Molecular determinants of synaptotagmin I clustering during synapse formation.
Published: 2005
Language: eng
Number of pages: 100
Description: Little is known about the mechanisms leading to synaptotagmin I (syt) redistribution and synaptogenesis. Both C2 domains of syt bind with many effector molecules, although the C2B domain appears to play a more important role in neurotransmission than the C2A. Using an in vitro molluscan Lymnaea stagnalis synapse model system and immunohistochemistry, I show that syt localizes at the presynaptic contact site following membrane contact with an identified postsynaptic partner. Target-cell contact (TCC) induces an early transient upregulation in global expression of syt. Using a dominant negative approach, I show that loop 3 of the C2A prevents syt aggregation at the TCC site, whereas loop 3 of the C2B does not. A C-terminal peptide composed of the WHXL motif, important for vesicle docking, also prevents syt clustering. In conclusion, TCC is necessary for syt redistribution in nascent synapses between identified L. stagnalis neurons and requires loop 3 of the C2A.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-02, page: 0769.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2005.

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