Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
09:33
An Optical Assay for Synaptic Vesicle Recycling in Cultured Neurons Overexpressing Presynaptic Proteins
Published on: June 26, 2018
8.1K
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A modulates vesicular release and calcium channel function at peripheral sympathetic
Christian Vogl1, Shota Tanifuji, Benedicte Danis
1School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|December 9, 2014
Summary
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) is essential for neurotransmitter release in sympathetic neurons. Knocking down SV2A impairs vesicle pools and calcium channel function, highlighting its role in synaptic transmission.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) is crucial for calcium-dependent exocytosis in neurons, but its precise mechanism is unclear.
- Previous research on SV2A's role in synaptic function primarily used genetic ablation, leaving its specific presynaptic functions in peripheral neurons less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of presynaptic SV2A in regulating synaptic vesicle release and voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) function in peripheral sympathetic neurons.
- To elucidate the mechanistic contribution of SV2A to synaptic transmission using a targeted knockdown approach.
Main Methods:
- Utilized small interference RNA (siRNA) to specifically knockdown presynaptic SV2A levels in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons.
- Assessed effects of SV2A knockdown on readily releasable pool (RRP) size, paired-pulse depression, RRP recovery, and VDCC function.
Main Results:
- siRNA-mediated SV2A knockdown significantly attenuated RRP size and delayed RRP recovery after depletion.
- SV2A knockdown led to increased paired-pulse depression, indicating altered presynaptic release probability.
- A reduction in VDCC current density was observed in SCG neurons with SV2A knockdown.
Conclusions:
- Presynaptic SV2A is indispensable for proper neurotransmitter release and synaptic transmission in sympathetic neurons.
- SV2A maintains RRP size, facilitates recovery from synaptic depression, and its deficiency is linked to altered calcium currents, impacting neuronal secretion.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
1.2K
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
1.2K
01:26Fusion of Secretory Vesicles with the Plasma Membrane
21.2K
Proteins and neurotransmitters in secretory vesicles can be released from a cell upon vesicle docking, priming, and fusion with the plasma membrane. Vesicles are docked and primed in preparation for the quick exocytosis of their contents in response to a stimulus. The fusion process is mainly carried out by a SNAP Receptor or SNARE complex, consisting of synaptobrevin, syntaxin-1, and SNAP-25.
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
21.2K
01:26Chemical Synapses
10.7K
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
10.7K
01:26Chemical Synapses
12.9K
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
12.9K
01:33Overview of Secretory Vesicles
11.5K
Secretory vesicles, also known as dense core vesicles (DCVs), are membrane-bound vesicles that transport secretory proteins, such as hormones or neurotransmitters. Regulated secretory vesicles transport proteins from the trans-Golgi network to the exterior of the cell. Proteins present in regulated secretory vesicles are required to be rapidly exocytosed in large amounts upon a specific stimulus.
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
11.5K
01:27Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
6.0K
Postganglionic sympathetic fibers (except those supplying the sweat glands) releasing noradrenaline or norepinephrine are called noradrenergic or adrenergic neurons. Noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, or epinephrine are collectively called "catecholamines" as they contain a catechol moiety and an amine side chain. The five stages of neurotransmitter release involve their synthesis, storage, release, reuptake and metabolism.
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which...
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which...
6.0K