title: The synaptic SNARE complex is a parallel four-stranded helical bundle.
abstract: The heterotrimeric synaptic soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex, consisting of the synaptic vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) and presynaptic plasma membrane proteins SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein of 25,000 Mr) and syntaxin 1A, is a critical component of the exocytotic machinery. We have used spin labeling electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the structural organization of this complex, particularly the two predicted helical domains contributed by SNAP-25. Our results indicate that the N- and C-terminal domains of SNAP-25 are parallel to each other and to the C-terminal domain of syntaxin 1A. Based on these findings, we propose a parallel four-stranded coiled coil model for the structure of the synaptic SNARE complex.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Poirier
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Macosko
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Y K
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D003497:Cyclic N-Oxides; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D008698:Mesylates; D008958:Models, Molecular; D016296:Mutagenesis; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D050683:R-SNARE Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D050600:SNARE Proteins; D013113:Spin Labels; D013569:Synapses / Q000737:chemistry*; D050825:Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25; D050827:Syntaxin 1; D033921:Vesicular Transport Proteins
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface; D003497:Cyclic N-Oxides; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008698:Mesylates; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D050683:R-SNARE Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D050600:SNARE Proteins; D013113:Spin Labels; D050825:Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25; D050827:Syntaxin 1; D033921:Vesicular Transport Proteins; C034248:(1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrroline-3-methyl)methanethiosulfonate