1
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Leitz J, Wang C, Esquivies L, Peters JJ, Gopal N, Pfuetzner RA, Wang AL, Brunger AT. Observing isolated synaptic vesicle association and fusion ex vivo. Nat Protoc 2024:10.1038/s41596-024-01014-x. [PMID: 38956381 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-01014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Here, we present a protocol for isolating functionally intact glutamatergic synaptic vesicles from whole-mouse brain tissue and using them in a single-vesicle assay to examine their association and fusion with plasma membrane mimic vesicles. This is a Protocol Extension, building on our previous protocol, which used a purely synthetic system comprised of reconstituted proteins in liposomes. We also describe the generation of a peptide based on the vesicular glutamate transporter, which is essential in the isolation process of glutamatergic synaptic vesicles. This method uses easily accessible reagents to generate fusion-competent glutamatergic synaptic vesicles through immunoisolation. The generation of the vGlut peptide can be accomplished in 6 d, while the isolation of the synaptic vesicles by using the peptide can be accomplished in 2 d, with an additional day to fluorescently label the synaptic vesicles for use in a single-vesicle hybrid fusion assay. The single-vesicle fusion assay can be accomplished in 1 d and can unambiguously delineate synaptic vesicle association, dissociation, Ca2+-independent and Ca2+-dependent fusion modalities. This assay grants control of the synaptic vesicle environment while retaining the complexity of the synaptic vesicles themselves. This protocol can be adapted to studies of other types of synaptic vesicles or, more generally, different secretory or transport vesicles. The workflow described here requires expertise in biochemistry techniques, in particular, protein purification and fluorescence imaging. We assume that the laboratory has protein-purification equipment, including chromatography systems.
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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
| | - John J 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
| | - Nisha Gopal
- 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
| | - 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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2
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Rothman JE, Grushin K, Bera M, Pincet F. Turbocharging synaptic transmission. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2233-2249. [PMID: 37643878 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from biochemistry, genetics, and electron microscopy strongly supports the idea that a ring of Synaptotagmin is central to the clamping and release of synaptic vesicles (SVs) for synchronous neurotransmission. Recent direct measurements in cell-free systems suggest there are 12 SNAREpins in each ready-release vesicle, consisting of six peripheral and six central SNAREpins. The six central SNAREpins are directly bound to the Synaptotagmin ring, are directly released by Ca++ , and they initially open the fusion pore. The six peripheral SNAREpins are indirectly bound to the ring, each linked to a central SNAREpin by a bridging molecule of Complexin. We suggest that the primary role of peripheral SNAREpins is to provide additional force to 'turbocharge' neurotransmitter release, explaining how it can occur much faster than other forms of membrane fusion. The SV protein Synaptophysin forms hexamers that bear two copies of the v-SNARE VAMP at each vertex, one likely assembling into a peripheral SNAREpin and the other into a central SNAREpin.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Rothman
- Nanobiology Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kirill Grushin
- Nanobiology Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Manindra Bera
- Nanobiology Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frederic Pincet
- Nanobiology Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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3
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Hesselbarth J, Schmidt C. Mass spectrometry uncovers intermediates and off-pathway complexes for SNARE complex assembly. Commun Biol 2023; 6:198. [PMID: 36806321 PMCID: PMC9941103 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04548-0] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The SNARE complex assembles from vesicular Synaptobrevin-2 as well as Syntaxin-1 and SNAP25 both anchored to the presynaptic membrane. It mediates fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane resulting in exocytosis of neurotransmitters. While the general sequence of SNARE complex formation is well-established, our knowledge on possible intermediates and stable off-pathway complexes is incomplete. We, therefore, follow the stepwise assembly of the SNARE complex and target individual SNAREs, binary sub-complexes, the ternary SNARE complex as well as interactions with Complexin-1. Using native mass spectrometry, we identify the stoichiometry of sub-complexes and monitor oligomerisation of various assemblies. Importantly, we find that interactions with Complexin-1 reduce multimerisation of the ternary SNARE complex. Chemical cross-linking provides detailed insights into these interactions suggesting a role for membrane fusion. In summary, we unravel the stoichiometry of intermediates and off-pathway complexes and compile a road map of SNARE complex assembly including regulation by Complexin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hesselbarth
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Department of Chemistry - Biochemistry, Biocenter II, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carla Schmidt
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry - Biochemistry, Biocenter II, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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4
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Hao T, Feng N, Gong F, Yu Y, Liu J, Ren YX. Complexin-1 regulated assembly of single neuronal SNARE complex revealed by single-molecule optical tweezers. Commun Biol 2023; 6:155. [PMID: 36750663 PMCID: PMC9905088 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04506-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic assembly of the Synaptic-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor Attachment REceptor (SNARE) complex is crucial to understand membrane fusion. Traditional ensemble study meets the challenge to dissect the dynamic assembly of the protein complex. Here, we apply minute force on a tethered protein complex through dual-trap optical tweezers and study the folding dynamics of SNARE complex under mechanical force regulated by complexin-1 (CpxI). We reconstruct the clamp and facilitate functions of CpxI in vitro and identify different interplay mechanism of CpxI fragment binding on the SNARE complex. Specially, while the N-terminal domain (NTD) plays a dominant role of the facilitate function, CTD is mainly related to clamping. And the mixture of 1-83aa and CTD of CpxI can efficiently reconstitute the inhibitory signal identical to that the full-length CpxI functions. Our observation identifies the important chaperone role of the CpxI molecule in the dynamic assembly of SNARE complex under mechanical tension, and elucidates the specific function of each fragment of CpxI molecules in the chaperone process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongrui Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 200049, China.
| | - Nan Feng
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 200031 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 200049 China
| | - Fan Gong
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210 China
| | - Yang Yu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210 China
| | - Jiaquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yu-Xuan Ren
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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5
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Grasso EM, Terakawa MS, Lai AL, Xue Xie Y, Ramlall TF, Freed JH, Eliezer D. Membrane Binding Induces Distinct Structural Signatures in the Mouse Complexin-1C-Terminal Domain. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167710. [PMID: 35777466 PMCID: PMC9794636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167710] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Complexins play a critical role in regulating SNARE-mediated exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Evolutionary divergences in complexin function have complicated our understanding of the role these proteins play in inhibiting the spontaneous fusion of vesicles. Previous structural and functional characterizations of worm and mouse complexins have indicated the membrane curvature-sensing C-terminal domain of these proteins is responsible for differences in inhibitory function. We have characterized the structure and dynamics of the mCpx1 CTD in the absence and presence of membranes and membrane mimetics using NMR, ESR, and optical spectroscopies. In the absence of lipids, the mCpx1 CTD features a short helix near its N-terminus and is otherwise disordered. In the presence of micelles and small unilamellar vesicles, the mCpx1 CTD forms a discontinuous helical structure in its C-terminal 20 amino acids, with no preference for specific lipid compositions. In contrast, the mCpx1 CTD shows distinct compositional preferences in its interactions with large unilamellar vesicles. These studies identify structural divergences in the mCpx1 CTD relative to the wCpx1 CTD in regions that are known to be critical to the wCpx1 CTD's role in inhibiting spontaneous fusion of synaptic vesicles, suggesting a potential structural basis for evolutionary divergences in complexin function.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Grasso
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mayu S Terakawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alex L Lai
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Ying Xue Xie
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Trudy F Ramlall
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jack H Freed
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 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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Wang S, Ma C. Stability profile of the neuronal SNARE complex reflects its potency to drive fast membrane fusion. Biophys J 2022; 121:3081-3102. [PMID: 35810329 PMCID: PMC9463651 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) form the SNARE complex to mediate most fusion events of the secretory pathway. The neuronal SNARE complex is featured by its high stability and half-zippered conformation required for driving robust and fast synaptic exocytosis. However, these two features seem to be thermodynamically mutually exclusive. In this study, we have employed temperature-dependent disassociation assays and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments to analyze the stability and conformation of the neuronal SNARE complex. We reclassified the amino acids of the SNARE motif into four sub-groups (core, core-side I and II, and non-contact). Our data showed that the core residues predominantly contribute to the complex stability to meet a basal requirement for SNARE-mediated membrane fusion, while the core-side residues exert an unbalanced effect on the N- and C-half bundle stability that determines the half-zippered conformation of the neuronal SNARE complex, which would accommodate essential regulations by complexins and synaptotagmins for fast Ca2+-triggered membrane fusion. Furthermore, our data confirmed a strong coupling of folding energy between the N- and C-half assembly of the neuronal SNARE complex, which rationalizes the strong potency of the half-zippered conformation to conduct robust and fast fusion. Overall, these results uncovered that the stability profile of the neuronal SNARE complex reflects its potency to drive fast and robust membrane fusion. Based on these results, we also developed a new parameter, the stability factor (Fs), to characterize the overall stability of the neuronal SNARE complex and resolved a linear correlation between the stability and inter-residue coulombic interactions of the neuronal SNARE complex, which would help rationally design artificial SNARE complexes and remold functional SNARE complexes with desirable stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - 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.
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8
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Piersimoni L, Abd El Malek M, Bhatia T, Bender J, Brankatschk C, Calvo Sánchez J, Dayhoff GW, Di Ianni A, Figueroa Parra JO, Garcia-Martinez D, Hesselbarth J, Köppen J, Lauth LM, Lippik L, Machner L, Sachan S, Schmidt L, Selle R, Skalidis I, Sorokin O, Ubbiali D, Voigt B, Wedler A, Wei AAJ, Zorn P, Dunker AK, Köhn M, Sinz A, Uversky VN. Lighting up Nobel Prize-winning studies with protein intrinsic disorder. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:449. [PMID: 35882686 PMCID: PMC11072364 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04468-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs and IDRs) and their importance in biology are becoming increasingly recognized in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and chemistry textbooks, as well as in current protein science and structural biology curricula. We argue that the sequence → dynamic conformational ensemble → function principle is of equal importance as the classical sequence → structure → function paradigm. To highlight this point, we describe the IDPs and/or IDRs behind the discoveries associated with 17 Nobel Prizes, 11 in Physiology or Medicine and 6 in Chemistry. The Nobel Laureates themselves did not always mention that the proteins underlying the phenomena investigated in their award-winning studies are in fact IDPs or contain IDRs. In several cases, IDP- or IDR-based molecular functions have been elucidated, while in other instances, it is recognized that the respective protein(s) contain IDRs, but the specific IDR-based molecular functions have yet to be determined. To highlight the importance of IDPs and IDRs as general principle in biology, we present here illustrative examples of IDPs/IDRs in Nobel Prize-winning mechanisms and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Piersimoni
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marina Abd El Malek
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Twinkle Bhatia
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julian Bender
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christin Brankatschk
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jaime Calvo Sánchez
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Guy W Dayhoff
- Department of Chemistry, College of Art and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Alessio Di Ianni
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Dailen Garcia-Martinez
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julia Hesselbarth
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Janett Köppen
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Luca M Lauth
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Laurin Lippik
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lisa Machner
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Shubhra Sachan
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lisa Schmidt
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Robin Selle
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ioannis Skalidis
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oleksandr Sorokin
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniele Ubbiali
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bruno Voigt
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alice Wedler
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alan An Jung Wei
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Peter Zorn
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alan Keith Dunker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Marcel Köhn
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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9
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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: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [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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10
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Bera M, Ramakrishnan S, Coleman J, Krishnakumar SS, Rothman JE. Molecular determinants of complexin clamping and activation function. eLife 2022; 11:e71938. [PMID: 35442188 PMCID: PMC9020821 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously we reported that Synaptotagmin-1 and Complexin synergistically clamp the SNARE assembly process to generate and maintain a pool of docked vesicles that fuse rapidly and synchronously upon Ca2+ influx (Ramakrishnan et al., 2020). Here, using the same in vitro single-vesicle fusion assay, we determine the molecular details of the Complexin-mediated fusion clamp and its role in Ca2+-activation. We find that a delay in fusion kinetics, likely imparted by Synaptotagmin-1, is needed for Complexin to block fusion. Systematic truncation/mutational analyses reveal that continuous alpha-helical accessory-central domains of Complexin are essential for its inhibitory function and specific interaction of the accessory helix with the SNAREpins enhances this functionality. The C-terminal domain promotes clamping by locally elevating Complexin concentration through interactions with the membrane. Independent of their clamping functions, the accessory-central helical domains of Complexin also contribute to rapid Ca2+-synchronized vesicle release by increasing the probability of fusion from the clamped state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manindra Bera
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Departments of Neurology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - James E Rothman
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
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11
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Yang T, Park C, Rah SH, Shon MJ. Nano-Precision Tweezers for Mechanosensitive Proteins and Beyond. Mol Cells 2022; 45:16-25. [PMID: 35114644 PMCID: PMC8819490 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.2026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces play pivotal roles in regulating cell shape, function, and fate. Key players that govern the mechanobiological interplay are the mechanosensitive proteins found on cell membranes and in cytoskeleton. Their unique nanomechanics can be interrogated using single-molecule tweezers, which can apply controlled forces to the proteins and simultaneously measure the ensuing structural changes. Breakthroughs in high-resolution tweezers have enabled the routine monitoring of nanometer-scale, millisecond dynamics as a function of force. Undoubtedly, the advancement of structural biology will be further fueled by integrating static atomic-resolution structures and their dynamic changes and interactions observed with the force application techniques. In this minireview, we will introduce the general principles of single-molecule tweezers and their recent applications to the studies of force-bearing proteins, including the synaptic proteins that need to be categorized as mechanosensitive in a broad sense. We anticipate that the impact of nano-precision approaches in mechanobiology research will continue to grow in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehyun Yang
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Celine Park
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Rah
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Min Ju Shon
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
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12
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Pierson J, Shin YK. Stabilization of the SNARE Core by Complexin-1 Facilitates Fusion Pore Expansion. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:805000. [PMID: 34970598 PMCID: PMC8712692 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.805000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the neuron, neurotransmitter release is an essential function that must be both consistent and tightly regulated. The continuity of neurotransmitter release is dependent in large part on vesicle recycling. However, the protein factors that dictate the vesicle recycling pathway are elusive. Here, we use a single vesicle-to-supported bilayer fusion assay to investigate complexin-1 (cpx1)’s influence on SNARE-dependent fusion pore expansion. With total internal reflection (TIR) microscopy using a 10 kDa polymer fluorescence probe, we are able to detect the presence of large fusion pores. With cpx1, however, we observe a significant increase of the probability of the formation of large fusion pores. The domain deletion analysis reveals that the SNARE-binding core domain of cpx1 is mainly responsible for its ability to promote the fusion pore expansion. In addition, the results show that cpx1 helps the pore to expand larger, which results in faster release of the polymer probe. Thus, the results demonstrate a reciprocal relationship between event duration and the size of the fusion pore. Based on the data, a hypothetical mechanistic model can be deduced. In this mechanistic model, the cpx1 binding stabilizes the four-helix bundle structure of the SNARE core throughout the fusion pore expansion, whereby the highly curved bilayer within the fusion pore is stabilized by the SNARE pins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Pierson
- Professor Yeon-Kyun Shin Lab, Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Yeon-Kyun Shin
- Professor Yeon-Kyun Shin Lab, Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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13
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Complexin Suppresses Spontaneous Exocytosis by Capturing the Membrane-Proximal Regions of VAMP2 and SNAP25. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107926. [PMID: 32698012 PMCID: PMC7116205 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal protein complexin contains multiple domains that exert clamping and facilitatory functions to tune spontaneous and action potential-triggered synaptic release. We address the clamping mechanism and show that the accessory helix of complexin arrests assembly of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex that forms the core machinery of intracellular membrane fusion. In a reconstituted fusion assay, site-and stage-specific photo-cross-linking reveals that, prior to fusion, the complexin accessory helix laterally binds the membrane-proximal C-terminal ends of SNAP25 and VAMP2. Corresponding complexin interface mutants selectively increase spontaneous release of neuro-transmitters in living neurons, implying that the accessory helix suppresses final zippering/assembly of the SNARE four-helix bundle by restraining VAMP2 and SNAP25.
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14
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Brunger AT, Choi UB, Lai Y, Leitz J, White KI, Zhou Q. The pre-synaptic fusion machinery. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 54:179-188. [PMID: 30986753 PMCID: PMC6939388 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Here, we review recent insights into the neuronal presynaptic fusion machinery that releases neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic cleft upon stimulation. The structure of the pre-fusion state of the SNARE/complexin-1/synaptotagmin-1 synaptic protein complex suggests a new model for the initiation of fast Ca2+-triggered membrane fusion. Functional studies have revealed roles of the essential factors Munc18 and Munc13, demonstrating that a part of their function involves the proper assembly of synaptic protein complexes. Near-atomic resolution structures of the NSF/αSNAP/SNARE complex provide first glimpses of the molecular machinery that disassembles the SNARE complex during the synaptic vesicle cycle. These structures show how this machinery captures the SNARE substrate and provide clues as to a possible processing mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Kristopher Ian White
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
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15
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Abstract
The past few years have resulted in an increased awareness and recognition of the prevalence and roles of intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions (IDPs and IDRs, respectively) in synaptic vesicle trafficking and exocytosis and in overall synaptic organization. IDPs and IDRs constitute a class of proteins and protein regions that lack stable tertiary structure, but nevertheless retain biological function. Their significance in processes such as cell signaling is now well accepted, but their pervasiveness and importance in other areas of biology are not as widely appreciated. Here, we review the prevalence and functional roles of IDPs and IDRs associated with the release and recycling of synaptic vesicles at nerve terminals, as well as with the architecture of these terminals. We hope to promote awareness, especially among neuroscientists, of the importance of this class of proteins in these critical pathways and structures. The examples discussed illustrate some of the ways in which the structural flexibility conferred by intrinsic protein disorder can be functionally advantageous in the context of cellular trafficking and synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Snead
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
| | - David Eliezer
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
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16
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Biochemical studies of membrane fusion at the single-particle level. Prog Lipid Res 2019; 73:92-100. [PMID: 30611882 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
To study membrane fusion mediated by synaptic proteins, proteoliposomes have been widely used for in vitro ensemble measurements with limited insights into the fusion mechanism. Single-particle techniques have proven to be powerful in overcoming the limitations of traditional ensemble methods. Here, we summarize current single-particle methods in biophysical and biochemical studies of fusion mediated by soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and other synaptic proteins, together with their advantages and limitations.
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17
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Snead D, Eliezer D. Spectroscopic Characterization of Structure-Function Relationships in the Intrinsically Disordered Protein Complexin. Methods Enzymol 2018; 611:227-286. [PMID: 30471689 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Complexins play a critical role in the regulation of neurotransmission by regulating SNARE-mediated exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Complexins can exert either a facilitatory or an inhibitory effect on neurotransmitter release, depending on the context, and different complexin domains contribute differently to these opposing roles. Structural characterization of the central helix domain of complexin bound to the assembled SNARE bundle provided key insights into the functional mechanism of this domain of complexin, which is critical for both complexin activities, but many questions remain, particularly regarding the roles and mechanisms of other complexin domains. Recent progress has clarified the structural properties of these additional domains, and has led to various proposals regarding how they contribute to complexin function. This chapter describes spectroscopic approaches used in our laboratory and others, primarily involving circular dichroism and solution-state NMR spectroscopy, to characterize structure within complexins when isolated or when bound to interaction partners. The ability to characterize complexin structure enables structure/function studies employing in vitro or in vivo assays of complexin function. More generally, these types of approaches can be used to study the binding of other intrinsically disordered proteins or protein regions to membrane surfaces or for that matter to other large physiological binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Snead
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
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18
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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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19
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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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20
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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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21
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Choi UB, Zhao M, White KI, Pfuetzner RA, Esquivies L, Zhou Q, Brunger AT. NSF-mediated disassembly of on- and off-pathway SNARE complexes and inhibition by complexin. eLife 2018; 7:36497. [PMID: 29985126 PMCID: PMC6130971 DOI: 10.7554/elife.36497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
SNARE complex disassembly by the ATPase NSF is essential for neurotransmitter release and other membrane trafficking processes. We developed a single-molecule FRET assay to monitor repeated rounds of NSF-mediated disassembly and reassembly of individual SNARE complexes. For ternary neuronal SNARE complexes, disassembly proceeds in a single step within 100 msec. We observed short- (<0.32 s) and long-lived (≥0.32 s) disassembled states. The long-lived states represent fully disassembled SNARE complex, while the short-lived states correspond to failed disassembly or immediate reassembly. Either high ionic strength or decreased αSNAP concentration reduces the disassembly rate while increasing the frequency of short-lived states. NSF is also capable of disassembling anti-parallel ternary SNARE complexes, implicating it in quality control. Finally, complexin-1 competes with αSNAP binding to the SNARE complex; addition of complexin-1 has an effect similar to that of decreasing the αSNAP concentration, possibly differentially regulating cis and trans SNARE complexes disassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ucheor B Choi
- 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
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - K Ian White
- 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
| | - Richard A Pfuetzner
- 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
| | - Luis Esquivies
- 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
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- 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
| | - 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
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22
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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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23
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Lai Y, Choi UB, Leitz J, Rhee HJ, Lee C, Altas B, Zhao M, Pfuetzner RA, Wang AL, Brose N, Rhee J, Brunger AT. Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Vesicle Priming by Munc13 and Munc18. Neuron 2017; 95:591-607.e10. [PMID: 28772123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Munc13 catalyzes the transit of syntaxin from a closed complex with Munc18 into the ternary SNARE complex. Here we report a new function of Munc13, independent of Munc18: it promotes the proper syntaxin/synaptobrevin subconfiguration during assembly of the ternary SNARE complex. In cooperation with Munc18, Munc13 additionally ensures the proper syntaxin/SNAP-25 subconfiguration. In a reconstituted fusion assay with SNAREs, complexin, and synaptotagmin, inclusion of both Munc13 and Munc18 quadruples the Ca2+-triggered amplitude and achieves Ca2+ sensitivity at near-physiological concentrations. In Munc13-1/2 double-knockout neurons, expression of a constitutively open mutant of syntaxin could only minimally restore neurotransmitter release relative to Munc13-1 rescue. Together, the physiological functions of Munc13 may be related to regulation of proper SNARE complex assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hong Jun Rhee
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Choongku Lee
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bekir Altas
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Richard A Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Austin L Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - JeongSeop Rhee
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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24
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Prinslow EA, Brautigam CA, Rizo J. Reconciling isothermal titration calorimetry analyses of interactions between complexin and truncated SNARE complexes. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28880148 PMCID: PMC5589412 DOI: 10.7554/elife.30286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release depends on the SNARE complex formed by syntaxin-1, synaptobrevin and SNAP-25, as well as on complexins, which bind to the SNARE complex and play active and inhibitory roles. A crystal structure of a Complexin-I fragment bearing a so-called 'superclamp' mutation bound to a truncated SNARE complex lacking the C-terminus of the synaptobrevin SNARE motif (SNAREΔ60) suggested that an 'accessory' α-helix of Complexin-I inhibits release by inserting into the C-terminus of the SNARE complex. Previously, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments performed in different laboratories yielded apparently discrepant results in support or against the existence of such binding mode in solution (Trimbuch et al., 2014; Krishnakumar et al., 2015). Here, ITC experiments performed to solve these discrepancies now show that the region containing the Complexin-I accessory helix and preceding N-terminal sequences does interact with SNAREΔ60, but the interaction requires the polybasic juxtamembrane region of syntaxin-1 and is not affected by the superclamp mutation within the experimental error of these experiments.
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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
| | - Chad A Brautigam
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Microbiology, 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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The primed SNARE-complexin-synaptotagmin complex for neuronal exocytosis. Nature 2017; 548:420-425. [PMID: 28813412 DOI: 10.1038/nature23484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Synaptotagmin, complexin, and neuronal SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins mediate evoked synchronous neurotransmitter release, but the molecular mechanisms mediating the cooperation between these molecules remain unclear. Here we determine crystal structures of the primed pre-fusion SNARE-complexin-synaptotagmin-1 complex. These structures reveal an unexpected tripartite interface between synaptotagmin-1 and both the SNARE complex and complexin. Simultaneously, a second synaptotagmin-1 molecule interacts with the other side of the SNARE complex via the previously identified primary interface. Mutations that disrupt either interface in solution also severely impair evoked synchronous release in neurons, suggesting that both interfaces are essential for the primed pre-fusion state. Ca2+ binding to the synaptotagmin-1 molecules unlocks the complex, allows full zippering of the SNARE complex, and triggers membrane fusion. The tripartite SNARE-complexin-synaptotagmin-1 complex at a synaptic vesicle docking site has to be unlocked for triggered fusion to start, explaining the cooperation between complexin and synaptotagmin-1 in synchronizing evoked release on the sub-millisecond timescale.
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26
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Song H, Orr A, Duan M, Merz AJ, Wickner W. Sec17/Sec18 act twice, enhancing membrane fusion and then disassembling cis-SNARE complexes. eLife 2017; 6:e26646. [PMID: 28718762 PMCID: PMC5540461 DOI: 10.7554/elife.26646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
At physiological protein levels, the slow HOPS- and SNARE-dependent fusion which occurs upon complete SNARE zippering is stimulated by Sec17 and Sec18:ATP without requiring ATP hydrolysis. To stimulate, Sec17 needs its central residues which bind the 0-layer of the SNARE complex and its N-terminal apolar loop. Adding a transmembrane anchor to the N-terminus of Sec17 bypasses this requirement for apolarity of the Sec17 loop, suggesting that the loop functions for membrane binding rather than to trigger bilayer rearrangement. In contrast, when complete C-terminal SNARE zippering is prevented, fusion strictly requires Sec18 and Sec17, and the Sec17 apolar loop has functions beyond membrane anchoring. Thus Sec17 and Sec18 act twice in the fusion cycle, binding to trans-SNARE complexes to accelerate fusion, then hydrolyzing ATP to disassemble cis-SNARE complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongki Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, United States
| | - Amy Orr
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, United States
| | - Mengtong Duan
- Departments of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Alexey J Merz
- Departments of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - William Wickner
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, United States
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27
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Zhang Y. Energetics, kinetics, and pathway of SNARE folding and assembly revealed by optical tweezers. Protein Sci 2017; 26:1252-1265. [PMID: 28097727 PMCID: PMC5477538 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of MedicineYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticut06511
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28
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Zdanowicz R, Kreutzberger A, Liang B, Kiessling V, Tamm LK, Cafiso DS. Complexin Binding to Membranes and Acceptor t-SNAREs Explains Its Clamping Effect on Fusion. Biophys J 2017; 113:1235-1250. [PMID: 28456331 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Complexin-1 is a SNARE effector protein that decreases spontaneous neurotransmitter release and enhances evoked release. Complexin binds to the fully assembled four-helical neuronal SNARE core complex as revealed in competing molecular models derived from x-ray crystallography. Presently, it is unclear how complexin binding to the postfusion complex accounts for its effects upon spontaneous and evoked release in vivo. Using a combination of spectroscopic and imaging methods, we characterize in molecular detail how complexin binds to the 1:1 plasma membrane t-SNARE complex of syntaxin-1a and SNAP-25 while simultaneously binding the lipid bilayer at both its N- and C-terminal ends. These interactions are cooperative, and binding to the prefusion acceptor t-SNARE complex is stronger than to the postfusion core complex. This complexin interaction reduces the affinity of synaptobrevin-2 for the 1:1 complex, thereby retarding SNARE assembly and vesicle docking in vitro. The results provide the basis for molecular models that account for the observed clamping effect of complexin beginning with the acceptor t-SNARE complex and the subsequent activation of the clamped complex by Ca2+ and synaptotagmin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Zdanowicz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Alex Kreutzberger
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Binyong Liang
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Volker Kiessling
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Lukas K Tamm
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
| | - David S Cafiso
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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29
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Wang S, Choi UB, Gong J, Yang X, Li Y, Wang AL, Yang X, Brunger AT, Ma C. Conformational change of syntaxin linker region induced by Munc13s initiates SNARE complex formation in synaptic exocytosis. EMBO J 2017; 36:816-829. [PMID: 28137749 PMCID: PMC5350566 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201695775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 01/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein syntaxin-1 adopts a closed conformation when bound to Munc18-1, preventing binding to synaptobrevin-2 and SNAP-25 to form the ternary SNARE complex. Although it is known that the MUN domain of Munc13-1 catalyzes the transition from the Munc18-1/syntaxin-1 complex to the SNARE complex, the molecular mechanism is unclear. Here, we identified two conserved residues (R151, I155) in the syntaxin-1 linker region as key sites for the MUN domain interaction. This interaction is essential for SNARE complex formation in vitro and synaptic vesicle priming in neuronal cultures. Moreover, this interaction is important for a tripartite Munc18-1/syntaxin-1/MUN complex, in which syntaxin-1 still adopts a closed conformation tightly bound to Munc18-1, whereas the syntaxin-1 linker region changes its conformation, similar to that of the LE mutant of syntaxin-1 when bound to Munc18-1. We suggest that the conformational change of the syntaxin-1 linker region induced by Munc13-1 initiates ternary SNARE complex formation in the neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Photon Science, and Structural Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jihong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Austin L Wang
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Photon Science, and Structural Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiaofei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Photon Science, and Structural Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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30
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Kaeser PS, Regehr WG. The readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2017; 43:63-70. [PMID: 28103533 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Each presynaptic bouton is densely packed with many vesicles, only a small fraction of which are available for immediate release. These vesicles constitute the readily releasable pool (RRP). The RRP size, and the probability of release of each vesicle within the RRP, together determine synaptic strength. Here, we discuss complications and recent advances in determining the size of the physiologically relevant RRP. We consider molecular mechanisms to generate and regulate the RRP, and discuss the relationship between vesicle docking and the RRP. We conclude that many RRP vesicles are docked, that some docked vesicles may not be part of the RRP, and that undocked vesicles can contribute to the RRP by rapid recruitment to unoccupied, molecularly activated ready-to-release sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal S Kaeser
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, United States.
| | - Wade G Regehr
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, United States.
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31
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Dimura M, Peulen TO, Hanke CA, Prakash A, Gohlke H, Seidel CA. Quantitative FRET studies and integrative modeling unravel the structure and dynamics of biomolecular systems. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2016; 40:163-185. [PMID: 27939973 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) combined with single-molecule spectroscopy probes macromolecular structure and dynamics and identifies coexisting conformational states. We review recent methodological developments in integrative structural modeling by satisfying spatial restraints on networks of FRET pairs (hybrid-FRET). We discuss procedures to incorporate prior structural knowledge and to obtain optimal distance networks. Finally, a workflow for hybrid-FRET is presented that automates integrative structural modeling and experiment planning to put hybrid-FRET on rails. To test this workflow, we simulate realistic single-molecule experiments and resolve three protein conformers, exchanging at 30μs and 10ms, with accuracies of 1-3Å RMSD versus the target structure. Incorporation of data from other spectroscopies and imaging is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykola Dimura
- Chair for Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas O Peulen
- Chair for Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian A Hanke
- Chair for Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aiswaria Prakash
- Chair for Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claus Am Seidel
- Chair for Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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32
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Stability, folding dynamics, and long-range conformational transition of the synaptic t-SNARE complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E8031-E8040. [PMID: 27911771 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1605748113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) couple their stepwise folding to fusion of synaptic vesicles with plasma membranes. In this process, three SNAREs assemble into a stable four-helix bundle. Arguably, the first and rate-limiting step of SNARE assembly is the formation of an activated binary target (t)-SNARE complex on the target plasma membrane, which then zippers with the vesicle (v)-SNARE on the vesicle to drive membrane fusion. However, the t-SNARE complex readily misfolds, and its structure, stability, and dynamics are elusive. Using single-molecule force spectroscopy, we modeled the synaptic t-SNARE complex as a parallel three-helix bundle with a small frayed C terminus. The helical bundle sequentially folded in an N-terminal domain (NTD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD) separated by a central ionic layer, with total unfolding energy of ∼17 kBT, where kB is the Boltzmann constant and T is 300 K. Peptide binding to the CTD activated the t-SNARE complex to initiate NTD zippering with the v-SNARE, a mechanism likely shared by the mammalian uncoordinated-18-1 protein (Munc18-1). The NTD zippering then dramatically stabilized the CTD, facilitating further SNARE zippering. The subtle bidirectional t-SNARE conformational switch was mediated by the ionic layer. Thus, the t-SNARE complex acted as a switch to enable fast and controlled SNARE zippering required for synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmission.
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33
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C-terminal domain of mammalian complexin-1 localizes to highly curved membranes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E7590-E7599. [PMID: 27821736 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1609917113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In presynaptic nerve terminals, complexin regulates spontaneous "mini" neurotransmitter release and activates Ca2+-triggered synchronized neurotransmitter release. We studied the role of the C-terminal domain of mammalian complexin in these processes using single-particle optical imaging and electrophysiology. The C-terminal domain is important for regulating spontaneous release in neuronal cultures and suppressing Ca2+-independent fusion in vitro, but it is not essential for evoked release in neuronal cultures and in vitro. This domain interacts with membranes in a curvature-dependent fashion similar to a previous study with worm complexin [Snead D, Wragg RT, Dittman JS, Eliezer D (2014) Membrane curvature sensing by the C-terminal domain of complexin. Nat Commun 5:4955]. The curvature-sensing value of the C-terminal domain is comparable to that of α-synuclein. Upon replacement of the C-terminal domain with membrane-localizing elements, preferential localization to the synaptic vesicle membrane, but not to the plasma membrane, results in suppression of spontaneous release in neurons. Membrane localization had no measurable effect on evoked postsynaptic currents of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, but mislocalization to the plasma membrane increases both the variability and the mean of the synchronous decay time constant of NMDA-type glutamate receptor evoked postsynaptic currents.
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34
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Kinetic barriers to SNAREpin assembly in the regulation of membrane docking/priming and fusion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:10536-41. [PMID: 27601655 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmission is achieved by soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-driven fusion of readily releasable vesicles that are docked and primed at the presynaptic plasma membrane. After neurotransmission, the readily releasable pool of vesicles must be refilled in less than 100 ms for subsequent release. Here we show that the initial association of SNARE complexes, SNAREpins, is far too slow to support this rapid refilling owing to an inherently high activation energy barrier. Our data suggest that acceleration of this process, i.e., lowering of the barrier, is physiologically necessary and can be achieved by molecular factors. Furthermore, under zero force, a low second energy barrier transiently traps SNAREpins in a half-zippered state similar to the partial assembly that engages calcium-sensitive regulatory machinery. This result suggests that the barrier must be actively raised in vivo to generate a sufficient pause in the zippering process for the regulators to set in place. We show that the heights of the activation energy barriers can be selectively changed by molecular factors. Thus, it is possible to modify, both in vitro and in vivo, the lifespan of each metastable state. This controllability provides a simple model in which vesicle docking/priming, an intrinsically slow process, can be substantially accelerated. It also explains how the machinery that regulates vesicle fusion can be set in place while SNAREpins are trapped in a half-zippered state.
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35
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N-terminal domain of complexin independently activates calcium-triggered fusion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E4698-707. [PMID: 27444020 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604348113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Complexin activates Ca(2+)-triggered neurotransmitter release and regulates spontaneous release in the presynaptic terminal by cooperating with the neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and the Ca(2+)-sensor synaptotagmin. The N-terminal domain of complexin is important for activation, but its molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. Here, we observed that a split pair of N-terminal and central domain fragments of complexin is sufficient to activate Ca(2+)-triggered release using a reconstituted single-vesicle fusion assay, suggesting that the N-terminal domain acts as an independent module within the synaptic fusion machinery. The N-terminal domain can also interact independently with membranes, which is enhanced by a cooperative interaction with the neuronal SNARE complex. We show by mutagenesis that membrane binding of the N-terminal domain is essential for activation of Ca(2+)-triggered fusion. Consistent with the membrane-binding property, the N-terminal domain can be substituted by the influenza virus hemagglutinin fusion peptide, and this chimera also activates Ca(2+)-triggered fusion. Membrane binding of the N-terminal domain of complexin therefore cooperates with the other fusogenic elements of the synaptic fusion machinery during Ca(2+)-triggered release.
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