title: Structure, isolation, composition and reconstitution of the neuronal fusion pore.
abstract: Neuronal communication is dependent on the fusion of 40-50 nm in diameter synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters, at the presynaptic membrane. Here we report for the first time at 5-8A resolution, the presence of 8-10 nm in diameter cup-shaped neuronal fusion pores or porosomes at the presynaptic membrane, where synaptic vesicles dock and fuse to release neurotransmitters. The structure, isolation, composition, and functional reconstitution of porosomes present at the nerve terminal are described. These findings reveal the molecular mechanism of neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic membrane of nerve terminals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 5245 Scott Hall, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
authors.forename: Won Jin
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Aleksandar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeremic
authors.forename: Kathy T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Rognlien
authors.forename: Mzia G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Zhvania
authors.forename: Ilia
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lazrishvili
authors.forename: Bikashvili
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tamar
authors.forename: Bhanu P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Jena
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D022022:Nuclear Pore / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051381:Rats; D050600:SNARE Proteins; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013574:Synaptosomes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D033921:Vesicular Transport Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D050600:SNARE Proteins; D033921:Vesicular Transport Proteins