The interaction of mammalian Class C Vps with nSec-1/Munc18-a and syntaxin 1A regulates pre-synaptic release

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Nov 24;350(3):691-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.09.104. Epub 2006 Sep 29.

Abstract

Membrane docking and fusion in neurons is a highly regulated process requiring the participation of a large number of SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) and SNARE-interacting proteins. We found that mammalian Class C Vps protein complex associated specifically with nSec-1/Munc18-a, and syntaxin 1A both in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, VAMP2 and SNAP-25, other neuronal core complex proteins, did not interact. When co-transfected with the human growth hormone (hGH) reporter gene, mammalian Class C Vps proteins enhanced Ca2+-dependent exocytosis, which was abolished by the Ca2+-channel blocker nifedipine. In hippocampal primary cultures, the lentivirus-mediated overexpression of hVps18 increased asynchronous spontaneous synaptic release without changing mEPSCs. These results indicate that mammalian Class C Vps proteins are involved in the regulation of membrane docking and fusion through an interaction with neuronal specific SNARE molecules, nSec-1/Munc18-a and syntaxin 1A.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Humans
  • Munc18 Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism*
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Rats
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • Syntaxin 1 / metabolism*
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Munc18 Proteins
  • Stx1a protein, rat
  • Syntaxin 1
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins