Distinct roles for two synaptotagmin isoforms in synchronous and asynchronous transmitter release at zebrafish neuromuscular junction

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Aug 3;107(31):13906-11. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1008598107. Epub 2010 Jul 19.

Abstract

An obligatory role for the calcium sensor synaptotagmins in stimulus-coupled release of neurotransmitter is well established, but a role for synaptotagmin isoform involvement in asynchronous release remains conjecture. We show, at the zebrafish neuromuscular synapse, that two separate synaptotagmins underlie these processes. Specifically, knockdown of synaptotagmin 2 (syt2) reduces synchronous release, whereas knockdown of synaptotagmin 7 (syt7) reduces the asynchronous component of release. The zebrafish neuromuscular junction is unique in having a very small quantal content and a high release probability under conditions of either low-frequency stimulation or high-frequency augmentation. Through these features, we further determined that during the height of shared synchronous and asynchronous transmission these two modes compete for the same release sites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism*
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Synaptic Transmission*
  • Synaptotagmins / genetics
  • Synaptotagmins / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Zebrafish / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protein Isoforms
  • Synaptotagmins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/GU591155