USP8 Deubiquitinates SHANK3 to Control Synapse Density and SHANK3 Activity-Dependent Protein Levels

Mutations or altered protein levels of SHANK3 are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Phelan–McDermid syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia (Guilmatre et al., 2014). Loss of SHANK3 in mouse models results in decreased synapse density and reduction in the levels of multiple synaptic proteins (Jiang and Ehlers, 2013). The family of SHANK scaffolding molecules are among the most heavily ubiquitinated proteins at the postsynaptic density. The ubiquitin-dependent proteasome degradation of SHANK is regulated by synaptic activity and may contribute to activity-dependent synaptic remodeling (Ehlers, 2003; Shin et al., 2012). However, the identity of the specific deubiquitinating enzymes and E3 ligases that regulate SHANK ubiquitination at synapses are unknown. Here we identify USP8/UBPY as a deubiquitinating enzyme that regulates SHANK3 and SHANK1 ubiquitination and protein levels. In primary rat neurons, USP8 enhances SHANK3 and SHANK1 protein levels via deubiquitination and increases dendritic spine density. Additionally, USP8 is essential for changes in SHANK3 protein levels following synaptic activity modulation. These data identify USP8 as a key modulator of SHANK3 downstream of synaptic activity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Precise regulation of the protein levels of the postsynaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3 is essential for proper neurodevelopment. Mutations of SHANK3 have been identified in Phelan–McDermid syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia (Guilmatre et al., 2014). In this research, we identify USP8 as a key enzyme that regulates SHANK3 protein levels in neurons. USP8 acts to deubiquitinate SHANK3, which prevents its proteasomal-mediated degradation and enhances overall dendritic spine stability. In the future, the modulation of USP8 deubiquitinating activity could potentially be used to titrate the protein levels of SHANK3 to ameliorate disease.