Structural transitions in the synaptic SNARE complex during Ca2+-triggered exocytosis.

ABSTRACT: The synaptic SNARE complex is a highly stable four-helix bundle that links the vesicle and plasma membranes and plays an essential role in the Ca(2+)-triggered release of neurotransmitters and hormones. An understanding has yet to be achieved of how this complex assembles and undergoes structural transitions during exocytosis. To investigate this question, we have mutated residues within the hydrophobic core of the SNARE complex along the entire length of all four chains and examined the consequences using amperometry to measure fusion pore opening and dilation. Mutations throughout the SNARE complex reduced two distinct rate processes before fusion pore opening to different degrees. These results suggest that two distinct, fully assembled conformations of the SNARE complex drive transitio

SUBMITTER: Han X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2063557 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature