Synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Does a lingering kiss lead to fusion?
Direct optical measurements of single synaptic vesicles undergoing exocytosis at a synapse reveal rapid and complete transfer of membrane marker from the vesicle to the plasma membrane (; this issue of Neuron). Contact between the two membranes is consistent with free lipid exchange, such as might result from full fusion of the vesicle and plasma membranes.
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D005089:Exocytosis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000502:physiology*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents