1) domains are small, protein-protein binding modules that can use multiple surfaces for docking diverse molecules. Furthermore, these domains have long-range energetic couplings that link the ligand-binding site to distal regions of the structure. Here, we show that allosteric behavior in a representative member of the PDZ domain family may be directly detected using side-chain methyl dynamics measurements. The changes in side-chain dynamics parameters in the second PDZ domain from the human tyrosine phosphatase 1E (hPTP1E) were determined upon binding a peptide target. Long-range dynamic effects were detected that correspond to previously observed pair-wise energetic couplings. These results provide one of the first experimental examples for the potential role of ps-ns timescale dynamics in propagating long-range signals within a protein, and reinforce the idea that dynamic fluctuations in proteins contribute to allosteric signal transduction.     

Genome-wide analysis of PDZ domain binding reveals inherent functional overlap within the PDZ interaction network

Binding selectivity and cross-reactivity within one of the largest and most abundant interaction domain families, the PDZ family, has long been enigmatic. The complete human PDZ domain complement (the PDZome) consists of 267 domains and we applied here a Bayesian selectivity model to predict hundreds of human PDZ domain interactions, using target sequences of 22,997 non-redundant proteins. Subsequent analysis of these binding scores shows that PDZs can be divided into two genome-wide clusters that coincide well with the division between canonical class 1 and 2 PDZs. Within the class 1 PDZs we observed binding overlap at unprecedented levels, mediated by two residues at positions 1 and 5 of the second α-helix of the binding pocket. Eight PDZ domains were subsequently selected for experimental binding studies and to verify the basics of our predictions. Overall, the PDZ domain class 1 cross-reactivity identified here implies that auxiliary mechanisms must be in place to overcome this inherent functional overlap and to minimize cross-selectivity within the living cell. Indeed, when we superimpose PDZ domain binding affinities with gene ontologies, network topology data and the domain position within a PDZ superfamily protein, functional overlap is minimized and PDZ domains position optimally in the binding space. We therefore propose that PDZ domain selectivity is achieved through cellular context rather than inherent binding specificity.     

Functional analysis of the nucleotide binding domain of membrane-associated guanylate kinases

Membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs) regulate cellular adhesion and signal transduction at sites of cell-cell contact. MAGUKs are composed of modular protein-protein interaction motifs including L27, PDZ, Src homology (SH) 3, and guanylate kinase domains that aggregate adhesion molecules and receptors. Genetic analyses reveal that lethal mutations of MAGUKs often occur in the guanylate kinase domain, indicating a critical role for this domain. Here, we explored whether GMP binding to the guanylate kinase domain regulates MAGUK function. Surprisingly, and in contrast to previously published studies, we failed to detect GMP binding to the MAGUKs postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) and CASK. Two amino acid residues in the GMP binding pocket that differ between MAGUKs and authentic guanylate kinase explain this lack of binding, as swapping these residues largely prevent GMP binding to yeast guanylate kinase. Conversely, these mutations restore GMP binding but not catalytic activity to PSD-95. Protein ligands for the PSD-95 guanylate kinase domain, guanylate kinase-associated protein (GKAP) and MAP1A, appear not to interact with the canonical GMP binding pocket, and GMP binding does not influence the intramolecular SH3/guanylate kinase (GK) interaction within PSD-95. These studies indicate that MAGUK proteins have lost affinity for GMP but may have retained the guanylate kinase structure to accommodate a related regulatory ligand.     

Formation of a native-like beta-hairpin finger structure of a peptide from the extended PDZ domain of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in aqueous solution.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is targeted to the cell membrane via interactions of its extended PDZ domain with PDZ domains of membrane-associated proteins including PSD-95 and alpha1-syntrophin. The formation of heterodimers between the nNOS PDZ domain and the PDZ domains of nNOS-binding proteins requires a stretch of continuous amino-acid residues C-terminal to the canonical nNOS PDZ domain. In this work, we show that a 27-residue peptide comprising the C-terminal extension of the extended nNOS PDZ domain is capable of binding to PSD-95. The structure of the 27-residue peptide in aqueous solution was determined using multidimensional NMR-spectroscopic techniques. The free peptide adopts a native-like beta-hairpin finger structure in aqueous solution. The results indicate that the C-terminal extension peptide of the nNOS PDZ domain may represent a relatively independent structural unit in the mediation of the interaction between nNOS and PDZ domain-containing proteins including PSD-95 and alpha1-syntrophin.     

Interesting structural and dynamical behaviors exhibited by the AF-6 PDZ domain upon Bcr peptide binding

PDZ (postsynaptic density-95, disks large, zonula occludens-1) domains are small, protein-protein interaction modules that have multiple binding surfaces for the docking of diverse molecules. These domains can propagate signals from ligand-binding site to distal regions of the structure through allosteric communication. Recent works have revealed that picosecond to nanosecond time scale dynamics play a potential role in propagating long-range signals within a protein. Comparison of AF-6 PDZ domain structures in free and complex forms shows a conformation rearrangement of distal surface 2, which is far from the peptide binding groove. The relaxation dispersion experiments detected that the free AF-6 PDZ domain was sampling multiple conformations; millisecond dynamics mapped a network for allostery signal transmission throughout the AF-6 PDZ domain in the weak saturation state, and intramolecular motions were observed in distal surface 1 when the protein was saturated. These results provide evidence that the allosteric process in the AF-6 PDZ domain is not two-state; instead, the millisecond dynamic network provides a mechanism for the transmission of allosteric signals throughout a protein. Interestingly, the two distal surfaces of the AF-6 PDZ domain respond differently to peptide binding; distal surface 1 changes in millisecond dynamics, whereas distal surface 2 undergoes structural rearrangement. The significance of the different response patterns in the signaling pathway and its relevance to the function of the AF-6 PDZ domain should be studied further.     

Conformational change upon ligand binding and dynamics of the PDZ domain from leukemia-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor

Leukemia-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (LARG) is a RhoA-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that can activate RhoA. The PDZ (PSD-95/Disc-large/ZO-1 homology) domain of LARG interacts with membrane receptors, which can relay extracellular signals to RhoA signal transduction pathways. Until now there is no structural and dynamic information about these interactions. Here we report the NMR structures of the LARG PDZ in the apo form and in complex with the plexin-B1 C-terminal octapeptide. Unobservable resonances of the residues in betaB/betaC and betaE/alphaB loops in apo state were observed in the complex state. A distinct region of the binding groove in the LARG PDZ was found to undergo conformational change compared with other PDZs. Analysis of the (15)N relaxation data using reduced spectral density mapping shows that the apo LARG PDZ (especially its ligand-binding groove) is flexible and exhibits internal motions on both picosecond to nanosecond and microsecond to millisecond timescales. Mutagenesis and thermodynamic studies indicate that the conformation of the betaB/betaC and betaE/alphaB loops affects the PDZ-peptide interaction. It is suggested that the conformational flexibility could facilitate the change of structures upon ligand binding.     

Intramolecular signaling pathways revealed by modeling anisotropic thermal diffusion

A variety of experimental evidence suggests that rapid, long-range propagation of conformational changes through the core of proteins plays a vital role in allosteric communication. Here, we describe a non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation method, anisotropic thermal diffusion (ATD), which allowed us to observe a dominant intramolecular signaling pathway in PSD-95, a member of the PDZ domain protein family. The observed pathway is in good accordance with a pathway previously inferred using a multiple sequence analysis of 276 PDZ domain proteins. In comparison with conventional solution molecular dynamics methods, the ATD method provides greatly enhanced signal-to-noise, allowing long-distance correlations to be observed clearly. The ATD method requires neither a large number of homologous proteins, nor extremely long simulation times to obtain a complete signaling pathway within a protein. Therefore, the ATD method should prove to be a powerful and general complement to experimental efforts to understand the physical basis of intramolecular signaling.     

Identification of an intramolecular interaction between the SH3 and guanylate kinase domains of PSD-95.

Postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95/SAP-90) is a member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family of proteins that assemble protein complexes at synapses and other cell junctions. MAGUKs comprise multiple protein-protein interaction motifs including PDZ, SH3 and guanylate kinase (GK) domains, and these binding sites mediate the scaffolding function of MAGUK proteins. Synaptic binding partners for the PDZ and GK domains of PSD-95 have been identified, but the role of the SH3 domain remains elusive. We now report that the SH3 domain of PSD-95 mediates a specific interaction with the GK domain. The GK domain lacks a poly-proline motif that typically binds to SH3 domains; instead, SH3/GK binding is a bi-domain interaction that requires both intact motifs. Although isolated SH3 and GK domains can bind in trans, experiments with intact PSD-95 molecules indicate that intramolecular SH3/GK binding dominates and prevents intermolecular associations. SH3/GK binding is conserved in the related Drosophila MAGUK protein DLG but is not detectable for Caenorhabditis elegans LIN-2. Many previously identified genetic mutations of MAGUKs in invertebrates occur in the SH3 or GK domains, and all of these mutations disrupt intramolecular SH3/GK binding.     

Solution structure of the PDZ2 domain from human phosphatase hPTP1E and its interactions with C-terminal peptides from the Fas receptor

The solution structure of the second PDZ domain (PDZ2) from human phosphatase hPTP1E has been determined using 2D and 3D heteronuclear NMR experiments. The binding of peptides derived from the C-terminus of the Fas receptor to PDZ2 was studied via changes in backbone peptide and protein resonances. The structure is based on a total of 1387 nonredundant experimental NMR restraints including 1261 interproton distance restraints, 45 backbone hydrogen bonds, and 81 torsion angle restraints. Analysis of 30 lowest-energy structures resulted in rmsd values of 0.41 +/- 0.09 A for backbone atoms (N, Calpha, C') and 1.08 +/- 0.10 A for all heavy atoms, excluding the disordered N- and C-termini. The hPTP1E PDZ2 structure is similar to known PDZ domain structures but contains two unique structural features. In the peptide binding domain, the first glycine of the GLGF motif is replaced by a serine. This serine appears to replace a bound water observed in PDZ crystal structures that hydrogen bonds to the bound peptide's C-terminus. The hPTP1E PDZ2 structure also contains an unusually large loop following strand beta2 and proximal to the peptide binding site. This well-ordered loop folds back against the PDZ domain and contains several residues that undergo large amide chemical shift changes upon peptide binding. Direct observation of peptide resonances demonstrates that as many as six Fas peptide residues interact with the PDZ2 domain.     

Solution structure and backbone dynamics of the second PDZ domain of postsynaptic density-95

The second PDZ domain of postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95 PDZ2) plays a critical role in coupling N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors to neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). In this work, the solution structure of PSD-95 PDZ2 was determined to high resolution by NMR spectroscopy. The structure of PSD-95 PDZ2 was compared in detail with that of alpha1-syntrophin PDZ domain, as the PDZ domains share similar target interaction properties. The interaction of the PSD-95 PDZ2 with a carboxyl-terminal peptide derived from a cytoplasmic protein CAPON was studied by NMR titration experiments. Complex formation between PSD-95 PDZ2 and the nNOS PDZ was modelled on the basis of the crystal structure of the alpha1-syntrophin PDZ/nNOS PDZ dimer. We found that the prolonged loop connecting the betaB and betaC strands of PSD-95 PDZ2 is likely to play a role in both the binding of the carboxyl-terminal peptide and the nNOS beta-finger. Finally, the backbone dynamics of the PSD-95 PDZ2 in the absence of bound peptide were studied using a model-free approach. The "GLGF"-loop and the loop connecting alphaB and betaF of the protein display some degree of flexibility in solution. The rest of the protein is rigid and lacks detectable slow time-scale (microseconds to milliseconds) motions. In particular, the loop connecting betaB and betaC loop adopts a well-defined, rigid structure in solution. It appears that the loop adopts a pre-aligned conformation for the PDZ domain to interact with its targets.     

The interaction between PSD-95 and Ca2+/calmodulin is enhanced by PDZ-binding proteins

In this study, we evaluate the interaction between the postsynaptic scaffolding protein, PSD-95, and calmodulin. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy was used to characterize the binding of PSD-95 to calmodulin that had been immobilized on a sensor chip. Additionally, soluble calmodulin was found to inhibit the binding of PSD-95 to immobilized calmodulin. The HOOK region of PSD-95, which is located between the src homology 3 domain and the guanylate kinase-like domain, was determined to be involved in the binding of PSD-95 to calmodulin. We also found that C-terminal peptides from proteins such as CRIPT and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor NR2B subunit, which associate with the PDZ domain of PSD-95, enhanced the affinity of PSD-95 for calmodulin. The binding of ligands to the PDZ domain may change the conformation of PSD-95 and affect the interaction between PSD-95 and calmodulin.     

Flavonoids from Radix Scutellariae as potential stroke therapeutic agents by targeting the second postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95)/disc large/zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) domain of PSD-95.

Excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and subsequent production of nitric oxide by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) contribute to neuronal damage resulting from hypoxic and ischemic insults. NMDARs and nNOS are coupled together at the postsynaptic membrane through their interaction with postsynaptic density protein (PSD) 95 via PSD-95/disc large/zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) domains. We used NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy to screen medicinal herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) stroke therapy for compounds binding to the second PDZ domain (PDZ2) of PSD-95, the domain linking nNOS and PSD-95. Aqueous extract of Huangqin, the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae), showed significant binding to PDZ2 of PSD-95. The binding site of the active components in the extract overlapped with the nNOS/NR2B-binding pocket of PDZ2 of PSD-95. Four flavones, baicalin, norwogonoside, oroxylin A-glucuronide (oroxyloside), and wogonoside were isolated and found to account for the PDZ-binding activity of the extract. NMR titration experiments showed that baicalin and norwogonoside displayed the highest PDZ2 binding affinity, while oroxylin A-glucuronide and wogonoside showed 4-5 fold less potency in binding to the PDZ domain. Identification of the PDZ binding activity of these compounds will allow investigating whether or not it contributes to the observed clinical effects of Radix Scutellariae. Furthermore, these molecules might provide leads for the development of drugs targeting the signaling pathways mediated by PDZ domains.     

Tamalin is a scaffold protein that interacts with multiple neuronal proteins in distinct modes of protein-protein association

Tamalin is a scaffold protein that comprises multiple protein-interacting domains, including a 95-kDa postsynaptic density protein (PSD-95)/discs-large/ZO-1 (PDZ) domain, a leucine-zipper region, and a carboxyl-terminal PDZ binding motif. Tamalin forms a complex with metabotropic glutamate receptors and guanine nucleotide exchange factor cytohesins and promotes intracellular trafficking and cell surface expression of group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors. In the present study, using several different approaches we have shown that tamalin interacts with multiple neuronal proteins through its distinct protein-binding domains. The PDZ domain of tamalin binds to the PDZ binding motifs of SAP90/PSD-95-associated protein and tamalin itself, whereas the PDZ binding motif of tamalin is capable of interacting with the PDZ domain of S-SCAM. In addition, tamalin forms a complex with PSD-95 and Mint2/X11beta/X11L by mechanisms different from the PDZ-mediated interaction. Tamalin has the ability to assemble with these proteins in vivo; their protein complex with tamalin was verified by coimmunoprecipitation of rat brain lysates. Interestingly, the distinct protein-interacting domains of tamalin are evolutionarily conserved, and mRNA expression is developmentally up-regulated at the postnatal period. The results indicate that tamalin exists as a key element that forms a protein complex with multiple postsynaptic and protein-trafficking scaffold proteins.     

A conformational switch in the CRIB-PDZ module of Par-6

Here, we report a novel mechanism of PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1) domain regulation that distorts?a conserved element of PDZ ligand recognition. The polarity regulator Par-6 assembles a conserved multiprotein complex and is directly modulated by the?Rho GTPase Cdc42. Cdc42 binds the adjacent Cdc42/Rac interactive binding (CRIB) and PDZ domains of Par-6, increasing C-terminal ligand binding affinity by 10-fold. By solving structures of the isolated PDZ domain and a disulfide-stabilized CRIB-PDZ, we detected a conformational switch that controls affinity by altering the configuration of the conserved "GLGF" loop. As a result, lysine 165 is displaced from the PDZ core by an adjacent hydrophobic residue, disrupting coordination of the PDZ ligand-binding cleft. Stabilization of the CRIB:PDZ interface restores K165 to its canonical location in the binding pocket. We conclude that a unique "dipeptide switch" in the Par-6 PDZ transmits a signal for allosteric activation to the ligand-binding pocket.     

Conformational Dynamics and Cooperativity Drive the Specificity of a Protein-Ligand Interaction

Molecular recognition is critical for the fidelity of signal transduction in biology. Conversely, the disruption of protein-protein interactions can lead to disease. Thus, comprehension of the molecular determinants of specificity is essential for understanding normal biological signaling processes and for the development of precise therapeutics. Although high-resolution structures have provided atomic details of molecular interactions, much less is known about the influence of cooperativity and conformational dynamics. Here, we used the Tiam2 PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) domain and a quadruple mutant (QM), engineered by swapping the identity of four residues important for specificity in the Tiam1 PDZ into the Tiam2 PDZ domain, as a model system to investigate the role of cooperativity and dynamics in PDZ ligand specificity. Surprisingly, equilibrium binding experiments found that the ligand specificity of the Tiam2 QM was switched to that of the Tiam1 PDZ. NMR-based studies indicated that Tiam2 QM PDZ, but not other mutants, had extensive microsecond to millisecond motions distributed throughout the entire domain suggesting structural cooperativity between the mutated residues. Thermodynamic analyses revealed energetic cooperativity between residues in distinct specificity subpockets that was dependent upon the identity of the ligand, indicating a context-dependent binding mechanism. Finally, isothermal titration calorimetry experiments showed distinct entropic signatures along the mutational trajectory from the Tiam2 wild-type to the QM PDZ domain. Collectively, our studies provide unique insights into how structure, conformational dynamics, and thermodynamics combine to modulate ligand-binding specificity and have implications for the evolution, regulation, and design of protein-ligand interactions.     

Slo2 sodium-activated K+ channels bind to the PDZ domain of PSD-95

Slo2 channels are a type of sodium-activated K+ channels and possess a typical PDZ binding motif at the carboxy-terminal end. Thus, we investigated whether Slo2 channels bind to PSD-95, because it is well known that other types of K+ channels, voltage-gated and inward rectifier K+ channels, bind to PSD-95 via the PDZ binding motif and are involved in excitatory synaptic transmission. By using an extract prepared from cultured neocortical neurons, we demonstrated a biochemical interaction between mSlo2 channels and PSD-95, and a mutational analysis revealed that mSlo2 channels bound to the first PDZ domain of PSD-95 via the PDZ binding motif. To investigate the expression of mSlo2 protein in primary neocortical neurons, we raised anti-mSlo2 channel antibody and immunostained neocortical neurons. The immunocytochemical study showed that mSlo2 channels partly colocalized with PSD-95 in mouse neocortical neurons.