Synaptotagmin-1 utilizes membrane bending and SNARE binding to drive fusion pore expansion

Synaptotagmin-7 links fusion-activated Ca²⁺ entry and fusion pore dilation

Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of fusion pore dilation and closure is a key mechanism determining the output of cellular secretion. We have recently described 'fusion-activated' Ca(2+) entry (FACE) following exocytosis of lamellar bodies in alveolar type II cells. FACE regulates fusion pore expansion and facilitates secretion. However, the mechanisms linking this locally restricted Ca(2+) signal and fusion pore expansion were still elusive. Here, we demonstrate that synaptotagmin-7 (Syt7) is expressed on lamellar bodies and links FACE and fusion pore dilation. We directly assessed dynamic changes in fusion pore diameters by analysing diffusion of fluorophores across fusion pores. Expressing wild-type Syt7 or a mutant Syt7 with impaired Ca(2+)-binding to the C2 domains revealed that binding of Ca(2+) to the C2A domain facilitates FACE-induced pore dilation, probably by inhibiting translocation of complexin-2 to fused vesicles. However, the C2A domain hampered Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis of lamellar bodies. These findings support the hypothesis that Syt7 modulates fusion pore expansion in large secretory organelles and extend our picture that lamellar bodies contain the necessary molecular inventory to facilitate secretion during the exocytic post-fusion phase. Moreover, regulating Syt7 levels on lamellar bodies appears to be essential in order that exocytosis is not impeded during the pre-fusion phase.

Cdc42 controls the dilation of the exocytotic fusion pore by regulating membrane tension

On exocytosis, membrane fusion starts with the formation of a narrow fusion pore that must expand to allow the release of secretory compounds. The GTPase Cdc42 promotes fusion pore dilation in neuroendocrine cells by controlling membrane tension.

Membrane fusion underlies multiple processes, including exocytosis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Membrane fusion starts with the formation of a narrow fusion pore. Radial expansion of this pore completes the process and allows fast release of secretory compounds, but this step remains poorly understood. Here we show that inhibiting the expression of the small GTPase Cdc42 or preventing its activation with a dominant negative Cdc42 construct in human neuroendocrine cells impaired the release process by compromising fusion pore enlargement. Consequently the mode of vesicle exocytosis was shifted from full-collapse fusion to kiss-and-run. Remarkably, Cdc42-knockdown cells showed reduced membrane tension, and the artificial increase of membrane tension restored fusion pore enlargement. Moreover, inhibiting the motor protein myosin II by blebbistatin decreased membrane tension, as well as fusion pore dilation. We conclude that membrane tension is the driving force for fusion pore dilation and that Cdc42 is a key regulator of this force.

Lumenal protein within secretory granules affects fusion pore expansion

It is often assumed that upon fusion of the secretory granule membrane with the plasma membrane, lumenal contents are rapidly discharged and dispersed into the extracellular medium. Although this is the case for low-molecular-weight neurotransmitters and some proteins, there are numerous examples of the dispersal of a protein being delayed for many seconds after fusion. We have investigated the role of fusion-pore expansion in determining the contrasting discharge rates of fluorescent-tagged neuropeptide-Y (NPY) (within 200 ms) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (over many seconds) in adrenal chromaffin cells. The endogenous proteins are expressed in separate chromaffin cell subpopulations. Fusion pore expansion was measured by two independent methods, orientation of a fluorescent probe within the plasma membrane using polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and amperometry of released catecholamine. Together, they probe the continuum of the fusion-pore duration, from milliseconds to many seconds after fusion. Polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed that 71% of the fusion events of tPA-cer-containing granules maintained curvature for >10 s, with approximately half of the structures likely connected to the plasma membrane by a short narrow neck. Such events were not commonly observed upon fusion of NPY-cer-containing granules. Amperometry revealed that the expression of tPA-green fluorescent protein (GFP) prolonged the duration of the prespike foot ∼2.5-fold compared to NPY-GFP-expressing cells and nontransfected cells, indicating that expansion of the initial fusion pore in tPA granules was delayed. The t1/2 of the main catecholamine spike was also increased, consistent with a prolonged delay of fusion-pore expansion. tPA added extracellularly bound to the lumenal surface of fused granules. We propose that tPA within the granule lumen controls its own discharge. Its intrinsic biochemistry determines not only its extracellular action but also the characteristics of its presentation to the extracellular milieu.

Phosphomimetic mutation of cysteine string protein-α increases the rate of regulated exocytosis by modulating fusion pore dynamics in PC12 cells

Background

Cysteine string protein-α (CSPα) is a chaperone to ensure protein folding. Loss of CSPα function associates with many neurological diseases. However, its function in modulating regulated exocytosis remains elusive. Although cspα-knockouts exhibit impaired synaptic transmission, overexpression of CSPα in neuroendocrine cells inhibits secretion. These seemingly conflicting results lead to a hypothesis that CSPα may undergo a modification that switches its function in regulating neurotransmitter and hormone secretion. Previous studies implied that CSPα undergoes phosphorylation at Ser¹⁰ that may influence exocytosis by altering fusion pore dynamics. However, direct evidence is missing up to date.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Using amperometry, we investigated how phosphorylation at Ser¹⁰ of CSPα (CSPα-Ser¹⁰) modulates regulated exocytosis and if this modulation involves regulating a specific kinetic step of fusion pore dynamics. The real-time exocytosis of single vesicles was detected in PC12 cells overexpressing control vector, wild-type CSPα (WT), the CSPα phosphodeficient mutant (S10A), or the CSPα phosphomimetic mutants (S10D and S10E). The shapes of amperometric signals were used to distinguish the full-fusion events (i.e., prespike feet followed by spikes) and the kiss-and-run events (i.e., square-shaped flickers). We found that the secretion rate was significantly increased in cells overexpressing S10D or S10E compared to WT or S10A. Further analysis showed that overexpression of S10D or S10E prolonged fusion pore lifetime compared to WT or S10A. The fraction of kiss-and-run events was significantly lower but the frequency of full-fusion events was higher in cells overexpressing S10D or S10E compared to WT or S10A. Advanced kinetic analysis suggests that overexpression of S10D or S10E may stabilize open fusion pores mainly by inhibiting them from closing.

Conclusions/Significance

CSPα may modulate fusion pore dynamics in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Therefore, through changing its phosphorylated state influenced by diverse cellular signalings, CSPα may have a great capacity to modulate the rate of regulated exocytosis.

Complexin synchronizes primed vesicle exocytosis and regulates fusion pore dynamics

ComplexinII and SynaptotagminI coordinately transform the constitutively active SNARE-mediated fusion mechanism into a highly synchronized, Ca²⁺-triggered release apparatus.

ComplexinII (CpxII) and SynaptotagminI (SytI) have been implicated in regulating the function of SNARE proteins in exocytosis, but their precise mode of action and potential interplay have remained unknown. In this paper, we show that CpxII increases Ca²⁺-triggered vesicle exocytosis and accelerates its secretory rates, providing two independent, but synergistic, functions to enhance synchronous secretion. Specifically, we demonstrate that the C-terminal domain of CpxII increases the pool of primed vesicles by hindering premature exocytosis at submicromolar Ca²⁺ concentrations, whereas the N-terminal domain shortens the secretory delay and accelerates the kinetics of Ca²⁺-triggered exocytosis by increasing the Ca²⁺ affinity of synchronous secretion. With its C terminus, CpxII attenuates fluctuations of the early fusion pore and slows its expansion but is functionally antagonized by SytI, enabling rapid transmitter discharge from single vesicles. Thus, our results illustrate how key features of CpxII, SytI, and their interplay transform the constitutively active SNARE-mediated fusion mechanism into a highly synchronized, Ca²⁺-triggered release apparatus.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide modulates catecholamine storage and exocytosis in PC12 cells

A number of efforts have been made to understand how pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) functions as a neurotrophic and neuroprotective factor in Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently its effects on neurotransmission and underlying mechanisms have generated interest. In the present study, we investigate the effects of PACAP on catecholamine storage and secretion in PC12 cells with amperometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PACAP increases quantal release induced by high K+ without significantly regulating the frequency of vesicle fusion events. TEM data indicate that the increased volume of the vesicle is mainly the result of enlargement of the fluidic space around the dense core. Moreover, the number of docked vesicles isn't modulated by PACAP. When cells are acutely treated with L-DOPA, the vesicular volume and quantal release both increase dramatically. It is likely that the characteristics of amperometric spikes from L-DOPA treated cells are associated with increased volume of individual vesicles rather than a direct effect on the mechanics of exocytosis. Treatment with PACAP versus L-DOPA results in different profiles of the dynamics of exocytosis. Release via the fusion pore prior to full exocytosis was observed with the same frequency following treatment with PACAP and L-DOPA. However, release events have a shorter duration and higher average current after PACAP treatment compared to L-DOPA. Furthermore, PACAP reduced the proportion of spikes having rapid decay time and shortened the decay time of both fast and slow spikes. In contrast, the distributions of the amperometric spike decay for both fast and slow spikes were shifted to longer time following L-DOPA treatment. Compared to L-DOPA, PACAP may produce multiple favorable effects on dopaminergic neurons, including protecting dopaminergic neurons against neurodegeneration and potentially regulating dopamine storage and release, making it a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of PD.

The SNARE motif of synaptobrevin exhibits an aqueous-interfacial partitioning that is modulated by membrane curvature

The structure and interfacial association of the full-length vesicle SNARE, synaptobrevin, were compared in four different lipid environments using nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. In micelles, segments of the SNARE motif are helical and associated with the interface. However, the fraction of helix and interfacial association decreases as synaptobrevin is moved from micelle to bicelle to bilayer environments, indicating that the tendency toward interfacial association is sensitive to membrane curvature. In bilayers, the SNARE motif of synaptobrevin transiently associates with the lipid interface, and regions that are helical in micelles are in conformational and environmental exchange in bicelles and bilayers. This work demonstrates that the SNARE motif of synaptobrevin has a significant propensity to form a helix and exchange with the membrane interface prior to SNARE assembly. This transient interfacial association and its sensitivity to membrane curvature are likely to play a role in SNARE recognition events that regulate membrane fusion.

CAPS and Munc13 utilize distinct PIP2-linked mechanisms to promote vesicle exocytosis

Phosphoinositides provide compartment-specific signals for membrane trafficking. Plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is required for Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis, but whether vesicles fuse into PIP2-rich membrane domains in live cells and whether PIP2 is metabolized during Ca(2+)-triggered fusion were unknown. Ca(2+)-dependent activator protein in secretion 1 (CAPS-1; CADPS/UNC31) and ubMunc13-2 (UNC13B) are PIP2-binding proteins required for Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis in neuroendocrine PC12 cells. These proteins are likely effectors for PIP2, but their localization during exocytosis had not been determined. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in live cells, we identify PIP2-rich membrane domains at sites of vesicle fusion. CAPS is found to reside on vesicles but depends on plasma membrane PIP2 for its activity. Munc13 is cytoplasmic, but Ca(2+)-dependent translocation to PIP2-rich plasma membrane domains is required for its activity. The results reveal that vesicle fusion into PIP2-rich membrane domains is facilitated by sequential PIP2-dependent activation of CAPS and PIP2-dependent recruitment of Munc13. PIP2 hydrolysis only occurs under strong Ca(2+) influx conditions sufficient to activate phospholipase Cη2 (PLCη2). Such conditions reduce CAPS activity and enhance Munc13 activity, establishing PLCη2 as a Ca(2+)-dependent modulator of exocytosis. These studies provide a direct view of the spatial distribution of PIP2 linked to vesicle exocytosis via regulation of lipid-dependent protein effectors CAPS and Munc13.

Synaptotagmin interaction with SNAP-25 governs vesicle docking, priming, and fusion triggering

SNARE complex assembly constitutes a key step in exocytosis that is rendered Ca(2+)-dependent by interactions with synaptotagmin-1. Two putative sites for synaptotagmin binding have recently been identified in SNAP-25 using biochemical methods: one located around the center and another at the C-terminal end of the SNARE bundle. However, it is still unclear whether and how synaptotagmin-1 × SNARE interactions at these sites are involved in regulating fast neurotransmitter release. Here, we have used electrophysiological techniques with high time-resolution to directly investigate the mechanistic ramifications of proposed SNAP-25 × synaptotagmin-1 interaction in mouse chromaffin cells. We demonstrate that the postulated central binding domain surrounding layer zero covers both SNARE motifs of SNAP-25 and is essential for vesicle docking, priming, and fast fusion-triggering. Mutation of this site caused no further functional alterations in synaptotagmin-1-deficient cells, indicating that the central acidic patch indeed constitutes a mechanistically relevant synaptotagmin-1 interaction site. Moreover, our data show that the C-terminal binding interface only plays a subsidiary role in triggering but is required for the full size of the readily releasable pool. Intriguingly, we also found that mutation of synaptotagmin-1 interaction sites led to more pronounced phenotypes in the context of the adult neuronal isoform SNAP-25B than in the embryonic isoform SNAP-25A. Further experiments demonstrated that stronger synaptotagmin-1 × SNAP-25B interactions allow for the larger primed vesicle pool supported by SNAP-25 isoform B. Thus, synaptotagmin-1 × SNARE interactions are not only required for multiple mechanistic steps en route to fusion but also underlie the developmental control of the releasable vesicle pool.

The functional significance of synaptotagmin diversity in neuroendocrine secretion

Synaptotagmins (syts) are abundant, evolutionarily conserved integral membrane proteins that play essential roles in regulated exocytosis in nervous and endocrine systems. There are at least 17 syt isoforms in mammals, all with tandem C-terminal C2 domains with highly variable capacities for Ca(2+) binding. Many syts play roles in neurotransmitter release or hormone secretion or both, and a growing body of work supports a role for some syts as Ca(2+) sensors of exocytosis. Work in many types of endocrine cells has documented the presence of a number of syt isoforms on dense-core vesicles containing various hormones. Syts can influence the kinetics of exocytotic fusion pores and the choice of release mode between kiss-and-run and full-fusion. Vesicles harboring different syt isoforms can preferentially undergo distinct modes of exocytosis with different forms of stimulation. The diverse properties of syt isoforms enable these proteins to shape Ca(2+) sensing in endocrine cells, thus contributing to the regulation of hormone release and the organization of complex endocrine functions.

Allostery and instability in the functional plasticity of synaptotagmin I

Synaptotagmin I (Syt I) is the calcium ion sensor for regulated release of neurotransmitter. How Syt I mediates this cellular event has been a question of extensive study for decades and yet, a clear understanding of the protein’s diverse functionality has remained elusive. Using tools of thermodynamics, we have identified two intrinsic properties that may account for Syt I’s functional plasticity: marginal stability and negative coupling. These two intrinsic properties have the potential to provide great conformational flexibility and suggest that Syt I’s functional plasticity stems in part from subtle rearrangements in the protein’s conformational ensemble. This model for Syt I function is discussed within the context of the nervous system’s overall plasticity.

Doc2b promotes GLUT4 exocytosis by activating the SNARE-mediated fusion reaction in a calcium- and membrane bending-dependent manner

Reconstitution of GLUT4 vesicle fusion in a defined fusion system shows that the C2-domain factor Doc2b activates the SNARE-dependent fusion reaction by a calcium- and membrane bending–dependent mechanism. Of importance, certain features of Doc2b function appear to be distinct from how synaptotagmin-1 promotes synaptic release.

The glucose transporter GLUT4 plays a central role in maintaining body glucose homeostasis. On insulin stimulation, GLUT4-containing vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane, relocating GLUT4 from intracellular reservoirs to the cell surface to uptake excess blood glucose. The GLUT4 vesicle fusion reaction requires soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) as the core fusion engine and a group of regulatory proteins. In particular, the soluble C2-domain factor Doc2b plays a key role in GLUT4 vesicle fusion, but its molecular mechanism has been unclear. Here we reconstituted the SNARE-dependent GLUT4 vesicle fusion in a defined proteoliposome fusion system. We observed that Doc2b binds to GLUT4 exocytic SNAREs and potently accelerates the fusion kinetics in the presence of Ca²⁺. The stimulatory activity of Doc2b requires intact Ca²⁺-binding sites on both the C2A and C2B domains. Using electron microscopy, we observed that Doc2b strongly bends the membrane bilayer, and this membrane-bending activity is essential to the stimulatory function of Doc2b in fusion. These results demonstrate that Doc2b promotes GLUT4 exocytosis by accelerating the SNARE-dependent fusion reaction by a Ca²⁺- and membrane bending–dependent mechanism. Of importance, certain features of Doc2b function appear to be distinct from how synaptotagmin-1 promotes synaptic neurotransmitter release, suggesting that exocytic Ca²⁺ sensors may possess divergent mechanisms in regulating vesicle fusion.

Fusion pores, SNAREs, and exocytosis

Exocytosis is a multistage process involving a merger between the vesicle and the plasma membranes, leading to the formation of a fusion pore, a channel, through which secretions are released from the vesicle to the cell exterior. A stimulus may influence the pore by either dilating it completely (full-fusion exocytosis) or mediating a reversible closure (transient exocytosis). In neurons, these transitions are short-lived and not accessible for experimentation. However, in some neuroendocrine cells, initial fusion pores may reopen several hundred times, indicating their stability. Moreover, these pores are too narrow to pass luminal molecules to the extracellular space, termed release-unproductive. However, on stimulation, their diameter dilates, initiating the release of cargo without de novo fusion pore formation. To explain the stability of the initial narrow fusion pores, anisotropic membrane constituents with non-axisymmetrical shape were proposed to accumulate in the fusion pore membrane. Although the nature of these is unclear, they may consist of lipids and proteins, including SNAREs, which may facilitate and regulate the pre- and post-fusional stages of exocytosis. In the future, a more detailed insight into the molecular control of fusion pore stabilization and regulation will generate a better understanding of fusion pore physiology in health and disease.

Multiple roles for the actin cytoskeleton during regulated exocytosis

Regulated exocytosis is the main mechanism utilized by specialized secretory cells to deliver molecules to the cell surface by virtue of membranous containers (i.e., secretory vesicles). The process involves a series of highly coordinated and sequential steps, which include the biogenesis of the vesicles, their delivery to the cell periphery, their fusion with the plasma membrane, and the release of their content into the extracellular space. Each of these steps is regulated by the actin cytoskeleton. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of actin and its associated molecules during each of the exocytic steps in vertebrates, and suggest that the overall role of the actin cytoskeleton during regulated exocytosis is linked to the architecture and the physiology of the secretory cells under examination. Specifically, in neurons, neuroendocrine, endocrine, and hematopoietic cells, which contain small secretory vesicles that undergo rapid exocytosis (on the order of milliseconds), the actin cytoskeleton plays a role in pre-fusion events, where it acts primarily as a functional barrier and facilitates docking. In exocrine and other secretory cells, which contain large secretory vesicles that undergo slow exocytosis (seconds to minutes), the actin cytoskeleton plays a role in post-fusion events, where it regulates the dynamics of the fusion pore, facilitates the integration of the vesicles into the plasma membrane, provides structural support, and promotes the expulsion of large cargo molecules.

Developmental expression and subcellular distribution of synaptotagmin 11 in rat hippocampus

Synaptotagmins are required for Ca(2+)-dependent membrane-trafficking in either neuronal synaptic vesicles or cellular membranes. Previous reports suggested that the synaptotagmin 11 (syt11) gene is involved in the development of schizophrenia based on the genomic analysis of patients. Parkin protein binds to the C2 domains of Syt11 which leads to the polyubiquitination of Syt11. However, where and how Syt11 performs its role in the brain is largely unknown. Here, we report that Syt11 is expressed mainly in the brain. In addition, exogenously expressed Syt11 in HEK293 cells can form higher molecular weight complex via its transmembrane domain. Also, Syt11 is targeted to both dendrite and axon compartments. Immunocytochemistry showed that Syt11 is juxtaposed to postsynaptic markers in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Both neuroligin 1 and 2, which are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules and differentially induce excitatory and inhibitory presynapses, respectively, recruit Syt11 in neuron coculture. Immunogold electron microscopy analysis revealed that Syt11 exists mainly in presynaptic neurotransmitter vesicles and plasma membrane, and rarely in postsynaptic sites. These results suggest that Syt11 may contribute to the regulation of neurotransmitter release in the excitatory and inhibitory presynapses, and postsynapse-targeted membrane trafficking in dendrites.

Mechanism for calcium ion sensing by the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I

The C2A domain is one of two calcium ion (Ca(2+))- and membrane-binding domains within synaptotagmin I (Syt I), the identified Ca(2+) sensor for regulated exocytosis of neurotransmitter. We propose that the mechanistic basis for C2A's response to Ca(2+) and cellular function stems from marginal stability and ligand-induced redistributions of protein conformers. To test this hypothesis, we used a combination of calorimetric and fluorescence techniques. We measured free energies of stability by globally fitting differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy denaturation data, and found that C2A is weakly stable. Additionally, using partition functions in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer approach, we found that the Ca(2+)- and membrane-binding sites of C2A exhibit weak cooperative linkage. Lastly, a dye-release assay revealed that the Ca(2+)- and membrane-bound conformer subset of C2A promote membrane disruption. We discuss how these phenomena may lead to both cooperative and functional responses of Syt I.

Real-time imaging of plasma membrane deformations reveals pre-fusion membrane curvature changes and a role for dynamin in the regulation of fusion pore expansion

Assays for real-time investigation of exocytosis typically measure what is released from the granule. From this, inferences are made about the dynamics of membrane remodeling as fusion progresses from start to finish. We have recently undertaken a different approach to investigate the fusion process, by focusing not primarily on the granule, but rather its partner in exocytosis - the plasma membrane. We have been guided by the idea that biochemical interactions between the granule and plasma membranes before and during fusion, cause changes in membrane conformation. To enable study of membrane conformation, a novel imaging technique was developed combining polarized excitation of an oriented membrane probe 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (diI) with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (pTIRFM). Because this technique measures changes in membrane conformation (or deformations) directly, its usefulness persists even after granule cargo reporter (catecholamine, or protein), is no longer present. In this mini-review, we first summarize the workings of pTIRFM. We then discuss the application of the technique to investigate deformations in the membrane preceding fusion, and later, during fusion pore expansion. Finally, we discuss how expansion of the fusion pore may be regulated by the GTPase activity of dynamin.

Spatio-temporal aspects, pathways and actions of Ca(2+) in surfactant secreting pulmonary alveolar type II pneumocytes

The type II cell of the pulmonary alveolus is a polarized epithelial cell that secretes surfactant into the alveolar space by regulated exocytosis of lamellar bodies (LBs). This process consists of multiple sequential steps and is correlated to elevations of the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) required for extended periods of secretory activity. Both chemical (purinergic) and mechanical (cell stretch or exposure to an air-liquid interface) stimuli give rise to complex Ca(2+) signals (such as Ca(2+) peaks, spikes and plateaus) that differ in shape, origin and spatio-temporal behavior. This review summarizes current knowledge about Ca(2+) channels, including vesicular P2X4 purinoceptors, in type II cells and associated signaling cascades within the alveolar microenvironment, and relates stimulus-dependent activation of these pathways with distinct stages of surfactant secretion, including pre- and postfusion stages of LB exocytosis.

Measuring calcium signals and exocytosis in tissues

BACKGROUND

Since the 1960s it has been clear that calcium is a key regulator of exocytosis. Early experiments directly showed that the secretory output was calcium dependent. But it has taken improvements in technology and clever experimentation to determine the relationships between the calcium signal and exocytosis. Today controversies still remain because of limitations in our ability to record both the calcium responses within the local domains that control secretion and in the methods used to record exocytosis.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Here the techniques used to measure calcium and exocytosis are reviewed with a distinction being drawn between measurements in excitable cells versus measurements in non-excitable cells. The review has a focus on techniques that are relevant to in vitro studies of native tissues and recent in vivo recordings.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

There are a range of methods used to study the stimulus-secretion pathway. Each presents their own advantages and drawbacks. These are discussed with reference to the latest work determining the factors controlling exocytosis in tissues.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Stimulus-secretion coupling is the fundamental step in the control of neurotransmitter release, hormone secretion and protein secretion. Understanding secretory control is therefore important in understanding the physiological regulation of processes ranging from learning and memory to pancreatic secretion. Recent technological advances are now enabling us to study stimulus-secretion coupling within native tissues. This is helping us to understand the physiological complexities of secretory control. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemical, biophysical and genetic approaches to intracellular calcium signalling.

Role of PI(4,5)P(2) in vesicle exocytosis and membrane fusion

A role for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) in membrane fusion was originally identified for regulated dense-core vesicle exocytosis in neuroendocrine cells. Subsequent studies demonstrated essential roles for PI(4,5)P(2) in regulated synaptic vesicle and constitutive vesicle exocytosis. For regulated dense-core vesicle exocytosis, PI(4,5)P(2) appears to be primarily required for priming, a stage in vesicle exocytosis that follows vesicle docking and precedes Ca(2) (+)-triggered fusion. The priming step involves the organization of SNARE protein complexes for fusion. A central issue concerns the mechanisms by which PI(4,5)P(2) exerts an essential role in membrane fusion events at the plasma membrane. The observed microdomains of PI(4,5)P(2) in the plasma membrane of neuroendocrine cells at fusion sites has suggested possible direct effects of the phosphoinositide on membrane curvature and tension. More likely, PI(4,5)P(2) functions in vesicle exocytosis as in other cellular processes to recruit and activate PI(4,5)P(2)-binding proteins. CAPS and Munc13 proteins, which bind PI(4,5)P(2) and function in vesicle priming to organize SNARE proteins, are key candidates as effectors for the role of PI(4,5)P(2) in vesicle priming. Consistent with roles prior to fusion that affect SNARE function, subunits of the exocyst tethering complex involved in constitutive vesicle exocytosis also bind PI(4,5)P(2). Additional roles for PI(4,5)P(2) in fusion pore dilation have been described, which may involve other PI(4,5)P(2)-binding proteins such as synaptotagmin. Lastly, the SNARE proteins that mediate exocytic vesicle fusion contain highly basic membrane-proximal domains that interact with acidic phospholipids that likely affect their function.

Golgi apparatus-localized synaptotagmin 2 is required for unconventional secretion in Arabidopsis

BACKGROUND

Most secretory proteins contain signal peptides that direct their sorting to the ER and secreted via the conventional ER/Golgi transport pathway, while some signal-peptide-lacking proteins have been shown to export through ER/Golgi independent secretory pathways. Hygromycin B is an aminoglycoside antibiotic produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus that is active against both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The hygromycin phosphotransferase (HYG(R)) can phosphorylate and inactivate the hygromycin B, and has been widely used as a positive selective marker in the construction of transgenic plants. However, the localization and trafficking of HYG(R) in plant cells remain unknown. Synaptotagmins (SYTs) are involved in controlling vesicle endocytosis and exocytosis as calcium sensors in animal cells, while their functions in plant cells are largely unclear.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We found Arabidopsis synaptotagmin SYT2 was localized on the Golgi apparatus by immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling. Surprisingly, co-expression of SYT2 and HYG(R) caused hypersensitivity of the transgenic Arabidopsis plants to hygromycin B. HYG(R), which lacks a signal sequence, was present in the cytoplasm as well as in the extracellular space in HYG(R)-GFP transgenic Arabidopsis plants and its secretion is not sensitive to brefeldin A treatment, suggesting it is not secreted via the conventional secretory pathway. Furthermore, we found that HYG(R)-GFP was truncated at carboxyl terminus of HYG(R) shortly after its synthesis, and the cells deficient SYT2 failed to efficiently truncate HYG(R)-GFP,resulting in HYG(R)-GFP accumulated in prevacuoles/vacuoles, indicating that SYT2 was involved in HYG(R)-GFP trafficking and secretion.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

These findings reveal for the first time that SYT2 is localized on the Golgi apparatus and regulates HYG(R)-GFP secretion via the unconventional protein transport from the cytosol to the extracelluar matrix in plant cells.

Synaptotagmin 1 causes phosphatidyl inositol lipid-dependent actin remodeling in cultured non-neuronal and neuronal cells

Here we demonstrate that a dramatic actin polymerizing activity caused by ectopic expression of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin 1 that results in extensive filopodia formation is due to the presence of a lysine rich sequence motif immediately at the cytoplasmic side of the transmembrane domain of the protein. This polybasic sequence interacts with anionic phospholipids in vitro, and, consequently, the actin remodeling caused by this sequence is interfered with by expression of a phosphatidyl inositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2)-targeted phosphatase, suggesting that it intervenes with the function of PIP2-binding actin control proteins. The activity drastically alters the behavior of a range of cultured cells including the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and primary cortical mouse neurons, and, since the sequence is conserved also in synaptotagmin 2, it may reflect an important fine-tuning role for these two proteins during synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release.

Key role of polyphosphoinositides in dynamics of fusogenic nuclear membrane vesicles

The role of phosphoinositides has been thoroughly described in many signalling and membrane trafficking events but their function as modulators of membrane structure and dynamics in membrane fusion has not been investigated. We have reconstructed models that mimic the composition of nuclear envelope precursor membranes with naturally elevated amounts of phosphoinositides. These fusogenic membranes (membrane vesicle 1(MV1) and nuclear envelope remnants (NER) are critical for the assembly of the nuclear envelope. Phospholipids, cholesterol, and polyphosphoinositides, with polyunsaturated fatty acid chains that were identified in the natural nuclear membranes by lipid mass spectrometry, have been used to reconstruct complex model membranes mimicking nuclear envelope precursor membranes. Structural and dynamic events occurring in the membrane core and at the membrane surface were monitored by solid-state deuterium and phosphorus NMR. "MV1-like" (PC∶PI∶PIP∶PIP(2), 30∶20∶18∶12, mol%) membranes that exhibited high levels of PtdIns, PtdInsP and PtdInsP(2) had an unusually fluid membrane core (up to 20% increase, compared to membranes with low amounts of phosphoinositides to mimic the endoplasmic reticulum). "NER-like" (PC∶CH∶PI∶PIP∶PIP(2), 28∶42∶16∶7∶7, mol%) membranes containing high amounts of both cholesterol and phosphoinositides exhibited liquid-ordered phase properties, but with markedly lower rigidity (10-15% decrease). Phosphoinositides are the first lipids reported to counterbalance the ordering effect of cholesterol. At the membrane surface, phosphoinositides control the orientation dynamics of other lipids in the model membranes, while remaining unchanged themselves. This is an important finding as it provides unprecedented mechanistic insight into the role of phosphoinositides in membrane dynamics. Biological implications of our findings and a model describing the roles of fusogenic membrane vesicles are proposed.

Multiple Ca2+ sensors in secretion: teammates, competitors or autocrats?

Regulated neurotransmitter secretion depends on Ca(2+) sensors, C2 domain proteins that associate with phospholipids and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes to trigger release upon Ca(2+) binding. Ca(2+) sensors are thought to prevent spontaneous fusion at rest (clamping) and to promote fusion upon Ca(2+) activation. At least eight, often coexpressed, Ca(2+) sensors have been identified in mammals. Accumulating evidence suggests that multiple Ca(2+) sensors interact, rather than work autonomously, to produce the complex secretory response observed in neurons and secretory cells. In this review, we present several working models to describe how different sensors might be arranged to mediate synchronous, asynchronous and spontaneous neurotransmitter release. We discuss the scenario that different Ca(2+) sensors typically act on one shared vesicle pool and compete for binding the multiple SNARE complexes that are likely to assemble at single vesicles, to exert both clamping and fusion-promoting functions.

Munc13 homology domain-1 in CAPS/UNC31 mediates SNARE binding required for priming vesicle exocytosis

Neuropeptide and peptide hormone secretion from neural and endocrine cells occurs by Ca(2+)-triggered dense-core vesicle exocytosis. The membrane fusion machinery consisting of vesicle and plasma membrane SNARE proteins needs to be assembled for Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis. The related Munc13 and CAPS/UNC31 proteins that prime vesicle exocytosis are proposed to promote SNARE complex assembly. CAPS binds SNARE proteins and stimulates SNARE complex formation on liposomes, but the relevance of SNARE binding to CAPS function in cells had not been determined. Here we identify a core SNARE-binding domain in CAPS as corresponding to Munc13 homology domain-1 (MHD1). CAPS lacking a single helix in MHD1 was unable to bind SNARE proteins or to support the Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis of either docked or newly arrived dense-core vesicles. The results show that MHD1 is a SNARE-binding domain and that SNARE protein binding is essential for CAPS function in dense-core vesicle exocytosis.

Expression, localization, and functional role for synaptotagmins in pancreatic acinar cells

Secretagogue-induced changes in intracellular Ca(2+) play a pivotal role in secretion in pancreatic acini yet the molecules that respond to Ca(2+) are uncertain. Zymogen granule (ZG) exocytosis is regulated by soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes. In nerve and endocrine cells, Ca(2+)-stimulated exocytosis is regulated by the SNARE-associated family of proteins termed synaptotagmins. This study examined a potential role for synaptotagmins in acinar secretion. RT-PCR revealed that synaptotagmin isoforms 1, 3, 6, and 7 are present in isolated acini. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence using three different antibodies demonstrated synaptotagmin 1 immunoreactivity in apical cytoplasm and ZG fractions of acini, where it colocalized with vesicle-associated membrane protein 2. Synaptotagmin 3 immunoreactivity was detected in membrane fractions and colocalized with an endolysosomal marker. A potential functional role for synaptotagmin 1 in secretion was indicated by results that introduction of synaptotagmin 1 C2AB domain into permeabilized acini inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis by 35%. In contrast, constructs of synaptotagmin 3 had no effect. Confirmation of these findings was achieved by incubating intact acini with an antibody specific to the intraluminal domain of synaptotagmin 1, which is externalized following exocytosis. Externalized synaptotagmin 1 was detected exclusively along the apical membrane. Treatment with CCK-8 (100 pM, 5 min) enhanced immunoreactivity by fourfold, demonstrating that synaptotagmin is inserted into the apical membrane during ZG fusion. Collectively, these data indicate that acini express synaptotagmin 1 and support that it plays a functional role in secretion whereas synaptotagmin 3 has an alternative role in endolysosomal membrane trafficking.

Fusing a lasting relationship between ER tubules

Atlastin is an integral membrane GTPase localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In vitro and in vivo analyses indicate that atlastin is a membrane fusogen capable of driving membrane fusion, suggesting a role in ER structure and maintenance. Interestingly, mutations in the human atlastin-1 gene, SPG3A, cause a form of autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). The etiology of HSP is unclear, but two predominant forms of the disorder are caused by mutant proteins that affect ER structure, formation and maintenance in motor neurons. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about the molecular mechanism of atlastin function and its potential role in HSP. Greater understanding of the function of atlastin and associated proteins should provide important insight into normal ER biogenesis and maintenance, as well as the pathology of disease.

Mechanism and function of synaptotagmin-mediated membrane apposition

Synaptotagmin-1 is a Ca(2+) sensor that triggers synchronous neurotransmitter release. The first documented biochemical property of synaptotagmin-1 was its ability to aggregate membranes in response to Ca(2+). However, the mechanism and function of this process were poorly understood. Here we show that synaptotagmin-1-mediated vesicle aggregation is driven by trans interactions between synaptotagmin-1 molecules bound to different membranes. We found a strong correlation between the ability of Ca(2+)-bound synaptotagmin-1 to aggregate vesicles and to stimulate SNARE-mediated membrane fusion. Moreover, artificial aggregation of membranes-using non-synaptotagmin proteins-also efficiently promoted fusion of SNARE-bearing liposomes. Finally, using a modified fusion assay, we observed that synaptotagmin-1 drove the assembly of otherwise non-fusogenic individual t-SNARE proteins into fusion-competent heterodimers, independently of aggregation. Thus, membrane aggregation and t-SNARE assembly appear to be two key aspects of fusion reactions that are regulated by Ca(2+)-bound synaptotagmin-1 and catalyzed by SNAREs.

Synaptotagmin 1 modulates lipid acyl chain order in lipid bilayers by demixing phosphatidylserine

Synaptotagmin 1 (syt1) functions as the Ca(2+) sensor in neuronal exocytosis, and it has been proposed to act by modulating lipid bilayer curvature. Here we examine the effect of the two C2 domains (C2A and C2B) of syt1 on membrane lipid order and lateral organization. In mixtures of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine (PS), attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that a fragment containing both domains (C2AB) or C2B alone disorders the lipid acyl chains, whereas the C2A domain has little effect upon chain order. Two observations suggest that these changes reflect a demixing of PS. First, the changes in acyl chain order are reversed at higher protein concentration; second, selective lipid deuteration demonstrates that the changes in lipid order are associated only with the PS component of the bilayer. Independent evidence for lipid demixing is obtained from fluorescence self-quenching of labeled lipid and from natural abundance (13)C NMR, where heteronuclear single quantum correlation spectra reveal Ca(2+)-dependent chemical shift changes for PS, but not for phosphatidylcholine, in the presence of the syt1 C2 domains. The ability of syt1 to demix PS is observed in a range of lipid mixtures that includes cholesterol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and varied PS content. These data suggest that syt1 might facilitate SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors)-mediated membrane fusion by phase separating PS, a process that is expected to locally buckle bilayers and disorder lipids due to the curvature tendencies of PS.

Regulation of fusion pore closure and compound exocytosis in neuroendocrine PC12 cells by SCAMP1

During exocytosis, neuroendocrine cells can achieve partial release of stored secretory products from dense core vesicles (DCVs) by coupling endocytosis directly at fusion sites and without full discharge. The physiological role of partial secretion is of substantial interest. Much is known about SNARE-mediated initiation of exocytosis and dynamin-mediated completion of endocytosis, but little is known about coupling events. We have used real-time microscopy to examine the role of secretory carrier membrane protein SCAMP1 in exo-endocytic coupling in PC12 cells. While reduced SCAMP1 expression is known to impede dilation of newly opened fusion pores during onset of DCV exocytosis, we now show that SCAMP1 deficiency also inhibits closure of fusion pores after they have opened. Inhibition causes accumulation of fusion figures at the plasma membrane. Closure is recovered by restoring expression and accelerated slightly by overexpression. Interestingly, inhibited pore closure resulting from loss of SCAMP1 appears to increase secondary fusion of DCVs to already-fused DCVs (compound exocytosis). Unexpectedly, reinternalization of expanded DCV membranes following compound exocytosis appears to proceed normally in SCAMP1-deficient cells. SCAMP1's apparent dual role in facilitating dilation and closure of fusion pores implicates its function in exo-endocytic coupling and in the regulation of partial secretion. Secondarily, SCAMP1 may serve to limit the extent of compound exocytosis.

Membrane penetration by synaptotagmin is required for coupling calcium binding to vesicle fusion in vivo

The vesicle protein synaptotagmin I is the Ca(2+) sensor that triggers fast, synchronous release of neurotransmitter. Specifically, Ca(2+) binding by the C(2)B domain of synaptotagmin is required at intact synapses, yet the mechanism whereby Ca(2+) binding results in vesicle fusion remains controversial. Ca(2+)-dependent interactions between synaptotagmin and SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment receptor) complexes and/or anionic membranes are possible effector interactions. However, no effector-interaction mutations to date impact synaptic transmission as severely as mutation of the C(2)B Ca(2+)-binding motif, suggesting that these interactions are facilitatory rather than essential. Here we use Drosophila to show the functional role of a highly conserved, hydrophobic residue located at the tip of each of the two Ca(2+)-binding pockets of synaptotagmin. Mutation of this residue in the C(2)A domain (F286) resulted in a ∼50% decrease in evoked transmitter release at an intact synapse, again indicative of a facilitatory role. Mutation of this hydrophobic residue in the C(2)B domain (I420), on the other hand, blocked all locomotion, was embryonic lethal even in syt I heterozygotes, and resulted in less evoked transmitter release than that in syt(null) mutants, which is more severe than the phenotype of C(2)B Ca(2+)-binding mutants. Thus, mutation of a single, C(2)B hydrophobic residue required for Ca(2+)-dependent penetration of anionic membranes results in the most severe disruption of synaptotagmin function in vivo to date. Our results provide direct support for the hypothesis that plasma membrane penetration, specifically by the C(2)B domain of synaptotagmin, is the critical effector interaction for coupling Ca(2+) binding with vesicle fusion.

Push-and-pull regulation of the fusion pore by synaptotagmin-7

In chromaffin cells, Ca(2+) binding to synaptotagmin-1 and -7 triggers exocytosis by promoting fusion pore opening and fusion pore expansion. Synaptotagmins contain two C2 domains that both bind Ca(2+) and contribute to exocytosis; however, it remains unknown whether the C2 domains act similarly or differentially to promote opening and expansion of fusion pores. Here, we use patch amperometry measurements in WT and synaptotagmin-7-mutant chromaffin cells to analyze the role of Ca(2+) binding to the two synaptotagmin-7 C2 domains in exocytosis. We show that, surprisingly, Ca(2+) binding to the C2A domain suffices to trigger fusion pore opening but that the resulting fusion pores are unstable and collapse, causing a dramatic increase in kiss-and-run fusion events. Thus, synaptotagmin-7 controls fusion pore dynamics during exocytosis via a push-and-pull mechanism in which Ca(2+) binding to both C2 domains promotes fusion pore opening, but the C2B domain is selectively essential for continuous expansion of an otherwise unstable fusion pore.

Role of the synaptobrevin C terminus in fusion pore formation

Neurotransmitter release is mediated by the SNARE proteins synaptobrevin II (sybII, also known as VAMP2), syntaxin, and SNAP-25, generating a force transfer to the membranes and inducing fusion pore formation. However, the molecular mechanism by which this force leads to opening of a fusion pore remains elusive. Here we show that the ability of sybII to support exocytosis is inhibited by addition of one or two residues to the sybII C terminus depending on their energy of transfer from water to the membrane interface, following a Boltzmann distribution. These results suggest that following stimulation, the SNARE complex pulls the C terminus of sybII deeper into the vesicle membrane. We propose that this movement disrupts the vesicular membrane continuity leading to fusion pore formation. In contrast to current models, the experiments suggest that fusion pore formation begins with molecular rearrangements at the intravesicular membrane leaflet and not between the apposed cytoplasmic leaflets.

Duration of fusion pore opening and the amount of hormone released are regulated by myosin II during kiss-and-run exocytosis

Since the fusion pore of the secretory vesicle is resealed before complete dilation during 'kiss-and-run' exocytosis, their cargoes are not completely released. Although the transient fusion pore is kept open for several seconds, the precise mechanisms that control fusion pore maintenance, and their physiological significance, are not well understood. Using dual-colour TIRF (total internal reflection fluorescence) microscopy in neuroendocrine PC12 cells, we show that myosin II regulates the fusion pore dynamics during kiss-and-run exocytosis. The release kinetics of mRFP (monomeric red fluorescent protein)-tagged tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) and Venus-tagged BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which show slower release kinetics than NPY (neuropeptide Y)-mRFP and insulin-mRFP, were prolonged by the overexpression of a wild-type form of the RLC (myosin II regulatory light chain). In contrast, overexpression of a dominant-negative form of RLC shortened the release kinetics. Using spH (synapto-pHluorin), a green fluorescent protein-based pH sensor inside the vesicles, we confirmed that the modulation of the release kinetics by myosin II is due to changes in the duration of fusion pore opening. In addition, we revealed that the amount of hormone released into the extracellular space upon stimulation was increased by overexpression of wild-type RLC. We propose that the duration of fusion pore opening is regulated by myosin II to control the amount of hormone released from a single vesicle.

Regulation of exocytosis and fusion pores by synaptotagmin-effector interactions

Synaptotagmin isoforms and mutants altered fusion event frequency and fusion pore transitions. These effects showed a strong correlation with PS binding, but not with SNARE binding. Synaptotagmin-PS interaction thus function in two distinct kinetic steps in Ca2+ triggered exocytosis, and stabilize open fusion pores.

Synaptotagmin (syt) serves as a Ca²⁺ sensor in the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. This function depends on the ability of syt to interact with other molecules. Syt binds to phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing lipid bilayers as well as to soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor receptors (SNAREs) and promotes SNARE assembly. All these interactions are regulated by Ca²⁺, but their specific roles in distinct kinetic steps of exocytosis are not well understood. To explore these questions we used amperometry recording from PC12 cells to investigate the kinetics of exocytosis. Syt isoforms and syt I mutants were overexpressed to perturb syt-PS and syt-SNARE interactions to varying degrees and evaluate the effects on fusion event frequency and the rates of fusion pore transitions. Syt I produced more rapid dilation of fusion pores than syt VII or syt IX, consistent with its role in synchronous synaptic release. Stronger syt-PS interactions were accompanied by a higher frequency of fusion events and more stable fusion pores. By contrast, syt-SNARE interactions and syt-induced SNARE assembly were uncorrelated with rates of exocytosis. This associates the syt-PS interaction with two distinct kinetic steps in Ca²⁺ triggered exocytosis and supports a role for the syt-PS interaction in stabilizing open fusion pores.

Bacterial toxins and the nervous system: neurotoxins and multipotential toxins interacting with neuronal cells

Toxins are potent molecules used by various bacteria to interact with a host organism. Some of them specifically act on neuronal cells (clostridial neurotoxins) leading to characteristics neurological affections. But many other toxins are multifunctional and recognize a wider range of cell types including neuronal cells. Various enterotoxins interact with the enteric nervous system, for example by stimulating afferent neurons or inducing neurotransmitter release from enterochromaffin cells which result either in vomiting, in amplification of the diarrhea, or in intestinal inflammation process. Other toxins can pass the blood brain barrier and directly act on specific neurons.

Doc2b is a high-affinity Ca2+ sensor for spontaneous neurotransmitter release

Synaptic vesicle fusion in brain synapses occurs in phases that are either tightly coupled to action potentials (synchronous), immediately following action potentials (asynchronous), or as stochastic events in the absence of action potentials (spontaneous). Synaptotagmin-1, -2, and -9 are vesicle-associated Ca2+ sensors for synchronous release. Here we found that double C2 domain (Doc2) proteins act as Ca2+ sensors to trigger spontaneous release. Although Doc2 proteins are cytosolic, they function analogously to synaptotagmin-1 but with a higher Ca2+ sensitivity. Doc2 proteins bound to N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) complexes in competition with synaptotagmin-1. Thus, different classes of multiple C2 domain-containing molecules trigger synchronous versus spontaneous fusion, which suggests a general mechanism for synaptic vesicle fusion triggered by the combined actions of SNAREs and multiple C2 domain-containing proteins.

Akt regulates the expression of MafK, synaptotagmin I, and syntenin-1, which play roles in neuronal function

BACKGROUND

Akt regulates various cellular processes, including cell growth, survival, and metabolism. Recently, Akt's role in neurite outgrowth has also emerged. We thus aimed to identify neuronal function-related genes that are regulated by Akt.

METHODS

We performed suppression subtractive hybridization on two previously established PC12 sublines, one of which overexpresses the wild-type (WT) form and the other, the dominant-negative (DN) form of Akt. These sublines respond differently to NGF's neuronal differentiation effect.

RESULTS

A variety of genes was identified and could be classified into several functional groups, one of which was developmental processes. Two genes involved in neuronal differentiation and function were found in this group. v-Maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog K (MafK) induces the neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells and immature telencephalon neurons, and synaptotagmin I (SytI) is essential for neurotransmitter release. Another gene, syntenin-1 (Syn-1) was also recognized in the same functional group into which MafK and SytI were classified. Syn-1 has been reported to promote the formation of membrane varicosities in neurons. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses show that the transcript levels of these three genes were lower in PC12 (WT-Akt) cells than in parental PC12 and PC12 (DN-Akt) cells. Furthermore, treatment of PC12 (WT-Akt) cells with an Akt inhibitor resulted in the increase of the expression of these genes and the improvement of neurite outgrowth. These results indicate that dominant-negative or pharmacological inhibition of Akt increases the expression of MafK, SytI, and Syn-1 genes. Using lentiviral shRNA to knock down endogenous Syn-1 expression, we demonstrated that Syn-1 promotes an increase in the numbers of neurites and branches.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results indicate that Akt negatively regulates the expression of MafK, SytI, and Syn-1 genes that all participate in regulating neuronal integrity in some way or another.

Role of C2 domain proteins during synaptic vesicle exocytosis

Neurotransmitter release is mediated by the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane. Fusion is triggered by a rise in the intracellular calcium concentration and is dependent on the neuronal SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein-attachment protein receptor) complex. A plethora of molecules such as members of the MUNC13, MUNC18, complexin and synaptotagmin families act along with the SNARE complex to enable calcium-regulated synaptic vesicle exocytosis. The synaptotagmins are localized to synaptic vesicles by an N-terminal transmembrane domain and contain two cytoplasmic C2 domains. Members of the synaptotagmin family are thought to translate the rise in intracellular calcium concentration into synaptic vesicle fusion. The C2 domains of synaptotagmin-1 bind membranes in a calcium-dependent manner and in response induce a high degree of membrane curvature, which is required for its ability to trigger membrane fusion in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, members of the soluble DOC2 (double-C2 domain) protein family have similar properties. Taken together, these results suggest that C2 domain proteins such as the synaptotagmins and DOC2s promote membrane fusion by the induction of membrane curvature in the vicinity of the SNARE complex. Given the widespread expression of C2 domain proteins in secretory cells, it is proposed that promotion of SNARE-dependent membrane fusion by the induction of membrane curvature is a widespread phenomenon.

Phosphatidylserine regulation of Ca2+-triggered exocytosis and fusion pores in PC12 cells

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I (Syt I) binds phosphatidylserine (PS) in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. This interaction is thought to play a role in exocytosis, but its precise functions remain unclear. To determine potential roles for Syt I-PS binding, we varied the PS content in PC12 cells and liposomes and studied the effects on the kinetics of exocytosis and Syt I binding in parallel. Raising PS produced a steeply nonlinear, saturating increase in Ca(2+)-triggered fusion, and a graded slowing of the rate of fusion pore dilation. Ca(2+)-Syt I bound liposomes more tightly as PS content was raised, with a steep increase in binding at low PS, and a further gradual increase at higher PS. These two phases in the PS dependence of Ca(2+)-dependent Syt I binding to lipid may correspond to the two distinct and opposing kinetic effects of PS on exocytosis. PS influences exocytosis in two ways, enhancing an early step leading to fusion pore opening, and slowing a later step when fusion pores dilate. The possible relevance of these results to Ca(2+)-triggered Syt I binding is discussed along with other possible roles of PS.

Membrane curvature in synaptic vesicle fusion and beyond

Recent evidence suggests that the Ca(2+)-sensors synaptotagmin-1 and Doc2b deform synaptic membranes during synaptic vesicle exocytosis. We discuss how local curvature generated by these and other proteins may stimulate membrane fusion and discuss the potential implications of these findings for other cellular fusion events.

Clostridial toxins

Clostridia produce the highest number of toxins of any type of bacteria and are involved in severe diseases in humans and other animals. Most of the clostridial toxins are pore-forming toxins responsible for gangrenes and gastrointestinal diseases. Among them, perfringolysin has been extensively studied and it is the paradigm of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysins, whereas Clostridium perfringens epsilon-toxin and Clostridium septicum alpha-toxin, which are related to aerolysin, are the prototypes of clostridial toxins that form small pores. Other toxins active on the cell surface possess an enzymatic activity, such as phospholipase C and collagenase, and are involved in the degradation of specific cell-membrane or extracellular-matrix components. Three groups of clostridial toxins have the ability to enter cells: large clostridial glucosylating toxins, binary toxins and neurotoxins. The binary and large clostridial glucosylating toxins alter the actin cytoskeleton by enzymatically modifying the actin monomers and the regulatory proteins from the Rho family, respectively. Clostridial neurotoxins proteolyse key components of neuroexocytosis. Botulinum neurotoxins inhibit neurotransmission at neuromuscular junctions, whereas tetanus toxin targets the inhibitory interneurons of the CNS. The high potency of clostridial toxins results from their specific targets, which have an essential cellular function, and from the type of modification that they induce. In addition, clostridial toxins are useful pharmacological and biological tools.

Exocytotic vesicle behaviour assessed by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy

The regulated trafficking or exocytosis of cargo-containing vesicles to the cell surface is fundamental to all cells. By coupling the technology of fluorescently tagged fusion proteins with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), it is possible to achieve the high spatio-temporal resolution required to study the dynamics of sub-plasma membrane vesicle trafficking and exocytosis. TIRFM has been used in a number of cell types to visualize and dissect the various steps of exocytosis revealing how molecules identified via genetic and/or biochemical approaches are involved in the regulation of this process. Here, we summarize the contribution of TIRFM to our understanding of the mechanism of exocytosis and discuss the novel methods of analysis that are required to exploit the large volumes of data that can be produced using this technique.

Differential activity-dependent secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from axon and dendrite

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for neuronal survival and differentiation during development and for synaptic function and plasticity in the mature brain. BDNF-containing vesicles are widely distributed and bidirectionally transported in neurons, and secreted BDNF can act on both presynaptic and postsynaptic cells. Activity-dependent BDNF secretion from neuronal cultures has been reported, but it remains unknown where the primary site of BDNF secretion is and whether neuronal activity can trigger BDNF secretion from axons and dendrites with equal efficacy. Using BDNF fused with pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein to visualize BDNF secretion, we found that BDNF-containing vesicles exhibited markedly different properties of activity-dependent exocytic fusion at the axon and dendrite of cultured hippocampal neurons. Brief spiking activity triggered a transient fusion pore opening, followed by immediate retrieval of vesicles without dilation of the fusion pore, resulting in very little BDNF secretion at the axon. On the contrary, the same brief spiking activity induced "full-collapse" vesicle fusion and substantial BDNF secretion at the dendrite. However, full vesicular fusion with BDNF secretion could occur at the axon when the neuron was stimulated by prolonged high-frequency activity, a condition neurons may encounter during epileptic discharge. Thus, activity-dependent axonal secretion of BDNF is highly restricted as a result of incomplete fusion of BDNF-containing vesicles, and normal neural activity induces BDNF secretion from dendrites, consistent with the BDNF function as a retrograde factor. Our study also revealed a novel mechanism by which differential exocytosis of BDNF-containing vesicles may regulate BDNF-TrkB signaling between connected neurons.

Evidence that electrostatic interactions between vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 and acidic phospholipids may modulate the fusion of transport vesicles with the plasma membrane

The juxtamembrane domain of vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) 2 (also known as synaptobrevin2) contains a conserved cluster of basic/hydrophobic residues that may play an important role in membrane fusion. Our measurements on peptides corresponding to this domain determine the electrostatic and hydrophobic energies by which this domain of VAMP2 could bind to the adjacent lipid bilayer in an insulin granule or other transport vesicle. Mutation of residues within the juxtamembrane domain that reduce the VAMP2 net positive charge, and thus its interaction with membranes, inhibits secretion of insulin granules in beta cells. Increasing salt concentration in permeabilized cells, which reduces electrostatic interactions, also results in an inhibition of insulin secretion. Similarly, amphipathic weak bases (e.g., sphingosine) that reverse the negative electrostatic surface potential of a bilayer reverse membrane binding of the positively charged juxtamembrane domain of a reconstituted VAMP2 protein and inhibit membrane fusion. We propose a model in which the positively charged VAMP and syntaxin juxtamembrane regions facilitate fusion by bridging the negatively charged vesicle and plasma membrane leaflets.