SHANK1/A0075

SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains protein 1 (SHANK1), also known as GKAP/SAPAP-interacting protein, SPANK-1, Synamon and Somatostatin receptor-interacting protein (SSTR) or A0075, is an adaptor protein that may link neurotransmitter receptors ...

SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains protein 1 (SHANK1), also known as GKAP/SAPAP-interacting protein, SPANK-1, Synamon and Somatostatin receptor-interacting protein (SSTR) or A0075, is an adaptor protein that may link neurotransmitter receptors to structural components and actin-based cytoskeleton. It is only expressed in brain, in cortex, CA1 region of hippocampus and molecular layer of cerebellum and it is enriched in the post-synaptic density (PSD) compartment of excitatory synapses. It belongs to the SHANK family (SHANK1, SHANK2 and SHANK3) and contains 7 ANK repeats, one PDZ, one SAM and one SH3 domains. Splicing alternative produces five different isoforms, although additional isoforms seem to exist. Different isoforms have different expression patterns during development. Over-expression of SHANK1 in hippocampal primary neurons drives to increase the maduration and the enlargement of spines. Shank1 human gene maps to the chromosome 19q13.33. SHANK3 gene has been implicated in autism. SHANK1 knock-out mouse have altered the PSD composition and show an impairment in long-term memory and an increase in the anxiety-related behavior suggesting that this gene could also been involved in human autism disorders.