Interactions between membraneless condensates and membranous organelles at the presynapse: a phase separation view of synaptic vesicle cycle

X Wu, H Qiu, M Zhang - Journal of Molecular Biology, 2023 - Elsevier
X Wu, H Qiu, M Zhang
Journal of Molecular Biology, 2023Elsevier
Action potential-induced neurotransmitter release in presynaptic boutons involves
coordinated actions of a large list of proteins that are associated directly or indirectly with
membrane structures including synaptic vesicles and plasma membranes. These proteins
are often highly abundant in different synaptic bouton sub-compartments, and they rarely act
alone. Instead, these proteins interact with each other forming intricate and distinct
molecular complexes. Many of these complexes form condensed clusters on membrane …
Abstract
Action potential-induced neurotransmitter release in presynaptic boutons involves coordinated actions of a large list of proteins that are associated directly or indirectly with membrane structures including synaptic vesicles and plasma membranes. These proteins are often highly abundant in different synaptic bouton sub-compartments, and they rarely act alone. Instead, these proteins interact with each other forming intricate and distinct molecular complexes. Many of these complexes form condensed clusters on membrane surfaces. This review summarizes findings in recent years showing that many of presynaptic protein complex assemblies are formed via phase separation. These protein condensates extensively interact with lipid membranes via distinct modes, forming various mesoscale structures by different mode of organizations between membraneless condensates and membranous organelles. We discuss that such mesoscale interactions could have deep implications on mobilization, exocytosis, and retrieval of synaptic vesicles.
Elsevier