1kil
Three-dimensional structure of the complexin/SNARE complex
OverviewOverview
During neurotransmitter release, the neuronal SNARE proteins synaptobrevin/VAMP, syntaxin, and SNAP-25 form a four-helix bundle, the SNARE complex, that pulls the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes together possibly causing membrane fusion. Complexin binds tightly to the SNARE complex and is essential for efficient Ca(2+)-evoked neurotransmitter release. A combined X-ray and TROSY-based NMR study now reveals the atomic structure of the complexin/SNARE complex. Complexin binds in an antiparallel alpha-helical conformation to the groove between the synaptobrevin and syntaxin helices. This interaction stabilizes the interface between these two helices, which bears the repulsive forces between the apposed membranes. These results suggest that complexin stabilizes the fully assembled SNARE complex as a key step that enables the exquisitely high speed of Ca(2+)-evoked neurotransmitter release.
About this StructureAbout this Structure
1KIL is a Protein complex structure of sequences from Homo sapiens and Rattus norvegicus. Full crystallographic information is available from OCA.
ReferenceReference
Three-dimensional structure of the complexin/SNARE complex., Chen X, Tomchick DR, Kovrigin E, Arac D, Machius M, Sudhof TC, Rizo J, Neuron. 2002 Jan 31;33(3):397-409. PMID:11832227 Page seeded by OCA on Fri May 2 22:47:27 2008