SAPAP2 Activators

SAPAP2, or Synapse-Associated Protein 90/postsynaptic Density Protein 95-Associated Protein 2, is a member of the SAPAP family, which is also known as the GKAP (guanylate kinase-associated protein) family. This protein is encoded by the DLGAP2 gene in humans. SAPAP2 is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and plays a crucial role in the organization and function of synapses, which are the junctions through which neurons communicate with each other.The SAPAP proteins are known for their role in the scaffolding of postsynaptic density (PSD), a specialized zone of proteins that organize neurotransmitter receptors and their associated signaling machinery at the postsynaptic membrane of neurons. SAPAP2, in particular, acts as a molecular bridge, connecting membrane-bound receptors, such as the glutamate receptors that are vital for excitatory neurotransmission, to other components of the PSD, including proteins like PSD-95.

Through its interactions, SAPAP2 helps to stabilize synaptic structures and plays a role in synaptic plasticity, which is a fundamental mechanism for learning and memory. Synaptic plasticity involves changes in the strength and efficacy of synaptic transmission, and proteins like SAPAP2 are essential for these dynamic processes.Mutations or dysfunction in SAPAP2 and other members of the SAPAP family have been associated with neurological disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting their critical role in the proper development and function of neural circuits.