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Analysis of SNARE-mediated Membrane Fusion Using an Enzymatic Cell Fusion Assay
Published on: October 19, 2012
A role for synapsin tetramerization in synaptic vesicle clustering.
Sang-Ho Song1, George J Augustine1,2
1Temasek Life sciences Laboratory, Singapore.
Synapsins regulate synaptic vesicle (SV) clustering. Tetramerization of synapsins, forming larger structures, optimally bridges SVs, overcoming repulsive forces and creating a reserve pool of SVs in presynaptic terminals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Synapsins are implicated in regulating synaptic vesicle (SV) clustering.
- The precise mechanism of synapsin action in SV clustering remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review synapsins and their interactions.
- To highlight the hypothesis of synapsin tetramerization as a mechanism for SV clustering.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of synapsin function and interactions.
- Analysis of experimental data supporting the tetramerization hypothesis.
Main Results:
- Synapsin tetramers are larger than dimers.
- Tetramers can form optimal bridges between SVs.
- This bridging overcomes repulsive forces between negatively charged SV membranes.
Conclusions:
- Synapsin tetramerization provides a plausible mechanism for SV clustering.
- This mechanism explains the formation of a reserve pool of SVs in presynaptic terminals.

