Synaptobrevin

Jump to navigation Jump to search


File:Coresnarecomplex.png
Three different views of the high resolution structure of a truncated neuronal SNARE complex. Legend: synaptobrevin-2 (red), Syntaxin-1 (violet), SNAP-25 (purple). [1]

Synaptobrevins (synaptobrevin isotypes 1-2) are small integral membrane proteins of secretory vesicles with molecular weight of 18 kilodalton (kDa) that are part of the vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) family.[1][2][3][4][5]


Synaptobrevin is one of the SNARE proteins involved in formation of the SNARE complexes. Out of four α-helices of the core SNARE complex one is contributed by synaptobrevin, one by syntaxin, and two by SNAP-25 (in neurons).

SNARE proteins are the key components of the molecular machinery that drives fusion of membranes in exocytosis. Their function however is subject to fine tuning by various regulatory protein collectively referred to as SNARE masters.

Because all proteins belonging to VAMP/synaptobrevin family share common structural feature, they have been classified as R-SNAREs. An alternative classification (v- and t-SNAREs) exists that takes into account origin of synaptobrevin-bearing organelle rather than their structural properties.

Synaptobrevin is degraded by Tetanospasmin, a protein derived from Clostridium tetani.

References and notes

  1. Baumert M, Maycox PR, Navone F, De Camilli P, Jahn R (1989). "Synaptobrevin: an integral membrane protein of 18,000 daltons present in small synaptic vesicles of rat brain". EMBO J. 8: 379–384.
  2. Bock JB, Scheller RH (1999). "SNARE proteins mediate lipid bilayer fusion". PNAS. 96: 12227–12229.
  3. Ernst JA, Brunger AT (2003). "High resolution structure, stability, and synaptotagmin binding of a truncated neuronal SNARE complex". J Biol Chem. 278: 8630–8636.
  4. Fasshauer D, Sutton RB, Brunger AT, Jahn R (1998). "Conserved structural features of the synaptic fusion complex: SNARE proteins reclassified as Q- and R-SNAREs". PNAS. 95: 15781–15786.
  5. Weber T, Zemelman BV, McNew JA, Westermann B, Gmachl M, Parlati F, Sollner TH, Rothman JE (1998). "SNAREpins: minimal machinery for membrane fusion". Cell. 92: 759–772.

External links

de:Synaptobrevin

Template:WikiDoc Sources