title: A continuum model of docking of synaptic vesicle to plasma membrane.
abstract: Neurotransmitter release from neuronal terminals is governed by synaptic vesicle fusion. Vesicles filled with transmitters are docked at the neuronal membrane by means of the SNARE machinery. After a series of events leading up to the fusion pore formation, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft. In this paper, we study the mechanics of the docking process. A continuum model is used to determine the deformation of a spherical vesicle and a plasma membrane, under the influence of SNARE-machinery forces and electrostatic repulsion. Our analysis provides information on the variation of in-plane stress in the membranes, which is known to affect fusion. Also, a simple model is proposed to study hemifusion.
authors.forename: Tianshu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Pankaj
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: James T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Anand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jagota
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bykhovskaia
authors.forename: Chung-Yuen
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Hui
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004563:Electrochemistry; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry*; D008561:Membrane Fusion / Q000502:physiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D050600:SNARE Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D055672:Static Electricity; D013569:Synapses; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D050600:SNARE Proteins