The evolutionary pressure to inactivate. A subclass of synaptotagmins with an amino acid substitution that abolishes Ca2+ binding

Rat and Drosophila synaptotagmin 4 have opposite effects during SNARE-catalyzed membrane fusion

Synaptotagmins (Syt) are a large family of proteins that regulate membrane traffic in neurons and other cell types. One isoform that has received considerable attention is SYT4, with apparently contradictory reports concerning the function of this isoform in fruit flies and mice. SYT4 was reported to function as a negative regulator of neurotrophin secretion in mouse neurons and as a positive regulator of secretion of a yet to be identified growth factor from muscle cells in flies. Here, we have directly compared the biochemical and functional properties of rat and fly SYT4. We report that rat SYT4 inhibited SNARE-catalyzed membrane fusion in both the absence and presence of Ca²⁺. In marked contrast, fly SYT4 stimulated SNARE-mediated membrane fusion in response to Ca²⁺. Analysis of chimeric molecules, isolated C2 domains, and point mutants revealed that the C2B domain of the fly protein senses Ca²⁺ and is sufficient to stimulate fusion. Rat SYT4 was able to stimulate fusion in response to Ca²⁺ when the conserved Asp-to-Ser Ca²⁺ ligand substitution in its C2A domain was reversed. In summary, rat SYT4 serves as an inhibitory isoform, whereas fly SYT4 is a bona fide Ca²⁺ sensor capable of coupling Ca²⁺ to membrane fusion.

Phylogenetic analysis of ferlin genes reveals ancient eukaryotic origins

BACKGROUND

The ferlin gene family possesses a rare and identifying feature consisting of multiple tandem C2 domains and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Much currently remains unknown about the fundamental function of this gene family, however, mutations in its two most well-characterised members, dysferlin and otoferlin, have been implicated in human disease. The availability of genome sequences from a wide range of species makes it possible to explore the evolution of the ferlin family, providing contextual insight into characteristic features that define the ferlin gene family in its present form in humans.

RESULTS

Ferlin genes were detected from all species of representative phyla, with two ferlin subgroups partitioned within the ferlin phylogenetic tree based on the presence or absence of a DysF domain. Invertebrates generally possessed two ferlin genes (one with DysF and one without), with six ferlin genes in most vertebrates (three DysF, three non-DysF). Expansion of the ferlin gene family is evident between the divergence of lamprey (jawless vertebrates) and shark (cartilaginous fish). Common to almost all ferlins is an N-terminal C2-FerI-C2 sandwich, a FerB motif, and two C-terminal C2 domains (C2E and C2F) adjacent to the transmembrane domain. Preservation of these structural elements throughout eukaryotic evolution suggests a fundamental role of these motifs for ferlin function. In contrast, DysF, C2DE, and FerA are optional, giving rise to subtle differences in domain topologies of ferlin genes. Despite conservation of multiple C2 domains in all ferlins, the C-terminal C2 domains (C2E and C2F) displayed higher sequence conservation and greater conservation of putative calcium binding residues across paralogs and orthologs. Interestingly, the two most studied non-mammalian ferlins (Fer-1 and Misfire) in model organisms C. elegans and D. melanogaster, present as outgroups in the phylogenetic analysis, with results suggesting reproduction-related divergence and specialization of species-specific functions within their genus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our phylogenetic studies provide evolutionary insight into the ferlin gene family. We highlight the existence of ferlin-like proteins throughout eukaryotic evolution, from unicellular phytoplankton and apicomplexan parasites, through to humans. We characterise the preservation of ferlin structural motifs, not only of C2 domains, but also the more poorly characterised ferlin-specific motifs representing the DysF, FerA and FerB domains. Our data suggest an ancient role of ferlin proteins, with lessons from vertebrate biology and human disease suggesting a role relating to vesicle fusion and plasma membrane specialization.

Synaptotagmin IV modulation of vesicle size and fusion pores in PC12 cells

Many synaptotagmins are Ca(2+)-binding membrane proteins with functions in Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis. Synaptotagmin IV (syt IV) has no Ca(2+) binding activity, but nevertheless modulates exocytosis. Here, cell-attached capacitance recording was used to study single vesicle fusion and fission in control and syt IV overexpressing PC12 cells. Unitary capacitance steps varied widely in size, indicating that both microvesicles (MVs) and dense-core vesicles (DCVs) undergo fusion. Syt IV overexpression reduced the size of DCVs and endocytotic vesicles but not MVs. Syt IV also reduced the basal rate of Ca(2+)-induced fusion. During kiss-and-run, syt IV increased the conductance and duration of DCV fusion pores but not MV fusion pores. During full-fusion of DCVs syt IV increased the fusion pore conductance but not the duration. Syt IV overexpression increased the duration but not the conductance of fission pores during endocytosis. The effects of syt IV on fusion pores in PC12 cells resembled the effects on fusion pores in peptidergic nerve terminals. However, differences between these and results obtained with amperometry may indicate that amperometry and capacitance detect the fusion of different populations of vesicles. The effects of syt IV on fusion pores are discussed in terms of structural models and kinetic mechanisms.

Mass spectrometry screening reveals peptides modulated differentially in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats with disparate initial sensitivity to cocaine

To better understand why certain individuals are more vulnerable to cocaine abuse and addiction, we identify peptide markers associated with individual variation in sensitivity to the behavioral effects of cocaine. Previous studies in rats show that low, compared to high, cocaine responders are more sensitive to cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity (sensitization), exhibit enhanced conditioning to cocaine's rewarding effects, and are more motivated to self administer cocaine. In the current study, we combine matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry with multivariate statistical methods to analyze tissue extracts from rat dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens, and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to examine trends in peptide changes that coincide with behavioral phenotype. Peptide profiles of these three regions from individual animals were characterized via mass spectrometry. Resulting mass peaks that were statistically different between these groups were identified using principal component analysis. The mass peaks were then identified in pooled samples via multistage liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. A total of 74 peptides from 28 proteins were sequenced from defined brain regions. Statistically significant changes in peak intensities for seven peptides were found in the mPFC of rats given a single injection of 10 mg/kg cocaine, with low cocaine responders showing approximately 2-fold increase in peak intensities for the acetylated N terminus peptides of stathmin and Hint 1, as well as truncated ATP synthase. These results suggest that distinct peptide profiles in the mPFC are associated with individuals that exhibit reduced sensitivity to the behavioral effects of cocaine.

Do astrocytes really exocytose neurotransmitters?

In the past 20 years, an extra layer of information processing, in addition to that provided by neurons, has been proposed for the CNS. Neuronally evoked increases of the intracellular calcium concentration in astrocytes have been suggested to trigger exocytotic release of the 'gliotransmitters' glutamate, ATP and D-serine. These are proposed to modulate neuronal excitability and transmitter release, and to have a role in diseases as diverse as stroke, epilepsy, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and HIV infection. However, there is intense controversy about whether astrocytes can exocytose transmitters in vivo. Resolving this issue would considerably advance our understanding of brain function.

A manual collection of Syt, Esyt, Rph3a, Rph3al, Doc2, and Dblc2 genes from 46 metazoan genomes--an open access resource for neuroscience and evolutionary biology

BACKGROUND

Synaptotagmin proteins were first identified in nervous tissue, residing in synaptic vesicles. Synaptotagmins were subsequently found to form a large family, some members of which play important roles in calcium triggered exocytic events. These members have been investigated intensively, but other family members are not well understood, making it difficult to grasp the meaning of family membership in functional terms. Further difficulty arises as families are defined quite legitimately in different ways: by common descent or by common possession of distinguishing features. One definition does not necessarily imply the other. The evolutionary range of genome sequences now available, can shed more light on synaptotagmin gene phylogeny and clarify family relationships. The aim of compiling this open access collection of synaptotagmin and synaptotagmin-like sequences, is that its use may lead to greater understanding of the biological function of these proteins in an evolutionary context.

RESULTS

46 metazoan genomes were examined and their complement of Syt, Esyt, Rph3a, Rph3al, Doc2 and Dblc2 genes identified. All of the sequences were compared, named, then examined in detail. Esyt genes were formerly named Fam62. The species in this collection are Trichoplax, Nematostella, Capitella, Helobdella, Lottia, Ciona, Strongylocentrotus, Branchiostoma, Ixodes, Daphnia, Acyrthosiphon, Tribolium, Nasonia, Apis, Anopheles, Drosophila, Caenorhabditis, Takifugu, Tetraodon, Gasterosteus, Oryzias, Danio, Xenopus, Anolis, Gallus, Taeniopygia,Ornithorhynchus, Monodelphis, Mus and Homo. All of the data described in this paper is available as additional files.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a subset of synaptotagmin proteins appear able to function as calcium triggers. Syt1, Syt7 and Syt9 are ancient conserved synaptotagmins of this type. Some animals carry extensive repertoires of synaptotagmin genes. Other animals of no less complexity, carry only a small repertoire. Current understanding does not explain why this is so. The biological roles of many synaptotagmins remain to be understood. This collection of genes offers prospects for fruitful speculation about the functional roles of the synaptotagmin repertoires of different animals and includes a great range of biological complexity. With reference to this gene collection, functional relationships among Syt, Esyt, Rph3a, Rph3al, Doc2 and Dblc2 genes, which encode similar proteins, can better be assessed in future.

Postsynaptic regulation of synaptic plasticity by synaptotagmin 4 requires both C2 domains

Analogous to synaptotagmin 1, a calcium-sensitive regulator of presynaptic vesicle fusion, synaptotagmin 4 needs both of its calcium-binding sites to regulate synaptic plasticity via postsynaptic retrograde signaling.

Ca²⁺ influx into synaptic compartments during activity is a key mediator of neuronal plasticity. Although the role of presynaptic Ca²⁺ in triggering vesicle fusion though the Ca²⁺ sensor synaptotagmin 1 (Syt 1) is established, molecular mechanisms that underlie responses to postsynaptic Ca²⁺ influx remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that fusion-competent Syt 4 vesicles localize postsynaptically at both neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and central nervous system synapses in Drosophila melanogaster. Syt 4 messenger RNA and protein expression are strongly regulated by neuronal activity, whereas altered levels of postsynaptic Syt 4 modify synaptic growth and presynaptic release properties. Syt 4 is required for known forms of activity-dependent structural plasticity at NMJs. Synaptic proliferation and retrograde signaling mediated by Syt 4 requires functional C2A and C2B Ca²⁺–binding sites, as well as serine 284, an evolutionarily conserved substitution for a key Ca²⁺-binding aspartic acid found in other synaptotagmins. These data suggest that Syt 4 regulates activity-dependent release of postsynaptic retrograde signals that promote synaptic plasticity, similar to the role of Syt 1 as a Ca²⁺ sensor for presynaptic vesicle fusion.

Calcium-sensing beyond neurotransmitters: functions of synaptotagmins in neuroendocrine and endocrine secretion

Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones are released through the regulated exocytosis of SVs (synaptic vesicles) and LDCVs (large dense-core vesicles), a process that is controlled by calcium. Synaptotagmins are a family of type 1 membrane proteins that share a common domain structure. Most synaptotagmins are located in brain and endocrine cells, and some of these synaptotagmins bind to phospholipids and calcium at levels that trigger regulated exocytosis of SVs and LDCVs. This led to the proposed synaptotagmin-calcium-sensor paradigm, that is, members of the synaptotagmin family function as calcium sensors for the regulated exocytosis of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones. Here, we provide an overview of the synaptotagmin family, and review the recent mouse genetic studies aimed at understanding the functions of synaptotagmins in neurotransmission and endocrine-hormone secretion. Also, we discuss potential roles of synaptotagmins in non-traditional endocrine systems.

Differential but convergent functions of Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin-1 C2 domains mediate neurotransmitter release

Neurotransmitter release is triggered by cooperative Ca2+-binding to the Ca2+-sensor protein synaptotagmin-1. Synaptotagmin-1 contains two C2 domains, referred to as the C2A and C2B domains, that bind Ca2+ with similar properties and affinities. However, Ca2+ binding to the C2A domain is not required for release, whereas Ca2+ binding to the C2B domain is essential for release. We now demonstrate that despite its expendability, Ca2+-binding to the C2A domain significantly contributes to the overall triggering of neurotransmitter release, and determines its Ca2+ cooperativity. Biochemically, Ca2+ induces more tight binding of the isolated C2A domain than of the isolated C2B domain to standard liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine. However, here we show that surprisingly, the opposite holds true when the double C2A/B-domain fragment of synaptotagmin-1 is used instead of isolated C2 domains, and when liposomes containing a physiological lipid composition are used. Under these conditions, Ca2+ binding to the C2B domain but not the C2A domain becomes the primary determinant of phospholipid binding. Thus, the unique requirement for Ca2+ binding to the C2B domain for synaptotagmin-1 in Ca2+-triggered neurotransmitter release may be accounted for, at least in part, by the unusual phospholipid-binding properties of its double C2A/B-domain fragment.

Synaptotagmin IV: a multifunctional regulator of peptidergic nerve terminals

Many members of the synaptotagmin (Syt) protein family bind Ca(2+) and trigger exocytosis, but some Syt proteins appear to have no Ca(2+)-dependent actions and their biological functions remain obscure. Syt IV is an activity-induced brain protein with no known Ca(2+)-dependent interactions and its subcellular localization and biological functions have sparked considerable controversy. We found Syt IV on both micro- and dense-core vesicles in posterior pituitary nerve terminals in mice. In terminals from Syt IV knockout mice compared with those from wild types, low Ca(2+) entry triggered more exocytosis, high Ca(2+) entry triggered less exocytosis and endocytosis was accelerated. In Syt IV knockouts, dense-core and microvesicle fusion was enhanced in cell-attached patches and dense-core vesicle fusion pores had conductances that were half as large as those in wild types. Given the neuroendocrine functions of the posterior pituitary, changes in Syt IV levels could be involved in endocrine transitions involving alterations in the release of the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin.

Lipid rafts association of synaptotagmin I on synaptic vesicles

We confirmed the raft association of synaptotagmin I (syt I) in synaptic vesicles by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, cholesterol depletion, and temperature dependence, and Ca2+ was found to positively regulate this association. Furthermore, using syt I mutants we found that the transmembrane domain (TMD) of syt I plays an important role in localizing syt I into the lipid rafts of synaptic vesicles, and the raft association of the TMD can be regulated by its phosphorylation status.

Synaptotagmin IV regulates dense core vesicle (DCV) release in LbetaT2 cells

Synaptotagmins (Syts) are calcium-binding proteins which are conserved from nematodes to humans. Fifteen Syts have been identified in mammalian species. Syt I is recognized as a Ca(2+) sensor for the synchronized release of synaptic vesicles in some types of neurons, but its role in the secretion of dense core vesicles (DCVs) remains unclear. The function of Syt IV is of particular interest because it is rapidly up-regulated by chronic depolarization and seizures. Using RNAi-mediated gene silencing, we have explored the role of Syt I and IV on secretion in a pituitary gonadotrope cell line. Downregulation of Syt IV clearly reduced Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis of dense core vesicles (DCVs) in LbetaT2 cells. Syt I silencing, however, had no effect on vesicular release.

JNK phosphorylates synaptotagmin-4 and enhances Ca2+-evoked release

Ca2+ influx induced by membrane depolarization triggers the exocytosis of secretory vesicles in various cell types such as endocrine cells and neurons. Peptidyl growth factors enhance Ca2+-evoked release, an effect that may underlie important adaptive responses such as the long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission induced by growth factors. Here, we show that activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) plays an essential role in nerve growth factor (NGF) enhancement of Ca2+-evoked release in PC12 neuroendocrine cells. Moreover, JNK associated with phosphorylated synaptotagmin-4 (Syt 4), a key mediator of NGF enhancement of Ca2+-evoked release in this system. NGF treatment led to phosphorylation of endogenous Syt 4 at Ser135 and translocation of Syt 4 from immature to mature secretory vesicles in a JNK-dependent manner. Furthermore, mutation of Ser135 abrogated enhancement of Ca2+-evoked release by Syt 4. These results provide a molecular basis for the effect of growth factors on Ca2+-mediated secretion.

Singing, but not seizure, induces synaptotagmin IV in zebra finch song circuit nuclei

Synaptotagmins are a family of proteins that function in membrane fusion events, including synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Within this family, synaptotagmin IV (Syt IV) is unique in being a depolarization-induced immediate early gene (IEG). Experimental perturbation of Syt IV modulates neurotransmitter release in mice, flies, and PC12 cells, and modulates learning in mice. Despite these features, induction of Syt IV expression by a natural behavior has not been previously reported. We used the zebra finch, a songbird species, to investigate Syt IV because song is a naturally learned behavior whose neuroanatomical basis is largely identified. We observed that, similar to rodents, Syt IV is inducible in songbirds. This induction was selective and depended on the nature of neuronal depolarization. Generalized seizures caused by the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, metrazole, induced the IEG, ZENK, in zebra finch brain. However, these same seizures failed to induce Syt IV in song control areas. In contrast, when nontreated birds sang, three song control areas showed striking Syt IV induction. Further, this induction appeared sensitive to the social context in which song was sung. Together, these data suggest that neural activity during singing can drive Syt IV expression within song circuitry whereas generalized seizure activity fails to do so even though song control areas are depolarized. Our findings indicate that, within this neural circuit for a procedurally learned sensorimotor behavior, Syt IV is selective and requires precisely patterned neural activity and/or neuromodulation associated with singing.

Purification, crystallization and X-ray diffraction analysis of human synaptotagmin 1 C2A-C2B

Synaptotagmin acts as the Ca(2+) sensor for neuronal exocytosis. The cytosolic domain of human synaptotagmin 1 is composed of tandem C2 domains: C2A and C2B. These C2 domains modulate the interaction of synaptotagmin with the phospholipid bilayer of the presynaptic terminus and effector proteins such as the SNARE complex. Human synaptotagmin C2A-C2B has been expressed as a glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of this protein are reported here. The crystals diffract to 2.7 A and belong to the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 82.37, b = 86.31, c = 140.2 A. From self-rotation function analysis, there are two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The structure determination of the protein using this data is ongoing.

Synaptotagmin IV does not alter excitatory fast synaptic transmission or fusion pore kinetics in mammalian CNS neurons

Synaptotagmin IV (Syt IV) is a brain-specific isoform of the synaptotagmin family, the levels of which are strongly elevated after seizure activity. The dominant hypothesis of Syt IV function states that Syt IV upregulation is a neuroprotective mechanism for reducing neurotransmitter release. To test this hypothesis in mammalian CNS synapses, Syt IV was overexpressed in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, and acute effects on fast excitatory neurotransmission were assessed. We found neurotransmission unaltered with respect to basal release probability, Ca2+ dependence of release, short-term plasticity, and fusion pore kinetics. In contrast, expression of a mutant Syt I with diminished Ca2+ affinity (R233Q) reduced release probability and altered the Ca2+ dependence of release, thus demonstrating the sensitivity of the system to changes in neurotransmission resulting from changes to the Ca2+ sensor. Together, these data refute the dominant model that Syt IV functions as an inhibitor of neurotransmitter release in mammalian neurons.

Stable gene silencing of synaptotagmin I in rat PC12 cells inhibits Ca2+-evoked release of catecholamine

Synaptotagmin (syt) I is a Ca2+-binding protein that is well accepted as a major sensor for Ca2+-regulated release of transmitter. However, controversy remains as to whether syt I is the only protein that can function in this role and whether the remaining syt family members also function as Ca2+ sensors. In this study, we generated a PC12 cell line that continuously expresses a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to silence expression of syt I by RNA interference. Immunoblot and immunocytochemistry experiments demonstrate that expression of syt I was specifically silenced in cells that stably integrate the shRNA-syt I compared with control cells stably transfected with the empty shRNA vector. The other predominantly expressed syt isoform, syt IX, was not affected, nor was the expression of the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins when syt I levels were knocked down. Resting Ca2+ and stimulated Ca2+ influx imaged with fura-2 were not altered in syt I knockdown cells. However, evoked release of catecholamine detected by carbon fiber amperometry and HPLC was significantly reduced, although not abolished. Human syt I rescued the release events in the syt I knockdown cells. The reduction of stimulated catecholamine release in the syt I knockdown cells strongly suggests that although syt I is clearly involved in catecholamine release, it is not the only protein to regulate stimulated release in PC12 cells, and another protein likely has a role as a Ca2+ sensor for regulated release of transmitter.

Gene expression evidence for remodeling of lateral hypothalamic circuitry in cocaine addiction

By using high-density oligonucleotide arrays, we profiled gene expression in reward-related brain regions of rats that developed escalated cocaine intake after extended access to cocaine (6 h per day). Rats allowed restricted daily access to cocaine (only 1 h) that displayed a stable level of cocaine intake and cocaine naive rats were used for controls. Four analysis methods were compared: Affymetrix microarray suite 4 and microarray suite 5, which use perfect-match-minus-mismatch models, and dchip and rma, which use perfect-match-only models to generate expression values. Results were validated by RT-PCR in individual animals from an independent replication of the experiment. A small number of genes was associated with escalated cocaine intake (ESC genes). Unexpectedly, of the brain regions examined [prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, septum, lateral hypothalamus (LH), amygdala, and ventral tegmental area], the LH was the most transcriptionally responsive in escalation of cocaine intake. Most of the ESC genes identified are also expressed during synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity and include genes that code for several presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins involved in neurotransmission. These results suggest that LH intrinsic circuitry undergoes a structural reorganization during escalation of cocaine use. This remodeling of LH circuitry could contribute to the chronic deficit in reward function that has been hypothesized to drive the transition to drug addiction. Results also support the value of using multiple analysis strategies to identify the most robust changes in gene expression and to compensate for the biases that affect each strategy.

Synaptotagmin VI and VIII and Syntaxin 2 Are Essential for the Mouse Sperm Acrosome Reaction

The sperm acrosome is a large secretory granule that undergoes calcium-stimulated exocytosis by a mechanism analogous to neuronal secretion. In neurons the core SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complex, composed of syntaxin (Stx), SNAP-25, and VAMP2, mediates vesicle fusion, whereas calcium regulation is thought to be accomplished by the synaptotagmin (Syt) family, some of which exhibit calcium-dependent binding to syntaxin and SNAP-25. Sperm express Syt VI and VIII and Stx2, which are co-localized to the acrosomal compartment where they might mediate exocytosis in response to calcium influx. Therefore, we examined the calcium dependence and isoform-specific interaction of Syt and Stx. We found that Stx2 binds to Syt I, VI, and VIII in a calcium-dependent manner with EC(50) values of 175, 233, and 96 mum calcium, respectively. We also determined that the EC(50) for calcium of the acrosome reaction in streptolysin O-permeabilized sperm is 87 mum, which closely coincides with the calcium sensitivity of Stx2 and Syt VIII interaction. Consistent with this is the greater potency of recombinant Syt VIII, VI, and Stx2 compared with other isoforms in inhibiting the acrosome reaction in streptolysin O-permeabilized sperm. Similarly, introduction of Syt VIII-specific antibodies was equally effective in inhibiting the acrosome fusion. Taken together, our data suggest a critical role for Syt VIII and Stx2 in membrane fusion and acrosome reaction in the sperm.

Screening for mutations in synaptotagmin XI in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by selective degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra and subsequent dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Genes identified in familial forms of PD encode proteins that are linked to the ubiquitin-proteasome system indicating the pathogenic relevance of disturbed protein degradation in PD. Some of them, i.e. alpha-synuclein, parkin and synphilin-1, have been implicated in presynaptic neurotransmission based on their localization in synaptic vesicles. Synaptotagmin XI is linked to the pathogenesis of PD based on its identification as a substrate of the ubiquitin-E3-ligase parkin. Moreover synaptotagmin XI is involved in the maintainance of synaptic function and represents a component of Lewy bodies (LB) in brains of PD patients. Therefore, we performed a detailed mutation analysis of the synaptotagmin XI gene in a large sample of 393 familial and sporadic PD patients. We did not find any disease causing mutations arguing against a major role of mutations in the synaptotagmin XI gene in the pathogenesis of PD.

WNK1 Phosphorylates Synaptotagmin 2 and Modulates Its Membrane Binding

WNK (with no lysine [K]) protein kinases were named for their unique active site organization. Mutations in WNK1 and WNK4 cause a familial form of hypertension by undefined mechanisms. Here, we report that WNK1 selectively binds to and phosphorylates synaptotagmin 2 (Syt2) within its calcium binding C2 domains. Endogenous WNK1 and Syt2 coimmunoprecipitate and colocalize on a subset of secretory granules in INS-1 cells. Phosphorylation by WNK1 increases the amount of Ca2+ required for Syt2 binding to phospholipid vesicles; mutation of threonine 202, a WNK1 phosphorylation site, partially prevents this change. These findings suggest that phosphorylation of Syts by WNK1 can regulate Ca2+ sensing and the subsequent Ca2+-dependent interactions mediated by Syt C2 domains. These findings provide a biochemical mechanism that could lead to the retention or insertion of proteins in the plasma membrane. Interruption of this regulatory pathway may disturb membrane events that regulate ion balance.

Structural basis for the evolutionary inactivation of Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin 4

The neuronal protein synaptotagmin 1 functions as a Ca(2+) sensor in exocytosis via two Ca(2+)-binding C(2) domains. The very similar synaptotagmin 4, which includes all the predicted Ca(2+)-binding residues in the C(2)B domain but not in the C(2)A domain, is also thought to function as a neuronal Ca(2+) sensor. Here we show that, unexpectedly, both C(2) domains of fly synaptotagmin 4 exhibit Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid binding, whereas neither C(2) domain of rat synaptotagmin 4 binds Ca(2+) or phospholipids efficiently. Crystallography reveals that changes in the orientations of critical Ca(2+) ligands, and perhaps their flexibility, render the rat synaptotagmin 4 C(2)B domain unable to form full Ca(2+)-binding sites. These results indicate that synaptotagmin 4 is a Ca(2+) sensor in the fly but not in the rat, that the Ca(2+)-binding properties of C(2) domains cannot be reliably predicted from sequence analyses, and that proteins clearly identified as orthologs may nevertheless have markedly different functional properties.

The tricalbin C2 domains: lipid-binding properties of a novel, synaptotagmin-like yeast protein family

The tricalbins are a recently discovered family of Saccharomyces cerevisae proteins containing a predicted N-terminal transmembrane domain and at least three C2 domains. They are thought to be yeast homologues of synaptotagmin, a hypothesis supported by structural similarities and past studies that implicated tricalbins in processes of membrane trafficking and sorting. We expressed and purified constructs consisting of single tricalbin C2 domains, and assayed their ability to bind lipids in response to calcium. Protein-lipid overlay assays indicated that the C-terminal C2 domains (C2C) of tricalbins 1 and 3 bind numerous species of acidic phospholipid, including phosphatidylserine and several phosphoinositides, and the amount of protein bound was greatly enhanced in the presence of 1 mM calcium. Sedimentation assays using mixed phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine (PS/PC) vesicles confirmed that the C2C domains of tricalbin 1 and 3 bind membranes in a calcium-responsive manner and showed that they are more sensitive to calcium than the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I. Both assays revealed that all of the C2 domains of tricalbin 2 are insensitive to calcium. Fluorimetric assays exploiting the position of naturally occurring tryptophans in tricalbin 1 C2C and tricalbin 3 C2C confirmed that these domains are capable of binding calcium and that this is coupled to the binding of acidic phospholipid. Combining this with past protein-protein interaction data, we theorize that the calcium-insensitive tricalbin 2 mediates the creation of hetero-oligomeric tricalbin complexes in which tricalbin 1 or 3 or both supply a calcium-dependent membrane binding activity.

Synaptotagmin IV overexpression inhibits depolarization-induced exocytosis in PC12 cells

Depolarization-induced vesicle exocytosis is a complex mechanism involving a number of proteins. In this process, synaptotagmins work as members of the Ca(2+)-sensing system that triggers the fusion of the synaptic vesicle with the plasma membrane. Synaptotagmin IV (SytIV), an immediate-early gene induced by depolarization in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells and in the hippocampus, has been suggested to work as a negative regulator of neurotransmitter release. Unlike other synaptotagmins, SytIV has an evolutionarily conserved substitution of an aspartate to a serine in the Ca(2+) coordination site of its C2A domain, preventing SytIV from binding anionic lipids in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion. We used the secretion of human growth hormone (hGH) as a reporter system with which to examine the effects of overexpressing SytIV and other depolarization-induced immediate-early genes (the protein kinases KID-1, SIK, and PIM-1 and the transcription factors rTLE3 and Nurr1) on depolarization-induced vesicle exocytosis in PC12 cells. SytIV overexpression resulted in decreased depolarization-induced hGH release. However, conversion of the unique serine in SytIV to an aspartate eliminated this inhibitory activity. In addition, rTLE3 overexpression produced only a modest increase in spontaneous vesicle exocytosis, whereas KID-1, SIK, PIM-1, and Nurr1 overexpression had no effect on depolarization-induced exocytosis.

Synaptotagmin gene content of the sequenced genomes

Background

Synaptotagmins exist as a large gene family in mammals. There is much interest in the function of certain family members which act crucially in the regulated synaptic vesicle exocytosis required for efficient neurotransmission. Knowledge of the functions of other family members is relatively poor and the presence of Synaptotagmin genes in plants indicates a role for the family as a whole which is wider than neurotransmission. Identification of the Synaptotagmin genes within completely sequenced genomes can provide the entire Synaptotagmin gene complement of each sequenced organism. Defining the detailed structures of all the Synaptotagmin genes and their encoded products can provide a useful resource for functional studies and a deeper understanding of the evolution of the gene family. The current rapid increase in the number of sequenced genomes from different branches of the tree of life, together with the public deposition of evolutionarily diverse transcript sequences make such studies worthwhile.

Results

I have compiled a detailed list of the Synaptotagmin genes of Caenorhabditis, Anopheles, Drosophila, Ciona, Danio, Fugu, Mus, Homo, Arabidopsis and Oryza by examining genomic and transcript sequences from public sequence databases together with some transcript sequences obtained by cDNA library screening and RT-PCR. I have compared all of the genes and investigated the relationship between plant Synaptotagmins and their non-Synaptotagmin counterparts.

Conclusions

I have identified and compared 98 Synaptotagmin genes from 10 sequenced genomes. Detailed comparison of transcript sequences reveals abundant and complex variation in Synaptotagmin gene expression and indicates the presence of Synaptotagmin genes in all animals and land plants. Amino acid sequence comparisons indicate patterns of conservation and diversity in function. Phylogenetic analysis shows the origin of Synaptotagmins in multicellular eukaryotes and their great diversification in animals. Synaptotagmins occur in land plants and animals in combinations of 4–16 in different species. The detailed delineation of the Synaptotagmin genes presented here, will allow easier identification of Synaptotagmins in future. Since the functional roles of many of these genes are unknown, this gene collection provides a useful resource for future studies.

Synaptotagmin IV regulates glial glutamate release

Calcium-binding synaptotagmins (Syts) are membrane proteins that are conserved from nematode to human. Fifteen Syts (Syts I-XV) have been identified in mammalian species. Syt I has been well studied and is a candidate for the Ca(2+)-sensor that triggers evoked exocytosis underlying fast synaptic transmission. Whereas the functions of the other Syts are unclear, Syt IV is of particular interest because it is rapidly up-regulated after chronic depolarization or seizures, and because null mutations exhibit deficits in fine motor coordination and hippocampus-dependent memory. Screening Syts I-XIII, which are enriched in brain, we find that Syt IV is located in processes of astroglia in situ. Reduction of Syt IV in astrocytes by RNA interference decreases Ca(2+)-dependent glutamate release, a gliotransmission pathway that regulates synaptic transmission. Mutants of the C2B domain, the only putative Ca(2+)-binding domain in Syt IV, act in a dominant-negative fashion over Ca(2+)-regulated glial glutamate release, but not gliotransmission induced by changes in osmolarity. Because we find that Syt IV is expressed predominantly by astrocytes and is not in the presynaptic terminals of the hippocampus, and because Syt IV knockout mice exhibit hippocampal-based memory deficits, our data raise the intriguing possibility that Syt IV-mediated gliotransmission contributes to hippocampal-based memory.

Comparative analysis of tandem C2 domains from the mammalian synaptotagmin family

Intracellular membrane traffic is governed by a conserved set of proteins, including Syts (synaptotagmins). The mammalian Syt family includes 15 isoforms. Syts are membrane proteins that possess tandem C2 domains (C2AB) implicated in calcium-dependent phospholipid binding. We performed a pair-wise amino acid sequence comparison, together with functional studies of rat Syt C2ABs, to examine common and divergent properties within the mammalian family. Sequence analysis indicates three different C2AB classes, the members of which share a high degree of sequence similarity. All the other C2ABs are highly divergent in sequence. Nearly half of the Syt family does not exhibit calcium/phospholipid binding in comparison to Syt I, the major brain isoform. Syts do, however, possess a more conserved function, namely calcium-independent binding to target SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor) heterodimers. All tested isoforms, except Syt XII and Syt XIII, bound the target SNARE heterodimer comprising syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25 (25 kDa synaptosome-associated protein). Our present study suggests that many Syt isoforms can function in membrane trafficking to interact with the target SNARE heterodimer on the pathway to calcium-triggered membrane fusion.

SNAP-23 functions in docking/fusion of granules at low Ca2+

Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis of secretory granules mediates the release of hormones from endocrine cells and neurons. The plasma membrane protein synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) is thought to be a key component of the membrane fusion apparatus that mediates exocytosis in neurons. Recently, homologues of SNAP-25 have been identified, including SNAP-23, which is expressed in many tissues, albeit at different levels. At present, little is known concerning functional differences among members of this family of proteins. Using an in vitro assay, we show here that SNAP-25 and SNAP-23 mediate the docking of secretory granules with the plasma membrane at high (1 microM) and low (100 nM) Ca(2+) levels, respectively, by interacting with different members of the synaptotagmin family. In intact endocrine cells, expression of exogenous SNAP-23 leads to high levels of hormone secretion under basal conditions. Thus, the relative expression levels of SNAP-25 and SNAP-23 might control the mode (regulated vs. basal) of granule release by forming docking complexes at different Ca(2+) thresholds.

Effect of Inherited Abnormalities of Calcium Regulation on Human Neuromuscular Transmission

Synaptotagmins are abundant synaptic proteins that represent the best candidate for the calcium sensor at the nerve terminal. The pore-forming, voltage-sensing transmembrane alpha-1 subunit of the P/Q voltage-gated calcium channel (or Ca(v)2.1) encoded by the CACNA1A gene is another major component of the process of action potential-evoked exocytosis at the adult mammalian neuromuscular junction. Defects of these proteins, in nonhuman species, result in severe disruption of rapid synaptic transmission. This paper investigates the molecular bases of inherited presynaptic deficits of neuromuscular transmission in humans. Patients with congenital presynaptic failure, including two patients with episodic ataxia type 2 (EA-2) due to CACNA1A mutations, were studied with muscle biopsy, microelectrode studies, electron microscopy, DNA amplification, and sequencing. All patients, including EA-2 patients, showed selective failure of the action potential-dependent release without reduction of the spontaneous release of neurotransmitter. In addition, patients with EA-2 showed partial blockade of neuromuscular transmission with the N-type blocker omega-conotoxin not seen in controls. The EM showed a varied degree of increased complexity of postsynaptic folds. Mutational analysis in candidate genes, including human synaptotagmin II, syntaxin 1A, synaptobrevin I, SNAP 25, CACNA1A, CACNB2, and Rab3A, was unrevealing. Although no mutations in candidate genes were found in patients with inborn presynaptic failure, functional and structural similarities between this group and patients with EA-2 due to CACNA1A mutations suggest a common pathogenic mechanism.

Different domains of synaptotagmin control the choice between kiss-and-run and full fusion

Exocytosis-the release of the contents of a vesicle--proceeds by two mechanisms. Full fusion occurs when the vesicle and plasma membranes merge. Alternatively, in what is termed kiss-and-run, vesicles can release transmitter during transient contacts with the plasma membrane. Little is known at the molecular level about how the choice between these two pathways is regulated. Here we report amperometric recordings of catecholamine efflux through individual fusion pores. Transfection with synaptotagmin (Syt) IV increased the frequency and duration of kiss-and-run events, but left their amplitude unchanged. Endogenous Syt IV, induced by forskolin treatment, had a similar effect. Full fusion was inhibited by mutation of a Ca2+ ligand in the C2A domain of Syt I; kiss-and-run was inhibited by mutation of a homologous Ca2+ ligand in the C2B domain of Syt IV. The Ca2+ sensitivity for full fusion was 5-fold higher with Syt I than Syt IV, but for kiss-and-run the Ca2+ sensitivities differed by a factor of only two. Syt thus regulates the choice between full fusion and kiss-and-run, with Ca2+ binding to the C2A and C2B domains playing an important role in this choice.

Nerve growth factor-dependent sorting of synaptotagmin IV protein to mature dense-core vesicles that undergo calcium-dependent exocytosis in PC12 cells

Synaptotagmin IV (Syt IV) is a fourth member of the Syt family and has been shown to regulate some forms of memory and learning by analysis of Syt IV null mutant mice (Ferguson, G. D., Anagnostaras, S. G., Silva, A. J., and Herschman, H. R. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 97, 5598-5603). However, the involvement of Syt IV protein in vesicular trafficking and even its localization in secretory vesicles are still matters of controversy. Here we present several lines of evidence showing that the Syt IV protein in PC12 cells is normally localized in the Golgi or immature vesicles at the cell periphery and is sorted to fusion-competent mature dense-core vesicles in response to short nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation. (i) In undifferentiated PC12 cells, Syt IV protein is mainly localized in the Golgi and small amounts are also present at the cell periphery, but according to the results of an immunocytochemical analysis, they do not colocalize with conventional secretory vesicle markers (Syt I, Syt IX, Rab3A, Rab27A, vesicle-associated membrane protein 2, and synaptophysin) at all. By contrast, limited colocalization of Syt IV protein with dense-core vesicle markers is found in the distal parts of the neurites of NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. (ii) Immunoelectron microscopy with highly specific anti-Syt IV antibody revealed that the Syt IV protein in undifferentiated PC12 cells is mainly present on the Golgi membranes and immature secretory vesicles, whereas after NGF stimulation Syt IV protein is also present on the mature dense-core vesicles. (iii) An N-terminal antibody-uptake experiment indicated that Syt IV-containing vesicles in the neurites of NGF-differentiated PC12 cells undergo Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis, whereas no uptake of the anti-Syt IV-N antibody was observed in undifferentiated PC12 cells. Our results suggest that Syt IV is a stimulus (e.g. NGF)-dependent regulator for exocytosis of dense-core vesicles.

Slp4-a/granuphilin-a regulates dense-core vesicle exocytosis in PC12 cells

Synaptotagmin-like protein 4-a (Slp4-a)/granuphilin-a was originally identified as a protein specifically associated with insulin-containing vesicles in pancreatic beta-cells (Wang, J., Takeuchi, T., Yokota, H., and Izumi, T. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 28542-28548). Previously, we showed that the N-terminal Slp homology domain of Slp4-a interacts with the GTP-bound form of Rab3A, Rab8, and Rab27A both in vitro and in intact cells (Kuroda, T. S., Fukuda, M., Ariga, H., and Mikoshiba, K. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 9212-9218). How Slp4-a.Rab complex controls regulated secretion, and which Rab isoforms dominantly interact with Slp4-a in vivo, however, have remained unknown. In this study, we showed by immunocytochemistry and subcellular fractionation that three Rabs, Rab3A, Rab8, and Rab27A, and Slp4-a are endogenously expressed in neuroendocrine PC12 cells and localized on dense-core vesicles, and we discovered that the Slp4-a.Rab8 and Slp4-a.Rab27A complexes, but not Slp4-a.Rab3A complexes, are formed on dense-core vesicles in PC12 cells, although the majority of Rab8 is present in the cell body and is free of Slp4-a. We further showed that expression of Rab27A, but not of Rab8, promotes high KCl-dependent secretion of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in PC12 cells, whereas expression of Slp4-a, but not of an Slp4-a mutant incapable of Rab27A binding, inhibits NPY secretion in PC12 cells. In contrast, expression of Slp3-a, but not of Slp3-b lacking an N-terminal Rab27A-binding domain, promotes NPY secretion. These findings suggest that the Slp family controls regulated dense-core vesicle exocytosis via binding to Rab27A.

Inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) can weaken the Ca(2+)-dependent membrane binding of C2AB domain of synaptotagmin I

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I has been proposed to serve as a Ca(2+) sensor for rapid exocytosis. In the present work, two fragments of the large cytoplasmic domain of synaptotagmin I, C2A and C2AB, were compared by combining surface plasmon resonance with circular dichroism and fluorescence techniques. C2AB and C2A had almost identical membrane binding constants, indicating that C2A is the predominate domain to bind to negatively charged phospholipids. After reacting with inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) a conformational change of C2AB was detected in the presence of liposome. The InsP6 binding notably weakened the Ca(2+)-dependent C2AB-membrane interaction, which suggests that InsP6 may act as a modulator of neurotransmitter release by altering the state of synaptotagmin-phospholipid interaction.

The C2A domain of synaptotagmin-like protein 3 (Slp3) is an atypical calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding machine: comparison with the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I

The synaptotagmin-like protein (Slp) family consists of an N-terminal Rab27-binding domain and C-terminal tandem C2 motifs, and although it has been suggested to regulate Rab27-dependent membrane trafficking, such as Ca2+-regulated granule exocytosis in T-lymphocytes [Kuroda, Fukuda, Ariga and Mikoshiba (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 9212-9218], little is known about the Ca2+-binding property of the Slp family. In this study, I demonstrated that the C2A domain of Slp3 exhibits Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid-binding activity similar to that of the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I (Syt I) with regard to phospholipid selectivity, bivalent cation selectivity and effect of ionic strength. This finding was surprising because the C2A domains of other C-terminal-type (C-type) tandem C2 proteins require five conserved acidic residues in the putative Ca2+-binding loops 1 and 3 on the top of the beta-sandwich structure for their Ca2+-/phospholipid-binding activity, whereas the C2A domain of Slp3 contains only one conserved acidic residue in the putative Ca2+-binding loop 1. Site-directed mutagenesis and chimaeric analysis of the C2A domains of Syt I and Slp3 showed that Glu-336 and Glu-337 in the putative Ca2+-binding loop 1 and polybasic sequence (Lys-359, Lys-360 and Lys-361) in the beta-4 strand of the C2 structure are crucial for Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding activity of the Slp3 C2A domain, whereas the similar polybasic sequence in the C2A domain of Syt I is dispensable for Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding activity. These results indicate that the C2A domain of Slp3 is an atypical Ca2+-/phospholipid-binding machine, compared with other C-type tandem C2 proteins.

Role of synaptotagmin in Ca2+-triggered exocytosis

The Ca(2+)-binding synaptic-vesicle protein synaptotagmin I has attracted considerable interest as a potential Ca(2+) sensor that regulates exocytosis from neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Recent studies have shed new light on the structure, biochemical/biophysical properties and function of synaptotagmin, and the emerging view is that it plays an important role in both exocytosis and endocytosis. At least a dozen additional isoforms exist, some of which are expressed outside of the nervous system, suggesting that synaptotagmins might regulate membrane traffic in a variety of cell types. Here we provide an overview of the members of this gene family, with particular emphasis on the question of whether and how synaptotagmin I functions during the final stages of membrane fusion: does it regulate the Ca(2+)-triggered opening and dilation of fusion pores?

The calcium-binding loops of the tandem C2 domains of synaptotagmin VII cooperatively mediate calcium-dependent oligomerization

Synaptotagmin VII (Syt VII), a proposed regulator for Ca2+-dependent exocytosis, showed a robust Ca2+-dependent oligomerization property via its two C2 domains (Fukuda, M., and Mikoshiba, K. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 27670-27676), but little is known about its structure or the critical residues directly involved in the oligomerization interface. In this study, site-directed mutagenesis and chimeric analysis between Syt I and Syt VII showed that three Asp residues in Ca2+-binding loop 1 or 3 (Asp-172, Asp-303, and Asp-357) are crucial to robust Ca(2+)-dependent oligomerization. Unlike Syt I, however, the polybasic sequence in the beta4 strands of the C2 structures (so-called "C2 effector domain") is not involved in the Ca2+-dependent oligomerization of Syt VII. The results also showed that the Ca2+-binding loops of the two C2 domains cooperatively mediate Syt VII oligomerization (i.e. the presence of redundant Ca2+-binding site(s)) as well as the importance of Ca2+-dependent oligomerization of Syt VII in Ca2+-regulated secretion. Expression of wild-type tandem C2 domains of Syt VII in PC12 cells inhibited Ca2+-dependent neuropeptide Y release, whereas mutant fragments lacking Ca2+-dependent oligomerization activity had no effect. Finally, rotary-shadowing electron microscopy showed that the Ca2+-dependent oligomer of Syt VII is "a large linear structure," not an irregular aggregate. By contrast, in the absence of Ca2+ Syt VII molecules were observed to form a globular structure. Based on these results, we suggest that the linear Ca2+-dependent oligomer may be aligned at the fusion site between vesicles and plasma membrane and modulate Ca2+-regulated exocytosis by opening or dilating fusion pores.

Synaptotagmins I and IV promote transmitter release independently of Ca(2+) binding in the C(2)A domain

At nerve terminals, a focal and transient increase in intracellular Ca(2+) triggers the fusion of neurotransmitter-filled vesicles with the plasma membrane. The most extensively studied candidate for the Ca(2+)-sensing trigger is synaptotagmin I, whose Ca(2+)-dependent interactions with acidic phospholipids and syntaxin have largely been ascribed to its C(2)A domain, although the C(2)B domain also binds Ca(2+) (refs 7, 8). Genetic tests of synaptotagmin I have been equivocal as to whether it is the Ca(2+)-sensing trigger of fusion. Synaptotagmin IV, a related isoform that does not bind Ca(2+) in the C(2)A domain, might be an inhibitor of release. We mutated an essential aspartate of the Ca(2+)-binding site of the synaptotagmin I C(2)A domain and expressed it in Drosophila lacking synaptotagmin I. Here we show that, despite the disruption of the binding site, the Ca(2+)-dependent properties of transmission were not altered. Similarly, we found that synaptotagmin IV could substitute for synaptotagmin I. We conclude that the C(2)A domain of synaptotagmin is not required for Ca(2+)-dependent synaptic transmission, and that synaptotagmin IV promotes rather than inhibits transmission.

Synaptotagmin V is targeted to dense-core vesicles that undergo calcium-dependent exocytosis in PC12 cells

Synaptotagmins (Syts) III, V, VI, and X are classified as a subclass of Syt, based on their sequence similarities and biochemical properties (Ibata, K., Fukuda, M., and Mikoshiba, K. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 12267-12273; Fukuda, M., Kanno, E., and Mikoshiba, K. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 31421-31427). Although they have been suggested to be involved in vesicular trafficking, as in the role of the Syt I isoform in synaptic vesicle exocytosis, their exact functions remain to be clarified, and even their precise subcellular localization is still a matter of controversy. In this study, we established rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell lines that stably express Syts III-, V-, VI-, and X-GFP (green fluorescence protein) fusion proteins, respectively, to determine their precise subcellular localizations. Surprisingly, Syts III-, V-, VI-, and X-GFP proteins were found to be targeted to specific organelles: Syt III-GFP to near the plasma membrane, Syt V-GFP to dense-core vesicles, Syt VI-GFP to endoplasmic reticulum-like structures, and Syt X-GFP to vesicles (other than dense-core vesicles) present in cytoplasm. We showed that Syt V-containing vesicles at the neurites of PC12 cells were processed to exocytosis in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical analysis further showed that endogenous Syt V was also localized on dense-core vesicles in the mouse brain and specifically expressed in glucagon-positive alpha-cells in mouse pancreatic islets, but not in beta- or delta-cells. Based on these results, we propose that Syt V is a dense-core vesicle-specific Syt isoform that controls a specific type of Ca2+-regulated secretion.

C2A activates a cryptic Ca(2+)-triggered membrane penetration activity within the C2B domain of synaptotagmin I

Synaptotagmin (syt) I, an integral membrane protein localized to secretory vesicles, is a putative Ca(2+) sensor for exocytosis. Its N terminus spans the membrane once, and its cytoplasmic domain contains two conserved C2 domains, designated C2A and C2B. The isolated C2A domain penetrates membranes in response to Ca(2+); isolated C2B does not. Here, we have addressed the function of each C2 domain, but in the context of the intact cytoplasmic domain (C2A-C2B), by using fluorescent reporters placed in the Ca(2+)-binding loops of either C2A or C2B. Surprisingly, these reporters revealed that, analogous to C2A, a Ca(2+)-binding loop in C2B directly penetrates into lipid bilayers. Penetration of each C2 domain was very rapid (k(on) approximately 10(10) M(-1) x s(-1)) and resulted in high affinity C2A-C2B-liposome complexes (K(d) approximately 13-14 nM). C2B-bilayer penetration strictly depended on the presence, but not the membrane binding activity, of an adjacent C2A domain, severing C2A from C2B after protein synthesis abolished the ability of C2B to dip into bilayers in response to Ca(2+). The activation of C2B by C2A was also displayed by the C2 domains of syt III but not the C2 domains of syt IV. A number of proteins contain more than one C2 domain; the findings reported here suggest these domains may harbor cryptic activities that are not detected when they are studied in isolation.

Synaptotagmin modulation of fusion pore kinetics in regulated exocytosis of dense-core vesicles

In the exocytosis of neurotransmitter, fusion pore opening represents the first instant of fluid contact between the vesicle lumen and extracellular space. The existence of the fusion pore has been established by electrical measurements, but its molecular composition is unknown. The possibility that synaptotagmin regulates fusion pores was investigated with amperometry to monitor exocytosis of single dense-core vesicles. Overexpression of synaptotagmin I prolonged the time from fusion pore opening to dilation, whereas synaptotagmin IV shortened this time. Both synaptotagmin isoforms reduced norepinephrine flux through open fusion pores. Thus, synaptotagmin interacts with fusion pores, possibly by associating with a core complex of membrane proteins and/or lipid.

Genomic analysis of synaptotagmin genes

I used TBLASTn to probe DNA sequence databases with a consensus peptide sequence corresponding to the most highly conserved region of the rodent synaptotagmin (Syt) gene family, which is within the C2B domain. I found human homologues for all known rodent genes, and found six further human genomic loci which encode potential family members. I found eight potential family members in Caenorhabditis elegans, six in Drosophila melanogaster, and four in Arabidopsis thaliana. The C. elegans Syt1 homologue uniquely encodes two alternative C2B exons, one or the other of which is expressed at a time. Comparison of the genomic structures of the Syt genes makes clear the different phylogenies of the different subgroups. Knowledge of the genomic structures will aid the systematic investigation of alternative splicing in Syt genes.

The AP2 binding site of synaptotagmin 1 is not an internalization signal but a regulator of endocytosis

One characteristic linking members of the synaptotagmin family to endocytosis is their ability to bind the heterotetrameric AP2 complex via their C2B domain. By using CD4/synaptotagmin 1 chimeras, we found that the internalization signal of synaptotagmin 1 lies at the extreme COOH-terminus of the protein and can function in the absence of the C2B domain that contains the AP2 binding site. However, although not essential for internalization, the C2B domain of synaptotagmin 1 appeared to control the recognition of the internalization motif. By mutagenesis, two sites have been identified that modify regulation by the C2B domain in the neuroendocrine PC12 cell line. Mutation of a dilysine motif in the beta sandwich core of the domain eliminates endocytosis. This site is known to be a site of protein-protein interaction. Mutations in the calcium binding region, or in its close proximity, also affect internalization in PC12 cells. In fibroblasts, the C2B domain inhibits the COOH-terminal internalization signal, resulting in an absence of internalization in those cells. Thus, internalization of synaptotagmin 1 is controlled by the presence of a latent internalization signal in the COOH-terminal region and a regulatory region in the C2B domain. We propose that internalization of synaptotagmin 1 is regulated in this way to allow it to couple the processes of endocytosis and calcium-mediated exocytosis in cells of the neuroendocrine lineage.

Synaptotagmin VII as a plasma membrane Ca(2+) sensor in exocytosis

Synaptotagmins I and II are Ca(2+) binding proteins of synaptic vesicles essential for fast Ca(2+)-triggered neurotransmitter release. However, central synapses and neuroendocrine cells lacking these synaptotagmins still exhibit Ca(2+)-evoked exocytosis. We now propose that synaptotagmin VII functions as a plasma membrane Ca(2+) sensor in synaptic exocytosis complementary to vesicular synaptotagmins. We show that alternatively spliced forms of synaptotagmin VII are expressed in a developmentally regulated pattern in brain and are concentrated in presynaptic active zones of central synapses. In neuroendocrine PC12 cells, the C(2)A and C(2)B domains of synaptotagmin VII are potent inhibitors of Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis, but only when they bind Ca(2+). Our data suggest that in synaptic vesicle exocytosis, distinct synaptotagmins function as independent Ca(2+) sensors on the two fusion partners, the plasma membrane (synaptotagmin VII) versus synaptic vesicles (synaptotagmins I and II).

An unusual C(2)-domain in the active-zone protein piccolo: implications for Ca(2+) regulation of neurotransmitter release

Ca(2+) regulation of neurotransmitter release is thought to require multiple Ca(2+) sensors with distinct affinities. However, no low-affinity Ca(2+) sensor has been identified at the synapse. We now show that piccolo/aczonin, a recently described active-zone protein with C-terminal C(2)A- and C(2)B-domains, constitutes a presynaptic low-affinity Ca(2+) sensor. Ca(2+) binds to piccolo by virtue of its C(2)A-domain via an unusual mechanism that involves a large conformational change. The distinct Ca(2+)-binding properties of the piccolo C(2)A- domain are mediated by an evolutionarily conserved sequence at the bottom of the C(2)A-domain, which may fold back towards the Ca(2+)-binding sites on the top. Point mutations in this bottom sequence inactivate it, transforming low-affinity Ca(2+) binding (100-200 microM in the presence of phospholipids) into high-affinity Ca(2+) binding (12-14 microM). The unusual Ca(2+)-binding mode of the piccolo C(2)A-domain reveals that C(2)-domains are mechanistically more versatile than previously envisaged. The low Ca(2+) affinity of the piccolo C(2)A-domain suggests that piccolo could function in short-term synaptic plasticity when Ca(2+) concentrations accumulate during repetitive stimulation.

Synaptotagmin I is a molecular target for lead

Lead poisoning can cause a wide range of symptoms with particularly severe clinical effects on the CNS. Lead can increase spontaneous neurotransmitter release but decrease evoked neurotransmitter release. These effects may be caused by an interaction of lead with specific molecular targets involved in neurotransmitter release. We demonstrate here that the normally calcium-dependent binding characteristics of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I are altered by lead. Nanomolar concentrations of lead induce the interaction of synaptotagmin I with phospholipid liposomes. The C2A domain of synaptotagmin I is required for lead-mediated phospholipid binding. Lead protects both recombinant and endogenous rat brain synaptotagmin I from proteolytic cleavage in a manner similar to calcium. However, lead is unable to promote the interaction of either recombinant or endogenous synaptotagmin I and syntaxin. Finally, nanomolar concentrations of lead are able to directly compete with and inhibit the ability of micromolar concentrations of calcium to induce the interaction of synaptotagmin I and syntaxin. Based on these findings, we conclude that synaptotagmin I may be an important, physiologically relevant target of lead.