Remote homology between Munc13 MUN domain and vesicle tethering complexes.

ABSTRACT: Most core components of the neurotransmitter release machinery have homologues in other types of intracellular membrane traffic, likely underlying a universal mechanism of intracellular membrane fusion. However, no clear similarity between Munc13s and protein families generally involved in membrane traffic has been reported, despite the essential nature of Munc13s for neurotransmitter release. This crucial function was ascribed to a minimal Munc13 region called the MUN domain, which likely participates in soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex (SNARE) assembly and is also found in Ca(2+)-dependent activator protein for secretion. We have now used comparative sequence and structural analyses to study the structure and evolutionary origin of the MUN dom

SUBMITTER: Pei J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3158588 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature