Conservation and specialization. The role of the exocyst in neuronal exocytosis.
The exocyst is an octameric complex mediating vesicle targeting and tethering at the plasma membrane for exocytosis. The role of exocyst in nervous system is unclear. In this issue of Neuron, Murthy et al. provide important insights: defects in the exocyst inhibit neurite outgrowth and neuromuscular junction formation; however, synaptic transmission persists.
EauClaire
Steven
S
Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Guo
Wei
W
D000818:Animals; D005089:Exocytosis / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*