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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Confocal Microscopy to Measure Three Modes of Fusion Pore Dynamics in Adrenal Chromaffin Cells
Published on: March 16, 2022
Structure, isolation, composition and reconstitution of the neuronal fusion pore
Won Jin Cho1, Aleksandar Jeremic, Kathy T Rognlien
1Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 5245 Scott Hall, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Abstract:
Neuronal communication is dependent on the fusion of 40-50 nm in diameter synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters, at the presynaptic membrane. Here we report for the first time at 5-8A resolution, the presence of 8-10 nm in diameter cup-shaped neuronal fusion pores or porosomes at the presynaptic membrane, where synaptic vesicles dock and fuse to release neurotransmitters. The structure, isolation, composition, and functional reconstitution of porosomes present at the nerve terminal are described. These findings reveal the molecular mechanism of neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic membrane of nerve terminals.
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