Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient
Published on: September 3, 2014
The role of syntaxins in retinal function and health
Lars Tebbe1, Mashal Kakakhel1, Muayyad R Al-Ubaidi1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
Abstract:
The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) superfamily plays a pivotal role in cellular trafficking by facilitating membrane fusion events. These SNARE proteins, including syntaxins, assemble into complexes that actively facilitate specific membrane fusion events. Syntaxins, as integral components of the SNARE complex, play a crucial role in initiating and regulating these fusion activities. While specific syntaxins have been extensively studied in various cellular processes, including neurotransmitter release, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi protein transport, their roles in the retina remain less explored. This review aims to enhance our understanding of syntaxins' functions in the retina by shedding light on how syntaxins mediate membrane fusion events unique to the retina. Additionally, we seek to establish a connection between syntaxin mutations and retinal diseases. By exploring the intricate interplay of syntaxins in retinal function and health, we aim to contribute to the broader comprehension of cellular trafficking in the context of retinal physiology and pathology.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Secretory Vesicles
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
Role of Septins
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
Integration of Synaptic Events
Overview of Synapses
Chemical Synapses
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...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

