Sensitive Factor Attachment Protein Receptor Research Articles

Functional involvement of VAMP/synaptobrevin-2 in cAMP-stimulated aquaporin 2 translocation in renal collecting duct cells.

The involvement of soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor-attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins in the cAMP-induced exocytosis of aquaporin 2 (AQP2)-containing vesicles was investigated in AQP2-transfected renal CD8 cells. RT-PCR and western blot analysis confirmed the presence of the SNARE homologs VAMP/synaptobrevin-2, syntaxin-1, syntaxin-4 and SNAP-23 in CD8 cells. Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) was efficient in cleaving synaptobrevin-like protein both in vitro and in intact CD8 cells incubated with the toxin. TeNT treatment in intact CD8 cells completely abolished cAMP-stimulated AQP2 targeting to the plasma membrane, as assessed by quantification of cell-surface immunoreactivity to an anti-AQP2 antibody raised against a peptide reproducing the extracellular AQP2 C-loop. These results represent the first evidence for the functional involvement of VAMP-2 in cAMP-induced AQP2 exocytosis in renal cells.

How Tlg2p/syntaxin 16 'snares' Vps45.

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor-attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and Sec1p/Munc18-homologs (SM proteins) play key roles in intracellular membrane fusion. The SNAREs form tight four-helix bundles (core complexes) that bring the membranes together, but it is unclear how this activity is coupled to SM protein function. Studies of the yeast trans-Golgi network (TGN)/endosomal SNARE complex, which includes the syntaxin-like SNARE Tlg2p, have suggested that its assembly requires activation by binding of the SM protein Vps45p to the cytoplasmic region of Tlg2p folded into a closed conformation. Nuclear magnetic resonance and biochemical experiments now show that Tlg2p and Pep12p, a late- endosomal syntaxin that interacts functionally but not directly with Vps45p, have a domain structure characteristic of syntaxins but do not adopt a closed conformation. Tlg2p binds tightly to Vps45p via a short N-terminal peptide motif that is absent in Pep12p. The Tlg2p/Vps45p binding mode is shared by the mammalian syntaxin 16, confirming that it is a Tlg2p homolog, and resembles the mode of interaction between the SM protein Sly1p and the syntaxins Ufe1p and Sed5p. Thus, this mechanism represents the most widespread mode of coupling between syntaxins and SM proteins.

Modulation of L-type Ca(2+) channels by distinct domains within SNAP-25.

Cognate soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins are now known to associate the secretory vesicle with both the target plasma membrane and Ca(2+) channels in order to mediate the sequence of events leading to exocytosis in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells, particularly insulin-secreting islet beta-cells, t-SNARE proteins, 25-kDa synaptosomal-associated protein (SNAP-25), and syntaxin 1A, independently inhibit the L-type Ca(2+) channel (L(Ca)). However, when both are present, they actually exhibit stimulatory actions on the L(Ca). This suggests that the positive regulation of the L(Ca) is conferred by a multi-SNARE protein complex. We hypothesized an alternate explanation, which is that each of these SNARE proteins possess distinct inhibitory and stimulatory domains that act on the L(Ca). These SNARE proteins were recently shown to bind the Lc(753-893) domain corresponding to the II and III intracellular loop of the alpha1C subunit of the L(Ca). In this study, using patch-clamp methods on primary pancreatic beta-cells and insulinoma HIT-T15 cells, we examined the functional interactions of the botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) cleavage products of SNAP-25, including NH(2)-terminal (1-197 amino acids) and COOH-terminal (amino acid 198-206) domains, on the L(Ca), particularly at the Lc(753-893) domain. Intracellular application of SNAP-25(1-206) in primary beta-cells decreased L(Ca) currents by approximately 15%. The reduction in L(Ca) currents was counteracted by coapplication of Lc(753-893). Overexpression or injection of wild-type SNAP-25 in HIT cells reduced L(Ca) currents by approximately 30%, and this inhibition was also blocked by the recombinant Lc(753-893) peptide. Expression of BoNT/A surprisingly caused an even greater reduction of L(Ca) currents (by 41%), suggesting that the BoNT/A cleavage products of SNAP-25 might possess distinct inhibitory and positive regulatory domains. Indeed, expression of SNAP-25(1-197) increased L(Ca) currents (by 19% at 10 mV), and these effects were blocked by the Lc(753-893) peptide. In contrast, injection of SNAP-25(198-206) peptide into untransfected cells inhibited L(Ca) currents (by 47%), and more remarkably, these inhibitory effects dominated over the stimulatory effects of SNAP-25(1-197) overexpression (by 34%). Therefore, the SNARE protein SNAP-25 possesses distinct inhibitory and stimulatory domains that act on the L(Ca). The COOH-terminal 197-206 domain of SNAP-25, whose inhibitory actions dominate over the opposing stimulatory NH(2)-terminal domain, likely confers the inhibitory actions of SNAP-25 on the L(Ca). We postulate that the eventual accelerated proteolysis of SNAP-25 brought about by BoNT/A cleavage allows the relatively intact NH(2)-terminal SNAP-25 domain to assert its stimulatory action on the L(Ca) to increase Ca(2+) influx, and this could in part explain the observed weak or inconsistent inhibitory effects of BoNT/A on insulin secretion. The present study suggests that distinct domains within SNAP-25 modulate L(C) subtype Ca(2+) channel activity in both primary beta-cells and insulinoma HIT-T15 cells.

Probing domain swapping for the neuronal SNARE complex with electron paramagnetic resonance.

Highly conserved soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins control membrane fusion at synapses. The target plasma membrane-associated SNARE proteins and the vesicle-associated SNARE protein assemble into a parallel four-helix bundle. Using a novel EPR approach, it is found that the SNARE four-helix bundles are interconnected via domain swapping that is achieved by substituting one of the two SNAP-25 helices with the identical helix from the second four-helical bundle. Domain swapping is likely to play a role in the multimerization of the SNARE complex that is required for successful membrane fusion. The new EPR application employed here should be useful to study other polymerizing proteins.

The Core Membrane Fusion Complex Governs the Probability of Synaptic Vesicle Fusion But Not Transmitter Release Kinetics

Synaptic vesicle fusion is driven by the formation of a four-helical bundle composed of soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). Exactly how the structural interactions that lead to the formation of this complex relate to neurotransmitter release is not well understood. To address this question, we used a strategy to "rescue" synaptic transmission after proteolytic cleavage of the synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) by botulinum neurotoxin E (BoNtE). Transfection of CA3 hippocampal pyramidal cells with BoNtE-resistant SNAP-25 restored synaptic transmission. Additional mutations that alter the interaction between SNAP-25 C-terminal coil and the other SNARE coils dramatically reduce transmitter release probability but leave the kinetics of synaptic responses unaltered. These data indicate that at synapses, SNARE interactions are necessary for fusion but are not the rate-limiting step of neurotransmission.

Comparative Analysis of Rab GTPases and SNAREs in Eukaryotic Genomes

The intracellular vesicular transport is indispensable function for eukaryotic cells to maintain the intracellular membrane compartments. In order that the transport vesicles fuse only to the precise target membranes and that the macromolecules are selectively delivered, unique mutual recognitions are required between the vesicles and the membranes. These unique recognitions and membrane fusions are mediated by the SNARE (Soluble N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor Attachment protein REceptor) superfamily proteins, which are well conserved throughout the eukaryotic evolution. Recently ongoing eukaryotic genome projects have revealed a number of SNARE molecules in the whole genomes, but the number was fewer than expected suggesting that the same SNARE molecules mediate different transport pathways. For example, sec22p of S.cerevisiae carries both directions of transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cis-Golgi apparatus. Therefore, additional proteins should be involved in the roles of mediating unique recognitions. Rab proteins belong to the Ras small GTPase superfamily, and have been considered to be involved in the vesicular transport since the identification of the first Rab molecule in 1983. In 1999, mammalian Rab5, whose localization is early endosomes, was revealed to bind to the tethering factor EEA1 (Early Endosome Antigen 1), which is required before the SNARE mutual recognition, and also binds to Syntaxin6 and 13, t-SNAREs on early endosome. Therefore, SNARE systems and Rab GTPases are considered to be functionally related. For example, the localizations of both of mammalian Rab1 and Rab2 are between ER and cis-Golgi apparatus, while Rab1 mediates the transport from ER to Golgi and Rab2 mediates from Golgi to ER. Thus, it is probable that Rab molecules mediate the vesicular transport processes cooperating with the SNARE system. We formerly performed a hierarchical cluster analysis of SNARE molecules, and showed that SNAREs form clusters according to their intracellular localizations [4]. Here, we performed the hierarchical cluster analysis of eukaryotic Rab GTPases stored in the KEGG/GENES database by considering their intracellular localizations and also the clusters of SNAREs in order to examine a possible increase of the numbers of Rab paralogs through the evolution.

Rabphilin Potentiates SolubleN-Ethylmaleimide Sensitive Factor Attachment Protein Receptor Function Independently of rab3

Rabphilin, a putative rab effector, interacts specifically with the GTP-bound form of the synaptic vesicle-associated protein rab3a. In this study, we define in vivo functions for rabphilin through the characterization of mutants that disrupt the Caenorhabditis elegans rabphilin homolog. The mutants do not display the general synaptic defects associated with rab3 lesions, as assayed at the pharmacological, physiological, and ultrastructural level. However, rabphilin mutants exhibit severe lethargy in the absence of mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, rabphilin mutations display strong synergistic interactions with hypomorphic lesions in the syntaxin, synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa, and synaptobrevin soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) genes; double mutants were nonresponsive to mechanical stimulation. These synergistic interactions were independent of rab3 function and were not observed in rab3-SNARE double mutants. Our data reveal rab3-independent functions for rabphilin in the potentiation of SNARE function.

Calcium-dependent translocation of synaptotagmin to the plasma membrane in the dendrites of developing neurones

In neurones, the morphological complexity of the dendritic tree requires regulated growth and the appropriate targeting of membrane components. Accurate delivery of specific supplies depends on the translocation and fusion of transport vesicles. Vesicle SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) and target membrane SNAREs play a central role in the correct execution of fusion events, and mediate interactions with molecules that endow the system with appropriate regulation. Synaptotagmins, a family of Ca 2+-sensor proteins that includes neurone-specific members involved in regulating neurotransmitter exocytosis, are among the molecules that can tune the fusion mechanism. Using immunocytochemistry, confocal and electron microscopy, the localisation of synaptotagmin I in the dendrites of cultured rat hypothalamic neurones was demonstrated. Synaptotagmin labelling is concentrated at dendritic branch points, and in microprocesses. Following depolarisation, the N-terminal domain of synaptotagmin was detected at the extracellular surface of the dendritic plasma membrane. The insertion of synaptotagmin in the plasma membrane was elicited by L-type Ca 2+ channel activation and by mobilisation of the internal ryanodine-sensitive Ca 2+stores. Furthermore, the localisation of L-type Ca 2+ channels and of ryanodine receptors, relative to the localisation of synaptotagmin in dendrites, suggests that both Ca 2+ entry and intracellular Ca 2+ stores may contribute to the fusion of dendritic transport vesicles with the membrane. Fusion is likely to involve SNAP-25 and syntaxin 1 as both proteins were also identified in dendrites. Taken together these results suggest a putative regulatory role of synaptotagmins in the membrane fusion events that contribute to shaping the dendritic tree during development.

Syntaxin 1A is delivered to the apical and basolateral domains of epithelial cells: the role of munc-18 proteins.

SNARE (Soluble N-ethyl-maleimide sensitive factor Attachment protein Receptor) proteins assemble in tight core complexes, which promote fusion of carrier vesicles with target compartments. Members of this class of proteins are expressed in all eukaryotic cells and are distributed in distinct subcellular compartments. The molecular mechanisms underlying sorting of SNAREs to their physiological sites of action are still poorly understood. Here have we analyzed the transport of syntaxin1A in epithelial cells. In line with previous data we found that syntaxin1A is not transported to the plasma membrane, but rather is retained intracellularly when overexpressed in MDCK and Caco-2 cells. Its delivery to the cell surface is recovered after munc-18-1 cotransfection. Furthermore, overexpression of the ubiquitous isoform of munc-18, munc-18-2, is also capable of rescuing the transport of the t-SNARE. The interaction between syntaxin 1A and munc-18 occurs in the biosynthetic pathway and is required to promote the exit of the t-SNARE from the Golgi complex. This enabled us to investigate the targeting of syntaxin1A in polarized cells. Confocal analysis of polarized monolayers demonstrates that syntaxin1A is delivered to both the apical and basolateral domains independently of the munc-18 proteins used in the cotranfection experiments. In search of the mechanisms underlying syntaxin 1A sorting to the cell surface, we found that a portion of the protein is included in non-ionic detergent insoluble complexes. Our results indicate that the munc-18 proteins represent limiting but essential factors in the transport of syntaxin1A from the Golgi complex to the epithelial cell surface. They also suggest the presence of codominant apical and basolateral sorting signals in the syntaxin1A sequence.

The neuronal t-SNARE complex is a parallel four-helix bundle.

Assembly of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex is an essential step for neurotransmitter release in synapses. The presynaptic plasma membrane associated proteins (t-SNAREs), SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein of 25,000 Da) and syntaxin 1A may form an intermediate complex that later binds to vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2). Using spin labeling electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we found that the two t-SNARE proteins assemble into a parallel four-helix bundle that consists of two identical syntaxin 1A components and the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of SNAP-25. Although the structure is generally similar to that of the final SNARE complex, the middle region of the helical bundle appears more flexible in the t-SNARE complex. Such flexibility might facilitate interactions between VAMP2 and the t-SNARE complex.

Exocytosis requires asymmetry in the central layer of the SNARE complex.

Assembly of SNAREs (soluble N:-ethylmaleimide- sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) mediates membrane fusions in all eukaryotic cells. The synaptic SNARE complex is represented by a twisted bundle of four alpha-helices. Leucine zipper-like layers extend through the length of the complex except for an asymmetric and ionic middle layer formed by three glutamines (Q) and one arginine (R). We have examined the functional consequences of Q-R exchanges in the conserved middle layer using the exocytotic SNAREs of yeast as a model. Exchanging Q for R in Sso2p drastically reduces cell growth and protein secretion. When a 3Q/1R ratio is restored by a mirror R-->Q substitution in the R-SNARE Snc2p, wild-type functionality is observed. Secretion is near normal when all four helices contain Q, but defects become apparent when additional mutations are present in other layers. Using molecular dynamics free energy perturbation simulations, these findings are rationalized in structural and energetic terms. We conclude that the asymmetric arrangement of the polar amino acids in the central layer is essential for normal function of SNAREs in membrane fusion.

Syntaxin 11 is an atypical SNARE abundant in the immune system

Several classes of proteins have been identified that mediate and regulate membrane dynamics throughout the eukaryotic cell. One class of membrane-trafficking proteins, referred to as soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), have been implicated in mediating membrane fusion. Here we characterize syntaxin 11, an atypical syntaxin family member lacking a transmembrane domain. Syntaxin 11 was found to be enriched in tissues of the immune system including thymus, spleen and lymphnodes; however, lower levels of the protein are found in other tissues. Using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy techniques, we demonstrate that syntaxin 11 associates with intermediate compartment (IC) and post-Golgi membranes through a putative palmitoylation domain, as well as through formation of the 100-kDa complex with, as of yet, unidentified proteins. The coiled-coil forming H3 domain is required for the formation of the 100-kDa complex, and this complex can be dissociated upon addition of alphaSNAP. Thus, while the precise function of syntaxin 11 remains to be elucidated, it may be particularly important in regulating membrane dynamics of the immune system.

Geranylgeranylated Snares Are Dominant Inhibitors of Membrane Fusion

Exocytosis in yeast requires the assembly of the secretory vesicle soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (v-SNARE) Sncp and the plasma membrane t-SNAREs Ssop and Sec9p into a SNARE complex. High-level expression of mutant Snc1 or Sso2 proteins that have a COOH-terminal geranylgeranylation signal instead of a transmembrane domain inhibits exocytosis at a stage after vesicle docking. The mutant SNARE proteins are membrane associated, correctly targeted, assemble into SNARE complexes, and do not interfere with the incorporation of wild-type SNARE proteins into complexes. Mutant SNARE complexes recruit GFP-Sec1p to sites of exocytosis and can be disassembled by the Sec18p ATPase. Heterotrimeric SNARE complexes assembled from both wild-type and mutant SNAREs are present in heterogeneous higher-order complexes containing Sec1p that sediment at greater than 20S. Based on a structural analogy between geranylgeranylated SNAREs and the GPI-HA mutant influenza virus fusion protein, we propose that the mutant SNAREs are fusion proteins unable to catalyze fusion of the distal leaflets of the secretory vesicle and plasma membrane. In support of this model, the inverted cone-shaped lipid lysophosphatidylcholine rescues secretion from SNARE mutant cells.

Syntaxin 7 and VAMP-7 are soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors required for late endosome-lysosome and homotypic lysosome fusion in alveolar macrophages.

Endocytosis in alveolar macrophages can be reversibly inhibited, permitting the isolation of endocytic vesicles at defined stages of maturation. Using an in vitro fusion assay, we determined that each isolated endosome population was capable of homotypic fusion. All vesicle populations were also capable of heterotypic fusion in a temporally specific manner; early endosomes, isolated 4 min after internalization, could fuse with endosomes isolated 8 min after internalization but not with 12-min endosomes or lysosomes. Lysosomes fuse with 12-min endosomes but not with earlier endosomes. Using homogenous populations of endosomes, we have identified Syntaxin 7 as a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) required for late endosome-lysosome and homotypic lysosome fusion in vitro. A bacterially expressed human Syntaxin 7 lacking the transmembrane domain inhibited homotypic late endosome and lysosome fusion as well as heterotypic late endosome-lysosome fusion. Affinity-purified antibodies directed against Syntaxin 7 also inhibited lysosome fusion in vitro but had no affect on homotypic early endosome fusion. Previous work suggested that human VAMP-7 (vesicle-associated membrane protein-7) was a SNARE required for late endosome-lysosome fusion. A bacterially expressed human VAMP-7 lacking the transmembrane domain inhibited both late endosome-lysosome fusion and homotypic lysosome fusion in vitro. These studies indicate that: 1) fusion along the endocytic pathway is a highly regulated process, and 2) two SNARE molecules, Syntaxin 7 and human VAMP-7, are involved in fusion of vesicles in the late endocytic pathway in alveolar macrophages.

A functional role for VAP-33 in insulin-stimulated GLUT4 traffic.

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are critical proteins in membrane fusion, in both regulated and constitutive vesicular traffic. In addition, proteins that interact with the SNAREs are thought to regulate fusion. Vesicle-associated membrane protein-2 (VAMP-2) is a SNARE protein involved in insulin-dependent glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) traffic. VAMP-2 is required for productive GLUT4 incorporation into the plasma membrane. VAMP-associated protein of 33 kDa (VAP-33) is an integral membrane protein that binds VAMPs in vitro, and is hypothesized to be a regulator of VAMPs. In L6 skeletal myoblasts, which display insulin-dependent traffic of GLUT4, we show that VAP-33 colocalized significantly with VAMP-2 using indirect confocal immunofluorescence and biochemical cosegregation. Overexpression of wild-type VAP-33 in L6 myoblasts attenuated the insulin-dependent incorporation of myc-tagged GLUT4 into the plasma membrane, and this response was restored by co-overexpression of VAMP-2 linked to green fluorescent protein. Antibodies to VAP-33 microinjected into 3T3-L1 adipocytes abrogated the insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane, as measured in adhered plasma membrane lawns. Immunopurified VAMP-2-containing compartments from L6 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed significant levels of VAP-33. We propose that VAP-33 may be a regulator of VAMP-2 availability for GLUT4 traffic and other vesicle fusion events.

Fusion of membranes during the acrosome reaction: A tale of two SNAREs

During spermiogenesis, hydrolytic enzymes are sorted from the Golgi apparatus to the acrosome, a supranuclear megavesicle. At fertilization, the enzymatic content of the acrosome is released by exocytosis when a portion of the plasma membrane enveloping the sperm head fuses with the outer membrane of the acrosome. Membrane fusion involves the interaction of a specific pair of proteins, called SNAREs (for soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor). v-SNARE is presumably associated with the membrane of the acrosomal vesicle. Target t-SNARE is associated with the plasma membrane. The interaction of v-SNARE and t-SNARE requires two additional proteins: Rab proteins, members of a family of small GTPases related to the Ras proteins, and a complex of two proteins, NSF-SNAP, recruited by the interacting v-SNARE-tSNARE pair. Syntaxin 2, a v-SNARE member, and Rab3A, a member of the Rab GTPases, have been localized in the acrosome of rodent sperm.

The t-SNARE AtVAM3p resides on the prevacuolar compartment in Arabidopsis root cells.

Protein cargo is trafficked between the organelles of the endomembrane system inside transport vesicles, a process mediated by integral membrane proteins called SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) that reside on the surface of the vesicle (v-SNAREs) and target membrane (t-SNAREs). In examining transport of cargo between the trans-Golgi network and the vacuole in Arabidopsis, we have previously characterized AtPEP12p as a t-SNARE residing on the prevacuolar compartment and AtVTI1a as a v-SNARE that interacts with AtPEP12p. Recently, we have begun to characterize AtVAM3p, another Arabidopsis t-SNARE that shows high sequence homology to AtPEP12p. We have found that AtVTI1a also interacts with AtVAM3p, suggesting a role for this t-SNARE in post-Golgi trafficking. AtVAM3p has been suggested to localize to the vacuolar membrane in Arabidopsis cells; however, using specific antisera and expression of epitope-tagged versions of each t-SNARE, we have discovered that AtVAM3p is found on the same prevacuolar structure as AtPEP12p in Arabidopsis root cells.

Localization, Dynamics, and Protein Interactions Reveal Distinct Roles for ER and Golgi SNAREs

ER-to-Golgi transport, and perhaps intraGolgi transport involves a set of interacting soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins including syntaxin 5, GOS-28, membrin, rsec22b, and rbet1. By immunoelectron microscopy we find that rsec22b and rbet1 are enriched in COPII-coated vesicles that bud from the ER and presumably fuse with nearby vesicular tubular clusters (VTCs). However, all of the SNAREs were found on both COPII- and COPI-coated membranes, indicating that similar SNARE machinery directs both vesicle pathways. rsec22b and rbet1 do not appear beyond the first Golgi cisterna, whereas syntaxin 5 and membrin penetrate deeply into the Golgi stacks. Temperature shifts reveal that membrin, rsec22b, rbet1, and syntaxin 5 are present together on membranes that rapidly recycle between peripheral and Golgi-centric locations. GOS-28, on the other hand, maintains a fixed localization in the Golgi. By immunoprecipitation analysis, syntaxin 5 exists in at least two major subcomplexes: one containing syntaxin 5 (34-kD isoform) and GOS-28, and another containing syntaxin 5 (41- and 34-kD isoforms), membrin, rsec22b, and rbet1. Both subcomplexes appear to involve direct interactions of each SNARE with syntaxin 5. Our results indicate a central role for complexes among rbet1, rsec22b, membrin, and syntaxin 5 (34 and 41 kD) at two membrane fusion interfaces: the fusion of ER-derived vesicles with VTCs, and the assembly of VTCs to form cis-Golgi elements. The 34-kD syntaxin 5 isoform, membrin, and GOS-28 may function in intraGolgi transport.

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors are sorted from immature secretory granules via adaptor protein AP-1, clathrin, and syntaxin 6-positive vesicles.

The occurrence of clathrin-coated buds on immature granules (IGs) of the regulated secretory pathway suggests that specific transmembrane proteins are sorted into these buds through interaction with cytosolic adaptor proteins. By quantitative immunoelectron microscopy of rat endocrine pancreatic beta cells and exocrine parotid and pancreatic cells, we show for the first time that the mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) for lysosomal enzyme sorting colocalize with the AP-1 adaptor in clathrin-coated buds on IGs. Furthermore, the concentrations of both MPR and AP-1 decline by approximately 90% as the granules mature. Concomitantly, in exocrine secretory cells lysosomal proenzymes enter and then are sorted out of IGs, just as was previously observed in beta cells (Kuliawat, R., J. Klumperman, T. Ludwig, and P. Arvan. 1997. J. Cell Biol. 137:595-608). The exit of MPRs in AP-1/clathrin-coated buds is selective, indicated by the fact that the membrane protein phogrin is not removed from maturing granules. We have also made the first observation of a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor, syntaxin 6, which has been implicated in clathrin-coated vesicle trafficking from the TGN to endosomes (Bock, J.B., J. Klumperman, S. Davanger, and R.H. Scheller. 1997. Mol. Biol. Cell. 8:1261-1271) that enters and then exits the regulated secretory pathway during granule maturation. Thus, we hypothesize that during secretory granule maturation, MPR-ligand complexes and syntaxin 6 are removed from IGs by AP-1/clathrin-coated vesicles, and then delivered to endosomes.

Quantal analysis of synaptic potentials in neurons of the central nervous system.

This review concentrates on the results of quantal analysis at central synapses, particularly where the morphology and the electrophysiology of the same synaptic connection has been investigated. Results from quantal analysis at peripheral synapses are drawn on to help resolve some issues. The major topics covered in this review are the properties of the quantal synaptic potential and the junctional mechanisms involved in its generation