Synaptotagmin 7 splice variants differentially regulate synaptic vesicle recycling

EMBO J. 2003 Oct 15;22(20):5347-57. doi: 10.1093/emboj/cdg514.

Abstract

The speed of synaptic vesicle recycling determines the efficacy of neurotransmission during repetitive stimulation. Synaptotagmins are synaptic C(2)-domain proteins that are involved in exocytosis, but have also been linked to endocytosis. We now demonstrate that upon expression in transfected neurons, a short splice variant of synaptotagmin 7 that lacks C(2)-domains accelerates endocytic recycling of synaptic vesicles, whereas a longer splice variant that contains C(2)-domains decelerates recycling. These results suggest that alternative splicing of synaptotagmin 7 acts as a molecular switch, which targets vesicles to fast and slow recycling pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Hippocampus
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Synapses / ultrastructure
  • Synaptic Vesicles / physiology*
  • Synaptic Vesicles / ultrastructure*
  • Synaptotagmins

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Syt7 protein, rat
  • Synaptotagmins