Fig. 6: FERMT2 is present at the synapse and controls synaptic connectivity. | Molecular Psychiatry

Fig. 6: FERMT2 is present at the synapse and controls synaptic connectivity.

From: Alzheimer’s genetic risk factor FERMT2 (Kindlin-2) controls axonal growth and synaptic plasticity in an APP-dependent manner

Fig. 6

a Immunofluorescence in hippocampal primary neuronal culture showing the colocalization of FERMT2 puncta with pre- and postsynaptic markers, Synaptophysin and Homer, respectively. b Synaptic fractionation experiment revealed the presence of FERMT2 in both pre- and postsynaptic compartments. c Schematics of the tricompartmental microfluidic device. The use of microchannels with different lengths ensures that only axons arrive from the presynaptic to the synaptic compartment, where synapses can be observed independently of the cell bodies. The device also permits lentiviral transductions to be performed exclusively in the pre- and postsynaptic compartments. d Synaptic connectivity as a function of FERMT2 underexpression in pre- and postsynaptic chambers. Increased fraction of Synaptophysin spots not assigned by a Homer spot within a distance threshold of 1 μm is indicative of decreased synaptic connectivity. e PLA-FERMT2/APP puncta were observed at the synapses stained for pre- and postsynaptic markers. Scale bar = 2 µm.

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