Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation and maintenance depend on the proper localization and concentration of various molecules at synaptic contact sites. Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering on the postsynaptic membrane is a cardinal event in NMJ formation. Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK), which functions depending on its phosphorylation, plays an essential role in AChR clustering. In the present study, we used plasmid-based biochemical screening and determined that protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type R (PTPRR) is responsible for dephosphorylating MuSK on tyrosine residue 754. Furthermore, we showed that PTPRR significantly reduced MuSK-dependent AChR clustering in C2C12 myotubes. Collectively, these data illustrate a negative regulation function of PTPRR in AChR clustering.