Distinct domains of complexins bind SNARE complexes and clamp fusion in vitro

J Biol Chem. 2008 Jul 25;283(30):21211-9. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M803478200. Epub 2008 May 22.

Abstract

In regulated exocytosis, the core membrane fusion machinery proteins, the SNARE proteins, are assisted by a group of regulatory factors in order to couple membrane fusion to an increase of intracellular calcium ion (Ca(2+)) concentration. Complexin-I and synaptotagmin-I have been shown to be key elements for this tightly regulated process. Many studies suggest that complexin-I can arrest the fusion reaction and that synaptotagmin-I can release the complexin-I blockage in a calcium-dependent manner. Although the actual molecular mechanism by which they exert their function is still unknown, recent in vivo experiments postulate that domains of complexin-I produce different effects on neurotransmitter release. Herein, by using an in vitro flipped SNARE cell fusion assay, we have identified and characterized the minimal functional domains of complexin-I necessary to couple calcium and synaptotagmin-I to membrane fusion. Moreover, we provide evidence that other isoforms of complexin, complexin-II, -III, and -IV, can also be functionally coupled to synaptotagmin-I and calcium. These correspond closely to results from in vivo experiments, providing further validation of the physiological relevance of the flipped SNARE system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Calcium / chemistry*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Ions
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • SNARE Proteins / metabolism*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Synaptotagmin I / chemistry

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport
  • Ions
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • SNARE Proteins
  • Synaptotagmin I
  • complexin I
  • Calcium