Botulinum neurotoxin C1 blocks neurotransmitter release by means of cleaving HPC-1/syntaxin

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.

Enhancement of the Endopeptidase Activity of Purified Botulinum Neurotoxins A and E by an Isolated Component of the Native Neurotoxin Associated Proteins

In botulism disease, neurotransmitter release is blocked by a group of structurally related neurotoxin proteins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT, A-G) enter nerve terminals and irreversibly inhibit exocytosis via their endopeptidase activities against synaptic proteins SNAP-25, VAMP, and Syntaxin. Type A C. botulinum secretes the neurotoxin along with 5 other proteins called neurotoxin associated proteins (NAPs). Here, we report that hemagglutinin-33 (Hn-33), one of the NAP components, enhances the endopeptidase activity of not only BoNT/A but also that of BoNT/E, both under in vitro conditions and in rat synaptosomes. BoNT/A endopeptidase activity in vitro is about twice as high as that of BoNT/E under disulfide-reduced conditions. Addition of Hn-33 separately to nonreduced BoNT/A and BoNT/E (which otherwise have only residual endopeptidase activity) enhanced their in vitro endopeptidase activity by 21- and 25-fold, respectively. Cleavage of rat-brain synaptosome SNAP-25 by BoNTs was used to assay endopeptidase activity under nerve-cell conditions. Reduced BoNT/A and BoNT/E cleaved synaptosomal SNAP-25 by 20% and 15%, respectively. Addition of Hn-33 separately to nonreduced BoNT/A and BoNT/E enhanced their endopeptidase activities by 13-fold for the cleavage of SNAP-25 in synaptosomes, suggesting a possible functional role of Hn-33 in association with BoNTs. We believe that Hn-33 could be used as an activator in the formulation of the neurotoxin for therapeutic use.

Transmembrane segments of syntaxin line the fusion pore of Ca2+-triggered exocytosis

The fusion pore of regulated exocytosis is a channel that connects and spans the vesicle and plasma membranes. The molecular composition of this important intermediate structure of exocytosis is unknown. Here, we found that mutations of some residues within the transmembrane segment of syntaxin (Syx), a plasma membrane protein essential for exocytosis, altered neurotransmitter flux through fusion pores and altered pore conductance. The residues that influenced fusion-pore flux lay along one face of an alpha-helical model. Thus, the fusion pore is formed at least in part by a circular arrangement of 5 to 8 Syx transmembrane segments in the plasma membrane.

Role of Metals in the Biological Activity of Clostridium botulinum Neurotoxins,

Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins are the most potent toxins to humans and cause paralysis by blocking neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic nerve terminals. The toxicity involves four steps, viz., binding to neuronal cells, internalization, translocation, and catalytic activity. While the catalytic activity is a zinc endopeptidase activity on the SNARE complex proteins, the translocation is believed to be a pH-dependent process allowing the translocation domain to change its conformation to penetrate the endosomal membrane. Here, we report the crystal structures of botulinum neurotoxin type B at various pHs and of an apo form of the neurotoxin, and discuss the role of metal ions and the effect of pH variation in the biological activity. Except for the perturbation of a few side chains, the conformation of the catalytic domain is unchanged in the zinc-depleted apotoxin, suggesting that zinc's role is catalytic. We have also identified two calcium ions in the molecule and present biochemical evidence to show that they play a role in the translocation of the light chain through the membrane.

Evidence for SNARE zippering during Ca2+-triggered exocytosis in PC12 cells

SNAREs (soluble NSF attachment protein receptors) are membrane proteins that catalyze membrane fusion. SNAREs are defined by a characteristic 70 residue sequence called the SNARE motif. During synaptic vesicle fusion, the single SNARE motif of the synaptic vesicle SNARE protein synaptobrevin/VAMP associates into a four-helical bundle with SNARE motifs from the plasma membrane SNARE proteins syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25. The four SNARE motifs (one each from synaptobrevin and syntaxin, and two from SNAP-25) assume a parallel orientation in the complex, suggesting that formation of the complex initiates fusion by forcing the membranes containing the SNAREs into close proximity. It has been proposed that SNARE complexes assemble in an N- to C-terminal progression, a process referred to as zippering, but little direct evidence for zippering exists. Furthermore, the SM protein Munc18-1, which binds to syntaxin 1 and is essential for synaptic fusion, is thought to prepare SNAREs for complex formation by an unknown mechanism, possibly by nucleating zippering. We now show that fragments containing the N- and C-terminal regions of the SNARE motif from syntaxin 1A bind SNAP-25 similarly. However, in permeabilized PC12 cells which are used as a biochemical model system to study synaptic fusion, only fragments containing the N-terminal region are powerful inhibitors of fusion. Furthermore, mutations in the N-terminal part of the Syntaxin SNARE motif have only a moderate effect on SNAP-25 binding but abolish the inhibitory activity of the SNARE motif. Finally, larger fragments of syntaxin 1A that strongly bind to Munc18-1 but do not readily assemble into SNARE complexes had no effect on exocytosis in permeabilized PC12 cells. Together these results suggest that Munc18-1 acts before SNARE complex assembly, and is no longer required at the stage of fusion assayed in permeabilized PC12 cells. The selective effect of the N-terminal half of the syntaxin 1A SNARE motif on PC12 cell exocytosis shows that the SNARE motif is functionally polarized, and supports the notion that SNARE complexes assemble in an N- to C-terminal zippering reaction during fusion without a stable, partially assembled intermediate.

Botulinum toxins in neurological disease

Botulinum toxins are among the most potent neurotoxins known to humans. In the past 25 years, botulinum toxin has emerged as both a potential weapon of bioterrorism and as a powerful therapeutic agent, with growing applications in neurological and non-neurological disease. Botulinum toxin is unique in its ability to target peripheral cholinergic neurons, preventing the release of acetylcholine through the enzymatic cleavage of proteins involved in membrane fusion, without prominent central nervous system effects. There are seven serotypes of the toxin, each with a specific activity at the molecular level. Currently, serotypes A (in two preparations) and B are available for clinical use, and have been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of dystonia, spasticity, and other disorders in which muscle overactivity gives rise to symptoms. This review focuses on the pharmacology, electrophysiology, immunology, and application of botulinum toxin in selected neurological disorders.

Novel small molecule inhibitors of botulinum neurotoxin A metalloprotease activity

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most lethal biological substances to have been weaponized and are listed as biodefense category A agents. Currently, no small molecule (non-peptidic) therapeutics exist to counter this threat; hence, identifying and developing compounds that inhibit BoNTs is a high priority. In the present study, a high-throughput assay was used to identify small molecules that inhibit the metalloprotease activity of BoNT serotype A light chain (BoNT/A LC). All inhibitors were further verified using a HPLC-based assay. Conformational analyses of these compounds, in conjunction with molecular docking studies, were used to predict structural features that contribute to inhibitor binding and potency. Based on these results, a common pharmacophore for BoNT/A LC inhibitors is proposed. This is the first study to report small molecules (non-peptidics) that inhibit BoNT/A LC metalloprotease activity in the low microM range.

Agmatine induces glutamate release and cell death in cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons

We investigated the effect of agmatine on cell viability of rat cerebellar granule neurons in a high-K+ (27.5 mM) medium. Exposure of cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons to agmatine (200-800 microM) resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability. Agmatine-induced neuronal death began to occur 6-12 h after addition, and gradually progressed. The agmatine neurotoxicity was attenuated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and by enzymatic degradation of L-glutamate with glutamic pyruvic transaminase. Furthermore, a significant increase in extracellular L-glutamate concentration was detected before cell death occurred. In addition, agmatine-induced glutamate release and cell death were both blocked by pretreatment with botulinum toxin C, which is known to specifically inhibit the exocytosis. The agmatine neurotoxicity was not observed when extracellular K+ concentration was lower (10 mM). These results suggest that agmatine induces glutamate release through the exocytosis and thereby causes NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal death in conditions in which extracellular K+ concentrations are elevated.

Vesicular localization and activity-dependent trafficking of presynaptic choline transporters

Presynaptic synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh) requires a steady supply of choline, acquired by a plasma membrane, hemicholinium-3-sensitive (HC-3) choline transporter (CHT). A significant fraction of synaptic choline is recovered from ACh hydrolyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) after vesicular release. Although antecedent neuronal activity is known to dictate presynaptic CHT activity, the mechanisms supporting this regulation are unknown. We observe an exclusive localization of CHT to cholinergic neurons and demonstrate that the majority of CHTs reside on small vesicles within cholinergic presynaptic terminals in the rat and mouse brain. Furthermore, immunoisolation of presynaptic vesicles with multiple antibodies reveals that CHT-positive vesicles carry the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and synaptic vesicle markers such as synaptophysin and Rab3A and also contain acetylcholine. Depolarization of synaptosomes evokes a Ca2+-dependent botulinum neurotoxin C-sensitive increase in the Vmax for HC-3-sensitive choline uptake that is accompanied by an increase in the density of CHTs in the synaptic plasma membrane. Our study leads to the novel hypothesis that CHTs reside on a subpopulation of synaptic vesicles in cholinergic terminals that can transit to the plasma membrane in response to neuronal activity to couple levels of choline re-uptake to the rate of ACh release.

Regulating the Conducting States of a Mammalian Serotonin Transporter

Serotonin transporters (SERTs), sites of psychostimulant action, display multiple conducting states in expression systems. These include a substrate-independent transient conductance, two separate substrate-independent leak conductances associated with Na(+) and H(+), and a substrate-dependent conductance of variable stoichiometry, which exceeds that predicted from electroneutral substrate transport. The present data show that the SNARE protein syntaxin 1A binds the N-terminal tail of SERT, and this interaction regulates two SERT-conducting states. First, substrate-induced currents are absent because Na(+) flux becomes strictly coupled to 5HT transport. Second, Na(+)-mediated leak currents are eliminated. These two SERT-conducting states are present endogenously in thalamocortical neurons, act to depolarize the membrane potential, and are modulated by molecules that disrupt SERT and syntaxin 1A interactions. These data show that protein interactions govern SERT activity and suggest that both cell excitability and psychostimulant-mediated effects will be dependent upon the state of association among SERT and its interacting partners.

Synaptotagmins I and II mediate entry of botulinum neurotoxin B into cells

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) cause botulism by entering neurons and cleaving proteins that mediate neurotransmitter release; disruption of exocytosis results in paralysis and death. The receptors for BoNTs are thought to be composed of both proteins and gangliosides; however, protein components that mediate toxin entry have not been identified. Using gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches, we report here that the secretory vesicle proteins, synaptotagmins (syts) I and II, mediate the entry of BoNT/B (but not BoNT/A or E) into PC12 cells. Further, we demonstrate that BoNT/B entry into PC12 cells and rat diaphragm motor nerve terminals was activity dependent and can be blocked using fragments of syt II that contain the BoNT/B-binding domain. Finally, we show that syt II fragments, in conjunction with gangliosides, neutralized BoNT/B in intact mice. These findings establish that syts I and II can function as protein receptors for BoNT/B.

Miniature synaptic transmission and BDNF modulate dendritic spine growth and form in rat CA1 neurones

The refinement and plasticity of neuronal connections require synaptic activity and neurotrophin signalling; their specific contributions and interplay are, however, poorly understood. We show here that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increased spine density in apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurones in organotypic slice cultures prepared from postnatal rat hippocampal slices. This effect was observed also in the absence of action potentials, and even when miniature synaptic transmission was inhibited with botulinum neurotoxin C (BoNT/C). There were, however, marked differences in the morphology of individual spines induced by BDNF across these different levels of spontaneous ongoing synaptic activity. During both normal synaptic transmission, and when action potentials were blocked with TTX, BDNF increased the proportion of stubby, type-I spines. However, when SNARE-dependent vesicular release was inhibited with BoNT/C, BDNF increased the proportion of thin, type-III spines. Our results indicate that BDNF increases spine density irrespective of the levels of synaptic transmission. In addition, miniature synaptic transmission provides sufficient activity for the functional translation of BDNF-triggered spinogenesis into clearly defined morphological spine types, favouring those spines potentially responsible for coordinated Ca2+ transients thought to mediate synaptic plasticity. We propose that BDNF/TrkB signalling represents a mechanism of expression of both morphological and physiological homeostatic plasticity in the hippocampus, leading to a more efficient synaptic information transfer across widespread levels of synaptic activity.

Syntaxin 1A Inhibits GABA Flux, Efflux, and Exchange Mediated by the Rat Brain GABA Transporter GAT1

GABA transporters control extracellular GABA levels by coupling transmitter uptake to the sodium and chloride cotransport. The rat brain GABA transporter GAT1 and other members of this family are regulated by direct interactions with syntaxin 1A, a protein involved in vesicle docking and in the regulation of several ion channels and transporters. We have shown previously that syntaxin 1A exerts its effects on GAT1 by decreasing the net uptake of GABA and its associated ions through interactions with aspartic acid residues in the N-terminal tail of GAT1. This reduction in net uptake could be caused by many steps in the transport cycle, including substrate binding, substrate flux, substrate efflux, or reorientation of the unliganded transporter. To address this question, we performed GABA flux assays, measured flux- and efflux-associated ion currents, and assessed GABA exchange in multiple experimental systems expressing syntaxin 1A and wild-type GAT1 or GAT1 mutants. Syntaxin 1A caused similar reductions in forward and reverse transport that did not involve changes in apparent transport affinities for sodium, chloride, or GABA. The syntaxin 1A-mediated reduction in GABA flux and efflux was mimicked by mutations in GAT1 at the syntaxin 1A binding site. The binding site GAT1 mutant also caused a reduction in exchange. These data suggest that syntaxin 1A exerts its effects, directly or indirectly, on GAT1 function through interactions with GAT1's N-terminal tail and that the inhibition occurs at a step in the translocation process after substrate binding but which involves both unidirectional transport and transmitter exchange.

Botulinum toxin as a new therapy option for voiding disorders: current state of the art

Botulinum toxin is a presynaptic neuromuscular blocking agent inducing selective and reversible muscle weakness up to several months when injected intramuscularly in minute quantities. Different medical disciplines have discovered the toxin to treat mainly muscular hypercontraction. In urology, indications for botulinum-A toxin have been neurogenic detrusor overactivity, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, motor and sensory urge and, more recently, chronic prostatic pain. The available literature was reviewed using Medline Services. The keywords "botulinum-A toxin", "detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia", "neurogenic bladder", "spinal cord injury", "denervation", "chronic prostatic pain", "chronic urinary retention" were used to obtain references. A toxin injection is effective to treat detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia when injected either transurethrally or transperineally. After treatment, external urethral sphincter pressure, voiding pressure and post-void residual volume decreased. The effect lasts between 2 to 9 months depending on the number of injections. Best indications seem to be multiple sclerosis and incomplete spinal cord injury patients suffering from neurogenic detrusor overactivity and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. According to the previous results, the use of botulinum-A toxin injections into the external urethral sphincter has been extended to a variety of bladder obstructions and to decrease outlet resistance in patients with acontractile detrusor. In cases of successful treatment, spontaneous voiding re-occurs and catheterization can be resumed. Injections of the toxin into the external urethral sphincter also seem to have a beneficial effect on chronic prostatic pain, presumably by reducing hypertonicity and hyperactivity of the external urethral sphincter. Injections of botulinum-A toxin into the detrusor muscle has first been tested to treat neurogenic detrusor activity in spinal cord injured patients and in myelomeningocele children. Long lasting (mean 9 months) detrusor relaxation occurs after injection of usually 300 units of Botox). Continence is restored in about 95% of the patients and anticholinergic drugs can be markedly reduced or even stopped. Excellent results of botulinum-A toxin injections into the detrusor in neurogenic detrusor overactivity have lead to an expansion of this treatment to incontinence due to idiopathic detrusor overactivity. Although preliminary results are promising, adequate dosage of the toxin required for this indication is not yet known. In conclusion, it appears that botulinum toxin injection into either the external urethral sphincter or the detrusor offers new promising treatment options for many different urological dysfunctions. However, large controlled trials are absolutely required to establish the role of botulinum-A toxin injections in the fields of urology and neurourology on evidence based medicine.

[Mode of action of botulinum neurotoxin: pathological, cellular and molecular aspect]

Several bacteria of the Clostridium genus (C. botulinum) produce 150 kDa di-chainal protein toxins referred as botulinum neurotoxins or BoNTs. They associate with non-toxic companion proteins and form a complex termed botulinum toxin or BoTx. The latter is used in clinic for therapeutic purpose. BoNTs affect cholinergic nerve terminals in periphery where they block acetylcholine release, thereby causing dysautonomia and motorparalysis (i.e. botulism). The cellular action of BoNTs can be depicted according to a three steps model: binding, internalisation and intraneuronal action. The toxins heavy chain mediates binding to specific receptors followed by endocytotic internalisation of BoNT/receptor complex. BoNT receptors may comprise gangliosides and synaptic vesicle-associated proteins as synaptotagmins. Vesicle recycling induces BoNT internalisation. Upon acidification of vesicles, the light chain of the neurotoxin is translocated into the cytosol. Here, this zinc-endopeptidase cleaves one or two among three synaptic proteins (VAMP-synaptobrevin, SNAP25, and syntaxin). As the three protein targets of BoNT play major role in fusion of synaptic vesicles at the release sites, their cleavage is followed by blockage of neurotransmitter exocytosis. The duration of the paralytic effect of the BoNTs is determined by 1) the turnover of their protein target; 2) the time-life of the toxin light chain in the cytosol, and 3) the sprouting of new nerve-endings that are retracted when the poisoned nerve terminal had recovered its full functionality.

VAMP/synaptobrevin cleavage by tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins is strongly enhanced by acidic liposomes

Tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins (TeNT and BoNTs) block neuroexocytosis via specific cleavage and inactivation of SNARE proteins. Such activity is exerted by the N-terminal 50 kDa light chain (L) domain, which is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase. TeNT, BoNT/B, /D, /F and /G cleave vesicle associated membrane protein (VAMP), a protein of the neurotransmitter-containing small synaptic vesicles, at different single peptide bonds. Since the proteolytic activity of these metalloproteases is higher on native VAMP inserted in synaptic vesicles than on recombinant VAMP, we have investigated the influence of liposomes of different lipid composition on this activity. We found that the rate of VAMP cleavage with all neurotoxins tested here is strongly enhanced by negatively charged lipid mixtures. This effect is at least partially due to the binding of the metalloprotease to the lipid membranes, with electrostatic interactions playing an important role.

Secretory granule exocytosis

Regulated exocytosis of secretory granules or dense-core granules has been examined in many well-characterized cell types including neurons, neuroendocrine, endocrine, exocrine, and hemopoietic cells and also in other less well-studied cell types. Secretory granule exocytosis occurs through mechanisms with many aspects in common with synaptic vesicle exocytosis and most likely uses the same basic protein components. Despite the widespread expression and conservation of a core exocytotic machinery, many variations occur in the control of secretory granule exocytosis that are related to the specialized physiological role of particular cell types. In this review we describe the wide range of cell types in which regulated secretory granule exocytosis occurs and assess the evidence for the expression of the conserved fusion machinery in these cells. The signals that trigger and regulate exocytosis are reviewed. Aspects of the control of exocytosis that are specific for secretory granules compared with synaptic vesicles or for particular cell types are described and compared to define the range of accessory control mechanisms that exert their effects on the core exocytotic machinery.

Transmitter uptake and release in PC12 cells overexpressing plasma membrane monoamine transporters

Transmitter uptake and exocytosis of secretory vesicles are two essential aspects of neurotransmission. Here we show that transient overexpression of plasma membrane monoamine transporters in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells induced an approximate 20-fold enhancement of cellular uptake of monoamines. Intravesicular amine concentration was greatly increased, as demonstrated directly by carbon fibre amperometry. However, the amount of stored monoamines diminished over a 5-h period, unless monoamine oxidase was inhibited, indicating that monoamines leak out from secretory vesicles. This efflux of monoamines accounts for the reported dependence of vesicular monoamine content (the quantal size) on the kinetics of vesicular monoamine uptake. Measuring radiolabelled monoamines release from the cell population provided accurate determination of the secretory activity of the subpopulation (10-20%) of cells transfected with monoamine transporters, since they contained about 95% of the radiolabel. Accordingly, significant modification of the secretory responses was observed, at the cell population level, upon transient expression of the serotonin transporter and of proteins known to interfere with exocytosis, such as botulinum neurotoxin C1, GTPase-deficient Rab3 proteins, truncated Rabphilin constructs or Rim. The co-transfection assay described here, based on transient expression of monoamine transporters, should prove useful in functional studies of the secretory machinery.

Convergence and divergence in the mechanism of SNARE binding by Sec1/Munc18-like proteins

Sec1Munc18-like (SM) proteins functionally interact with soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNARE) in membrane fusion, but the mechanisms of these interactions differ. In vertebrates, SM proteins that mediate exocytosis (Munc18-1, 18-2, and 18c) bind to the closed conformation of syntaxins 1-4, which requires the N-terminal H(abc) domains and SNARE motifs of these syntaxins. In contrast, SM proteins that mediate Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum fusion (Sly1 and Vps45) bind only to short N-terminal sequences of syntaxins 5, 16, or 18, independently of their H(abc) domains and SNARE motifs. We now show that Munc18-1, Sly1, and Vps45 interact with cognate syntaxins via similar, autonomously folded N-terminal domains, but the syntaxin 5-binding surface of the Sly1 N-terminal domain is opposite to the syntaxin 1-binding surface of the Munc18-1 N-terminal domain. In transfected cells, the N-terminal domain of Sly1 specifically disrupts the structure of the Golgi complex, supporting the notion that the interaction of Sly1 with syntaxin 5 is essential for fusion. These data, together with previous results, suggest that a relatively small N-terminal domain of SM proteins is dedicated to mechanistically distinct interactions with SNAREs, leaving the remaining large parts of SM proteins free to execute their as yet unknown function as effector domains.

Coexistence and function of different neurotransmitter transporters in the plasma membrane of CNS neurons

Transporters able to recapture released neurotransmitters into neurons can no longer be considered as cell-specific neuronal markers. In fact, colocalization on one nerve terminal of transporters able to selectively recapture the released endogenously synthesized transmitter (homotransporters) and of transporters that can selectively take up transmitters/modulators originating from neighboring structures (heterotransporters) has been demonstrated to occur on several families of nerve terminals. Activation of heterotransporters often increases the release of the transmitter stored in the terminals on which the heterotransporters are localized. The release caused by heterotransporter activation takes place through multiple mechanisms including exocytosis, either dependent on external Ca(2+) or on Ca(2+) mobilized from intraterminal stores, and homotransporter reversal. Homocarrier-mediated release elicited by heterocarrier activation represents a clear case of transporter-transporter interaction. Although the functional significance of transporter coexpression on one nerve terminal remains to be established, it may in some instances reflect cotransmission. In other cases, heterotransporters may mediate modulation of basal transmitter release in addition to the modulation of the evoked release brought about by presynaptic heteroreceptors. Heterotransporters are also increasingly reported to exist on neuronal soma/dendrites. With the exception of EAAT4, the glutamate transporter/chloride channel situated on GABAergic Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, the functions of somatodendritic heterocarriers is not understood.

SNARE interactions in membrane trafficking: a perspective from mammalian central synapses

SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) are a large family of proteins that are present on all organelles involved in intracellular vesicle trafficking and secretion. The interaction of complementary SNAREs found on opposing membranes presents an attractive lock-and-key mechanism, which may underlie the specificity of vesicle trafficking. Moreover, formation of the tight complex between a vesicle membrane SNARE and corresponding target membrane SNAREs could drive membrane fusion. In synapses, this tight complex, also referred to as the synaptic core complex, is essential for neurotransmitter release. However, recent observations in knockout mice lacking major synaptic SNAREs challenge the prevailing notion on the executive role of these proteins in fusion and open up several questions about their exact role(s) in neurotransmitter release. Persistence of a form of regulated neurotransmitter release in these mutant mice also raises the possibility that other cognate or non-cognate SNAREs may partially compensate for the loss of a particular SNARE. Future analysis of SNARE function in central synapses will also have implications for the role of these molecules in other vesicle trafficking events such as endocytosis and vesicle replenishment. Such analysis can provide a molecular basis for synaptic processes including certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity.

Identification of novel small molecules that bind to two different sites on the surface of tetanus toxin C fragment

A combination of computational methods, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), and NMR spectroscopy has been used to identify novel small molecules that bind to two adjacent sites on the surface of the C fragment of tetanus toxin (TetC). One of these sites, Site-1, binds gangliosides present on the surface of motor neurons, while Site-2 is a highly conserved deep cleft in the structures of the tetanus (TeNT) and botulinum (BoNT) neurotoxins. ESI-MS was used to experimentally determine which of the top 11 computationally predicted Site-2 candidates bind to TetC. Each of the six molecules that tested positive was further screened, individually and as mixtures, for binding to TetC in aqueous solutions by NMR. A trNOESY competition assay was developed that used doxorubicin as a marker for Site-1 to provide insight into whether the predicted Site-2 ligands bound to a different site. Of the six predicted Site-2 ligands tested, only four were observed to bind. Naphthofluorescein-di-beta-galactopyranoside was insoluble under conditions compatible with TetC. Sarcosine-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro did not appear to bind, but its binding affinity may have been outside the range detectable by the trNOESY experiment. Of the remaining four, three [3-(N-maleimidopropionyl)biocytin, lavendustin A, and Try-Glu-Try] bind in the same site, presumably the predicted Site-2. The fourth ligand, Ser-Gln-Asn-Tyr-Pro-Ile-Val, binds in a third site that differs from Site-1 or predicted Site-2. The results provide a rational, cost- and time-effective strategy for the selection of an optimal set of Site-1 binders and predicted Site-2 binders for use in synthesizing novel bidendate antidotes or detection reagents for clostridial neurotoxins, such as TeNT and BoNT.

SNAREs in native plasma membranes are active and readily form core complexes with endogenous and exogenous SNAREs

During neuronal exocytosis, the vesicle-bound soluble NSF attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) synaptobrevin 2 forms complexes with the plasma membrane-bound SNAREs syntaxin 1A and SNAP25 to initiate the fusion reaction. However, it is not known whether in the native membrane SNAREs are constitutively active or whether they are unable to enter SNARE complexes unless activated before membrane fusion. Here we used binding of labeled recombinant SNAREs to inside-out carrier supported plasma membrane sheets of PC12 cells to probe for the activity of endogenous SNAREs. Binding was specific, saturable, and depended on the presence of membrane-resident SNARE partners. Our data show that virtually all of the endogenous syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25 are highly reactive and readily form SNARE complexes with exogenously added SNAREs. Furthermore, complexes between endogenous SNAREs were not detectable when the membranes are freshly prepared, but they slowly form upon prolonged incubation in vitro. We conclude that the activity of membrane-resident SNAREs is not downregulated by control proteins but is constitutively active even if not engaged in fusion events.

A novel mechanism for Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin inhibition

Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins are zinc endopeptidase proteins responsible for cleaving specific peptide bonds of proteins of neuroexocytosis apparatus. The ability of drugs to interfere with toxin's catalytic activity is being evaluated with zinc chelators and metalloprotease inhibitors. It is important to develop effective pharmacological treatment for the intact holotoxin before the catalytic domain separates and enters the cytosol. We present here evidence for a novel mechanism of an inhibitor binding to the holotoxin and for the chelation of zinc from our structural studies on Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type B in complex with a potential metalloprotease inhibitor, bis(5-amidino-2-benzimidazolyl)methane, and provide snapshots of the reaction as it progresses. The binding and inhibition mechanism of this inhibitor to the neurotoxin seems to be unique for intact botulinum neurotoxins. The environment of the active site rearranges in the presence of the inhibitor, and the zinc ion is gradually removed from the active site and transported to a different site in the protein, probably causing loss of catalytic activity.

Protein kinase C and guanosine triphosphate combine to potentiate calcium-dependent membrane fusion driven by annexin 7

Exocytotic secretion is promoted by the concerted action of calcium, guanine nucleotide, and protein kinase C. We now show that the calcium-dependent membrane fusion activity of annexin 7 in vitro is further potentiated by the combined addition of guanine nucleotide and protein kinase C. The observed increment involves the simultaneous activation of annexin 7 by these two effectors. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and its non-hydrolyzable analogues optimally enhance the phosphorylation of annexin 7 by protein kinase C in vitro. Reciprocally, phosphorylation by protein kinase C significantly potentiates the binding and hydrolysis of GTP by annexin 7. Only protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation has a significant positive effect on annexin 7 GTPase, although other protein kinases, including cAMP-dependent protein kinase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and pp60(c-)(src), have been shown to label the protein with high efficiency. In vivo, the ratio of bound GDP/GTP and phosphorylation of annexin 7 change in direct proportion to the extent of catecholamine release from chromaffin cells in response to stimulation by carbachol, or to inhibition by various protein kinase C inhibitors. These results thus lead us to hypothesize that annexin 7 may serve as a common site of action for calcium, guanine nucleotide, and protein kinase C in the exocytotic membrane fusion process in chromaffin cells.

Botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A and B preparations have different safety margins in preclinical models of muscle weakening efficacy and systemic safety

This preclinical study compared the muscle weakening efficacy, duration, and safety margin of the recently approved botulinum toxin type B (BTX-B; Myobloc/Neurobloc) to botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A; BOTOX((R))). Mice received a single hind limb intramuscular injection of BTX-B (1-150U/kg) or BTX-A (1-120U/kg). An observer who was masked to treatment assessed the magnitude and duration of muscle weakening efficacy on a 0-4 scale using the digit abduction scoring assay. Safety margins were determined as the ratio of the IM median lethal dose to the IM dose that produced half-maximal muscle weakness in the DAS. BTX-A produced muscle weakness at lower doses than BTX-B (IM ED(50): 6.2+/-0.6 vs. 20.8+/-1.4U/kg, respectively) (p<0.0001). BTX-A at 29U/kg and BTX-B at 67U/kg produced comparable peak DAS scores of approximately 4 indicating maximal muscle weakness. At these doses, the duration of BTX-A was longer, with a return to baseline by day 36 compared to a return to baseline by day 14 with BTX-B. The mean dose that was lethal in 50% of mice was lower for BTX-A than BTX-B (81.4+/-3.5 vs. 104.6+/-1.9U/kg, respectively) (p<0.001) and the safety margin was higher (13.9+/-1.7 vs. 5.4+/-0.3, respectively (p<0.001). These results indicate that the BTX-A:BTX-B dose ratio for muscle weakening efficacy is different from the ratio for systemic effects following IM injections and suggest that no single dose ratio is adequate to compare these preparations. The in vivo differences found are consistent with the different clinical profiles reported for these two products.

Role of syntaxin 1A on serotonin transporter expression in developing thalamocortical neurons

Neurotransmitter transporters are regulated through a variety of signal transduction mechanisms which may operate in order to maintain appropriate levels of transmitter in the synaptic cleft. GABA and glycine transporters both interact with components of the neurotransmitter release, such as the SNARE protein syntaxin 1A, suggesting that protein-protein interactions are a common method for regulating members of the neurotransmitter transporter family, and thus, linking the release of transmitter to its subsequent re-uptake. In the present report, the interaction of syntaxin 1A with endogenous serotonin transporters (SERT) expressed in developing thalamocortical neurons is examined. Incubation of thalamocortical cultures with botulinum toxin C1, which specifically cleaves syntaxin 1A, decreased SERT function. Serotonin (5HT) saturation analysis showed that the effect of the toxin was to decrease maximum transport capacity with little change to the affinity of the transporter for 5HT. The 5HT uptake data were consistent with biotinylation experiments showing a decrease in the surface expression of SERT following toxin treatment. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that SERT and syntaxin 1A form a protein complex in these neurons. These data show that components of the transmitter release machinery interact with endogenously expressed amine transporters, and suggest a mechanism for the control of transmitter levels in disorders related to aminergic signaling.

SNARE complex assembly is required for human sperm acrosome reaction

Exocytosis of the acrosome (the acrosome reaction) is a terminal morphological alteration that sperm must undergo prior to penetration of the extracellular coat of the egg. Ca(2+) is an essential mediator of this regulated secretory event. Aided by a streptolysin-O permeabilization protocol developed in our laboratory, we have previously demonstrated requirements for Rab3A, NSF, and synaptotagmin VI in the human sperm acrosome reaction. Interestingly, Rab3A elicits an exocytotic response of comparable magnitude to that of Ca(2+). Here, we report a direct role for the SNARE complex in the acrosome reaction. First, the presence of SNARE proteins is demonstrated by Western blot. Second, the Ca(2+)-triggered acrosome reaction is inhibited by botulinum neurotoxins BoNT/A, -E, -C, and -F. Third, antibody inhibition studies show a requirement for SNAP-25, SNAP-23, syntaxins 1A, 1B, 4, and 6, and VAMP 2. Fourth, addition of bacterially expressed SNAP-25 and SNAP-23 abolishes exocytosis. Acrosome reaction elicited by Rab3-GTP is also inhibited by BoNT/A, -C, and -F. Taken together, these results demonstrate a requirement for members of all SNARE protein families in the Ca(2+)- and Rab3A-triggered acrosome reaction. Furthermore, they indicate that the onset of sperm exocytosis relies on the functional assembly of SNARE complexes.

The biology of cortical granules

An egg-that took weeks to months to make in the adult-can be extraordinarily transformed within minutes during its fertilization. This review will focus on the molecular biology of the specialized secretory vesicles of fertilization, the cortical granules. We will discuss their role in the fertilization process, their contents, how they are made, and the molecular mechanisms that regulate their secretion at fertilization. This population of secretory vesicles has inherent interest for our understanding of the fertilization process. In addition, they have import because they enhance our understanding of the basic processes of secretory vesicle construction and regulation, since oocytes across species utilize this vesicle type. Here, we examine diverse animals in a comparative approach to help us understand how these vesicles function throughout phylogeny and to establish conserved themes of function.

Molecular determinants of regulated exocytosis

Regulated exocytosis forms the basis for many intercellular signaling processes, for example, in hormone secretion or neurotransmitter release. During regulated exocytosis, the membrane of a secretory vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane in a tightly controlled reaction that is most often triggered by calcium. Recent advances have allowed major insights into the molecular mechanisms that mediate regulated exocytosis. In the present review, we will briefly discuss two key features of regulated exocytosis that have been particularly well studied recently. First, we will examine the current understanding of the membrane fusion reaction that underlies regulated exocytosis and that is effected by SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) and munc18-like proteins similar to other membrane fusion reactions. Second, we will describe the role of the major candidates for the calcium sensors that trigger exocytosis, a protein family called synaptotagmins. Although our understanding of regulated exocytosis is as yet incomplete, the results from the studies of SNAREs, munc18s, and synaptotagmins have provided a molecular anchor for a more complete future description.

Botulinum toxin type A and other botulinum toxin serotypes: a comparative review of biochemical and pharmacological actions

Botulinum toxin type A is an important therapeutic agent for the treatment of movement and other disorders. As the clinical uses of botulinum toxin type A expand, it is increasingly important to understand the biochemical and pharmacological actions of this toxin, as well as those of other botulinum toxin serotypes (B-G). Botulinum neurotoxin serotypes exhibit differences in neurotoxin complex protein size, percentage of neurotoxin in the activated or nicked form, intracellular protein target, and potency. These properties differ even between preparations that contain the same botulinum toxin serotype due to variations in product formulations. As demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies, these differences result in a unique combination of efficacy, duration of action, safety, and antigenic potential for each botulinum neurotoxin preparation.

Synaptosomal and vesicular accumulation of L-glutamate, L-aspartate and D-aspartate

We examined the vesicular accumulation of the excitatory amino-acid (EAA) neurotransmitters, L-glutamate and L-aspartate, together with the non-metabolisable EAA analogue D-aspartate. Synaptosomes derived from whole brain were incubated in various concentrations of [3H]-amino acids under conditions to facilitate vesicular turnover. Synaptosomes were then lysed in hypotonic medium and vesicles immunoprecipitated with monoclonal anti-synaptophysin antibodies coupled to sepharose beads. Using this method, saturable vesicular accumulation was observed for [3H]-L-glutamate, [3H]-L-aspartate, and [3H]-D-aspartate but not for the excitatory amino acid receptor ligands [3H]-AMPA or [3H]-kainate. Vesicular accumulation (t(1/2)=7.45 min) was markedly slower than synaptosomal accumulation (t(1/2)=1.03 min) and was substantially reduced at 4 degrees C. Maximal accumulation of [3H]-L-glutamate, [3H]-L-aspartate, and [3H]-D-aspartate was estimated to be 98, 68, and 112 pmol/mg of synaptosomal protein, respectively, and uptake affinities 1.6, 3.4, and 2.1 mM, respectively. Maximal accumulation of [3H]-L-glutamate was non-competitively inhibited by both 100 microM unlabeled L-aspartate and 100 microM D-aspartate, suggesting that all are accumulated into a common vesicular pool by different transporters.

The transmembrane domain of syntaxin 1A negatively regulates voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels

Syntaxin 1A has a pronounced inhibitory effect on the activation kinetics and current amplitude of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. This study explores the molecular basis of syntaxin interaction with N- and Lc-type Ca(2+) channels by way of functional assays of channel gating in a Xenopus oocytes expression system. A chimera of syntaxin 1A and syntaxin 2 in which the transmembrane domain of syntaxin 2 replaced the transmembrane of syntaxin 1A (Sx1-2), significantly reduced the rate of activation of N- and Lc-channels. This shows a similar effect to that demonstrated by syntaxin 1A, though the current was not inhibited. The major sequence differences at the transmembrane of the syntaxin isoforms are that the two highly conserved cysteines Cys 271 and Cys 272 in syntaxin 1A correspond to the valines Val 272 and Val 273 in syntaxin 2 transmembrane. Mutating either cysteines in Sx1-1 (syntaxin 1A) to valines, did not affect modulation of the channel while a double mutant C271/272V was unable to regulate inward current. Transfer of these two cysteines to the transmembrane of syntaxin 2 by mutating Val 272 and Val 273 to Cys 272 and Cys 273 led to channel inhibition. When cleaved by botulinum toxin, the syntaxin 1A fragments, amino acids 1-253 and 254-288, which includes the transmembrane domain, were both unable to inhibit current amplitude but retained the ability to modify the activation kinetics of the channel. A full-length syntaxin 1A and the integrity of the two cysteines within the transmembrane are crucial for coordinating Ca(2+) entry through the N- and Lc-channels. These results suggest that upon membrane depolarization, the voltage-gated N- and Lc-type Ca(2+)-channels signal the exocytotic machinery by interacting with syntaxin 1A at the transmembrane and the cytosolic domains. Cleavage with botulinum toxin disrupts the coupling of the N- and Lc-type channels with syntaxin 1A and abolishes exocytosis, supporting the hypothesis that these channels actively participate in Ca(2+) regulated secretion.

Cycling of synaptic vesicles: how far? How fast!

Synaptic transmission is based on the regulated exocytotic fusion of synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitter. In order to sustain neurotransmitter release, these vesicles need to be recycled locally. Recent data suggest that two tracks for the cycling of synaptic vesicles coexist: a slow track in which vesicles fuse completely with the presynaptic plasma membrane, followed by clathrin-mediated recycling of the vesicular components, and a fast track that may correspond to the transient opening and closing of a fusion pore. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview of the components involved in both tracks of vesicle cycling, as well as to identify possible mechanistic links between these two pathways.

Functional and physical coupling of voltage-sensitive calcium channels with exocytotic proteins: ramifications for the secretion mechanism

The secretion of neurotransmitters is a rapid Ca(2+)-regulated process that brings about vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane. This rapid process (< 100 microseconds) involves multiple proteins located at the plasma and vesicular membranes. Because of their homology to proteins participating in constitutive secretion and protein trafficking, they have been characterized extensively. The sequential events that lead these proteins to vesicle docking and fusion are still unclear. We will review recent studies that demonstrate the operative role played by voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels and discuss the relevance for the process of evoked transmitter release. The regulation of Ca(2+) influx by syntaxin, synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) and synaptotagmin, and the reciprocity of these proteins in controlling the kinetic properties of the channel will be discussed. Calcium channel and synaptic proteins expressed in Xenopus oocytes demonstrate a strong functional interaction, which could be pertinent to the mechanism of secretion. First, the voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels are negatively modulated by syntaxin: this inhibition is reversed by synaptotagmin. Second, the modulation of N-type Ca(2+) channel activation kinetics strongly suggests that the vesicle could be docked at the plasma membrane through direct interaction with synaptotagmin. Finally, these interactions provide evidence for the assembly of the voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel with syntaxin 1A, SNAP-25 and synaptotagmin into an excitosome complex: a putative fusion complex with a potential role in the final stages of secretion. Studies suggest that cross-talk between the synaptic proteins and the channel in a tightly organized complex may enable a rapid secretory response to an incoming signal such as membrane depolarization.

Suppression of transmitter release by Tat HPC-1/syntaxin 1A fusion protein

It has been reported that the fusion protein with the protein transduction domain (PTD) peptide of HIV-1 Tat protein can be internalized through the cell membrane of intact cells, although the exact mechanism is unknown. In this report, we investigated whether this new method could be used for the molecular analysis of exocytosis via HPC-1/syntaxin 1A, which plays an important role in transmitter release. When applied to PC12 cells, Tat PTD fusion proteins were rapidly internalized into most cells. In order to show that the internalized protein remained biologically active, the H3 domain of HPC-1/syntaxin 1A was fused to Tat PTD (Tat-H3). Transmitter release in PC12 cells was suppressed by Tat-H3 treatment. These results indicate that the Tat fusion protein is a useful tool for analyzing the process of transmitter release.

Differential expression of syntaxin-1 and synaptophysin in the developing and adult human retina

Synaptophysin and syntaxin-1 are membrane proteins that associate with synaptic vesicles and presynaptic active zones at nerve endings, respectively. The former is known to be a good marker of synaptogenesis; this aspect, however, is not clear with syntaxin-1. In this study, the expression of both proteins was examined in the developing human retina and compared with their distribution in postnatal to adult retinas, by immunohistochemistry. In the inner plexiform layer, both were expressed simultaneously at 11-12 weeks of gestation, when synaptogenesis reportedly begins in the central retina. In the outer plexiform layer, however, the immunoreactivities were prominent by 16 weeks of gestation. Their expression in both plexiform layers followed a centre-to-periphery gradient. The immunoreactivities for both proteins were found in the immature photoreceptor, amacrine and ganglion cells; however, synaptophysin was differentially localized in bipolar cells and their axons, and syntaxin was present in some horizontal cells. In postnatal-to-adult retinas, synaptophysin immunoreactivity was prominent in photo-receptor terminals lying in the outer plexiform layer; on the contrary, syntaxin-1 was present in a thin immunoreactive band in this layer. In the inner plexiform layer, however, both were homogeneously distributed. Our study suggests that (i) syntaxin-1 appears in parallel with synapse formation; (ii) synaptogenesis in the human retina might follow a centre-to-periphery gradient; (iii) syntaxin-1 is likely to be absent from ribbon synapses of the outer plexiform layer, but may occur at presynaptic terminals of photoreceptor and horizontal cells, as is apparent from its localization in these cells, which is hitherto unreported for any vertebrate retina.

Calcium- and syntaxin 1-mediated trafficking of the neuronal glycine transporter GLYT2

Previously we demonstrated the existence of a physical and functional interaction between the glycine transporters and the SNARE protein syntaxin 1. In the present report the physiological role of the syntaxin 1-glycine transporter 2 (GLYT2) interaction has been investigated by using a brain-derived preparation. Previous studies, focused on syntaxin 1-transporter interactions using overexpression systems, led to the postulation that syntaxin is somehow implicated in protein trafficking. Since syntaxin 1 is involved in exocytosis of neurotransmitter and also interacts with GLYT2, we stimulated exocytosis in synaptosomes and examined its effect on surface-expression and transport activity of GLYT2. We found that, under conditions that stimulate vesicular glycine release, GLYT2 is rapidly trafficked first toward the plasma membrane and then internalized. When the same experiments were performed with synaptosomes inactivated for syntaxin 1 by a pretreatment with the neurotoxin Bont/C, GLYT2 was unable to reach the plasma membrane but still was able to leave it. These results indicate the existence of a SNARE-mediated regulatory mechanism that controls the surface-expression of GLYT2. Syntaxin 1 is involved in the arrival to the plasma membrane but not in the retrieval. Furthermore, by using immunogold labeling on purified preparations from synaptosomes, we demonstrate that GLYT2 is present in small synaptic-like vesicles. GLYT2-containing vesicles may represent neurotransmitter transporter that is being trafficked. The results of our work suggest a close correlation between exocytosis of neurotransmitter and its reuptake by transporters.

The transmembrane domain of syntaxin 1A is critical for cytoplasmic domain protein-protein interactions

Assembly of the plasma membrane proteins syntaxin 1A and SNAP-25 with the vesicle protein synaptobrevin is a critical step in neuronal exocytosis. Syntaxin is anchored to the inner face of presynaptic plasma membrane via a single C-terminal membrane-spanning domain. Here we report that this transmembrane domain plays a critical role in a wide range of syntaxin protein-protein interactions. Truncations or deletions of the membrane-spanning domain reduce synaptotagmin, alpha/beta-SNAP, and synaptobrevin binding. In contrast, deletion of the transmembrane domain potentiates SNAP-25 and rbSec1A/nsec-1/munc18 binding. Normal partner protein binding activity of the isolated cytoplasmic domain could be "rescued" by fusion to the transmembrane segments of synaptobrevin and to a lesser extent, synaptotagmin. However, efficient rescue was not achieved by replacing deleted transmembrane segments with corresponding lengths of other hydrophobic amino acids. Mutations reported to diminish the dimerization of the transmembrane domain of syntaxin did not impair the interaction of full-length syntaxin with other proteins. Finally, we observed that membrane insertion and wild-type interactions with interacting proteins are not correlated. We conclude that the transmembrane domain, via a length-dependent and sequence-specific mechanism, affects the ability of the cytoplasmic domain to engage other proteins.

The role of the synaptic protein snap-25 in the potency of botulinum neurotoxin type A

Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) is distinguished from BoNT/E by longer duration of paralysis and greater potency. The proteolytic activity of BoNT/A in cultures of dissociated spinal cord neurons persists beyond 80 days, whereas BoNT/E activity persists for less than 1 day (Keller, J. E., Neale, E. A. Oyler, G., and Adler, M. (1999) FEBS Lett. 456, 137-142). This single quality of toxin activity can account for the differences observed in the duration of muscle block. In the present work we sought to understand the basis for the apparent greater potency of BoNT/A. BoNT/E cleaves a 26-amino acid fragment from the C terminus of the synaptic protein SNAP-25 whereas BoNT/A removes only nine residues creating a 197-amino acid fragment (P197) that is 95% the length of SNAP-25. We show that inhibition of neurotransmitter release by BoNT/E is equivalent to the damage caused to SNAP-25. However, synaptic blockade by BoNT/A is greater than the extent of SNAP-25 proteolysis. These findings can be explained if P197 produces an inhibitory effect on neurotransmitter release. A mathematical model of the experimentally determined relationship between SNAP-25 damage and blockade of neurotransmission supports this interpretation. Furthermore, neurotransmitter release following complete cleavage of SNAP-25 can be achieved by P197, but with about 5-fold less sensitivity to external Ca(2+). In this case, vesicular release is restored by increasing intracellular Ca(2+). These data demonstrate that P197 competes with intact SNAP-25, but is unable to initiate normal synaptic vesicle fusion in physiological concentrations of Ca(2+).

High-throughput fluorogenic assay for determination of botulinum type B neurotoxin protease activity

Botulinum neurotoxins are responsible for botulism, a flaccid muscular paralysis caused by inhibition of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This occurs by cleavage of conserved proteins involved in exocytosis such as synaptobrevin by the zinc metallopeptidase activity of the light chain of some botulinum neurotoxins. Botulism, for which there is presently no therapy available, is a relatively widespread disease that may result in death. Consequently, the development of drugs able to inhibit the hydrolytic activity of these neurotoxins is of great interest. Design and screening of such inhibitors could be largely facilitated by using high-throughput assays. With this aim, a novel in vitro test for quantifying the proteolytic activity of botulinum type B neurotoxin was developed. The substrate is the 60--94 fragment of human synaptobrevin-1 which was modified by introduction of the fluorescent amino acid l-pyrenylalanine in position 74 and a p-nitrophenylalanyl residue as quenching group in position 77. The cleavage of Syb 60-94 [Pya(74), Nop(77)] by the toxin active chain occurs selectively between residues 76 and 77 as in the case of the unmodified synaptobrevin and is directly quantified by measuring the strong fluorescence of the formed metabolite Syb 60-76 [Pya(74)]. This is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest assay described to date for measuring the proteolytic activity of botulinum type B neurotoxin. It can be easily automated for high-throughput screening. Moreover, amounts of about 3.5 pg/ml of botulinum type B neurotoxin could be detected by this method.

Protein kinase C-dependent supply of secretory granules to the plasma membrane

To elucidate the mechanism for supplying secretory granules to the cell membrane, chromaffin cells isolated from the bovine adrenal medulla were observed by the evanescent wave microscopy after staining their granules with acridine orange. The secretory granules showed only a very small fluctuation, indicating their docking to the plasma membrane. The rate and range of movement increased greatly by application of botulinum toxin A or C. The number of secretory granules docked to the plasma membrane significantly decreased by botulinum toxin C. Conversely, the number increased greatly by activation of protein kinase C with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). In the presence of an anti-actin reagent cytochalasin D, no increasing effect of PDBu on the number of docked granules was observed. While in the presence of an anti-mitotic reagent, colchicine, a clear increasing effect of PDBu was observed. The final step for supplying granules to the plasma membrane in endocrine cells is concluded to be mediated by a phosphorylation-dependent and actin-based transport system.

Synaptotagmin I functions as a calcium regulator of release probability

In all synapses, Ca2+ triggers neurotransmitter release to initiate signal transmission. Ca2+ presumably acts by activating synaptic Ca2+ sensors, but the nature of these sensors--which are the gatekeepers to neurotransmission--remains unclear. One of the candidate Ca2+ sensors in release is the synaptic Ca2+-binding protein synaptotagmin I. Here we have studied a point mutation in synaptotagmin I that causes a twofold decrease in overall Ca2+ affinity without inducing structural or conformational changes. When introduced by homologous recombination into the endogenous synaptotagmin I gene in mice, this point mutation decreases the Ca2+ sensitivity of neurotransmitter release twofold, but does not alter spontaneous release or the size of the readily releasable pool of neurotransmitters. Therefore, Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin I participates in triggering neurotransmitter release at the synapse.

Tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins: turning bad guys into good by research

The neuroparalytic syndromes of tetanus and botulism are caused by neurotoxins produced by bacteria of the genus Clostridium. They are 150 kDa proteins consisting of three-domains, endowed with different functions: neurospecific binding, membrane translocation and specific proteolysis of three key components of the neuroexocytosis apparatus. After binding to the presynaptic membrane of motoneurons, tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) is internalized and transported retroaxonally to the spinal cord, where it blocks neurotransmitter release from spinal inhibitory interneurons. In contrast, the seven botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) act at the periphery and inhibit acetylcholine release from peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals. TeNT and BoNT-B, -D, -F and -G cleave specifically at single but different peptide bonds, VAMP/synaptobrevin, a membrane protein of small synaptic vesicles. BoNT types -A, -C and -E cleave SNAP-25 at different sites within the COOH-terminus, whereas BoNT-C also cleaves syntaxin. BoNTs are increasingly used in medicine for the treatment of human diseases characterized by hyperfunction of cholinergic terminals.

A decrease in membrane tension precedes successful cell-membrane repair

We hypothesized that the requirement for Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis in cell-membrane repair is to provide an adequate lowering of membrane tension to permit membrane resealing. We used laser tweezers to form membrane tethers and measured the force of those tethers to estimate the membrane tension of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts after membrane disruption and during resealing. These measurements show that, for fibroblasts wounded in normal Ca(2+) Ringer's solution, the membrane tension decreased dramatically after the wounding and resealing coincided with a decrease of approximately 60% of control tether force values. However, the tension did not decrease if cells were wounded in a low Ca(2+) Ringer's solution that inhibited both membrane resealing and exocytosis. When cells were wounded twice in normal Ca(2+) Ringer's solution, decreases in tension at the second wound were 2.3 times faster than at the first wound, correlating well with twofold faster resealing rates for repeated wounds. The facilitated resealing to a second wound requires a new vesicle pool, which is generated via a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent and brefeldin A (BFA)-sensitive process. Tension decrease at the second wound was slowed or inhibited by PKC inhibitor or BFA. Lowering membrane tension by cytochalasin D treatment could substitute for exocytosis and could restore membrane resealing in low Ca(2+) Ringer's solution.

Characterization of nicking of the nontoxic-nonhemagglutinin components of Clostridium botulinum types C and D progenitor toxin

Clostridium botulinum C and D strains produce two types of progenitor toxins, M and L. Previously we reported that a 130-kDa nontoxic-nonhemagglutinin (NTNHA) component of the M toxin produced by type D strain CB16 was nicked at a unique site, leading to a 15-kDa N-terminal fragment and a 115-kDa C-terminal fragment. In this study, we identified the amino acid sequences around the nicking sites in the NTNHAs of the M toxins produced by C. botulinum type C and D strains by analysis of their C-terminal and N-terminal sequences and mass spectrometry. The C-terminus of the 15-kDa fragments was identified as Lys127 from these strains, indicating that a bacterial trypsin-like protease is responsible for the nicking. The 115-kDa fragment had mixtures of three different N-terminal amino acid sequences beginning with Leu135, Val139, and Ser141, indicating that 7-13 amino acid residues were deleted from the nicking site. The sequence beginning with Leu135 would also suggest cleavage by a trypsin-like protease, while the other two N-terminal amino acid sequences beginning with Val139 and Ser141 would imply proteolysis by an unknown protease. The nicked NTNHA forms a binary complex of two fragments that could not be separated without sodium dodecyl sulfate.