DLG3 Gene

Discs, large homolog 3 (DLG3) is a gene associated with learning and memory. DLG3 encodes synapse-associated protein 102 (SAP102).

Discs, large homolog 3 (DLG3) is a gene associated with learning and memory. DLG3 encodes synapse-associated protein 102 (SAP102).

Discs, large homolog 3 (DLG3) is a gene associated with learning and memory. DLG3 encodes synapse-associated protein 102 (SAP102). During early brain development, SAP102 is expressed in neurons in the postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses. It interacts directly with the NMDA receptor complex, which plays an important role in long-term potentiation and memory formation. Tarpey and colleagues (2004) linked mutations in DLG3 with X-linked mental retardation, which prematurely creates a stop codon, causing the protein to terminate too soon. It is likely that this mutation disrupts SAP102 interactions with the NMDA receptor complex. Cuthbert and colleagues (2007) found that mice lacking SAP102 had impaired synaptic plasticity and showed deficits in spatial learning.