SNARE zippering

On the role of membrane embedding, protein rigidity and transmembrane length in lipid membrane fusion

The fusion of biological membranes is ubiquitous in natural processes like exo- and endocytosis, intracellular trafficking and viral entry. Membrane fusion is also utilized in artificial biomimetic fusion systems, e.g. for drug delivery. Both the natural and the biomimetic fusion systems rely on a wide range of (artificial) proteins mediating the fusion process. Although the exact mechanisms of these proteins differ, clear analogies in their general behavior can be observed in bringing the membranes in close proximity and mediating the fusion reaction. In our study, we use molecular dynamics simulations with coarse grained models, mimicking the general behavior of fusion proteins (spikes), to systematically examine the effects of specific characteristics of these proteins on the fusion process. The protein characteristics considered are (i) the type of membrane embedding, i.e., either transmembrane or not, (ii) the rigidity, and (iii) the transmembrane domain (TMD) length. The results show essential differences in fusion pathway between monotopic and transmembrane spikes, in which transmembrane spikes seem to inhibit the formation of hemifusion diaphragms, leading to a faster fusion development. Furthermore, we observed that an increased rigidity and a decreased TMD length both proved to contribute to a faster fusion development. Finally, we show that a single spike may suffice to successfully induce a fusion reaction, provided that the spike is sufficiently rigid and attractive. Not only does this shed light on biological fusion of membranes, it also provides clear design rules for artificial membrane fusion systems.

Autophagy/Mitophagy Regulated by Ubiquitination: A Promising Pathway in Cancer Therapeutics

Autophagy is essential for organismal development, maintenance of energy homeostasis, and quality control of organelles and proteins. As a selective form of autophagy, mitophagy is necessary for effectively eliminating dysfunctional mitochondria. Both autophagy and mitophagy are linked with tumor progression and inhibition. The regulation of mitophagy and autophagy depend upon tumor type and stage. In tumors, mitophagy has dual roles: it removes damaged mitochondria to maintain healthy mitochondria and energy production, which are necessary for tumor growth. In contrast, mitophagy has been shown to inhibit tumor growth by mitigating excessive ROS production, thus preventing mutation and chromosomal instability. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are important modifications that regulate autophagy. Multiple E3 ubiquitin ligases and DUBs modulate the activity of the autophagy and mitophagy machinery, thereby influencing cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the mechanistic association between cancer development and autophagy/mitophagy activities regulated by the ubiquitin modification of autophagic proteins. In addition, we discuss the function of multiple proteins involved in autophagy/mitophagy in tumors that may represent potential therapeutic targets.

Structure Composition and Intracellular Transport of Clathrin-Mediated Intestinal Transmembrane Tight Junction Protein

Tight junctions (TJs) are located in the apical region of the junctions between epithelial cells and are widely found in organs such as the brain, retina, intestinal epithelium, and endothelial system. As a mechanical barrier of the intestinal mucosa, TJs can not only maintain the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells but also maintain intestinal mucosal permeability by regulating the entry of ions and molecules into paracellular channels. Therefore, the formation disorder or integrity destruction of TJs can induce damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier, ultimately leading to the occurrence of various gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, a large number of studies have shown that TJs protein transport disorder from the endoplasmic reticulum to the apical membrane can lead to TJs formation disorder, in addition to disruption of TJs integrity caused by external pathological factors and reduction of TJs protein synthesis. In this review, we focus on the structural composition of TJs, the formation of clathrin-coated vesicles containing transmembrane TJs from the Golgi apparatus, and the transport process from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane via microtubules and finally fusion with the plasma membrane. At present, the mechanism of the intracellular transport of TJ proteins remains unclear. More studies are needed in the future to focus on the sorting of TJs protein vesicles, regulation of transport processes, and recycling of TJ proteins, etc.

SNARE Proteins in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion

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.

Impaired GATE16-mediated exocytosis in exocrine tissues causes Sjögren's syndrome-like exocrinopathy

Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by immune cell infiltration of the exocrine glands, mainly the salivary and lacrimal glands. Despite recent advances in the clinical and mechanistic characterization of the disease, its etiology remains largely unknown. Here, we report that mice with a deficiency for either Atg7 or Atg3, which are enzymes involved in the ubiquitin modification pathway, in the salivary glands exhibit a SjS-like phenotype, characterized by immune cell infiltration with autoantibody detection, acinar cell death, and dry mouth. Prior to the onset of the SjS-like phenotype in these null mice, we detected an accumulation of secretory vesicles in the acinar cells of the salivary glands and found that GATE16, an uncharacterized autophagy-related molecule activated by ATG7 (E1-like enzyme) and ATG3 (E2-like enzyme), was highly expressed in these cells. Notably, GATE16 was activated by isoproterenol, an exocytosis inducer, and localized on the secretory vesicles in the acinar cells of the salivary glands. Failure to activate GATE16 was correlated with exocytosis defects in the acinar cells of the salivary glands in Atg7 and Atg3 cKO mice. Taken together, our results show that GATE16 activation regulated by the autophagic machinery is crucial for exocytosis and that defects in this pathway cause SjS.

Getting Sugar Coating Right! The Role of the Golgi Trafficking Machinery in Glycosylation

The Golgi is the central organelle of the secretory pathway and it houses the majority of the glycosylation machinery, which includes glycosylation enzymes and sugar transporters. Correct compartmentalization of the glycosylation machinery is achieved by retrograde vesicular trafficking as the secretory cargo moves forward by cisternal maturation. The vesicular trafficking machinery which includes vesicular coats, small GTPases, tethers and SNAREs, play a major role in coordinating the Golgi trafficking thereby achieving Golgi homeostasis. Glycosylation is a template-independent process, so its fidelity heavily relies on appropriate localization of the glycosylation machinery and Golgi homeostasis. Mutations in the glycosylation enzymes, sugar transporters, Golgi ion channels and several vesicle tethering factors cause congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) which encompass a group of multisystem disorders with varying severities. Here, we focus on the Golgi vesicle tethering and fusion machinery, namely, multisubunit tethering complexes and SNAREs and their role in Golgi trafficking and glycosylation. This review is a comprehensive summary of all the identified CDG causing mutations of the Golgi trafficking machinery in humans.

New insights regarding SNARE proteins in autophagosome-lysosome fusion

Macroautophagy/autophagy refers to the engulfment of cellular contents selected for lysosomal degradation. The final step in autophagy is the fusion of autophagosome with the lysosome, which is mediated by SNARE proteins. Of the SNAREs, autophagosome-localized Q-SNAREs, such as STX17 and SNAP29, and lysosome-localized R-SNAREs, such as VAMP8 or VAMP7, have been reported to be involved. Recent studies also reveal participation of the R-SNARE, YKT6, in autophagosome-lysosome fusion. These SNAREs, with the help of other regulatory factors, act coordinately to spatiotemporally control the fusion process. Besides regulating autophagosome-lysosome fusion, some SNAREs, such as STX17, also function in other autophagic processes, including autophagosome formation and mitophagy. A better understanding of the functions of SNAREs will shed light on the molecular mechanisms of autophagosome-lysosome fusion as well as on the mechanisms by which autophagy is globally regulated.Abbreviations: ATG: autophagy related; DNM1L: dynamin 1 like; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; GABARAPL1: GABA type A receptor associated protein like 1; IRGM: immunity related GTPase M; LAMP2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2; MAP1LC3B/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; PIK3R4: phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 4; PLEKHM1: pleckstrin homology and RUN domain containing M1; PRKN: PRKN RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; RAB2A: RAB2A, member RAS oncogene family; RAB33B: RAB33B, member RAS oncogene family; RAB7A: RAB7A, member RAS oncogene family; RB1CC1: RB1 inducible coiled-coil 1; RTN3: reticulon 3; RUBCNL: rubicon like autophagy enhancer; SNARE: soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor; SNAP29: synaptosomal associated protein 29; STX17: syntaxin 17; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; VAMP7: vesicle associated membrane protein 7; VAMP8: vesicle associated membrane protein 8; YKT6: YKT6 v-SNARE homolog.

Mechanics of the cell: Interaction mechanisms and mechanobiological models

The importance of cell mechanics has long been recognized for the cell development and function. Biomechanics plays an important role in cell metabolism, regulation of mechanotransduction pathways and also modulation of nuclear response. The mechanical properties of the cell are likely determined by, among many others, the cytoskeleton elasticity, membrane tension and cell-substrate adhesion. This coordinated but complex mechanical interplay is required however, for the cell to respond to and influence in a reciprocal manner the chemical and mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM). In an effort to better and more fully understand the cell mechanics, the role of nuclear mechanics has emerged as an important contributor to the overall cellular mechanics. It is not too difficult to appreciate the physical connection between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton network that may be connected to the ECM through the cell membrane. Transmission of forces from ECM through this connection is essential for a wide range of cellular behaviors and functions such as cytoskeletal reorganization, nuclear movement, cell migration and differentiation. Unlike the cellular mechanics that can be measured using a number of biophysical techniques that were developed in the past few decades, it still remains a daunting challenge to probe the nuclear mechanics directly. In this paper, we therefore aim to provide informative description of the cell membrane and cytoskeleton mechanics, followed by unique computational modeling efforts to elucidate the nucleus-cytoskeleton coupling. Advances in our knowledge of complete cellular biomechanics and mechanotransduction may lead to clinical relevance and applications in mechano-diseases such as atherosclerosis, stem cell-based therapies, and the development of tissue engineered products.

SNAREs, tethers and SM proteins: how to overcome the final barriers to membrane fusion?

Physiological membrane vesicles are built to separate reaction spaces in a stable manner, even when they accidentally collide or are kept in apposition by spatial constraints in the cell. This requires a natural resistance to fusion and mixing of their content, which originates from substantial energetic barriers to membrane fusion [1]. To facilitate intracellular membrane fusion reactions in a controlled manner, proteinaceous fusion machineries have evolved. An important open question is whether protein fusion machineries actively pull the fusion reaction over the present free energy barriers, or whether they rather catalyze fusion by lowering those barriers. At first sight, fusion proteins such as SNARE complexes and viral fusion proteins appear to act as nano-machines, which mechanically transduce force to the membranes and thereby overcome the free energy barriers [2,3]. Whether fusion proteins additionally alter the free energy landscape of the fusion reaction via catalytic roles is less obvious. This is a question that we shall discuss in this review, with particular focus on the influence of the eukaryotic SNARE-dependent fusion machinery on the final step of the reaction, the formation and expansion of the fusion pore.

Role of Skeletal Muscle in Insulin Resistance and Glucose Uptake

The skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body, by mass. It is also the regulator of glucose homeostasis, responsible for 80% of postprandial glucose uptake from the circulation. Skeletal muscle is essential for metabolism, both for its role in glucose uptake and its importance in exercise and metabolic disease. In this article, we give an overview of the importance of skeletal muscle in metabolism, describing its role in glucose uptake and the diseases that are associated with skeletal muscle metabolic dysregulation. We focus on the role of skeletal muscle in peripheral insulin resistance and the potential for skeletal muscle-targeted therapeutics to combat insulin resistance and diabetes, as well as other metabolic diseases like aging and obesity. In particular, we outline the possibilities and pitfalls of the quest for exercise mimetics, which are intended to target the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise on metabolic disease. We also provide a description of the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle glucose uptake, including a focus on the SNARE proteins, which are essential regulators of glucose transport into the skeletal muscle. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:785-809, 2020.

Leucine zipper transcription factor-like 1 binds adaptor protein complex-1 and 2 and participates in trafficking of transferrin receptor 1

LZTFL1 participates in immune synapse formation, ciliogenesis, and the localization of ciliary proteins, and knockout of LZTFL1 induces abnormal distribution of heterotetrameric adaptor protein complex-1 (AP-1) in the Lztfl1-knockout mouse photoreceptor cells, suggesting that LZTFL1 is involved in intracellular transport. Here, we demonstrate that in vitro LZTFL1 directly binds to AP-1 and AP-2 and coimmunoprecipitates AP-1 and AP-2 from cell lysates. DxxFxxLxxxR motif of LZTFL1 is essential for these bindings, suggesting LZTFL1 has roles in AP-1 and AP-2-mediated protein trafficking. Since AP-1 and AP-2 are known to be involved in transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) trafficking, the effect of LZTFL1 on TfR1 recycling was analyzed. TfR1, AP-1 and LZTFL1 from cell lysates could be coimmunoprecipitated. However, pull-down results indicate there is no direct interaction between TfR1 and LZTFL1, suggesting that LZTFL1 interaction with TfR1 is indirect through AP-1. We report the colocalization of LZTFL1 and AP-1, AP-1 and TfR1 as well as LZTFL1 and TfR1 in the perinuclear region (PNR) and the cytoplasm, suggesting a potential complex between LZTFL1, AP-1 and TfR1. The results from the disruption of adaptin recruitment with brefeldin A treatment suggested ADP-ribosylation factor-dependent localization of LZFL1 and AP-1 in the PNR. Knockdown of AP-1 reduces the level of LZTFL1 in the PNR, suggesting that AP-1 plays a role in LZTFL1 trafficking. Knockout of LZTFL1 reduces the cell surface level and the rate of internalization of TfR1, leading to a decrease of transferrin uptake, efflux, and internalization. However, knockout of LZTFL1 did not affect the cell surface levels of epidermal growth factor receptor and cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor, indicating that LZTFL1 specifically regulates the cell surface level of TfR1. These data support a novel role of LZTFL1 in regulating the cell surface TfR1 level by interacting with AP-1 and AP-2.

Buforin-1 blocks neuronal SNARE-mediated membrane fusion by inhibiting SNARE complex assembly

Assembly of neuronal SNARE protein complexes is essential for fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane, which releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft and mediates neurotransmission. However, despite the potential of pharmacological regulation of this process for the treatment of various neurological disorders, only a few reagents, including botulinum neurotoxins, are currently available. Here, we report that buforin-1, an antimicrobial peptide from the Asian toad Bufo gargarizans, inhibits neuronal SNARE complex assembly, resulting in neuronal SNARE-mediated membrane fusion in vitro via its direct association with neuronal t-SNAREs syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25. Consistently, buforin-1 significantly inhibited neuronal-SNARE-mediated exocytosis in PC-12 cells. Thus, buforin-1 has potential for the treatment of neurological disorders caused by dysregulated neurotransmission.

Fast, synchronous neurotransmitter release: Past, present and future

This mini-review starts with a summary of the crucial contributions Ricardo Miledi made to our understanding of how the action potential triggers fast, synchronous transmitter release. It then transitions to the discovery of synaptotagmin and its role as the exocytotic Ca²⁺ sensor at nerve terminals. The final section confronts the array of unique models that have been proposed to explain the membrane fusion step of exocytosis. More than a dozen different hypotheses seek to explain the terminal steps of the exocytotic cascade. It will be an interesting challenge for the field to distinguish among these possibilities. Nevertheless, with ongoing technological advances, perhaps we will have a better picture of this process by the end of the coming decade. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Honoring Ricardo Miledi - outstanding neuroscientist of XX-XXI centuries.

EPR Lineshape Analysis to Investigate the SNARE Folding Intermediates

SNARE complex formation, which is believed to drive intracellular membrane fusion, transits through multiple conformational states along the membrane fusion pathway. The SNARE intermediates are biologically important because they serve as targets for fusion regulators and clostridial neurotoxins. Spin-labeling EPR has contributed significantly to the understanding of the structures and the dynamics of SNARE intermediates. In particular, the EPR lineshape analysis, which is highly sensitive to protein conformational changes such as the local coil-to-helix transition, has revealed the sequential compacting steps leading to formation of the highly stable four-helix bundle.

Fine mapping of hydrophobic contacts reassesses the organization of the first three dystrophin coiled-coil repeats

Coiled-coil domain is a structural motif found in proteins crucial for achievement of central biological processes, such as cellular cohesion or neuro-transmission. The coiled-coil fold consists of alpha-helices bundle that can be repeated to form larger filament. Hydrophobic residues, distributed following a regular seven-residues' pattern, named heptad pattern, are commonly admitted to be essential for the formation and the stability of canonical coiled-coil repeats. Here we investigated the first three coiled-coil repeats (R1-R3) of the central domain of dystrophin, a scaffolding protein in muscle cells whose deficiency leads to Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies. By an atomic description of the hydrophobic interactions, we highlighted (i) that coiled-coil filament conformational changes are associated to specific patterns of inter-helices hydrophobic contacts, (ii) that inter-repeat hydrophobic interactions determine the behavior of linker regions including filament kinks, and (iii) that a non-strict conservation of the heptad patterns is leading to a relative plasticity of the dystrophin coiled-coil repeats. These structural features and modulations of the coiled-coil fold could better explain the mechanical properties of the central domain of dystrophin. This contribution to the understanding of the structure-function relationship of dystrophin, and especially of the R1-R3 fragment frequently used in the design of protein for gene therapies, should help in the improvement of the strategies for the cure of muscular dystrophies.

Finding the Middle Ground for Autophagic Fusion Requirements

Autophagosome/amphisome-lysosome fusion is a highly regulated process at the protein, lipid, and biochemical level. Each primary component of fusion, such as the core SNAREs, HOPS complex, or physical positioning by microtubule-associated dynein motors, are regulated at multiple points to ensure optimum conditions for autophagic flux to proceed. With the complexity of the membrane fusion system, it is not difficult to imagine how autophagic flux defect-related disorders, such as Huntington's disease, non-familial Alzheimer's disease, and Vici syndrome develop. Each membrane fusion step is regulated at the protein, lipid, and ion level. This review aims to discuss the recent developments toward understanding the regulation of autophagosome, amphisome, and lysosome fusion requirements for successful autophagic flux.

Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of Exocytosis in the Salivary Glands

Every day, salivary glands produce about 0.5 to 1.5 L of saliva, which contains salivary proteins that are essential for oral health. The contents of saliva, 0.3% proteins (1.5 to 4.5 g) in fluid, help prevent oral infections, provide lubrication, aid digestion, and maintain oral health. Acinar cells in the lobular salivary glands secrete prepackaged secretory granules that contain salivary components such as amylase, mucins, and immunoglobulins. Despite the important physiological functions of salivary proteins, we know very little about the regulatory mechanisms of their secretion via exocytosis, which is a process essential for the secretion of functional proteins, not only in salivary glands, but also in other secretory organs, including lacrimal and mammary glands, the pancreas, and prostate. In this review, we discuss recent findings that elucidate exocytosis by exocrine glands, especially focusing on the salivary glands, in physiological and pathological conditions.

Search for a minimal machinery for Ca2+-triggered millisecond neuroexocytosis

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.

trans-Golgi network-bound cargo traffic

Cargo following the retrograde trafficking are sorted at endosomes to be targeted the trans-Golgi network (TGN), a central receiving organelle. Though molecular requirements and their interaction networks have been somewhat established, the complete understanding of the intricate nature of their action mechanisms in every step of the retrograde traffic pathway remains unachieved. This review focuses on elucidating known functions of key regulators, including scission factors at the endosome and tethering/fusion mediators at the receiving dock, TGN, as well as a diverse range of cargo.

Cholesterol trafficking and raft-like membrane domain composition mediate scavenger receptor class B type 1-dependent lipid sensing in intestinal epithelial cells

Scavenger receptor Class B type 1 (SR-B1) is a lipid transporter and sensor. In intestinal epithelial cells, SR-B1-dependent lipid sensing is associated with SR-B1 recruitment in raft-like/ detergent-resistant membrane domains and interaction of its C-terminal transmembrane domain with plasma membrane cholesterol. To clarify the initiating events occurring during lipid sensing by SR-B1, we analyzed cholesterol trafficking and raft-like domain composition in intestinal epithelial cells expressing wild-type SR-B1 or the mutated form SR-B1-Q445A, defective in membrane cholesterol binding and signal initiation. These features of SR-B1 were found to influence both apical cholesterol efflux and intracellular cholesterol trafficking from plasma membrane to lipid droplets, and the lipid composition of raft-like domains. Lipidomic analysis revealed likely participation of d18:0/16:0 sphingomyelin and 16:0/0:0 lysophosphatidylethanolamine in lipid sensing by SR-B1. Proteomic analysis identified proteins, whose abundance changed in raft-like domains during lipid sensing, and these included molecules linked to lipid raft dynamics and signal transduction. These findings provide new insights into the role of SR-B1 in cellular cholesterol homeostasis and suggest molecular links between SR-B1-dependent lipid sensing and cell cholesterol and lipid droplet dynamics.

Productive and Non-productive Pathways for Synaptotagmin 1 to Support Ca2+-Triggered Fast Exocytosis

Ca2+-triggered SNARE-mediated membrane fusion is essential for neuronal communication. The speed of this process is of particular importance because it sets a time limit to cognitive and physical activities. In this work, we expand the proteoliposome-to-supported bilayer (SBL) fusion assay by successfully incorporating synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1), a major Ca2+ sensor. We report that Syt1 and Ca2+ together can elicit more than a 50-fold increase in the number of membrane fusion events when compared with membrane fusion mediated by SNAREs only. What is remarkable is that ~55% of all vesicle fusion events occurs within 20 ms upon vesicle docking. Furthermore, pre-binding of Syt1 to SNAREs prior to Ca2+ inhibits spontaneous fusion, but intriguingly, this leads to a complete loss of the Ca2+ responsiveness. Thus, our results suggest that there is a productive and a non-productive pathway for Syt1, depending on whether there is a premature interaction between Syt1 and SNAREs. Our results show that Ca2+ binding to Syt1 prior to Syt1's binding to SNAREs may be a prerequisite for the productive pathway. The successful reconstitution of Syt1 activities in the physiological time scale provides new opportunities to test the current mechanistic models for Ca2+-triggered exocytosis.

The Dual Function of the Polybasic Juxtamembrane Region of Syntaxin 1A in Clamping Spontaneous Release and Stimulating Ca2+-Triggered Release in Neuroendocrine Cells

The exact function of the polybasic juxtamembrane region (5RK) of the plasma membrane neuronal SNARE, syntaxin 1A (Syx), in vesicle exocytosis, although widely studied, is currently not clear. Here, we addressed the role of 5RK in Ca²⁺-triggered release, using our Syx-based intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe, which previously allowed us to resolve a depolarization-induced Ca²⁺-dependent close-to-open transition (CDO) of Syx that occurs concomitant with evoked release, both in PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons and was abolished upon charge neutralization of 5RK. First, using dynamic FRET analysis in PC12 cells, we show that CDO occurs following assembly of SNARE complexes that include the vesicular SNARE, synaptobrevin 2, and that the participation of 5RK in CDO goes beyond its participation in the final zippering of the complex, because mutations of residues adjacent to 5RK, believed to be crucial for final zippering, do not abolish this transition. In addition, we show that CDO is contingent on membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), which is fundamental for maintaining regulated exocytosis, as depletion of membranal PIP2 abolishes CDO. Prompted by these results, which underscore a potentially significant role of 5RK in exocytosis, we next amperometrically analyzed catecholamine release from PC12 cells, revealing that charge neutralization of 5RK promotes spontaneous and inhibits Ca²⁺-triggered release events. Namely, 5RK acts as a fusion clamp, making release dependent on stimulation by Ca²⁺SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Syntaxin 1A (Syx) is a central protein component of the SNARE complex, which underlies neurotransmitter release. Although widely studied in relation to its participation in SNARE complex formation and its interaction with phosphoinositides, the function of Syx's polybasic juxtamembrane region (5RK) remains unclear. Previously, we showed that a conformational transition of Syx, related to calcium-triggered release, reported by a Syx-based FRET probe, is abolished upon charge neutralization of 5RK (5RK/A). Here we show that this conformational transition is dependent on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and is related to SNARE complex formation. Subsequently, we show that the 5RK/A mutation enhances spontaneous release and inhibits calcium-triggered release in neuroendocrine cells, indicating a previously unrecognized role of 5RK in neurotransmitter release.

Fusion pore in exocytosis: More than an exit gate? A β-cell perspective

Secretory vesicle exocytosis is a fundamental biological event and the process by which hormones (like insulin) are released into the blood. Considerable progress has been made in understanding this precisely orchestrated sequence of events from secretory vesicle docked at the cell membrane, hemifusion, to the opening of a membrane fusion pore. The exact biophysical and physiological regulation of these events implies a close interaction between membrane proteins and lipids in a confined space and constrained geometry to ensure appropriate delivery of cargo. We consider some of the still open questions such as the nature of the initiation of the fusion pore, the structure and the role of the Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor Attachment protein REceptor (SNARE) transmembrane domains and their influence on the dynamics and regulation of exocytosis. We discuss how the membrane composition and protein-lipid interactions influence the likelihood of the nascent fusion pore forming. We relate these factors to the hypothesis that fusion pore expansion could be affected in type-2 diabetes via changes in disease-related gene transcription and alterations in the circulating lipid profile. Detailed characterisation of the dynamics of the fusion pore in vitro will contribute to understanding the larger issue of insulin secretory defects in diabetes.

Botulinum Toxins A and E Inflict Dynamic Destabilization on t-SNARE to Impair SNARE Assembly and Membrane Fusion

Botulinum toxins (BoNTs) A and E block neurotransmitter release by specifically cleaving the C- terminal ends of SNAP-25, a plasma membrane SNARE protein. Here, we find that SNAP-25A and E, the cleavage products of BoNT A and E, respectively, terminate membrane fusion via completely different mechanisms. Combined studies of single-molecule FRET and single-vesicle fusion assays reveal that SNAP-25E is incapable of supporting SNARE pairing and thus, vesicle docking. In contrast, SNAP-25A facilitates robust SNARE pairing and vesicle docking with somewhat reduced SNARE zippering, which leads to severe impairment of fusion pore opening. The electron paramagnetic resonance results show that the discrepancy between SNAP-25A and E might stem from the extent of the dynamic destabilization of the t-SNARE core at the N-terminal half, which plays a pivotal role in nucleating SNARE complex formation. Thus, the results provide insights into the structure/dynamics-based mechanism by which BoNT A and E impair membrane fusion.

A Membrane-Fusion Model That Exploits a β-to-α Transition in the Hydrophobic Domains of Syntaxin 1A and Synaptobrevin 2

Parallel zippering of the SNARE domains of syntaxin 1A/B, SNAP-25, and VAMP/synaptobrevin 2 is widely regarded as supplying the driving force for exocytotic events at nerve terminals and elsewhere. However, in spite of intensive research, no consensus has been reached concerning the molecular mechanism by which these SNARE proteins catalyze membrane fusion. As an alternative to SNARE-based models, a scenario was developed in which synaptotagmin 1 (or, 2) can serve as a template to guide lipid movements that underlie fast, synchronous exocytosis at nerve terminals. This “dyad model” advanced a novel proposal concerning the membrane disposition of the palmitoylated, cysteine-rich region of these synaptotagmins. Unexpectedly, it now emerges that a similar principle can be exploited to reveal how the hydrophobic, carboxyl-terminal domains of syntaxin 1A and synaptobrevin 2 can perturb membrane structure at the interface between a docked synaptic vesicle and the plasma membrane. These “β-to-α transition” models will be compared and contrasted with other proposals for how macromolecules are thought to intervene to drive membrane fusion.

Energetics, kinetics, and pathway of SNARE folding and assembly revealed by optical tweezers

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are universal molecular engines that drive membrane fusion. Particularly, synaptic SNAREs mediate fast calcium-triggered fusion of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles with plasma membranes for synaptic transmission, the basis of all thought and action. During membrane fusion, complementary SNAREs located on two apposed membranes (often called t- and v-SNAREs) join together to assemble into a parallel four-helix bundle, releasing the energy to overcome the energy barrier for fusion. A long-standing hypothesis suggests that SNAREs act like a zipper to draw the two membranes into proximity and thereby force them to fuse. However, a quantitative test of this SNARE zippering hypothesis was hindered by difficulties to determine the energetics and kinetics of SNARE assembly and to identify the relevant folding intermediates. Here, we first review different approaches that have been applied to study SNARE assembly and then focus on high-resolution optical tweezers. We summarize the folding energies, kinetics, and pathways of both wild-type and mutant SNARE complexes derived from this new approach. These results show that synaptic SNAREs assemble in four distinct stages with different functions: slow N-terminal domain association initiates SNARE assembly; a middle domain suspends and controls SNARE assembly; and rapid sequential zippering of the C-terminal domain and the linker domain directly drive membrane fusion. In addition, the kinetics and pathway of the stagewise assembly are shared by other SNARE complexes. These measurements prove the SNARE zippering hypothesis and suggest new mechanisms for SNARE assembly regulated by other proteins.

Visualization of SNARE-Mediated Hemifusion between Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Arrested by Myricetin

Neurotransmitters are released within a millisecond after Ca²⁺ arrives at an active zone. However, the vesicle fusion pathway underlying this synchronous release is yet to be understood. At the center of controversy is whether hemifusion, in which outer leaflets are merged while inner leaflets are still separated, is an on-pathway or off-pathway product of Ca²⁺-triggered exocytosis. Using the single vesicle fusion assay, we recently demonstrated that hemifusion is an on-pathway intermediate that immediately proceeds to full fusion upon Ca²⁺ triggering. It has been shown that the flavonoid myricetin arrests soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-mediated vesicle fusion at hemifusion, but that the hemifused vesicles spontaneously convert to full fusion when the myricetin clamp is removed by the enzyme laccase. In the present study, we visualized SNARE-mediated hemifusion between two SNARE-reconstituted giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) arrested by myricetin. The large size of the GUVs enabled us to directly image the hemifusion between them. When two merging GUVs were labeled with different fluorescent dyes, GUV pairs showed asymmetric fluorescence intensities depending on the position on the GUV pair consistent with what is expected for hemifusion. The flow of lipids from one vesicle to the other was revealed with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), indicating that the two membranes had hemifused. These results support the hypothesis that hemifusion may be the molecular status that primes Ca²⁺-triggered millisecond exocytosis. This study represents the first imaging of SNARE-driven hemifusion between GUVs.

Hemifusion in Synaptic Vesicle Cycle

In the neuron, early neurotransmitters are released through the fusion pore prior to the complete vesicle fusion. It has been thought that the fusion pore is a gap junction-like structure made of transmembrane domains (TMDs) of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins. However, evidence has accumulated that lipid mixing occurs prior to the neurotransmitter release through the fusion pore lined predominantly with lipids. To explain these observations, the hemifusion, a membrane structure in which two bilayers are partially merged, has emerged as a key step preceding the formation of the fusion pore. Furthermore, the hemifusion appears to be the bona fide intermediate step not only for the synaptic vesicle cycle, but for a wide range of membrane remodeling processes, such as viral membrane fusion and endocytotic membrane fission.

The Structure of the Synaptic Vesicle-Plasma Membrane Interface Constrains SNARE Models of Rapid, Synchronous Exocytosis at Nerve Terminals

Contemporary models of neurotransmitter release invoke direct or indirect interactions between the Ca²⁺ sensor, synaptotagmin and the incompletely zippered soluble, N-ethyl-maleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex. However, recent electron microscopic (EM) investigations have raised pragmatic issues concerning the mechanism by which SNAREs trigger membrane fusion at nerve terminals. The first issue is related to the finding that the area of contact between a “fully primed” synaptic vesicle and the plasma membrane can exceed 600 nm². Approximately four-thousands lipid molecules can inhabit this contact zone. Thus, renewed efforts will be needed to explain how the zippering of as few as two SNARE complexes mobilizes these lipids to achieve membrane fusion. The second issue emerges from the finding that “docking filaments” are sandwiched within the area of vesicle-plasma membrane contact. It is challenging to reconcile the location of these filaments with SNARE models of exocytosis. Instead, this commentary outlines how these data are more compatible with a model in which a cluster of synaptotagmins catalyzes exocytotic membrane fusion.

The Multifaceted Role of SNARE Proteins in Membrane Fusion

Membrane fusion is a key process in all living organisms that contributes to a variety of biological processes including viral infection, cell fertilization, as well as intracellular transport, and neurotransmitter release. In particular, the various membrane-enclosed compartments in eukaryotic cells need to exchange their contents and communicate across membranes. Efficient and controllable fusion of biological membranes is known to be driven by cooperative action of SNARE proteins, which constitute the central components of the eukaryotic fusion machinery responsible for fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane. During exocytosis, vesicle-associated v-SNARE (synaptobrevin) and target cell-associated t-SNAREs (syntaxin and SNAP-25) assemble into a core trans-SNARE complex. This complex plays a versatile role at various stages of exocytosis ranging from the priming to fusion pore formation and expansion, finally resulting in the release or exchange of the vesicle content. This review summarizes current knowledge on the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying exocytosis triggered and catalyzed by SNARE proteins. Particular attention is given to the function of the peptidic SNARE membrane anchors and the role of SNARE-lipid interactions in fusion. Moreover, the regulatory mechanisms by synaptic auxiliary proteins in SNARE-driven membrane fusion are briefly outlined.

Complexin splits the membrane-proximal region of a single SNAREpin

Complexin (Cpx) is thought to be a major regulator of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-dependent membrane fusion. Although the inhibition of membrane fusion by Cpx has been frequently reported, its structural basis has been elusive and an anticipated disruption of the SNARE core has never been observed. In the present study, to mimic the natural environment, we assembled a single SNAREpin between two nanodisc membrane patches. Single-molecule FRET (smFRET) detects a large conformational change, specifically at the C-terminal half, whereas no conformational change is observed at the N-terminal half. Our results suggest that Cpx splits the C-terminal half of the SNARE core at least 10 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm), whereby inhibiting further progression of SNARE zippering and membrane fusion.