Clathrin and synaptic vesicle endocytosis: Studies at the squid giant synapse

G. J. Augustine, J. R. Morgan, C. A. Villalba-Galea, S. Jin, K. Prasad, E. M. Lafer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

The role of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in SV (synaptic vesicle) recycling has been studied by combining molecular biology, physiology and electron microscopy at the squid giant synapse. Procedures that prevent clathrin from assembling into membrane coats, such as impairment of binding of the AP180 and AP-2 adaptor proteins, completely prevent membrane budding during endocytosis. These procedures also reduce exocytosis, presumably an indirect effect of a reduction in the number of SVs following block of endocytosis. Disrupting the binding of auxilin to Hsc70 (heat-shock cognate 70) prevents clathrin-coated vesicles from uncoating and also disrupts SV recycling. Taken together, these results indicate that a clathrin-dependent pathway is the primary means of SV recycling at this synapse under physiological conditions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)68-72
Number of pages5
JournalBiochemical Society transactions
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2006

Keywords

  • Adaptor protein
  • Clathrin
  • Plasma membrane
  • Squid giant synapse
  • Synaptic vesicle
  • Vesicle recycling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

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