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Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 10, 160–161 (1 March 2009) | doi:10.1038/nrm2650

Membrane dynamics: Clamping complexin

Claudia Wiedemann

The protein complexin interacts with the SNARE (soluble NSF-attachment protein receptor) complex and regulates neurotransmitter release. Two groups have analysed the molecular structure of complexin and conclude that its accessory helix acts as a fusion clamp (preventing fusion), whereas its amino-terminal domain acts as a fusion enhancer.