Phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) modulates synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) phosphorylation and exocytosis

Phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein acts as a positive regulator for insulin signalling in adipocytes

Insulin signalling is tightly controlled by various factors, but the exact molecular mechanism remains incompletely understood. We previously reported that phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) interacts with Akt, the central molecule in insulin signalling. Here, we investigated whether PRIP is involved in the regulation of insulin signalling in adipocytes. We found that insulin signalling including insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), Akt, and glucose uptake, were impaired in adipocytes from PRIP-knockout (KO) mice compared with those from wild-type (WT) mice. The amount of IR expressed on the cell-surface was decreased in PRIP-KO adipocytes. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that PRIP interacted with IR. The reduced cell-surface IR in PRIP-KO adipocytes was comparable with that in WT cells when Rab5 expression was silenced using specific siRNA. In contrast, the dephosphorylation of IRS-1 at serine residues, some of which were reported to be involved in the internalisation of IR, was impaired in cells from PRIP-KO mice. These results suggest that PRIP facilitates insulin signalling by modulating the internalisation of IR in adipocytes.

Genome-wide interrogation of extracellular vesicle biology using barcoded miRNAs

Extracellular vesicles mediate transfer of biologically active molecules between neighboring or distant cells, and these vesicles may play important roles in normal physiology and the pathogenesis of multiple disease states including cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of their biogenesis and release remain unknown. We designed artificially barcoded, exosomal microRNAs (bEXOmiRs) to monitor extracellular vesicle release quantitatively using deep sequencing. We then expressed distinct pairs of CRISPR guide RNAs and bEXOmiRs, enabling identification of genes influencing bEXOmiR secretion from Cas9-edited cells. This approach uncovered genes with unrecognized roles in multivesicular endosome exocytosis, including critical roles for Wnt signaling in extracellular vesicle release regulation. Coupling bEXOmiR reporter analysis with CRISPR-Cas9 screening provides a powerful and unbiased means to study extracellular vesicle biology and for the first time, to associate a nucleic acid tag with individual membrane vesicles.

Dynamic localization of a yeast development-specific PP1 complex during prospore membrane formation is dependent on multiple localization signals and complex formation

Prospore membrane formation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides a powerful model for understanding the mechanisms of de novo membrane formation. Protein phosphatase type1, Glc7, and a sporulation-specific targeting subunit, Gip1, show dynamic localization using multiple localization signals and regulate membrane growth during sporulation.

During the developmental process of sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, membrane structures called prospore membranes are formed de novo, expand, extend, acquire a round shape, and finally become plasma membranes of the spores. GIP1 encodes a regulatory/targeting subunit of protein phosphatase type 1 that is required for sporulation. Gip1 recruits the catalytic subunit Glc7 to septin structures that form along the prospore membrane; however, the molecular basis of its localization and function is not fully understood. Here we show that Gip1 changes its localization dynamically and is required for prospore membrane extension. Gip1 first associates with the spindle pole body as the prospore membrane forms, moves onto the prospore membrane and then to the septins as the membrane extends, distributes around the prospore membrane after closure, and finally translocates into the nucleus in the maturing spore. Deletion and mutation analyses reveal distinct sequences in Gip1 that are required for different localizations and for association with Glc7. Binding to Glc7 is also required for proper localization. Strikingly, localization to the prospore membrane, but not association with septins, is important for Gip1 function. Further, our genetic analysis suggests that a Gip1–Glc7 phosphatase complex regulates prospore membrane extension in parallel to the previously reported Vps13, Spo71, Spo73 pathway.

Phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive proteins regulate ovarian follicle development

Phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive proteins PRIP-1 and -2 are inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate binding proteins that are encoded by independent genes. Ablation of the Prip genes in mice impairs female fertility, which is manifested by fewer pregnancies, a decreased number of pups, and the decreased and increased secretion of gonadal steroids and gonadotropins, respectively. We investigated the involvement of the PRIPs in fertility, focusing on the ovaries of Prip-1 and -2 double-knock-out (DKO) mice. Multiple cystic follicles were observed in DKO ovaries, and a superovulation assay showed a markedly decreased number of ovulated oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes showed normal expansion, and artificial gonadotropin stimulation regulated the ovulation-related genes in a normal fashion, suggesting that the ovulation itself was probably normal. A histological analysis showed atresia in fewer follicles of the DKO ovaries, particularly in the secondary follicle stages. The expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) was aberrantly higher in developing follicles, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, a downstream target of LH-LHR signaling, was higher in DKO granulosa cells. This suggests that the up-regulation of LH-LHR signaling is the cause of impaired follicle development. The serum estradiol level was lower, but estradiol production was unchanged in the DKO ovaries. These results suggest that PRIPs are positively involved in the development of follicles via their regulation of LH-LHR signaling and estradiol secretion. Female DKO mice had higher serum levels of insulin, testosterone, and uncarboxylated osteocalcin, which, together with reduced fertility, are reminiscent of polycystic ovary syndrome in humans.

Phospholipase C-related, but catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) up-regulates osteoclast differentiation via calcium-calcineurin-NFATc1 signaling

Phospholipase C-related, but catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) was previously identified as a novel inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-binding protein with a domain organization similar to that of phospholipase C-δ but lacking phospholipase activity. We recently showed that PRIP gene knock-out (KO) in mice increases bone formation and concomitantly decreases bone resorption, resulting in increased bone mineral density and trabecular bone volume. However, the role of PRIP in osteoclastogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of PRIP on bone remodeling by investigating dynamic tooth movement in mice fitted with orthodontic devices. Morphological analysis indicated that the extent of tooth movement was smaller in the PRIP-KO mice than in wild-type mice. Histological analysis revealed fewer osteoclasts on the bone-resorption side in maxillary bones of PRIP-KO mice, and osteoclast formation assays and flow cytometry indicated lower osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow cells isolated from these mice. The expression of genes implicated in bone resorption was lower in differentiated PRIP-KO cells, and genes involved in osteoclast differentiation, such as the transcription factor NFATc1, exhibited lower expression in immature PRIP-KO cells initiated by M-CSF. Moreover, calcineurin expression and activity were also lower in the PRIP-KO cells. The PRIP-KO cells also displayed fewer M-CSF-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ and exhibited reduced nuclear localization of NFATc1. Up-regulation of intracellular Ca2+ restored osteoclastogenesis of the PRIP-KO cells. These results indicate that PRIP deficiency impairs osteoclast differentiation, particularly at the early stages, and that PRIP stimulates osteoclast differentiation through calcium-calcineurin-NFATc1 signaling via regulating intracellular Ca2.

Myosin phosphatase and RhoA-activated kinase modulate neurotransmitter release by regulating SNAP-25 of SNARE complex

Reversible phosphorylation of neuronal proteins plays an important role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release. Myosin phosphatase holoenzyme (MP) consists of a protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) catalytic subunit (PP1c) and a regulatory subunit, termed myosin phosphatase targeting subunit (MYPT1). The primary function of MP is to regulate the phosphorylation level of contractile proteins; however, recent studies have shown that MP is localized to neurons, and is also involved in the mediation of neuronal processes. Our goal was to investigate the effect of RhoA-activated kinase (ROK) and MP on the phosphorylation of one potential neuronal substrate, the synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25). SNAP-25 is a member of the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complex, along with synaptobrevin and syntaxin, and the primary role of SNAP25 is to mediate vesicle fusion. We showed that MYPT1 interacts with SNAP-25, as revealed by immunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance based binding studies. Mass spectrometry analysis and in vitro phosphorylation/dephosphorylation assays demonstrated that ROK phosphorylates, while MP dephosphorylates, SNAP-25 at Thr138. Silencing MYPT1 in B50 neuroblastoma cells increased phosphorylation of SNAP-25 at Thr138. Inhibition of PP1 with tautomycetin increased, whereas inhibition of ROK by H1152, decreased the phosphorylation of SNAP-25 at Thr138 in B50 cells, in cortical synaptosomes, and in brain slices. In response to the transduction of the MP inhibitor, kinase-enhanced PP1 inhibitor (KEPI), into synaptosomes, an increase in phosphorylation of SNAP-25 and a decrease in the extent of neurotransmitter release were detected. The interaction between SNAP-25 and syntaxin increased with decreasing phosphorylation of SNAP-25 at Thr138, upon inhibition of ROK. Our data suggest that ROK/MP play a crucial role in vesicle trafficking, fusion, and neurotransmitter release by oppositely regulating the phosphorylation of SNAP-25 at Thr138.

Involvement of PRIP (Phospholipase C-Related But Catalytically Inactive Protein) in BMP-Induced Smad Signaling in Osteoblast Differentiation

Phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) was first isolated as an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding protein. We generated PRIP gene-deficient mice which exhibited the increased bone mineral density and trabecular bone volume, indicating that PRIP is implicated in the regulation of bone properties. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms by which PRIP plays a role in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, by analyzing the culture of primary cells isolated from calvaria of two genotypes, the wild type and a mutant. In the mutant culture, enhanced osteoblast differentiation was observed by measuring alkaline phosphatase staining and activity. The promoter activity of Id1 gene, responding immediately to BMP, was also more increased. Smad1/5 phosphorylation in response to BMP showed an enhanced peak and was more persistent in mutant cells, but the dephosphorylation process was not different between the two genotypes. The luciferase assay using calvaria cells transfected with the Smad1 mutated as a constitutive active form showed increased transcriptional activity at similar levels between the genotypes. The expression of BMP receptors was not different between the genotypes. BMP-induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5 was robustly decreased in wild type cells, but not in mutant cells, by pretreatment with DB867, an inhibitor of methyltransferase of inhibitory Smad6. Furthermore, BMP-induced translocation of Smad6 from nucleus to cytosol was not much observed in PRIP-deficient cells. These results indicate that PRIP is implicated in BMP-induced osteoblast differentiation by the negative regulation of Smad phosphorylation, through the methylation of inhibitory Smad6.

Differential role of SNAP-25 phosphorylation by protein kinases A and C in the regulation of SNARE complex formation and exocytosis in PC12 cells

The final step of regulated exocytosis, membrane fusion, is mediated by formation of the SNARE complex by syntaxin, SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa), and VAMP (vesicle-associated membrane protein). Phosphorylation of SNARE and accessory proteins contributes to regulation of exocytosis. We previously identified residues of SNAP-25 phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA) and PKC. However, the physiological role of SNAP-25 phosphorylation in exocytosis, in particular with regard to SNARE complex formation, has remained elusive. SNARE complex formation by purified recombinant SNAP-25, syntaxin-1, and VAMP-2 in vitro was inhibited or promoted as a result of the phosphorylation at Thr(138) by PKA or at Ser(187) by PKC, respectively. SNARE complex formation in intact PC12 cells was similarly inhibited by forskolin (activator of PKA) and promoted by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, activator of PKC). Noradrenaline secretion from PC12 cells induced by a high K(+) concentration was enhanced by forskolin or PMA. Stable depletion of SNAP-25 inhibited high-K(+)-induced noradrenaline secretion. Forced expression of WT SNAP-25 restored the secretory response of the SNAP-25-depleted cells to high-K(+), and this response was enhanced by forskolin or PMA. Expression of the nonphosphorylatable T138A or S187A mutants of SNAP-25 similarly rescued the secretory response to high-K(+), but the augmentation of this response by forskolin was more pronounced in the cells expressing SNAP-25 (T138A) than in those expressing SNAP-25 (WT), whereas that by PMA was less pronounced in those expressing SNAP-25 (S187A). Our results thus suggest that SNAP-25 phosphorylation by PKA or PKC contributes differentially to the control of exocytosis in PC12 cells by regulating SNARE complex formation.

Phosphatase Inhibitors Function as Novel, Broad Spectrum Botulinum Neurotoxin Antagonists in Mouse and Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Motor Neuron-Based Assays

There is an urgent need to develop novel treatments to counter Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) poisoning. Currently, the majority of BoNT drug development efforts focus on directly inhibiting the proteolytic components of BoNT, i.e. light chains (LC). Although this is a rational approach, previous research has shown that LCs are extremely difficult drug targets and that inhibiting multi-serotype BoNTs with a single LC inhibitor may not be feasible. An alternative approach would target neuronal pathways involved in intoxication/recovery, rather than the LC itself. Phosphorylation-related mechanisms have been implicated in the intoxication pathway(s) of BoNTs. However, the effects of phosphatase inhibitors upon BoNT activity in the physiological target of BoNTs, i.e. motor neurons, have not been investigated. In this study, a small library of phosphatase inhibitors was screened for BoNT antagonism in the context of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons (ES-MNs). Four inhibitors were found to function as BoNT/A antagonists. Subsequently, we confirmed that these inhibitors protect against BoNT/A in a dose-dependent manner in human ES-MNs. Additionally, these compounds provide protection when administered in post-intoxication scenario. Importantly, the inhibitors were also effective against BoNT serotypes B and E. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing phosphatase inhibitors as broad-spectrum BoNT antagonists.

Hetero-oligomerization of C2 domains of phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein and synaptotagmin-1

The C2 domain is a protein module often found in molecules that regulate exocytosis. C2 domains mediate interactions between the parental molecule and Ca(2+), phospholipids, and proteins. Although various molecules have been shown to interact with several C2 domains, no interactions between the C2 domains from different molecules have yet been reported. In the present study, we identified direct interactions between the C2 domain of PRIP (phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein) and the C2 domains of other molecules. Among the C2 domains examined, those of synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1-C2A and Syt1-C2B) and phospholipase C δ-1 bound to the C2 domain of PRIP. We investigated the interactions between the C2 domain of PRIP (PRIP-C2) with Syt1-C2A and Syt1-C2B, and the mode of binding of each was Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent, respectively. We further demonstrated that the Ca(2+) dependence of the interaction between PRIP-C2 and Syt1-C2A was attributed to Ca(2+) binding with Syt1-C2A, but not PRIP-C2, using a series of mutants prepared from both C2 domains. We previously reported that the interaction between PRIP-C2 and the membrane fusion machinery suggested a critical role for PRIP in exocytosis; therefore, the results of the present study further support the importance of PRIP-C2 in the inhibitory function of PRIP in regulating exocytosis.

Phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) regulates lipolysis in adipose tissue by modulating the phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase

Phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and perilipin by protein kinase A (PKA) promotes the hydrolysis of lipids in adipocytes. Although activation of lipolysis by PKA has been well studied, inactivation via protein phosphatases is poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP), a binding partner for protein phosphatase 1 and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), is involved in lipolysis by regulating phosphatase activity. PRIP knockout (PRIP-KO) mice displayed reduced body-fat mass as compared with wild-type mice fed with standard chow ad libitum. Most other organs appeared normal, suggesting that mutant mice had aberrant fat metabolism in adipocytes. HSL in PRIP-KO adipose tissue was highly phosphorylated compared to that in wild-type mice. Starvation of wild-type mice or stimulation of adipose tissue explants with the catabolic hormone, adrenaline, translocated both PRIP and PP2A from the cytosol to lipid droplets, but the translocation of PP2A was significantly reduced in PRIP-KO adipocytes. Consistently, the phosphatase activity associated with lipid droplet fraction in PRIP-KO adipocytes was significantly reduced and was independent of adrenaline stimulation. Lipolysis activity, as assessed by measurement of non-esterified fatty acids and glycerol, was higher in PRIP-KO adipocytes. When wild-type adipocytes were treated with a phosphatase inhibitor, they showed a high lipolysis activity at the similar level to PRIP-KO adipocytes. Collectively, these results suggest that PRIP promotes the translocation of phosphatases to lipid droplets to trigger the dephosphorylation of HSL and perilipin A, thus reducing PKA-mediated lipolysis.

Phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein participates in the autophagic elimination of Staphylococcus aureus infecting mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Autophagy is an intrinsic host defense system that recognizes and eliminates invading bacterial pathogens. We have identified microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), a hallmark of autophagy, as a binding partner of phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) that was originally identified as an inositol trisphosphate-binding protein. Here, we investigated the involvement of PRIP in the autophagic elimination of Staphylococcus aureus in infected mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We observed significantly more LC3-positive autophagosome-like vacuoles enclosing an increased number of S. aureus cells in PRIP-deficient MEFs than control MEFs, 3 h and 4.5 h post infection, suggesting that S. aureus proliferates in LC3-positive autophagosome-like vacuoles in PRIP-deficient MEFs. We performed autophagic flux analysis using an mRFP-GFP-tagged LC3 plasmid and found that autophagosome maturation is significantly inhibited in PRIP-deficient MEFs. Furthermore, acidification of autophagosomes was significantly inhibited in PRIP-deficient MEFs compared to the wild-type MEFs, as determined by LysoTracker staining and time-lapse image analysis performed using mRFP-GFP-tagged LC3. Taken together, our data show that PRIP is required for the fusion of S. aureus-containing autophagosome-like vacuoles with lysosomes, indicating that PRIP is a novel modulator in the regulation of the innate immune system in non-professional phagocytic host cells.

Phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) controls KIF5B-mediated insulin secretion

We previously reported that phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP)-knockout mice exhibited hyperinsulinemia. Here, we investigated the role of PRIP in insulin granule exocytosis using Prip-knockdown mouse insulinoma (MIN6) cells. Insulin release from Prip-knockdown MIN6 cells was higher than that from control cells, and Prip knockdown facilitated movement of GFP-phogrin-labeled insulin secretory vesicles. Double-immunofluorescent staining and density step-gradient analyses showed that the KIF5B motor protein co-localized with insulin vesicles in Prip-knockdown MIN6 cells. Knockdown of GABA_A-receptor-associated protein (GABARAP), a microtubule-associated PRIP-binding partner, by Gabarap silencing in MIN6 cells reduced the co-localization of insulin vesicles with KIF5B and the movement of vesicles, resulting in decreased insulin secretion. However, the co-localization of KIF5B with microtubules was not altered in Prip- and Gabarap-knockdown cells. The presence of unbound GABARAP, freed either by an interference peptide or by Prip silencing, in MIN6 cells enhanced the co-localization of insulin vesicles with microtubules and promoted vesicle mobility. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PRIP and GABARAP function in a complex to regulate KIF5B-mediated insulin secretion, providing new insights into insulin exocytic mechanisms.

Phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein, PRIP as a scaffolding protein for phospho-regulation

PRIP, phospholipase C (PLC)-related but catalytically inactive protein is a protein with a domain organization similar to PLC-δ1. We have reported that PRIP interacts with the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 1 and 2A (PP1c and PP2Ac), depending on the phosphorylation of PRIP. We also found that Akt was precipitated along with PRIP by anti-PRIP antibody from neuronal cells. In this article, we summarize our current reach regarding the interaction of PRIP with Akt and protein phosphatases, in relation to the cellular phospho-regulations. PP1 and PP2A are major members of the protein serine/threonine phosphatase families. We have identified PP1 and PP2A as interacting partners of PRIP. We first investigated the interaction of PRIP with two phosphatases, using purified recombinant proteins. PRIP immobilized on beads pulled-down the catalytic subunits of both PP1 and PP2A, indicating that the interactions were in a direct manner, and the binding of PP1 and PP2A to PRIP were mutually exclusive. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments revealed that the binding sites for PP1 and PP2A on PRIP were not identical, but in close proximity. Phosphorylation of PRIP by protein kinase A (PKA) resulted in the reduced binding of PP1, but not PP2A. Rather, the dissociation of PP1 from PRIP by phosphorylation accompanied the increased binding of PP2A in in vitro experiments. This binding regulation of PP1 and PP2A to PRIP by PKA-dependent phosphorylation was also observed in living cells treated with forskolin or isoproterenol. These results suggested that PRIP directly interacts with the catalytic subunits of two distinct phosphatases in a mutually exclusive manner and the interactions are regulated by phosphorylation, thus functioning as a scaffold to regulate the activities and subcellular localizations of both PP1 and PP2A in phospho-dependent cellular signaling.

Phospholipases of mineralization competent cells and matrix vesicles: roles in physiological and pathological mineralizations

The present review aims to systematically and critically analyze the current knowledge on phospholipases and their role in physiological and pathological mineralization undertaken by mineralization competent cells. Cellular lipid metabolism plays an important role in biological mineralization. The physiological mechanisms of mineralization are likely to take place in tissues other than in bones and teeth under specific pathological conditions. For instance, vascular calcification in arteries of patients with renal failure, diabetes mellitus or atherosclerosis recapitulates the mechanisms of bone formation. Osteoporosis—a bone resorbing disease—and rheumatoid arthritis originating from the inflammation in the synovium are also affected by cellular lipid metabolism. The focus is on the lipid metabolism due to the effects of dietary lipids on bone health. These and other phenomena indicate that phospholipases may participate in bone remodelling as evidenced by their expression in smooth muscle cells, in bone forming osteoblasts, chondrocytes and in bone resorbing osteoclasts. Among various enzymes involved, phospholipases A₁ or A₂, phospholipase C, phospholipase D, autotaxin and sphingomyelinase are engaged in membrane lipid remodelling during early stages of mineralization and cell maturation in mineralization-competent cells. Numerous experimental evidences suggested that phospholipases exert their action at various stages of mineralization by affecting intracellular signaling and cell differentiation. The lipid metabolites—such as arachidonic acid, lysophospholipids, and sphingosine-1-phosphate are involved in cell signaling and inflammation reactions. Phospholipases are also important members of the cellular machinery engaged in matrix vesicle (MV) biogenesis and exocytosis. They may favour mineral formation inside MVs, may catalyse MV membrane breakdown necessary for the release of mineral deposits into extracellular matrix (ECM), or participate in hydrolysis of ECM. The biological functions of phospholipases are discussed from the perspective of animal and cellular knockout models, as well as disease implications, development of potent inhibitors and therapeutic interventions.

PRIP (phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein) inhibits exocytosis by direct interactions with syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25 through its C2 domain

Membrane fusion for exocytosis is mediated by SNAREs, forming trans-ternary complexes to bridge vesicle and target membranes. There is an array of accessory proteins that directly interact with and regulate SNARE proteins. PRIP (phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein) is likely one of these proteins; PRIP, consisting of multiple functional modules including pleckstrin homology and C2 domains, inhibited exocytosis, probably via the binding to membrane phosphoinositides through the pleckstrin homology domain. However, the roles of the C2 domain have not yet been investigated. In this study, we found that the C2 domain of PRIP directly interacts with syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25 but not with VAMP2. The C2 domain promoted PRIP to co-localize with syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25 in PC12 cells. The binding profile of the C2 domain to SNAP-25 was comparable with that of synaptotagmin I, and PRIP inhibited synaptotagmin I in binding to SNAP-25 and syntaxin 1. It was also shown that the C2 domain was required for PRIP to suppress SDS-resistant ternary SNARE complex formation and inhibit high K(+)-induced noradrenalin release from PC12 cells. These results suggest that PRIP inhibits regulated exocytosis through the interaction of its C2 domain with syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25, potentially competing with other SNARE-binding, C2 domain-containing accessory proteins such as synaptotagmin I and by directly inhibiting trans-SNARE complex formation.