Neurexin facilitates glycosylation of Dystroglycan to sustain muscle architecture and function in Drosophila.

Abstract

Neurexin, a molecule associated with autism spectrum disorders, is thought to function mainly in neurons. Recently, it was reported that Neurexin is also present in muscle, but the role of Neurexin in muscle is still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the overexpression of Neurexin in muscles effectively restored the locomotor function of Drosophila neurexin mutants, while rescuing effects are observed within the nervous. Notably, the defects in muscle structure and function caused by Neurexin deficiency were similar to those caused by mutations in dystroglycan, a gene associated with progressive muscular dystrophy. The absence of Neurexin leads to muscle attachment defects, emphasizing the essential role of Neurexin in muscle integrity. Furthermore, Neurexin deficiency reduces Dystroglycan glycosylation on the cell surface, which is crucial for maintaining proper muscle structure and function. Finally, Neurexin guides Dystroglycan to the glycosyltransferase complex through interactions with Rotated Abdomen, a homolog of mammalian POMT1. Our findings reveal that Neurexin mediates muscle development and function through Dystroglycan glycosylation, suggesting a potential association between autism spectrum disorders and muscular dystrophy.