Synaptic vesicle exocytosis

Question 1

What are SNARE proteins?

Answer 1

SNARE proteins are proteins that contain a SNARE domain and are essential for synaptic vesicle fusion, facilitating exocytosis.

Question 2

Which neurotoxins target SNARE proteins and what are their function ?

Answer 2

Clostridial botulinum and tetanus toxins, which enter the presynaptic terminal and act as highly specific protease, leading to a selective block of presynaptic membrane fusion

Question 3

Name 3 essential proteins involved in synaptic vesicle fusion and their respective location

Answer 3

1. Vesicular SNARE protein synaptobrevin/VAMP - found on the membrane of synaptic vesicles
2. SNAP-25 - Located on the plasma membrane of the neuron
3. Syntaxin-1 - Also located on the plasma membrane of the neuron

Question 4

What is the function of synCAMs

Answer 4

To organise excitatory synapses

Question 5

What is the SALMS?

Answer 5

Cluster postsynaptic molecules

Question 6

Name 2 chaperones that are linked to neurodegeneration and how they are linked

Answer 6

1. α-synuclein - mutation or duplication causes familial Parkinsons’ disease, Lewy bodies contain α-synuclein
2. CPSα - deletion in mice leads to increased ubiquitination and degradation of SNAO-25 and