Synapsins are a family of phosphoproteins that regulate the process of releasing neurotransmitters in synapses . They abundantly cover the surface of synaptic vesicles . In mature neurons, synapsins 1 and 2 are most strongly expressed. Synapse 3 is found in significant concentration during brain development, after which its expression is reduced. [one]
In the Drosophila genome , there is one synapsin gene, the alternative splicing of which generates several forms of protein. Three genes are described in the human genome that are also susceptible to alternative splicing. A few duplications in the process of evolution increased the number of synapsins and led to the emergence of new structural domains in these proteins. [2]
Content
Synapsin Functions
In the dephosphorylated form, synapsins attach to synaptic vesicles and trigger actin polymerization , and phosphorylation causes their detachment from the vesicles. It is possible that dephosphorylated synapsins contribute to the retention of vesicles, and phosphorylation, on the contrary, is one of the incentives for the release of neurotransmitters.
The bubbles contained in the presynaptic space are divided into three pools: ready for release, recyclable and reserve. Traditionally, synapsins, temporarily attaching bubbles to actin filaments, were thought to support the reserve pool, but in subsequent years there was evidence of their participation in the other two pools. [3]
Animal Studies
Genetic knockout of SYN1 and SYN2 in mice does not lead to the death of rodents, only reducing the number of synaptic vesicles.
Clinical value
Some studies have argued that the SYN2 gene may be associated with schizophrenia . [four]
Genes
- SYN1
- SYN2
- SYN3
See also
- NOS1AP , also known as CAPON - interacts with synapsins
- TIMP family - three genes are located within the synapsin genes
Notes
- β Synapsin-I- and synapsin-II-null mice display an increased age-related cognitive impairment. Corradi A, Zanardi A, Giacomini C, Onofri F, Valtorta F, Zoli M, Benfenati F. J Cell Sci. 2008 Sep 15; 121 (Pt 18): 3042-51. Epub 2008 Aug 19. PMID 18713831
- β Kao HT, Porton B., Hilfiker S., et al. Molecular evolution of the synapsin gene family. (English) // J. Exp. Zool. : journal. - 2000. - Vol. 285 , no. 4 - P. 360-377 . - DOI : 10.1002 / (SICI) 1097-010X (19991215) 285: 4 <360 :: AID-JEZ4> 3.0.CO; 2-3 . - PMID 10578110 .
- β Neural synapse research trends. Ed. by Jerome A. Lassau. Nova Biomedical Books 2007
- β Gene Overview of All Schizophrenia-Association Studies for SYN2 (inaccessible link) - a summary of research on SYN2, the szgene database of the portal " schizophrenia research forum ".
Links
- Synapsin 1 - medbiol.ru