Three-Dimensional Structure of the Complexin/SNARE Complex

Authors

Xiaocheng Chen, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Diana R. Tomchick, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Evgueni Kovriguine, Marquette UniversityFollow
Demet Araç, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Mischa Machius, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Thomas C. Südhof, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Josep Rizo, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2002

Source Publication

Neuron

Abstract

During neurotransmitter release, the neuronal SNARE proteins synaptobrevin/VAMP, syntaxin, and SNAP-25 form a four-helix bundle, the SNARE complex, that pulls the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes together possibly causing membrane fusion. Complexin binds tightly to the SNARE complex and is essential for efficient Ca²⁺-evoked neurotransmitter release. A combined X-ray and TROSY-based NMR study now reveals the atomic structure of the complexin/SNARE complex. Complexin binds in an antiparallel α-helical conformation to the groove between the synaptobrevin and syntaxin helices. This interaction stabilizes the interface between these two helices, which bears the repulsive forces between the apposed membranes. These results suggest that complexin stabilizes the fully assembled SNARE complex as a key step that enables the exquisitely high speed of Ca²⁺-evoked neurotransmitter release.

Comments

Accepted version. Neuron, Vol. 33, No. 3 (January 2002): 397-409. DOI: © 2002 Cell Press. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Chen, Xiaocheng; Tomchick, Diana R.; Kovriguine, Evgueni; Araç, Demet; Machius, Mischa; Südhof, Thomas C.; and Rizo, Josep, "Three-Dimensional Structure of the Complexin/SNARE Complex" (2002). Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications. 228.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/chem_fac/228