Members of the KCTD family are major regulators of cAMP signaling

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a pivotal second messenger with an essential role in neuronal function. cAMP synthesis by adenylyl cyclases (AC) is controlled by G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling systems. However, the network of molecular players involved in the process is incompletely defined. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9-based screening to identify that members of the potassium channel tetradimerization domain (KCTD) family are major regulators of cAMP signaling. Focusing on striatel neurons, we show that the dominant isoform KCTD5 exerts its effects through an unusual mechanism that modulates the influx of Zn2+ via the Zip14 transporter to exert unique allosteric effects on AC. We further show that KCTD5 controls the amplitude and sensitivity of stimulatory GPCR inputs to cAMP production by G beta gamma-mediated AC regulation. Finally, we report that KCTD5 haploinsufficiency in mice leads to motor deficits that can be reversed by chelating Zn2+. Together, our findings uncover KCTD proteins as major regulators of neuronal cAMP signaling via diverse mechanisms.

Automated summary

This study reveals that KCTD proteins, particularly the dominant isoform KCTD5, are major regulators of neuronal cAMP signaling through diverse mechanisms, including modulating Zn2+ influx and G β γ-mediated AC regulation. KCTD5 haploinsufficiency in mice leads to motor deficits that can be reversed by chelating Zn2+.