Predominant localization of EFA6A, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for ARF6, at the perisynaptic photoreceptor processes

EFA6A is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is highly expressed in the nervous system with the ability to activate ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6). In this study, we demonstrated the immunohistochemical localization of EFA6A in the adult mouse retina. Strong immunoreactivity for EFA6A was detected predominantly in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), where EFA6A was partially overlapped with dystrophin and synaptophysin. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis revealed that EFA6A was localized predominantly at the perisynaptic processes of photoreceptor terminals without association with synaptic ribbons. These findings suggest that EFA6A-ARF6 pathway may play a specific role at a subcompartment of perisynaptic photoreceptor processes.