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Microtubule depolymerization contributes to spontaneous neurotransmitter release in vitro.
Cecilia D Velasco1,2, Rachel Santarella-Mellwig3, Martin Schorb3
1Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Communications Biology
|May 5, 2023
Summary
Microtubules in presynaptic terminals regulate neurotransmitter release. Disrupting microtubule dynamics increases spontaneous release and impairs synaptic vesicle replenishment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microtubules are crucial for neuronal functions, including organelle transport.
- The precise role of microtubules in neurotransmitter release remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of microtubule dynamics on neurotransmission.
- To determine how microtubule growth and shrinkage influence spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release.
Main Methods:
- Utilized photoactivation of SBTub3 to induce synchronous microtubule depolymerization.
- Introduced Kif18A and stathmin-1 via dialysis to alter microtubule stability.
- Examined synaptic vesicle pools and endocytic activity in presynaptic terminals.
Main Results:
- Microtubule depolymerization increased spontaneous neurotransmitter release.
- Kif18A inhibited the refilling of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles.
- Increased exo-endocytic events and endosome formation were observed with Kif18A.
Conclusions:
- Microtubules restrict spontaneous neurotransmitter release at synapses.
- Microtubule stability is essential for efficient synaptic vesicle pool replenishment.
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