Dual inhibition of SNARE complex formation by tomosyn ensures controlled neurotransmitter release

J Cell Biol. 2008 Oct 20;183(2):323-37. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200805150.

Abstract

Neurotransmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals is regulated by soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex-mediated synaptic vesicle fusion. Tomosyn inhibits SNARE complex formation and neurotransmitter release by sequestering syntaxin-1 through its C-terminal vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)-like domain (VLD). However, in tomosyn-deficient mice, the SNARE complex formation is unexpectedly decreased. In this study, we demonstrate that the N-terminal WD-40 repeat domain of tomosyn catalyzes the oligomerization of the SNARE complex. Microinjection of the tomosyn N-terminal WD-40 repeat domain into neurons prevented stimulated acetylcholine release. Thus, tomosyn inhibits neurotransmitter release by catalyzing oligomerization of the SNARE complex through the N-terminal WD-40 repeat domain in addition to the inhibitory activity of the C-terminal VLD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mossy Fibers, Hippocampal / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / deficiency
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • R-SNARE Proteins / chemistry
  • R-SNARE Proteins / deficiency
  • R-SNARE Proteins / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Repetitive Sequences, Amino Acid
  • SNARE Proteins / chemistry
  • SNARE Proteins / metabolism*
  • SNARE Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25 / metabolism
  • Syntaxin 1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • R-SNARE Proteins
  • SNARE Proteins
  • Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25
  • Syntaxin 1
  • tomosyn protein, mouse