Tuning the Size of Large Dense-Core Vesicles and Quantal Neurotransmitter Release via Secretogranin II Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation

Adv Sci (Weinh). 2022 Sep;9(27):e2202263. doi: 10.1002/advs.202202263. Epub 2022 Jul 27.

Abstract

Large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) are larger in volume than synaptic vesicles, and are filled with multiple neuropeptides, hormones, and neurotransmitters that participate in various physiological processes. However, little is known about the mechanism determining the size of LDCVs. Here, it is reported that secretogranin II (SgII), a vesicle matrix protein, contributes to LDCV size regulation through its liquid-liquid phase separation in neuroendocrine cells. First, SgII undergoes pH-dependent polymerization and the polymerized SgII forms phase droplets with Ca2+ in vitro and in vivo. Further, the Ca2+ -induced SgII droplets recruit reconstituted bio-lipids, mimicking the LDCVs biogenesis. In addition, SgII knockdown leads to significant decrease of the quantal neurotransmitter release by affecting LDCV size, which is differently rescued by SgII truncations with different degrees of phase separation. In conclusion, it is shown that SgII is a unique intravesicular matrix protein undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation, and present novel insights into how SgII determines LDCV size and the quantal neurotransmitter release.

Keywords: adrenal chromaffin cells; large dense-core vesicles; phase separation; quantal neurotransmitter release; secretogranin II; vesicle size.

MeSH terms

  • Dense Core Vesicles
  • Hormones
  • Lipids
  • Neuropeptides*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Secretogranin II* / metabolism

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Lipids
  • Neuropeptides
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Secretogranin II