Synaptobrevin, sphingolipids, and secretion: lube 'n' go at the synapse.
For neurotransmitter release to occur, proteins and lipids have to work together. The classical view of this process is that a variety of proteins work hard to force the unwilling, fusion-aversive lipids into merging. In this issue of Neuron, a study by Darios et al. paints the opposite picture: a lipid metabolite stimulates the reluctant vSNARE synaptobrevin to engage in fusogenic protein complexes.
Verhage
Matthijs
M
Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. matthijs.verhage@cncr.vu.nl
van Meer
Gerrit
G
D000818:Animals; D050683:R-SNARE Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012633:Secretin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013107:Sphingolipids / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*
D050683:R-SNARE Proteins; D013107:Sphingolipids; D012633:Secretin