SNAPs and NSF: general members of the fusion apparatus.
The proteins NSF and SNAPs are known to participate in several intracellular fusion events, but their exact functions in the fusion process are unclear. Molecular studies have now shown that the ability of NSF to hydrolyse ATP is essential for membrane fusion and that this activity is regulated by SNAPs. This article reviews recent work on NSF and SNAPs, and speculates about how they interact with each other and SNAREs to promote membrane fusion.
Whiteheart
S W
SW
Dept of Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
Kubalek
E W
EW