Abstract
Munc13-1, a mammalian homolog of C. elegans unc-13p, is thought to be involved in the regulation of synaptic transmission. We now demonstrate that Munc13-1 is a presynaptic high-affinity phorbol ester and diacylglycerol receptor with ligand affinities similar to those of protein kinase C. Munc13-1 associates with the plasma membrane in response to phorbol ester binding and acts as a phorbol ester-dependent enhancer of transmitter release when overexpressed presynaptically in the Xenopus neuromuscular junction. These observations establish Munc13-1 as a novel presynaptic target of the diacylglycerol second messenger pathway that acts in parallel with protein kinase C to regulate neurotransmitter secretion.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Biological Transport / drug effects
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Brain / metabolism
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins*
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Carrier Proteins
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Cell Line
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Female
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Humans
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology
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Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism
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Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
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Phorbol Esters / metabolism*
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Phorbol Esters / pharmacology
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Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism*
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Protein Kinase C / metabolism*
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Receptors, Drug / metabolism*
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Synaptic Transmission / physiology
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Tissue Distribution
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Xenopus / metabolism
Substances
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
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Carrier Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Neurotransmitter Agents
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Phorbol Esters
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Receptors, Drug
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UNC13B protein, human
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Unc13a protein, rat
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phorbol ester binding protein
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phorbol ester receptor
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Protein Kinase C