Synaptic vesicles are constitutively active fusion machines that function independently of Ca2+.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In neurons, release of neurotransmitter occurs through the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane. Many proteins required for this process have been identified, with the SNAREs syntaxin 1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin thought to constitute the core fusion machinery. However, there is still a large gap between our understanding of individual protein-protein interactions and the functions of these proteins revealed by perturbations in intact synaptic preparations. To bridge this gap, we have used purified synaptic vesicles, together with artificial membranes containing core-constituted SNAREs as reaction partners, in fusion assays.

Results

By using complementary experimental approaches, we show that synaptic vesicles fuse constitutively, and with high ef

SUBMITTER: Holt M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2481520 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature