Complexin facilitates exocytosis and synchronizes vesicle release in two secretory model systems

J Physiol. 2013 May 15;591(10):2463-73. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.244517. Epub 2013 Feb 11.

Abstract

Complexins (Cplxs) are small, SNARE-associated proteins believed to regulate fast, calcium-triggered exocytosis. However, studies have pointed to either an inhibitory and/or facilitatory role in exocytosis, and the role of Cplxs in synchronizing exocytosis is relatively unexplored. Here, we compare the function of two types of complexin, Cplx 1 and 2, in two model systems of calcium-dependent exocytosis. In mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), we find that lack of Cplx 1 significantly reduces and desynchronizes calcium-triggered synaptic transmission; furthermore, high-frequency stimulation elicits synaptic facilitation, instead of normal synaptic depression, and the degree of facilitation is highly sensitive to the amount of cytoplasmic calcium buffering. In Cplx 2-null adrenal chromaffin cells, we also find decreased and desynchronized evoked release, and identify a significant reduction in the vesicle pool close to the calcium channels (immediately releasable pool, IRP). Viral transduction with either Cplx 1 or 2 rescues both the size of the evoked response and the synchronicity of release, and it restores the IRP size. Our findings in two model systems are mutually compatible and indicate a role of Cplx 1 and 2 in facilitating vesicle priming, and also lead to the new hypothesis that Cplxs may synchronize vesicle release by promoting coupling between secretory vesicles and calcium channels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels / physiology*
  • Chromaffin Cells / physiology*
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiology
  • Secretory Vesicles / physiology*
  • Synapses / physiology

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport
  • Calcium Channels
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • complexin I
  • complexin II