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Toulmé E, Lázaro AS, Trimbuch T, Rizo J, Rosenmund C. Neurotransmitter release is triggered by a calcium-induced rearrangement in the Synaptotagmin-1/SNARE complex primary interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.17.599435. [PMID: 38948868 PMCID: PMC11213007 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.17.599435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1 triggers neurotransmitter release together with the neuronal SNARE complex formed by syntaxin-1, SNAP25 and synaptobrevin. Moreover, synaptotagmin-1 increases synaptic vesicle priming and impairs spontaneous vesicle release. The synaptotagmin-1 C2B domain binds to the SNARE complex through a primary interface via two regions (I and II), but how exactly this interface mediates distinct functions of synaptotagmin-1, and the mechanism underlying Ca2+-triggering of release is unknown. Using mutagenesis and electrophysiological experiments, we show that region II is functionally and spatially subdivided: binding of C2B domain arginines to SNAP-25 acidic residues at one face of region II is crucial for Ca2+-evoked release but not for vesicle priming or clamping of spontaneous release, whereas other SNAP-25 and syntaxin-1 acidic residues at the other face mediate priming and clamping of spontaneous release but not evoked release. Mutations that disrupt region I impair the priming and clamping functions of synaptotagmin-1 while, strikingly, mutations that enhance binding through this region increase vesicle priming and clamping of spontaneous release, but strongly inhibit evoked release and vesicle fusogenicity. These results support previous findings that the primary interface mediates the functions of synaptotagmin-1 in vesicle priming and clamping of spontaneous release, and, importantly, show that Ca2+-triggering of release requires a rearrangement of the primary interface involving dissociation of region I, while region II remains bound. Together with modeling and biophysical studies presented in the accompanying paper, our data suggest a model whereby this rearrangement pulls the SNARE complex to facilitate fast synaptic vesicle fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Toulmé
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Neurophysiology, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Salazar Lázaro
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Neurophysiology, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Trimbuch
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Neurophysiology, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Christian Rosenmund
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Neurophysiology, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
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Jaczynska K, Esser V, Xu J, Sari L, Lin MM, Rosenmund C, Rizo J. A lever hypothesis for Synaptotagmin-1 action in neurotransmitter release. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.17.599417. [PMID: 38948826 PMCID: PMC11212951 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.17.599417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release is triggered in microseconds by Ca2+-binding to the Synaptotagmin-1 C2 domains and by SNARE complexes that form four-helix bundles between synaptic vesicles and plasma membranes, but the coupling mechanism between Ca2+-sensing and membrane fusion is unknown. Release requires extension of SNARE helices into juxtamembrane linkers that precede transmembrane regions (linker zippering) and binding of the Synaptotagmin-1 C2B domain to SNARE complexes through a 'primary interface' comprising two regions (I and II). The Synaptotagmin-1 Ca2+-binding loops were believed to accelerate membrane fusion by inducing membrane curvature, perturbing lipid bilayers or helping bridge the membranes, but SNARE complex binding orients the Ca2+-binding loops away from the fusion site, hindering these putative activities. Molecular dynamics simulations now suggest that Synaptotagmin-1 C2 domains near the site of fusion hinder SNARE action, providing an explanation for this paradox and arguing against previous models of Sytnaptotagmin-1 action. NMR experiments reveal that binding of C2B domain arginines to SNARE acidic residues at region II remains after disruption of region I. These results and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays, together with previous data, suggest that Ca2+ causes reorientation of the C2B domain on the membrane and dissociation from the SNAREs at region I but not region II. Based on these results and molecular modeling, we propose that Synaptotagmin-1 acts as a lever that pulls the SNARE complex when Ca2+ causes reorientation of the C2B domain, facilitating linker zippering and fast membrane fusion. This hypothesis is supported by the electrophysiological data described in the accompanying paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Jaczynska
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Victoria Esser
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Junjie Xu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Levent Sari
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Green Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Milo M. Lin
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Green Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Christian Rosenmund
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Neurophysiology, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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3
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Leitz J, Wang C, Esquivies L, Pfuetzner RA, Peters JJ, Couoh-Cardel S, Wang AL, Brunger AT. Beyond the MUN domain, Munc13 controls priming and depriming of synaptic vesicles. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114026. [PMID: 38809756 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle docking and priming are dynamic processes. At the molecular level, SNAREs (soluble NSF attachment protein receptors), synaptotagmins, and other factors are critical for Ca2+-triggered vesicle exocytosis, while disassembly factors, including NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor) and α-SNAP (soluble NSF attachment protein), disassemble and recycle SNAREs and antagonize fusion under some conditions. Here, we introduce a hybrid fusion assay that uses synaptic vesicles isolated from mouse brains and synthetic plasma membrane mimics. We included Munc18, Munc13, complexin, NSF, α-SNAP, and an ATP-regeneration system and maintained them continuously-as in the neuron-to investigate how these opposing processes yield fusogenic synaptic vesicles. In this setting, synaptic vesicle association is reversible, and the ATP-regeneration system produces the most synchronous Ca2+-triggered fusion, suggesting that disassembly factors perform quality control at the early stages of synaptic vesicle association to establish a highly fusogenic state. We uncovered a functional role for Munc13 ancillary to the MUN domain that alleviates an α-SNAP-dependent inhibition of Ca2+-triggered fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chuchu Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Luis Esquivies
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Richard A Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John Jacob Peters
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sergio Couoh-Cardel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Austin L Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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4
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Norman CA, Krishnakumar SS, Timofeeva Y, Volynski KE. The release of inhibition model reproduces kinetics and plasticity of neurotransmitter release in central synapses. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1091. [PMID: 37891212 PMCID: PMC10611806 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium-evoked release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles (SVs) is catalysed by SNARE proteins. The predominant view is that, at rest, complete assembly of SNARE complexes is inhibited ('clamped') by synaptotagmin and complexin molecules. Calcium binding by synaptotagmins releases this fusion clamp and triggers fast SV exocytosis. However, this model has not been quantitatively tested over physiological timescales. Here we describe an experimentally constrained computational modelling framework to quantitatively assess how the molecular architecture of the fusion clamp affects SV exocytosis. Our results argue that the 'release-of-inhibition' model can indeed account for fast calcium-activated SV fusion, and that dual binding of synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7 to the same SNARE complex enables synergistic regulation of the kinetics and plasticity of neurotransmitter release. The developed framework provides a powerful and adaptable tool to link the molecular biochemistry of presynaptic proteins to physiological data and efficiently test the plausibility of calcium-activated neurotransmitter release models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Norman
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Mathematics for Real-World Systems Centre for Doctoral Training, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Neurology, Yale Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Yulia Timofeeva
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Kirill E Volynski
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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5
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Brunger AT, Leitz J. The Core Complex of the Ca 2+-Triggered Presynaptic Fusion Machinery. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167853. [PMID: 36243149 PMCID: PMC10578080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic neurotransmitter release is mediated by an orchestra of presynaptic proteins that precisely control and trigger fusion between synaptic vesicles and the neuron terminal at the active zone upon the arrival of an action potential. Critical to this process are the neuronal SNAREs (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor Attachment protein REceptor), the Ca2+-sensor synaptotagmin, the activator/regulator complexin, and other factors. Here, we review the interactions between the SNARE complex and synaptotagmin, with focus on the so-called primary interface between synaptotagmin and the SNARE complex that has been validated in terms of its physiological relevance. We discuss several other but less validated interfaces as well, including the so-called tripartite interface, and we discuss the pros and cons for these possible alternative interfaces. We also present new molecular dynamics simulations of the tripartite interface and new data of an inhibitor of the primary interface in a reconstituted system of synaptic vesicle fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
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6
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Jaczynska K, Esquivies L, Pfuetzner RA, Alten B, Brewer KD, Zhou Q, Kavalali ET, Brunger AT, Rizo J. Analysis of tripartite Synaptotagmin-1-SNARE-complexin-1 complexes in solution. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:26-50. [PMID: 36305864 PMCID: PMC9811660 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing interactions of Synaptotagmin-1 with the SNARE complex is crucial to understand the mechanism of neurotransmitter release. X-ray crystallography revealed how the Synaptotagmin-1 C2 B domain binds to the SNARE complex through a so-called primary interface and to a complexin-1-SNARE complex through a so-called tripartite interface. Mutagenesis and electrophysiology supported the functional relevance of both interfaces, and extensive additional data validated the primary interface. However, ITC evidence suggesting that binding via the tripartite interface occurs in solution was called into question by subsequent NMR data. Here, we describe joint efforts to address this apparent contradiction. Using the same ITC approach with the same C2 B domain mutant used previously (C2 BKA-Q ) but including ion exchange chromatography to purify it, which is crucial to remove polyacidic contaminants, we were unable to observe the substantial endothermic ITC signal that was previously attributed to binding of this mutant to the complexin-1-SNARE complex through the tripartite interface. We were also unable to detect substantial populations of the tripartite interface in NMR analyses of the ITC samples or in measurements of paramagnetic relaxation effects, despite the high sensitivity of this method to detect weak protein complexes. However, these experiments do not rule out the possibility of very low affinity (KD > 1 mm) binding through this interface. These results emphasize the need to develop methods to characterize the structure of synaptotagmin-1-SNARE complexes between two membranes and to perform further structure-function analyses to establish the physiological relevance of the tripartite interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Jaczynska
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Luis Esquivies
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Structural BiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Photon ScienceStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteStanford UniversityCAUSA
| | - Richard A. Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Structural BiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Photon ScienceStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteStanford UniversityCAUSA
| | - Baris Alten
- Department of PharmacologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Vanderbilt Brain InstituteVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Present address:
Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Present address:
Department of NeurologyBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Present address:
Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Kyle D. Brewer
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Present address:
ETTA BiotechnologyPalo AltoCAUSA
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Vanderbilt Brain InstituteVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Ege T. Kavalali
- Department of PharmacologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Vanderbilt Brain InstituteVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Axel T. Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Structural BiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Photon ScienceStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteStanford UniversityCAUSA
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
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7
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Palfreyman MT, West SE, Jorgensen EM. SNARE Proteins in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:63-118. [PMID: 37615864 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are stored in small membrane-bound vesicles at synapses; a subset of synaptic vesicles is docked at release sites. Fusion of docked vesicles with the plasma membrane releases neurotransmitters. Membrane fusion at synapses, as well as all trafficking steps of the secretory pathway, is mediated by SNARE proteins. The SNAREs are the minimal fusion machinery. They zipper from N-termini to membrane-anchored C-termini to form a 4-helix bundle that forces the apposed membranes to fuse. At synapses, the SNAREs comprise a single helix from syntaxin and synaptobrevin; SNAP-25 contributes the other two helices to complete the bundle. Unc13 mediates synaptic vesicle docking and converts syntaxin into the permissive "open" configuration. The SM protein, Unc18, is required to initiate and proofread SNARE assembly. The SNAREs are then held in a half-zippered state by synaptotagmin and complexin. Calcium removes the synaptotagmin and complexin block, and the SNAREs drive vesicle fusion. After fusion, NSF and alpha-SNAP unwind the SNAREs and thereby recharge the system for further rounds of fusion. In this chapter, we will describe the discovery of the SNAREs, their relevant structural features, models for their function, and the central role of Unc18. In addition, we will touch upon the regulation of SNARE complex formation by Unc13, complexin, and synaptotagmin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Palfreyman
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sam E West
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Erik M Jorgensen
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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8
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Zhou Q. Calcium Sensors of Neurotransmitter Release. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:119-138. [PMID: 37615865 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) plays a critical role in triggering all three primary modes of neurotransmitter release (synchronous, asynchronous, and spontaneous). Synaptotagmin1, a protein with two C2 domains, is the first isoform of the synaptotagmin family that was identified and demonstrated as the primary Ca2+ sensor for synchronous neurotransmitter release. Other isoforms of the synaptotagmin family as well as other C2 proteins such as the double C2 domain protein family were found to act as Ca2+ sensors for different modes of neurotransmitter release. Major recent advances and previous data suggest a new model, release-of-inhibition, for the initiation of Ca2+-triggered synchronous neurotransmitter release. Synaptotagmin1 binds Ca2+ via its two C2 domains and relieves a primed pre-fusion machinery. Before Ca2+ triggering, synaptotagmin1 interacts Ca2+ independently with partially zippered SNARE complexes, the plasma membrane, phospholipids, and other components to form a primed pre-fusion state that is ready for fast release. However, membrane fusion is inhibited until the arrival of Ca2+ reorients the Ca2+-binding loops of the C2 domain to perturb the lipid bilayers, help bridge the membranes, and/or induce membrane curvatures, which serves as a power stroke to activate fusion. This chapter reviews the evidence supporting these models and discusses the molecular interactions that may underlie these abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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9
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Rizo J, David G, Fealey ME, Jaczynska K. On the difficulties of characterizing weak protein interactions that are critical for neurotransmitter release. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1912-1938. [PMID: 35986639 PMCID: PMC9623538 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of neurotransmitter release has been extensively characterized, showing that vesicle fusion is mediated by the SNARE complex formed by syntaxin-1, SNAP-25 and synaptobrevin. This complex is disassembled by N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and SNAPs to recycle the SNAREs, whereas Munc18-1 and Munc13s organize SNARE complex assembly in an NSF-SNAP-resistant manner. Synaptotagmin-1 acts as the Ca2+ sensor that triggers exocytosis in a tight interplay with the SNAREs and complexins. Here, we review technical aspects associated with investigation of protein interactions underlying these steps, which is hindered because the release machinery is assembled between two membranes and is highly dynamic. Moreover, weak interactions, which are difficult to characterize, play key roles in neurotransmitter release, for instance by lowering energy barriers that need to be overcome in this highly regulated process. We illustrate the crucial role that structural biology has played in uncovering mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release, but also discuss the importance of considering the limitations of the techniques used, including lessons learned from research in our lab and others. In particular, we emphasize: (a) the promiscuity of some protein sequences, including membrane-binding regions that can mediate irrelevant interactions with proteins in the absence of their native targets; (b) the need to ensure that weak interactions observed in crystal structures are biologically relevant; and (c) the limitations of isothermal titration calorimetry to analyze weak interactions. Finally, we stress that even studies that required re-interpretation often helped to move the field forward by improving our understanding of the system and providing testable hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rizo
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Guillaume David
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Michael E. Fealey
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Klaudia Jaczynska
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
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10
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Kobbersmed JRL, Berns MMM, Ditlevsen S, Sørensen JB, Walter AM. Allosteric stabilization of calcium and phosphoinositide dual binding engages several synaptotagmins in fast exocytosis. eLife 2022; 11:74810. [PMID: 35929728 PMCID: PMC9489213 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic communication relies on the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane, which leads to neurotransmitter release. This exocytosis is triggered by brief and local elevations of intracellular Ca2+ with remarkably high sensitivity. How this is molecularly achieved is unknown. While synaptotagmins confer the Ca2+ sensitivity of neurotransmitter exocytosis, biochemical measurements reported Ca2+ affinities too low to account for synaptic function. However, synaptotagmin’s Ca2+ affinity increases upon binding the plasma membrane phospholipid PI(4,5)P2 and, vice versa, Ca2+ binding increases synaptotagmin’s PI(4,5)P2 affinity, indicating a stabilization of the Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 dual-bound state. Here, we devise a molecular exocytosis model based on this positive allosteric stabilization and the assumptions that (1.) synaptotagmin Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 dual binding lowers the energy barrier for vesicle fusion and that (2.) the effect of multiple synaptotagmins on the energy barrier is additive. The model, which relies on biochemically measured Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 affinities and protein copy numbers, reproduced the steep Ca2+ dependency of neurotransmitter release. Our results indicate that each synaptotagmin engaging in Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 dual-binding lowers the energy barrier for vesicle fusion by ~5 kBT and that allosteric stabilization of this state enables the synchronized engagement of several (typically three) synaptotagmins for fast exocytosis. Furthermore, we show that mutations altering synaptotagmin’s allosteric properties may show dominant-negative effects, even though synaptotagmins act independently on the energy barrier, and that dynamic changes of local PI(4,5)P2 (e.g. upon vesicle movement) dramatically impact synaptic responses. We conclude that allosterically stabilized Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 dual binding enables synaptotagmins to exert their coordinated function in neurotransmission. For our brains and nervous systems to work properly, the nerve cells within them must be able to ‘talk’ to each other. They do this by releasing chemical signals called neurotransmitters which other cells can detect and respond to. Neurotransmitters are packaged in tiny membrane-bound spheres called vesicles. When a cell of the nervous system needs to send a signal to its neighbours, the vesicles fuse with the outer membrane of the cell, discharging their chemical contents for other cells to detect. The initial trigger for neurotransmitter release is a short, fast increase in the amount of calcium ions inside the signalling cell. One of the main proteins that helps regulate this process is synaptotagmin which binds to calcium and gives vesicles the signal to start unloading their chemicals. Despite acting as a calcium sensor, synaptotagmin actually has a very low affinity for calcium ions by itself, meaning that it would not be efficient for the protein to respond alone. Synpatotagmin is more likely to bind to calcium if it is attached to a molecule called PIP2, which is found in the membranes of cells The effect also occurs in reverse, as the binding of calcium to synaptotagmin increases the protein’s affinity for PIP2. However, how these three molecules – synaptotagmin, PIP2, and calcium – work together to achieve the physiological release of neurotransmitters is poorly understood. To help answer this question, Kobbersmed, Berns et al. set up a computer simulation of ‘virtual vesicles’ using available experimental data on synaptotagmin’s affinity with calcium and PIP2. In this simulation, synaptotagmin could only trigger the release of neurotransmitters when bound to both calcium and PIP2. The model also showed that each ‘complex’ of synaptotagmin/calcium/PIP2 made the vesicles more likely to fuse with the outer membrane of the cell – to the extent that only a handful of synaptotagmin molecules were needed to start neurotransmitter release from a single vesicle. These results shed new light on a biological process central to the way nerve cells communicate with each other. In the future, Kobbersmed, Berns et al. hope that this insight will help us to understand the cause of diseases where communication in the nervous system is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janus R L Kobbersmed
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manon M M Berns
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Ditlevsen
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Alexander M Walter
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Rizo J, Sari L, Qi Y, Im W, Lin MM. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of Synaptotagmin-SNARE-complexin complexes bridging a vesicle and a flat lipid bilayer. eLife 2022; 11:76356. [PMID: 35708237 PMCID: PMC9239685 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicles are primed into a state that is ready for fast neurotransmitter release upon Ca2+-binding to Synaptotagmin-1. This state likely includes trans-SNARE complexes between the vesicle and plasma membranes that are bound to Synaptotagmin-1 and complexins. However, the nature of this state and the steps leading to membrane fusion are unclear, in part because of the difficulty of studying this dynamic process experimentally. To shed light into these questions, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of systems containing trans-SNARE complexes between two flat bilayers or a vesicle and a flat bilayer with or without fragments of Synaptotagmin-1 and/or complexin-1. Our results need to be interpreted with caution because of the limited simulation times and the absence of key components, but suggest mechanistic features that may control release and help visualize potential states of the primed Synaptotagmin-1-SNARE-complexin-1 complex. The simulations suggest that SNAREs alone induce formation of extended membrane-membrane contact interfaces that may fuse slowly, and that the primed state contains macromolecular assemblies of trans-SNARE complexes bound to the Synaptotagmin-1 C2B domain and complexin-1 in a spring-loaded configuration that prevents premature membrane merger and formation of extended interfaces, but keeps the system ready for fast fusion upon Ca2+ influx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Levent Sari
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Green Center for Systems Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Yife Qi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wonpil Im
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, United States.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, United States
| | - Milo M Lin
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Green Center for Systems Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
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12
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Vardar G, Salazar-Lázaro A, Zobel S, Trimbuch T, Rosenmund C. Syntaxin-1A modulates vesicle fusion in mammalian neurons via juxtamembrane domain dependent palmitoylation of its transmembrane domain. eLife 2022; 11:78182. [PMID: 35638903 PMCID: PMC9183232 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SNAREs are undoubtedly one of the core elements of synaptic transmission. Contrary to the well characterized function of their SNARE domains bringing the plasma and vesicular membranes together, the level of contribution of their juxtamembrane domain (JMD) and the transmembrane domain (TMD) to the vesicle fusion is still under debate. To elucidate this issue, we analyzed three groups of STX1A mutations in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons: (1) elongation of STX1A’s JMD by three amino acid insertions in the junction of SNARE-JMD or JMD-TMD; (2) charge reversal mutations in STX1A’s JMD; and (3) palmitoylation deficiency mutations in STX1A’s TMD. We found that both JMD elongations and charge reversal mutations have position-dependent differential effects on Ca2+-evoked and spontaneous neurotransmitter release. Importantly, we show that STX1A’s JMD regulates the palmitoylation of STX1A’s TMD and loss of STX1A palmitoylation either through charge reversal mutation K260E or by loss of TMD cysteines inhibits spontaneous vesicle fusion. Interestingly, the retinal ribbon specific STX3B has a glutamate in the position corresponding to the K260E mutation in STX1A and mutating it with E259K acts as a molecular on-switch. Furthermore, palmitoylation of post-synaptic STX3A can be induced by the exchange of its JMD with STX1A’s JMD together with the incorporation of two cysteines into its TMD. Forced palmitoylation of STX3A dramatically enhances spontaneous vesicle fusion suggesting that STX1A regulates spontaneous release through two distinct mechanisms: one through the C-terminal half of its SNARE domain and the other through the palmitoylation of its TMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülçin Vardar
- Department of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Salazar-Lázaro
- Department of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sina Zobel
- Department of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Trimbuch
- Department of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Rosenmund
- Department of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Abstract
Major recent advances and previous data have led to a plausible model of how key proteins mediate neurotransmitter release. In this model, the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) proteins syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin form tight complexes that bring the membranes together and are crucial for membrane fusion. NSF and SNAPs disassemble SNARE complexes and ensure that fusion occurs through an exquisitely regulated pathway that starts with Munc18-1 bound to a closed conformation of syntaxin-1. Munc18-1 also binds to synaptobrevin, forming a template to assemble the SNARE complex when Munc13-1 opens syntaxin-1 while bridging the vesicle and plasma membranes. Synaptotagmin-1 and complexin bind to partially assembled SNARE complexes, likely stabilizing them and preventing fusion until Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin-1 causes dissociation from the SNARE complex and induces interactions with phospholipids that help trigger release. Although fundamental questions remain about the mechanism of membrane fusion, these advances provide a framework to investigate the mechanisms underlying presynaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rizo
- Departments of Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
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14
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Dietz J, Oelkers M, Hubrich R, Pérez-Lara A, Jahn R, Steinem C, Janshoff A. Forces, Kinetics, and Fusion Efficiency Altered by the Full-Length Synaptotagmin-1 -PI(4,5)P 2 Interaction in Constrained Geometries. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:1449-1455. [PMID: 34855407 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A mechanism for full-length synaptotagmin-1 (syt-1) to interact with anionic bilayers and to promote fusion in the presence of SNAREs is proposed. Colloidal probe force spectroscopy in conjunction with tethered particle motion monitoring showed that in the absence of Ca2+ the binding of syt-1 to membranes depends on the presence and content of PI(4,5)P2. Addition of Ca2+ switches the interaction forces from weak to strong, eventually exceeding the cohesion of the C2A domain of syt-1 leading to partial unfolding of the protein. Fusion of single unilamellar vesicles equipped with syt-1 and synaptobrevin 2 with planar pore-spanning target membranes containing PS and PI(4,5)P2 shows an almost complete suppression of stalled intermediate fusion states and an accelerated fusion kinetics in the presence of Ca2+, which is further enhanced upon addition of ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joern Dietz
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marieelen Oelkers
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raphael Hubrich
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angel Pérez-Lara
- Department of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faβberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Jahn
- Department of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faβberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Steinem
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Janshoff
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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15
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Xia X, Wang Y, Qin Y, Zhao S, Zheng JC. Exosome: A novel neurotransmission modulator or non-canonical neurotransmitter? Ageing Res Rev 2022; 74:101558. [PMID: 34990846 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmission is the electrical impulse-triggered propagation of signals between neurons or between neurons and other cell types such as skeletal muscle cells. Recent studies point out the involvement of exosomes, a type of small bilipid layer-enclosed extracellular vesicles, in regulating neurotransmission. Through horizontally transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, exosomes can modulate synaptic activities rapidly by controlling neurotransmitter release or progressively by regulating neural plasticity including synapse formation, neurite growth & removal, and axon guidance & elongation. In this review, we summarize the similarities and differences between exosomes and synaptic vesicles in their biogenesis, contents, and release. We also highlight the recent progress made in demonstrating the biological roles of exosome in regulating neurotransmission, and propose a modified model of neurotransmission, in which exosomes act as novel neurotransmitters. Lastly, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the enlightenment of the current knowledge on neurotransmission to the future directions of exosome research.
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16
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Lysine acetylation regulates the interaction between proteins and membranes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6466. [PMID: 34753925 PMCID: PMC8578602 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysine acetylation regulates the function of soluble proteins in vivo, yet it remains largely unexplored whether lysine acetylation regulates membrane protein function. Here, we use bioinformatics, biophysical analysis of recombinant proteins, live-cell fluorescent imaging and genetic manipulation of Drosophila to explore lysine acetylation in peripheral membrane proteins. Analysis of 50 peripheral membrane proteins harboring BAR, PX, C2, or EHD membrane-binding domains reveals that lysine acetylation predominates in membrane-interaction regions. Acetylation and acetylation-mimicking mutations in three test proteins, amphiphysin, EHD2, and synaptotagmin1, strongly reduce membrane binding affinity, attenuate membrane remodeling in vitro and alter subcellular localization. This effect is likely due to the loss of positive charge, which weakens interactions with negatively charged membranes. In Drosophila, acetylation-mimicking mutations of amphiphysin cause severe disruption of T-tubule organization and yield a flightless phenotype. Our data provide mechanistic insights into how lysine acetylation regulates membrane protein function, potentially impacting a plethora of membrane-related processes. Lysine acetylation regulates the function of soluble proteins in vivo, yet it remains largely unexplored whether lysine acetylation regulates the function of membrane proteins. Here, the authors map lysine acetylation predominantly in membrane-interaction regions in peripheral membrane proteins and show with three candidate proteins how lysine acetylation is a regulator of membrane protein function.
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17
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Voleti R, Bali S, Guerrero J, Smothers J, Springhower C, Acosta GA, Brewer KD, Albericio F, Rizo J. Evaluation of the tert-butyl group as a probe for NMR studies of macromolecular complexes. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2021; 75:347-363. [PMID: 34505210 PMCID: PMC9482097 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-021-00380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The development of methyl transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy has greatly facilitated the study of macromolecular assemblies by solution NMR spectroscopy. However, limited sample solubility and stability has hindered application of this technique to ongoing studies of complexes formed on membranes by the neuronal SNAREs that mediate neurotransmitter release and synaptotagmin-1, the Ca2+ sensor that triggers release. Since the 1H NMR signal of a tBu group attached to a large protein or complex can be observed with high sensitivity if the group retains high mobility, we have explored the use of this strategy to analyze presynaptic complexes involved in neurotransmitter release. For this purpose, we attached tBu groups at single cysteines of fragments of synaptotagmin-1, complexin-1 and the neuronal SNAREs by reaction with 5-(tert-butyldisulfaneyl)-2-nitrobenzoic acid (BDSNB), tBu iodoacetamide or tBu acrylate. The tBu resonances of the tagged proteins were generally sharp and intense, although tBu groups attached with BDSNB had a tendency to exhibit somewhat broader resonances that likely result because of the shorter linkage between the tBu and the tagged cysteine. Incorporation of the tagged proteins into complexes on nanodiscs led to severe broadening of the tBu resonances in some cases. However, sharp tBu resonances could readily be observed for some complexes of more than 200 kDa at low micromolar concentrations. Our results show that tagging of proteins with tBu groups provides a powerful approach to study large biomolecular assemblies of limited stability and/or solubility that may be applicable even at nanomolar concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Voleti
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Sofia Bali
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jaime Guerrero
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jared Smothers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Charis Springhower
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Alicat Scientific, Tucson, AZ, 85743, USA
| | - Gerardo A Acosta
- CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, and Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kyle D Brewer
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Fernando Albericio
- CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, and Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Peptide Science Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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18
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Li F, Kalyana Sundaram RV, Gatta AT, Coleman J, Ramakrishnan S, Krishnakumar SS, Pincet F, Rothman JE. Vesicle capture by membrane-bound Munc13-1 requires self-assembly into discrete clusters. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:2185-2196. [PMID: 34227103 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a large banana-shaped soluble protein that is involved in the regulation of synaptic vesicle docking and fusion. Recent studies suggest that multiple copies of Munc13-1 form nano-assemblies in active zones of neurons. However, it is not known whether such clustering of Munc13-1 is correlated with multivalent binding to synaptic vesicles or specific plasma membrane domains at docking sites in the active zone. The functional significance of putative Munc13-1 clustering is also unknown. Here, we report that nano-clustering is an inherent property of Munc13-1 and is indeed required for vesicle binding to bilayers containing Munc13-1. Purified Munc13-1 protein reconstituted onto supported lipid bilayers assembled into clusters containing from 2 to ˜ 20 copies as revealed by a combination of quantitative TIRF microscopy and step-wise photobleaching. Surprisingly, only clusters containing a minimum of 6 copies of Munc13-1 were capable of efficiently capturing and retaining small unilamellar vesicles. The C-terminal C2 C domain of Munc13-1 is not required for Munc13-1 clustering, but is required for efficient vesicle capture. This capture is largely due to a combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between the C2 C domain and the vesicle membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ramalingam Venkat Kalyana Sundaram
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alberto T Gatta
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frederic Pincet
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole normale supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - James E Rothman
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
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19
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Silva M, Tran V, Marty A. Calcium-dependent docking of synaptic vesicles. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:579-592. [PMID: 34049722 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The concentration of calcium ions in presynaptic terminals regulates transmitter release, but underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Here we review recent studies that shed new light on this issue. Fast-freezing electron microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy studies reveal complex calcium-dependent vesicle movements including docking on a millisecond time scale. Recordings from so-called 'simple synapses' indicate that calcium not only triggers exocytosis, but also modifies synaptic strength by controlling a final, rapid vesicle maturation step before release. Molecular studies identify several calcium-sensitive domains on Munc13 and on synaptotagmin-1 that are likely involved in bringing the vesicular and plasma membranes closer together in response to calcium elevation. Together, these results suggest that calcium-dependent vesicle docking occurs in a wide range of time domains and plays a crucial role in several phenomena including synaptic facilitation, post-tetanic potentiation, and neuromodulator-induced potentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Silva
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Van Tran
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Alain Marty
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France.
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20
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Bourgeois-Jaarsma Q, Miaja Hernandez P, Groffen AJ. Ca 2+ sensor proteins in spontaneous release and synaptic plasticity: Limited contribution of Doc2c, rabphilin-3a and synaptotagmin 7 in hippocampal glutamatergic neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2021; 112:103613. [PMID: 33753311 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2021.103613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic neurotransmitter release is strictly regulated by SNARE proteins, Ca2+ and a number of Ca2+ sensors including synaptotagmins (Syts) and Double C2 domain proteins (Doc2s). More than seventy years after the original description of spontaneous release, the mechanism that regulates this process is still poorly understood. Syt-1, Syt7 and Doc2 proteins contribute predominantly, but not exclusively, to synchronous, asynchronous and spontaneous phases of release. The proteins share a conserved tandem C2 domain architecture, but are functionally diverse in their subcellular location, Ca2+-binding properties and protein interactions. In absence of Syt-1, Doc2a and -b, neurons still exhibit spontaneous vesicle fusion which remains Ca2+-sensitive, suggesting the existence of additional sensors. Here, we selected Doc2c, rabphilin-3a and Syt-7 as three potential Ca2+ sensors for their sequence homology with Syt-1 and Doc2b. We genetically ablated each candidate gene in absence of Doc2a and -b and investigated spontaneous and evoked release in glutamatergic hippocampal neurons, cultured either in networks or on microglial islands (autapses). The removal of Doc2c had no effect on spontaneous or evoked release. Syt-7 removal also did not affect spontaneous release, although it altered short-term plasticity by accentuating short-term depression. The removal of rabphilin caused an increased spontaneous release frequency in network cultures, an effect that was not observed in autapses. Taken together, we conclude that Doc2c and Syt-7 do not affect spontaneous release of glutamate in hippocampal neurons, while our results suggest a possible regulatory role of rabphilin-3a in neuronal networks. These findings importantly narrow down the repertoire of synaptic Ca2+ sensors that may be implicated in the spontaneous release of glutamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Bourgeois-Jaarsma
- Department of Functional Genomics, Faculty of Science, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pablo Miaja Hernandez
- Department of Functional Genomics, Faculty of Science, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander J Groffen
- Department of Functional Genomics, Faculty of Science, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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21
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Chen Y, Wang YH, Zheng Y, Li M, Wang B, Wang QW, Fu CL, Liu YN, Li X, Yao J. Synaptotagmin-1 interacts with PI(4,5)P2 to initiate synaptic vesicle docking in hippocampal neurons. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108842. [PMID: 33730593 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle (SV) docking is a dynamic multi-stage process that is required for efficient neurotransmitter release in response to nerve impulses. Although the steady-state SV docking likely involves the cooperation of Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), where and how the docking process initiates remains unknown. Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) can interact with Syt1 and SNAREs to contribute to vesicle exocytosis. In the present study, using the CRISPRi-mediated multiplex gene knockdown and 3D electron tomography approaches, we show that in mouse hippocampal synapses, SV docking initiates at ∼12 nm to the active zone (AZ) by Syt1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PI(4,5)P2 is the membrane partner of Syt1 to initiate SV docking, and disrupting their interaction could abolish the docking initiation. In contrast, the SNARE complex contributes only to the tight SV docking within 0-2 nm. Therefore, Syt1 interacts with PI(4,5)P2 to loosely dock SVs within 2-12 nm to the AZ in hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying-Han Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Meijing Li
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Bing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiu-Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chong-Lei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yao-Nan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xueming Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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22
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Reva M, DiGregorio DA, Grebenkov DS. A first-passage approach to diffusion-influenced reversible binding and its insights into nanoscale signaling at the presynapse. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5377. [PMID: 33686123 PMCID: PMC7940439 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission between neurons is governed by a cascade of stochastic calcium ion reaction–diffusion events within nerve terminals leading to vesicular release of neurotransmitter. Since experimental measurements of such systems are challenging due to their nanometer and sub-millisecond scale, numerical simulations remain the principal tool for studying calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release driven by electrical impulses, despite the limitations of time-consuming calculations. In this paper, we develop an analytical solution to rapidly explore dynamical stochastic reaction–diffusion problems based on first-passage times. This is the first analytical model that accounts simultaneously for relevant statistical features of calcium ion diffusion, buffering, and its binding/unbinding reaction with a calcium sensor for synaptic vesicle fusion. In particular, unbinding kinetics are shown to have a major impact on submillisecond sensor occupancy probability and therefore cannot be neglected. Using Monte Carlo simulations we validated our analytical solution for instantaneous calcium influx and that through voltage-gated calcium channels. We present a fast and rigorous analytical tool that permits a systematic exploration of the influence of various biophysical parameters on molecular interactions within cells, and which can serve as a building block for more general cell signaling simulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Reva
- Unit of Synapse and Circuit Dynamics, CNRS UMR 3571, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,ED3C, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - David A DiGregorio
- Unit of Synapse and Circuit Dynamics, CNRS UMR 3571, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
| | - Denis S Grebenkov
- Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée (UMR 7643), CNRS - Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, France.
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23
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Function of Drosophila Synaptotagmins in membrane trafficking at synapses. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4335-4364. [PMID: 33619613 PMCID: PMC8164606 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03788-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Synaptotagmin (SYT) family of proteins play key roles in regulating membrane trafficking at neuronal synapses. Using both Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent interactions, several SYT isoforms participate in synchronous and asynchronous fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs) while preventing spontaneous release that occurs in the absence of stimulation. Changes in the function or abundance of the SYT1 and SYT7 isoforms alter the number and route by which SVs fuse at nerve terminals. Several SYT family members also regulate trafficking of other subcellular organelles at synapses, including dense core vesicles (DCV), exosomes, and postsynaptic vesicles. Although SYTs are linked to trafficking of multiple classes of synaptic membrane compartments, how and when they interact with lipids, the SNARE machinery and other release effectors are still being elucidated. Given mutations in the SYT family cause disorders in both the central and peripheral nervous system in humans, ongoing efforts are defining how these proteins regulate vesicle trafficking within distinct neuronal compartments. Here, we review the Drosophila SYT family and examine their role in synaptic communication. Studies in this invertebrate model have revealed key similarities and several differences with the predicted activity of their mammalian counterparts. In addition, we highlight the remaining areas of uncertainty in the field and describe outstanding questions on how the SYT family regulates membrane trafficking at nerve terminals.
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24
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Voleti R, Jaczynska K, Rizo J. Ca 2+-dependent release of synaptotagmin-1 from the SNARE complex on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-containing membranes. eLife 2020; 9:57154. [PMID: 32808925 PMCID: PMC7498268 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1 and the SNARE complex cooperate to trigger neurotransmitter release. Structural studies elucidated three distinct synaptotagmin-1-SNARE complex binding modes involving 'polybasic', 'primary' and 'tripartite' interfaces of synaptotagmin-1. We investigated these interactions using NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. Synaptotagmin-1 binds to the SNARE complex through the polybasic and primary interfaces in solution. Ca2+-free synaptotagmin-1 binds to SNARE complexes anchored on PIP2-containing nanodiscs. R398Q/R399Q and E295A/Y338W mutations at the primary interface, which strongly impair neurotransmitter release, disrupt and enhance synaptotagmin-1-SNARE complex binding, respectively. Ca2+ induces tight binding of synaptotagmin-1 to PIP2-containing nanodiscs, disrupting synaptotagmin-1-SNARE interactions. Specific effects of mutations in the polybasic region on Ca2+-dependent synaptotagmin-1-PIP2-membrane interactions correlate with their effects on release. Our data suggest that synaptotagmin-1 binds to the SNARE complex through the primary interface and that Ca2+ releases this interaction, inducing PIP2/membrane binding and allowing cooperation between synaptotagmin-1 and the SNAREs in membrane fusion to trigger release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Voleti
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Klaudia Jaczynska
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
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25
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Prasad R, Zhou HX. Membrane Association and Functional Mechanism of Synaptotagmin-1 in Triggering Vesicle Fusion. Biophys J 2020; 119:1255-1265. [PMID: 32882186 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon Ca2+ influx, synaptic vesicles fuse with the presynaptic plasma membrane (PM) to release neurotransmitters. Membrane fusion is triggered by synaptotagmin-1, a transmembrane protein in the vesicle membrane (VM), but the mechanism is under debate. Synaptotagmin-1 contains a single transmembrane helix (TM) and two tandem C2 domains (C2A and C2B). This study aimed to use molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate how Ca2+-bound synaptotagmin-1, by simultaneously associating with VM and PM, brings them together for fusion. Although C2A stably associates with VM via two Ca2+-binding loops, C2B has a propensity to partially dissociate. Importantly, an acidic motif in the TM-C2A linker competes with VM for interacting with C2B, thereby flipping its orientation to face PM. Subsequently, C2B readily associates with PM via a polybasic cluster and a Ca2+-binding loop. The resulting mechanistic model for the triggering of membrane fusion by synaptotagmin-1 reconciles many experimental observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Prasad
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Huan-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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26
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Wang Q, Jiang M, Isupov MN, Chen Y, Littlechild JA, Sun L, Wu X, Wang Q, Yang W, Chen L, Li Q, Wu Y. The crystal structure of Arabidopsis BON1 provides insights into the copine protein family. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:1215-1232. [PMID: 32369638 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Arabidopsis thaliana BON1 gene product is a member of the evolutionary conserved eukaryotic calcium-dependent membrane-binding protein family. The copine protein is composed of two C2 domains (C2A and C2B) followed by a vWA domain. The BON1 protein is localized on the plasma membrane, and is known to suppress the expression of immune receptor genes and to positively regulate stomatal closure. The first structure of this protein family has been determined to 2.5-Å resolution and shows the structural features of the three conserved domains C2A, C2B and vWA. The structure reveals the third Ca2+ -binding region in C2A domain is longer than classical C2 domains and a novel Ca2+ binding site in the vWA domain. The structure of BON1 bound to Mn2+ is also presented. The binding of the C2 domains to phospholipid (PSF) has been modeled and provides an insight into the lipid-binding mechanism of the copine proteins. Furthermore, the selectivity of the separate C2A and C2B domains and intact BON1 to bind to different phospholipids has been investigated, and we demonstrated that BON1 could mediate aggregation of liposomes in response to Ca2+ . These studies have formed the basis of further investigations into the important role that the copine proteins play in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 155 Yangqiao West Road, Fuzhou, 350002, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Meiqin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 155 Yangqiao West Road, Fuzhou, 350002, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Michail N Isupov
- Henry Wellcome Center for Biocatalysis, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Yayu Chen
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, P. R. China
| | - Jennifer A Littlechild
- Henry Wellcome Center for Biocatalysis, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Lifang Sun
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, P. R. China
| | - Xiuling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 155 Yangqiao West Road, Fuzhou, 350002, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 155 Yangqiao West Road, Fuzhou, 350002, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wendi Yang
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, P. R. China
| | - Lifei Chen
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, P. R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yunkun Wu
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, P. R. China
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27
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Ruiter M, Kádková A, Scheutzow A, Malsam J, Söllner TH, Sørensen JB. An Electrostatic Energy Barrier for SNARE-Dependent Spontaneous and Evoked Synaptic Transmission. Cell Rep 2020; 26:2340-2352.e5. [PMID: 30811985 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Information transfer across CNS synapses depends on the very low basal vesicle fusion rate and the ability to rapidly upregulate that rate upon Ca2+ influx. We show that local electrostatic repulsion participates in creating an energy barrier, which limits spontaneous synaptic transmission. The barrier amplitude is increased by negative charges and decreased by positive charges on the SNARE-complex surface. Strikingly, the effect of charges on the barrier is additive and this extends to evoked transmission, but with a shallower charge dependence. Action potential-driven synaptic release is equivalent to the abrupt addition of ∼35 positive charges to the fusion machine. Within an electrostatic model for triggering, the Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1 contributes ∼18 charges by binding Ca2+, while also modulating the fusion barrier at rest. Thus, the energy barrier for synaptic vesicle fusion has a large electrostatic component, allowing synaptotagmin-1 to act as an electrostatic switch and modulator to trigger vesicle fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Ruiter
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 2200 Copenhagen N, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Kádková
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 2200 Copenhagen N, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrea Scheutzow
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörg Malsam
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas H Söllner
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jakob B Sørensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 2200 Copenhagen N, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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28
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Bowers MR, Reist NE. Synaptotagmin: Mechanisms of an electrostatic switch. Neurosci Lett 2020; 722:134834. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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29
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Pan YZ, Liu X, Rizo J. Analysis of asymmetry in lipid and content mixing assays with reconstituted proteoliposomes containing the neuronal SNAREs. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2907. [PMID: 32076023 PMCID: PMC7031292 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reconstitution assays with proteoliposomes provide a powerful tool to elucidate the mechanism of neurotransmitter release, but it is important to understand how these assays report on membrane fusion, and recent studies with yeast vacuolar SNAREs uncovered asymmetry in the results of lipid mixing assays. We have investigated whether such asymmetry also occurs in reconstitution assays with the neuronal SNAREs, using syntaxin-1-SNAP-25-containing liposomes and liposomes containing synaptobrevin (T and V liposomes, respectively), and fluorescent probes to monitor lipid and content mixing simultaneously. Switching the fluorescent probes placed on the T and V liposomes, we observed a striking asymmetry in both lipid and content mixing stimulated by a fragment spanning the two C2 domains of synaptotagmin-1, or by a peptide that spans the C-terminal half of the synaptobrevin SNARE motif. However, no such asymmetry was observed in assays performed in the presence of Munc18-1, Munc13-1, NSF and αSNAP, which coordinate the assembly-disassembly cycle of neuronal SNARE complexes. Our results show that switching fluorescent probes between the two types of liposomes provides a useful approach to better understand the reactions that occur between liposomes and detect heterogenous behavior in these reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Zu Pan
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States.
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30
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Katti S, Igumenova TI. Interference of pH buffer with Pb 2+-peripheral domain interactions: obstacle or opportunity? Metallomics 2020; 12:164-172. [PMID: 32051983 DOI: 10.1039/d0mt00002g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pb2+ is a xenobiotic metal ion that competes for Ca2+-binding sites in proteins. Using the peripheral Ca2+-sensing domains of Syt1, we show that the chelating pH buffer Bis-Tris enables identification and functional characterization of high-affinity Pb2+ sites that are likely to be targeted by bioavailable Pb2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Katti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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31
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Katti S, Nyenhuis SB, Her B, Cafiso DS, Igumenova TI. Partial Metal Ion Saturation of C2 Domains Primes Synaptotagmin 1-Membrane Interactions. Biophys J 2020; 118:1409-1423. [PMID: 32075747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) is an integral membrane protein whose phospholipid-binding tandem C2 domains, C2A and C2B, act as Ca2+ sensors of neurotransmitter release. Our objective was to understand the role of individual metal-ion binding sites of these domains in the membrane association process. We used Pb2+, a structural and functional surrogate of Ca2+, to generate the protein states with well-defined protein-metal ion stoichiometry. NMR experiments revealed that binding of one divalent metal ion per C2 domain results in loss of conformational plasticity of the loop regions, potentially pre-organizing them for additional metal-ion and membrane-binding events. In C2A, a divalent metal ion in site 1 is sufficient to drive its weak association with phosphatidylserine-containing membranes, whereas in C2B, it enhances the interactions with the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate. In full-length Syt1, both Pb2+-complexed C2 domains associate with phosphatidylserine-containing membranes. Electron paramagnetic resonance experiments show that the extent of membrane insertion correlates with the occupancy of the C2 metal ion sites. Together, our results indicate that upon partial metal ion saturation of the intra-loop region, Syt1 adopts a dynamic, partially membrane-bound state. The properties of this state, such as conformationally restricted loop regions and positioning of C2 domains in close proximity to anionic lipid headgroups, "prime" Syt1 for cooperative binding of a full complement of metal ions and deeper membrane insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Katti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Sarah B Nyenhuis
- Department of Chemistry and Biophysics Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Bin Her
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - David S Cafiso
- Department of Chemistry and Biophysics Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Tatyana I Igumenova
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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32
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Synaptotagmin-1 and Doc2b Exhibit Distinct Membrane-Remodeling Mechanisms. Biophys J 2019; 118:643-656. [PMID: 31952804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) is a calcium sensor protein that is critical for neurotransmission and is therefore extensively studied. Here, we use pairs of optically trapped beads coated with SNARE-free synthetic membranes to investigate Syt1-induced membrane remodeling. This activity is compared with that of Doc2b, which contains a conserved C2AB domain and induces membrane tethering and hemifusion in this cell-free model. We find that the soluble C2AB domain of Syt1 strongly affects the probability and strength of membrane-membrane interactions in a strictly Ca2+- and protein-dependent manner. Single-membrane loading of Syt1 yielded the highest probability and force of membrane interactions, whereas in contrast, Doc2b was more effective after loading both membranes. A lipid-mixing assay with confocal imaging reveals that both Syt1 and Doc2b are able to induce hemifusion; however, significantly higher Syt1 concentrations are required. Consistently, both C2AB fragments cause a reduction in the membrane-bending modulus, as measured by a method based on atomic force microscopy. This lowering of the energy required for membrane deformation may contribute to Ca2+-induced fusion.
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33
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Tran HT, Anderson LH, Knight JD. Membrane-Binding Cooperativity and Coinsertion by C2AB Tandem Domains of Synaptotagmins 1 and 7. Biophys J 2019; 116:1025-1036. [PMID: 30795874 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1) and synaptotagmin-7 (Syt-7) contain analogous tandem C2 domains, C2A and C2B, which together sense Ca2+ to bind membranes and promote the stabilization of exocytotic fusion pores. Syt-1 triggers fast release of neurotransmitters, whereas Syt-7 functions in processes that involve lower Ca2+ concentrations such as hormone secretion. Syt-1 C2 domains are reported to bind membranes cooperatively, based on the observation that they penetrate farther into membranes as the C2AB tandem than as individual C2 domains. In contrast, we previously suggested that the two C2 domains of Syt-7 bind membranes independently, based in part on measurements of their liposome dissociation kinetics. Here, we investigated C2A-C2B interdomain cooperativity with Syt-1 and Syt-7 using directly comparable measurements. Equilibrium Ca2+ titrations demonstrate that the Syt-7 C2AB tandem binds liposomes lacking phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) with greater Ca2+ sensitivity than either of its individual domains and binds to membranes containing PIP2 even in the absence of Ca2+. Stopped-flow kinetic measurements show differences in cooperativity between Syt-1 and Syt-7: Syt-1 C2AB dissociates from PIP2-free liposomes much more slowly than either of its individual C2 domains, indicating cooperativity, whereas the major population of Syt-7 C2AB has a dissociation rate comparable to its C2A domain, suggesting a lack of cooperativity. A minor subpopulation of Syt-7 C2AB dissociates at a slower rate, which could be due to a small cooperative component and/or liposome clustering. Measurements using an environment-sensitive fluorescent probe indicate that the Syt-7 C2B domain inserts deeply into membranes as part of the C2AB tandem, similar to the coinsertion previously reported for Syt-1. Overall, coinsertion of C2A and C2B domains is coupled to cooperative energetic effects in Syt-1 to a much greater extent than in Syt-7. The difference can be understood in terms of the relative contributions of C2A and C2B domains toward membrane binding in the two proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai T Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Lauren H Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Jefferson D Knight
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado.
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34
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Prinslow EA, Stepien KP, Pan YZ, Xu J, Rizo J. Multiple factors maintain assembled trans-SNARE complexes in the presence of NSF and αSNAP. eLife 2019; 8:38880. [PMID: 30657450 PMCID: PMC6353594 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release requires formation of trans-SNARE complexes between the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes, which likely underlies synaptic vesicle priming to a release-ready state. It is unknown whether Munc18-1, Munc13-1, complexin-1 and synaptotagmin-1 are important for priming because they mediate trans-SNARE complex assembly and/or because they prevent trans-SNARE complex disassembly by NSF-αSNAP, which can lead to de-priming. Here we show that trans-SNARE complex formation in the presence of NSF-αSNAP requires both Munc18-1 and Munc13-1, as proposed previously, and is facilitated by synaptotagmin-1. Our data also show that Munc18-1, Munc13-1, complexin-1 and likely synaptotagmin-1 contribute to maintaining assembled trans-SNARE complexes in the presence of NSF-αSNAP. We propose a model whereby Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 are critical not only for mediating vesicle priming but also for precluding de-priming by preventing trans-SNARE complex disassembly; in this model, complexin-1 also impairs de-priming, while synaptotagmin-1 may assist in priming and hinder de-priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Prinslow
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Karolina P Stepien
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Yun-Zu Pan
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Junjie Xu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
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35
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Focused clamping of a single neuronal SNARE complex by complexin under high mechanical tension. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3639. [PMID: 30194295 PMCID: PMC6128827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) catalyze synaptic vesicle fusion with presynaptic membranes through the formation of SNARE complexes. Complexin (Cpx) is the only presynaptic protein that tightly binds to SNAREs and regulates membrane fusion, but how it modulates the energy landscape of SNARE complex assembly, especially under mechanical tension on the complex, remains unclear. Here, using magnetic tweezers, we report how Cpx interacts with single SNARE complexes. The effects of Cpx manifest only under high mechanical tensions above 13 pN. Cpx stabilizes the central four-helix bundle of SNARE motifs and, at the same time, prevents the complete zippering of SNAREs by inhibiting linker-domain assembly. These results suggest that Cpx generates a focused clamp for the neuronal SNARE complex in a linker-open conformation. Our results provide a hint as to how Cpx cooperates with neuronal SNAREs to prime synaptic vesicles in preparation for synchronous neurotransmitter release. The SNARE complex enables the fusion of synaptic vesicles with presynaptic membrane via a zippering process that is modulated by the protein complexin, though the precise mechanism remains unclear. Here, the authors used magnetic tweezers to show how complexin prepares a SNARE complex for fusion under mechanical tension.
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36
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Brunger AT, Leitz J, Zhou Q, Choi UB, Lai Y. Ca 2+-Triggered Synaptic Vesicle Fusion Initiated by Release of Inhibition. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 28:631-645. [PMID: 29706534 PMCID: PMC6056330 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent structural and functional studies of the synaptic vesicle fusion machinery suggest an inhibited tripartite complex consisting of neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), synaptotagmin, and complexin prior to Ca2+-triggered synaptic vesicle fusion. We speculate that Ca2+-triggered fusion commences with the release of inhibition by Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin C2 domains. Subsequently, fusion is assisted by SNARE complex zippering and by active membrane remodeling properties of synaptotagmin. This additional, inhibitory role of synaptotagmin may be a general principle since other recent studies suggest that Ca2+ binding to extended synaptotagmin C2 domains enables lipid transport by releasing an inhibited state of the system, and that Munc13 may nominally be in an inhibited state, which is released upon Ca2+ binding to one of its C2 domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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37
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Park Y, Ryu JK. Models of synaptotagmin-1 to trigger Ca 2+ -dependent vesicle fusion. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:3480-3492. [PMID: 30004579 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Vesicles in neurons and neuroendocrine cells store neurotransmitters and peptide hormones, which are released by vesicle fusion in response to Ca2+ -evoking stimuli. Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1), a Ca2+ sensor, mediates ultrafast exocytosis in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. After vesicle docking, Syt1 has two main groups of binding partners: anionic phospholipids and the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) complex. The molecular mechanisms by which Syt1 triggers vesicle fusion remain controversial. This Review introduces and summarizes six molecular models of Syt1: (a) Syt1 triggers SNARE unclamping by displacing complexin, (b) Syt1 clamps SNARE zippering, (c) Syt1 causes membrane curvature, (d) membrane bridging by Syt1, (e) Syt1 is a vesicle-plasma membrane distance regulator, and (f) Syt1 undergoes circular oligomerization. We discuss important conditions to test Syt1 activity in vitro and attempt to illustrate the possible roles of Syt1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsoo Park
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Je-Kyung Ryu
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
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38
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Kweon DH, Kong B, Shin YK. Search for a minimal machinery for Ca 2+-triggered millisecond neuroexocytosis. Neuroscience 2018; 420:4-11. [PMID: 30056116 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurons have the remarkable ability to release a batch of neurotransmitters into the synapse immediately after an action potential. This signature event is made possible by the simultaneous fusion of a number of synaptic vesicles to the plasma membrane upon Ca2+ entry into the active zone. The outcomes of both cellular and in vitro studies suggest that soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) constitute the minimal fast exocytosis machinery in the neuron. Syt1 is the major Ca2+-sensor and orchestrates the synchronous start of individual vesicle fusion events while SNAREs are the membrane fusion machinery that dictates the kinetics of each single fusion event. The data also suggest that Ca2+-bound Syt1 is involved in the upstream docking step which leads to an increase in the number of fusion events or the size of the release, leaving the SNARE complex alone to carry out membrane fusion by themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Hyuk Kweon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, South Korea
| | - Byoungjae Kong
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, South Korea
| | - Yeon-Kyun Shin
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States.
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39
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Rizo J. Mechanism of neurotransmitter release coming into focus. Protein Sci 2018; 27:1364-1391. [PMID: 29893445 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Research for three decades and major recent advances have provided crucial insights into how neurotransmitters are released by Ca2+ -triggered synaptic vesicle exocytosis, leading to reconstitution of basic steps that underlie Ca2+ -dependent membrane fusion and yielding a model that assigns defined functions for central components of the release machinery. The soluble N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin-2 form a tight SNARE complex that brings the vesicle and plasma membranes together and is key for membrane fusion. N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and soluble NSF attachment proteins (SNAPs) disassemble the SNARE complex to recycle the SNAREs for another round of fusion. Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 orchestrate SNARE complex formation in an NSF-SNAP-resistant manner by a mechanism whereby Munc18-1 binds to synaptobrevin and to a self-inhibited "closed" conformation of syntaxin-1, thus forming a template to assemble the SNARE complex, and Munc13-1 facilitates assembly by bridging the vesicle and plasma membranes and catalyzing opening of syntaxin-1. Synaptotagmin-1 functions as the major Ca2+ sensor that triggers release by binding to membrane phospholipids and to the SNAREs, in a tight interplay with complexins that accelerates membrane fusion. Many of these proteins act as both inhibitors and activators of exocytosis, which is critical for the exquisite regulation of neurotransmitter release. It is still unclear how the actions of these various proteins and multiple other components that control release are integrated and, in particular, how they induce membrane fusion, but it can be expected that these fundamental questions can be answered in the near future, building on the extensive knowledge already available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rizo
- Departments of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390
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40
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MacDougall DD, Lin Z, Chon NL, Jackman SL, Lin H, Knight JD, Anantharam A. The high-affinity calcium sensor synaptotagmin-7 serves multiple roles in regulated exocytosis. J Gen Physiol 2018; 150:783-807. [PMID: 29794152 PMCID: PMC5987875 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201711944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MacDougall et al. review the structure and function of the calcium sensor synaptotagmin-7 in exocytosis. Synaptotagmin (Syt) proteins comprise a 17-member family, many of which trigger exocytosis in response to calcium. Historically, most studies have focused on the isoform Syt-1, which serves as the primary calcium sensor in synchronous neurotransmitter release. Recently, Syt-7 has become a topic of broad interest because of its extreme calcium sensitivity and diversity of roles in a wide range of cell types. Here, we review the known and emerging roles of Syt-7 in various contexts and stress the importance of its actions. Unique functions of Syt-7 are discussed in light of recent imaging, electrophysiological, and computational studies. Particular emphasis is placed on Syt-7–dependent regulation of synaptic transmission and neuroendocrine cell secretion. Finally, based on biochemical and structural data, we propose a mechanism to link Syt-7’s role in membrane fusion with its role in subsequent fusion pore expansion via strong calcium-dependent phospholipid binding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zesen Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Nara L Chon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Skyler L Jackman
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
| | | | - Arun Anantharam
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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41
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Abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge of synaptic proteins that are central to synaptic vesicle fusion in presynaptic active zones, including SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors), synaptotagmin, complexin, Munc18 (mammalian uncoordinated-18), and Munc13 (mammalian uncoordinated-13), and highlights recent insights in the cooperation of these proteins for neurotransmitter release. Structural and functional studies of the synaptic fusion machinery suggest new molecular models of synaptic vesicle priming and Ca2+-triggered fusion. These studies will be a stepping-stone toward answering the question of how the synaptic vesicle fusion machinery achieves such high speed and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
| | - Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
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42
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Brock DJ, Kustigian L, Jiang M, Graham K, Wang TY, Erazo-Oliveras A, Najjar K, Zhang J, Rye H, Pellois JP. Efficient cell delivery mediated by lipid-specific endosomal escape of supercharged branched peptides. Traffic 2018; 19:421-435. [PMID: 29582528 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Various densely charged polycationic species, whether of biological or synthetic origin, can penetrate human cells, albeit with variable efficiencies. The molecular underpinnings involved in such transport remain unclear. Herein, we assemble 1, 2 or 3 copies of the HIV peptide TAT on a synthetic scaffold to generate branched cell-permeable prototypes with increasing charge density. We establish that increasing TAT copies dramatically increases the cell penetration efficiency of the peptides while simultaneously enabling the efficient cytosolic delivery of macromolecular cargos. Cellular entry involves the leaky fusion of late endosomal membranes enriched with the anionic lipid BMP. Derivatives with multiple TAT branches induce the leakage of BMP-containing lipid bilayers, liposomal flocculation, fusion and an increase in lamellarity. In contrast, while the monomeric counterpart 1TAT binds to the same extent and causes liposomal flocculation, 1TAT does not cause leakage, induce fusion or a significant increase in lamellarity. Overall, these results indicate that an increase in charge density of these branched structures leads to the emergence of lipid specific membrane-disrupting and cell-penetrating activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota J Brock
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Lauren Kustigian
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Mengqiu Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kristin Graham
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Ting-Yi Wang
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Kristina Najjar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Hays Rye
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Jean-Philippe Pellois
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.,Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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43
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Gruget C, Coleman J, Bello O, Krishnakumar SS, Perez E, Rothman JE, Pincet F, Donaldson SH. Rearrangements under confinement lead to increased binding energy of Synaptotagmin‐1 with anionic membranes in Mg
2+
and Ca
2+. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:1497-1506. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Gruget
- Laboratoire de Physique Statistique Ecole Normale Supérieure PSL Research University Paris France
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Department of Cell Biology Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
| | - Oscar Bello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy Institute of Neurology University College London UK
| | - Shyam S. Krishnakumar
- Department of Cell Biology Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy Institute of Neurology University College London UK
| | - Eric Perez
- Laboratoire de Physique Statistique Ecole Normale Supérieure PSL Research University Paris France
| | - James E. Rothman
- Department of Cell Biology Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy Institute of Neurology University College London UK
| | - Frederic Pincet
- Laboratoire de Physique Statistique Ecole Normale Supérieure PSL Research University Paris France
- Department of Cell Biology Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
| | - Stephen H. Donaldson
- Département de Physique Ecole Normale Supérieure PSL Research University, CNRS Paris France
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44
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Satnav for cells: Destination membrane fusion. Cell Calcium 2017; 68:14-23. [PMID: 29129204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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45
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Shields MC, Bowers MR, Fulcer MM, Bollig MK, Rock PJ, Sutton BR, Vrailas-Mortimer AD, Lochmüller H, Whittaker RG, Horvath R, Reist NE. Drosophila studies support a role for a presynaptic synaptotagmin mutation in a human congenital myasthenic syndrome. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184817. [PMID: 28953919 PMCID: PMC5617158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
During chemical transmission, the function of synaptic proteins must be coordinated to efficiently release neurotransmitter. Synaptotagmin 2, the Ca2+ sensor for fast, synchronized neurotransmitter release at the human neuromuscular junction, has recently been implicated in a dominantly inherited congenital myasthenic syndrome associated with a non-progressive motor neuropathy. In one family, a proline residue within the C2B Ca2+-binding pocket of synaptotagmin is replaced by a leucine. The functional significance of this residue has not been investigated previously. Here we show that in silico modeling predicts disruption of the C2B Ca2+-binding pocket, and we examine the in vivo effects of the homologous mutation in Drosophila. When expressed in the absence of native synaptotagmin, this mutation is lethal, demonstrating for the first time that this residue plays a critical role in synaptotagmin function. To achieve expression similar to human patients, the mutation is expressed in flies carrying one copy of the wild type synaptotagmin gene. We now show that Drosophila carrying this mutation developed neurological and behavioral manifestations similar to those of human patients and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying these deficits. Our Drosophila studies support a role for this synaptotagmin point mutation in disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory C. Shields
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Bowers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - McKenzie M. Fulcer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Madelyn K. Bollig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Patrick J. Rock
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bryan R. Sutton
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alysia D. Vrailas-Mortimer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States of America
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, United States of America
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Roger G. Whittaker
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Horvath
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Noreen E. Reist
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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46
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Wickner W, Rizo J. A cascade of multiple proteins and lipids catalyzes membrane fusion. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:707-711. [PMID: 28292915 PMCID: PMC5349777 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-07-0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest revisions to the SNARE paradigm of membrane fusion. Membrane tethers and/or SNAREs recruit proteins of the Sec 1/Munc18 family to catalyze SNARE assembly into trans-complexes. SNARE-domain zippering draws the bilayers into immediate apposition and provides a platform to position fusion triggers such as Sec 17/α-SNAP and/or synaptotagmin, which insert their apolar "wedge" domains into the bilayers, initiating the lipid rearrangements of fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Wickner
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755 )
| | - Josep Rizo
- Departments of Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 )
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47
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Exceptionally tight membrane-binding may explain the key role of the synaptotagmin-7 C 2A domain in asynchronous neurotransmitter release. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E8518-E8527. [PMID: 28923929 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710708114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptotagmins (Syts) act as Ca2+ sensors in neurotransmitter release by virtue of Ca2+-binding to their two C2 domains, but their mechanisms of action remain unclear. Puzzlingly, Ca2+-binding to the C2B domain appears to dominate Syt1 function in synchronous release, whereas Ca2+-binding to the C2A domain mediates Syt7 function in asynchronous release. Here we show that crystal structures of the Syt7 C2A domain and C2AB region, and analyses of intrinsic Ca2+-binding to the Syt7 C2 domains using isothermal titration calorimetry, did not reveal major differences that could explain functional differentiation between Syt7 and Syt1. However, using liposome titrations under Ca2+ saturating conditions, we show that the Syt7 C2A domain has a very high membrane affinity and dominates phospholipid binding to Syt7 in the presence or absence of l-α-phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate (PIP2). For Syt1, the two Ca2+-saturated C2 domains have similar affinities for membranes lacking PIP2, but the C2B domain dominates binding to PIP2-containing membranes. Mutagenesis revealed that the dramatic differences in membrane affinity between the Syt1 and Syt7 C2A domains arise in part from apparently conservative residue substitutions, showing how striking biochemical and functional differences can result from the cumulative effects of subtle residue substitutions. Viewed together, our results suggest that membrane affinity may be a key determinant of the functions of Syt C2 domains in neurotransmitter release.
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Liu X, Seven AB, Xu J, Esser V, Su L, Ma C, Rizo J. Simultaneous lipid and content mixing assays for in vitro reconstitution studies of synaptic vesicle fusion. Nat Protoc 2017; 12:2014-2028. [PMID: 28858288 PMCID: PMC6163043 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2017.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This protocol describes reconstitution assays to study how the neurotransmitter release machinery triggers Ca2+-dependent synaptic vesicle fusion. The assays monitor fusion between proteoliposomes containing the synaptic vesicle SNARE synaptobrevin (with or without the Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1) and proteoliposomes initially containing the plasma membrane SNAREs syntaxin-1 and soluble NSF attachment protein (SNAP)-25. Lipid mixing (from fluorescence de-quenching of Marina-Blue-labeled lipids) and content mixing (from development of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between phycoerythrin-biotin (PhycoE-Biotin) and Cy5-streptavidin trapped in the two proteoliposome populations) are measured simultaneously to ensure that true, nonleaky membrane fusion is monitored. This protocol is based on a method developed to study yeast vacuolar fusion. In contrast to other protocols used to study the release machinery, this assay incorporates N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and α-SNAP, which disassemble syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25 heterodimers. As a result, fusion requires Munc18-1, which binds to the released syntaxin-1, and Munc13-1, which, together with Munc18-1, orchestrates SNARE complex assembly. The protocol can be readily adapted to investigation of other types of intracellular membrane fusion by using appropriate alternative proteins. Total time required for one round of the assay is 4 d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Alpay Burak Seven
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Junjie Xu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Victoria Esser
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Lijing Su
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Cong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
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Katti S, Nyenhuis SB, Her B, Srivastava AK, Taylor AB, Hart PJ, Cafiso DS, Igumenova TI. Non-Native Metal Ion Reveals the Role of Electrostatics in Synaptotagmin 1-Membrane Interactions. Biochemistry 2017; 56:3283-3295. [PMID: 28574251 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
C2 domains are independently folded modules that often target their host proteins to anionic membranes in a Ca2+-dependent manner. In these cases, membrane association is triggered by Ca2+ binding to the negatively charged loop region of the C2 domain. Here, we used a non-native metal ion, Cd2+, in lieu of Ca2+ to gain insight into the contributions made by long-range Coulombic interactions and direct metal ion-lipid bridging to membrane binding. Using X-ray crystallography, NMR, Förster resonance energy transfer, and vesicle cosedimentation assays, we demonstrate that, although Cd2+ binds to the loop region of C2A/B domains of synaptotagmin 1 with high affinity, long-range Coulombic interactions are too weak to support membrane binding of individual domains. We attribute this behavior to two factors: the stoichiometry of Cd2+ binding to the loop regions of the C2A and C2B domains and the impaired ability of Cd2+ to directly coordinate the lipids. In contrast, electron paramagnetic resonance experiments revealed that Cd2+ does support membrane binding of the C2 domains in full-length synaptotagmin 1, where the high local lipid concentrations that result from membrane tethering can partially compensate for lack of a full complement of divalent metal ions and specific lipid coordination in Cd2+-complexed C2A/B domains. Our data suggest that long-range Coulombic interactions alone can drive the initial association of C2A/B with anionic membranes and that Ca2+ further augments membrane binding by the formation of metal ion-lipid coordination bonds and additional Ca2+ ion binding to the C2 domain loop regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Katti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University , 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Sarah B Nyenhuis
- Department of Chemistry and Biophysics Program, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Bin Her
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University , 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Atul K Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University , 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Alexander B Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology and the X-ray Crystallography Core Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
| | - P John Hart
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology and the X-ray Crystallography Core Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
| | - David S Cafiso
- Department of Chemistry and Biophysics Program, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Tatyana I Igumenova
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University , 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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Yang Z, Gou L, Chen S, Li N, Zhang S, Zhang L. Membrane Fusion Involved in Neurotransmission: Glimpse from Electron Microscope and Molecular Simulation. Front Mol Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28638320 PMCID: PMC5461332 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane fusion is one of the most fundamental physiological processes in eukaryotes for triggering the fusion of lipid and content, as well as the neurotransmission. However, the architecture features of neurotransmitter release machinery and interdependent mechanism of synaptic membrane fusion have not been extensively studied. This review article expounds the neuronal membrane fusion processes, discusses the fundamental steps in all fusion reactions (membrane aggregation, membrane association, lipid rearrangement and lipid and content mixing) and the probable mechanism coupling to the delivery of neurotransmitters. Subsequently, this work summarizes the research on the fusion process in synaptic transmission, using electron microscopy (EM) and molecular simulation approaches. Finally, we propose the future outlook for more exciting applications of membrane fusion involved in synaptic transmission, with the aid of stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), cryo-EM (cryo-EM), and molecular simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Yang
- Department of Applied Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China.,Department of Applied Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Lu Gou
- Department of Applied Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Shuyu Chen
- Department of Applied Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Applied Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China
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