Abstract

The release of neurotransmitters by Ca²⁺-triggered synaptic vesicle exocytosis is an exquisitely regulated process that is fundamental for interneuronal communication. This process involves several steps and is controlled by a protein machinery that must prevent release before Ca²⁺ entry into presynaptic terminals, and yet must rapidly induce release on Ca²⁺ influx. Extensive studies of the components of this machinery have indicated that SNAREs and Munc18-1 are central proteins for membrane fusion during exocytosis. An increasing amount of information derived from a convergence of structural, physiological and genetic studies is providing important insights into the mechanism of neurotransmitter release.

Author affiliations

1. Departments of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
   Email: jose@arnie.swmed.edu
2. Center for Basic Neuroscience, Department of Molecular Genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
   Email: thomas.sudhof@utsouthwestern.edu