Abstract
Complexins are synaptic SNARE complex-binding proteins that cooperate with synaptotagmins in activating Ca2+-stimulated, synaptotagmin-dependent synaptic vesicle exocytosis and in clamping spontaneous, synaptotagmin-independent synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Here, we show that complexin sequences are conserved in some non-metazoan unicellular organisms and in all metazoans, suggesting that complexins are a universal feature of metazoans that predate metazoan evolution. We show that complexin from Nematostella vectensis, a cnidarian sea anemone far separated from mammals in metazoan evolution, functionally replaces mouse complexins in activating Ca2+-triggered exocytosis, but is unable to clamp spontaneous exocytosis. Thus, the activating function of complexins is likely conserved throughout metazoan evolution.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1308-1317 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | EMBO Reports |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2015 |
Keywords
- SNARE proteins
- evolution
- membrane fusion
- synapse
- synaptotagmin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics