Proteins Implicated in Neurotransmitter Release and Reuptake

Neurotransmitter release and reuptake are essentiell steps in the life-cycle of neurotransmitters at the synapse. Biochemical evidence indicates that the exocytotic release process involves both evolutionarily conserved membrane proteins, the SNAREs, as well as ubiquitous cytosolic fusion proteins, NSF and SNAPs. We have tested the physiological role of both SNAREs and SNAPs at the squid giant synapse. Our data are consistent with both SNAPs and SNAREs having post-docking functions in neurotransmitter exocytosis. Analysis of the gene structure. developmental expression and pharmacology of the glycine transporter GlyT1 and the serotonin transporter SERT1 indicates a high diversity and complex regulation of mammalian neurotransmitter uptake systems.