In vitro single vesicle fusion assays based on pore-spanning membranes: merits and drawbacks.

ABSTRACT: Neuronal fusion mediated by soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) is a fundamental cellular process by which two initially distinct membranes merge resulting in one interconnected structure to release neurotransmitters into the presynaptic cleft. To get access to the different stages of the fusion process, several in vitro assays have been developed. In this review, we provide a short overview of the current in vitro single vesicle fusion assays. Among those assays, we developed a single vesicle assay based on pore-spanning membranes (PSMs) on micrometre-sized pores in silicon, which might overcome some of the drawbacks associated with the other membrane architectures used for investigating fusion processes. Prepared by spreading of giant unilamell

SUBMITTER: Muhlenbrock P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8071798 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature