The C2B domain of synaptotagmin I is a Ca2+-binding module

Synaptotagmin I is a synaptic vesicle protein that contains two C(2) domains and acts as a Ca(2+) sensor in neurotransmitter release. The Ca(2+)-binding properties of the synaptotagmin I C(2)A domain have been well characterized, but those of the C(2)B domain are unclear. The C(2)B domain was previously found to pull down synaptotagmin I from brain homogenates in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, leading to an attractive model whereby Ca(2+)-dependent multimerization of synaptotagmin I via the C(2)B domain participates in fusion pore formation. However, contradictory results have been described in studies of Ca(2+)-dependent C(2)B domain dimerization, as well as in analyses of other C(2)B domain interactions. To shed light on these issues, the C(2)B domain has now been studied using biophysical techniques. The recombinant C(2)B domain expressed as a GST fusion protein and isolated by affinity chromatography contains tightly bound bacterial contaminants despite being electrophoretically pure. The contaminants bind to a polybasic sequence that has been previously implicated in several C(2)B domain interactions, including Ca(2+)-dependent dimerization. NMR experiments show that the pure recombinant C(2)B domain binds Ca(2+) directly but does not dimerize upon Ca(2+) binding. In contrast, a cytoplasmic fragment of native synaptotagmin I from brain homogenates, which includes the C(2)A and C(2)B domains, participates in a high molecular weight complex as a function of Ca(2+). These results show that the recombinant C(2)B domain of synaptotagmin I is a monomeric, autonomously folded Ca(2+)-binding module and suggest that a potential function of synaptotagmin I multimerization in fusion pore formation does not involve a direct interaction between C(2)B domains or requires a posttranslational modification.     

Synaptotagmin VII as a plasma membrane Ca(2+) sensor in exocytosis

Synaptotagmins I and II are Ca(2+) binding proteins of synaptic vesicles essential for fast Ca(2+)-triggered neurotransmitter release. However, central synapses and neuroendocrine cells lacking these synaptotagmins still exhibit Ca(2+)-evoked exocytosis. We now propose that synaptotagmin VII functions as a plasma membrane Ca(2+) sensor in synaptic exocytosis complementary to vesicular synaptotagmins. We show that alternatively spliced forms of synaptotagmin VII are expressed in a developmentally regulated pattern in brain and are concentrated in presynaptic active zones of central synapses. In neuroendocrine PC12 cells, the C(2)A and C(2)B domains of synaptotagmin VII are potent inhibitors of Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis, but only when they bind Ca(2+). Our data suggest that in synaptic vesicle exocytosis, distinct synaptotagmins function as independent Ca(2+) sensors on the two fusion partners, the plasma membrane (synaptotagmin VII) versus synaptic vesicles (synaptotagmins I and II).     

Membrane-embedded synaptotagmin penetrates cis or trans target membranes and clusters via a novel mechanism

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I has been proposed to serve as a Ca(2+) sensor for rapid exocytosis. Synaptotagmin spans the vesicle membrane once and possesses a cytoplasmic domain largely comprised of two C2 domains designated C2A and C2B. We have determined how deep the Ca(2+)-binding loops of Ca(2+).C2A penetrate into the lipid bilayer and report mutations in synaptotagmin that can uncouple membrane penetration from Ca(2+)-triggered interactions with the SNARE complex. To determine whether C2A penetrates into the vesicle ("cis") or plasma ("trans") membrane, we reconstituted a fragment of synaptotagmin that includes the membrane-spanning and C2A domain (C2A-TMR) into proteoliposomes. Kinetics experiments revealed that cis interactions are rapid (< or =500 micros). Binding in the trans mode was distinguished by the slow diffusion of trans target vesicles. Both modes of binding were observed, indicating that the linker between the membrane anchor and C2A domain functions as a flexible tether. C2A-TMR assembled into oligomers via a novel N-terminal oligomerization domain suggesting that synaptotagmin may form clusters on the surface of synaptic vesicles. This novel mode of clustering may allow for rapid Ca(2+)-triggered oligomerization of the protein via the membrane distal C2B domain.     

Synaptotagmin I functions as a calcium sensor to synchronize neurotransmitter release

To characterize Ca(2+)-mediated synaptic vesicle fusion, we analyzed Drosophila synaptotagmin I mutants deficient in specific interactions mediated by its two Ca(2+) binding C2 domains. In the absence of synaptotagmin I, synchronous release is abolished and a kinetically distinct delayed asynchronous release pathway is uncovered. Synapses containing only the C2A domain of synaptotagmin partially recover synchronous fusion, but have an abolished Ca(2+) cooperativity. Mutants that disrupt Ca(2+) sensing by the C2B domain have synchronous release with normal Ca(2+) cooperativity, but with reduced release probability. Our data suggest the Ca(2+) cooperativity of neurotransmitter release is likely mediated through synaptotagmin-SNARE interactions, while phospholipid binding and oligomerization trigger rapid fusion with increased release probability. These results indicate that synaptotagmin is the major Ca(2+) sensor for evoked release and functions to trigger synchronous fusion in response to Ca(2+), while suppressing asynchronous release.     

Close membrane-membrane proximity induced by Ca(2+)-dependent multivalent binding of synaptotagmin-1 to phospholipids

Synaptotagmin acts as a Ca(2+) sensor in neurotransmitter release through its two C(2) domains. Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid binding is key for synaptotagmin function, but it is unclear how this activity cooperates with the SNARE complex involved in release or why Ca(2+) binding to the C(2)B domain is more crucial for release than Ca(2+) binding to the C(2)A domain. Here we show that Ca(2+) induces high-affinity simultaneous binding of synaptotagmin to two membranes, bringing them into close proximity. The synaptotagmin C(2)B domain is sufficient for this ability, which arises from the abundance of basic residues around its surface. We propose a model wherein synaptotagmin cooperates with the SNAREs in bringing the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes together and accelerates membrane fusion through the highly positive electrostatic potential of its C(2)B domain.     

The C2B domain of synaptotagmin is a Ca(2+)-sensing module essential for exocytosis

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I has been proposed to serve as a Ca(2+) sensor for rapid exocytosis. Synaptotagmin spans the vesicle membrane once and possesses a large cytoplasmic domain that contains two C2 domains, C2A and C2B. Multiple Ca(2+) ions bind to the membrane proximal C2A domain. However, it is not known whether the C2B domain also functions as a Ca(2+)-sensing module. Here, we report that Ca(2+) drives conformational changes in the C2B domain of synaptotagmin and triggers the homo- and hetero-oligomerization of multiple isoforms of the protein. These effects of Ca(2)+ are mediated by a set of conserved acidic Ca(2)+ ligands within C2B; neutralization of these residues results in constitutive clustering activity. We addressed the function of oligomerization using a dominant negative approach. Two distinct reagents that block synaptotagmin clustering potently inhibited secretion from semi-intact PC12 cells. Together, these data indicate that the Ca(2)+-driven clustering of the C2B domain of synaptotagmin is an essential step in excitation-secretion coupling. We propose that clustering may regulate the opening or dilation of the exocytotic fusion pore.     

Position of synaptotagmin I at the membrane interface: cooperative interactions of tandem C2 domains

Synaptotagmin I is a synaptic vesicle associated membrane protein that appears to regulate Ca(2+)-mediated exocytosis. Here, the Ca(2+)-dependent membrane interactions of a water soluble fragment of synaptotagmin I (C2AB) that contains its two C2 domains (C2A and C2B) were determined using site-directed spin labeling. Membrane depth parameters were obtained for 19 spin-labeled mutants of C2AB when bound to phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine membranes, and these distance constraints were used in combination with the high-resolution structures of C2A and C2B to generate a model for the membrane orientation and position of synaptotagmin at the bilayer interface. Both C2A and C2B bind to the membrane interface with their first and third Ca(2+) binding loops penetrating the membrane interface. The polybasic face of C2B does not interact with the membrane lipid but is available for electrostatic interaction with other components of the fusion machinery. When compared to positions determined previously for the isolated domains, both C2A and C2B have similar orientations; however, the two domains are positioned deeper into the bilayer interior when present in the tandem construct. These data indicate that C2A and C2B do not act independently but influence their mutual membrane penetration. This may explain the occurrence of multiple C2 domains in proteins that function in membrane trafficking and repair.     

Inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) can weaken the Ca(2+)-dependent membrane binding of C2AB domain of synaptotagmin I

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I has been proposed to serve as a Ca(2+) sensor for rapid exocytosis. In the present work, two fragments of the large cytoplasmic domain of synaptotagmin I, C2A and C2AB, were compared by combining surface plasmon resonance with circular dichroism and fluorescence techniques. C2AB and C2A had almost identical membrane binding constants, indicating that C2A is the predominate domain to bind to negatively charged phospholipids. After reacting with inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) a conformational change of C2AB was detected in the presence of liposome. The InsP6 binding notably weakened the Ca(2+)-dependent C2AB-membrane interaction, which suggests that InsP6 may act as a modulator of neurotransmitter release by altering the state of synaptotagmin-phospholipid interaction.     

Specificity of Ca2+-dependent protein interactions mediated by the C2A domains of synaptotagmins

Synaptotagmins represent a family of neuronal proteins thought to function in membrane traffic. The best characterized synaptotagmin, synaptotagmin I, is essential for fast Ca2+-dependent synaptic vesicle exocytosis, indicating a role in the Ca2+ triggering of membrane fusion. Synaptotagmins contain two C2 domains, the C2A and C2B domains, which bind Ca2+ and may mediate their functions by binding to specific targets. For synaptotagmin I, several putative targets have been identified, including the SNARE proteins syntaxin and SNAP-25. However, it is unclear which of the many binding proteins are physiologically relevant. Furthermore, more than 10 highly homologous synaptotagmins are expressed in brain, but it is unknown if they execute similar binding reactions. To address these questions, we have performed a systematic, unbiased study of proteins which bind to the C2A domains of synaptotagmins I-VII. Although the various C2A domains exhibit similar binding activities for phospholipids and syntaxin, we found that they differ greatly in their protein binding patterns. Surprisingly, none of the previously characterized binding proteins for synaptotagmin I are among the major interacting proteins identified. Instead, several proteins that were not known to interact with synaptotagmin I were bound tightly and stoichiometrically, most prominently the NSF homologue VCP, which is thought to be involved in membrane fusion, and an unknown protein of 40 kDa. Point mutations in the Ca2+ binding loops of the C2A domain revealed that the interactions of these proteins with synaptotagmin I were highly specific. Furthermore, a synaptotagmin I/VCP complex could be immunoprecipitated from brain homogenates in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and GST-VCP fusion proteins efficiently captured synaptotagmin I from brain. However, when we investigated the tissue distribution of VCP, we found that, different from synaptic proteins, VCP was not enriched in brain and exhibited no developmental increase paralleling synaptogenesis. Moreover, binding of VCP, which is an ATPase, to synaptotagmin I was inhibited by both ATP and ADP, indicating that the native, nucleotide-occupied state of VCP does not bind to synaptotagmin. Together our findings suggest that the C2A-domains of different synaptotagmins, despite their homology, exhibit a high degree of specificity in their protein interactions. This is direct evidence for diverse roles of the various synaptotagmins in brain, consistent with their differential subcellular localizations. Furthermore, our results indicate that traditional approaches, such as affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitations, are useful tools to evaluate the overall spectrum of binding activity for a protein but are not sufficient to estimate physiological relevance.     

Partitioning of synaptotagmin I C2 domains between liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered inner leaflet lipid phases

Synaptotagmin I is the calcium sensor in synchronous neurotransmitter release caused by fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane in neurons. Synaptotagmin I interacts with acidic phospholipids, but also with soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptors (SNAREs), at various stages in presynaptic membrane fusion. Because SNAREs can be organized into small cholesterol-dependent clusters in membranes, it is important to determine whether the C2 domains of synaptotagmin target membrane domains with different cholesterol contents. To address this question, we used a previously developed asymmetric two-phase lipid bilayer system to investigate the membrane binding and lipid phase targeting of soluble C2A and C2AB domains of synaptotagmin. We found that both domains target more disordered cholesterol-poor domains better than highly ordered cholesterol-rich domains. The selectivity is greatest (～3-fold) for C2A binding to disordered domains that are formed in the presence of 5 mol % PIP(2) and 15 mol % PS. It is smallest (～1.4-fold) for C2AB binding to disordered domains that are formed in the presence of 40 mol % PS. In the course of these experiments, we also found that C2A domains in the presence of Ca(2+) and C2AB domains in the absence of Ca(2+) are quite reliable reporters of the acidic lipid distribution between ordered and disordered lipid phases. Accordingly, PS prefers the liquid-disordered phase over the liquid-ordered phase by ～2-fold, but PIP(2) has an up to 3-fold preference for the liquid-disordered phase.     

Kinetics of synaptotagmin responses to Ca2+ and assembly with the core SNARE complex onto membranes

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I binds Ca2+ and is required for efficient neurotransmitter release. Here, we measure the response time of the C2 domains of synaptotagmin to determine whether synaptotagmin is fast enough to function as a Ca2+ sensor for rapid exocytosis. We report that synaptotagmin is "tuned" to sense Ca2+ concentrations that trigger neuronal exocytosis. The speed of response is unique to synaptotagmin I and readily satisfies the kinetic constraints of synaptic vesicle membrane fusion. We further demonstrate that Ca2+ triggers penetration of synaptotagmin into membranes and simultaneously drives assembly of synaptotagmin onto the base of the ternary SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein [NSF] attachment receptor) complex, near the transmembrane anchor of syntaxin. These data support a molecular model in which synaptotagmin triggers exocytosis through its interactions with membranes and the SNARE complex.     

Synaptotagmin C2A loop 2 mediates Ca2+-dependent SNARE interactions essential for Ca2+-triggered vesicle exocytosis

Synaptotagmins contain tandem C2 domains and function as Ca(2+) sensors for vesicle exocytosis but the mechanism for coupling Ca(2+) rises to membrane fusion remains undefined. Synaptotagmins bind SNAREs, essential components of the membrane fusion machinery, but the role of these interactions in Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis has not been directly assessed. We identified sites on synaptotagmin-1 that mediate Ca(2+)-dependent SNAP25 binding by zero-length cross-linking. Mutation of these sites in C2A and C2B eliminated Ca(2+)-dependent synaptotagmin-1 binding to SNAREs without affecting Ca(2+)-dependent membrane binding. The mutants failed to confer Ca(2+) regulation on SNARE-dependent liposome fusion and failed to restore Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis in synaptotagmin-deficient PC12 cells. The results provide direct evidence that Ca(2+)-dependent SNARE binding by synaptotagmin is essential for Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis and that Ca(2+)-dependent membrane binding by itself is insufficient to trigger fusion. A structure-based model of the SNARE-binding surface of C2A provided a new view of how Ca(2+)-dependent SNARE and membrane binding occur simultaneously.     

Role of synaptotagmin, a Ca2+ and inositol polyphosphate binding protein, in neurotransmitter release and neurite outgrowth.

Synaptotagmin I (or II), a possible Ca(2+)-sensor of synaptic vesicles, has two functionally distinct C2 domains: the C2A domain binds Ca2+ and the C2B domain binds inositol high polyphosphates (IP4, IP5, and IP6). Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis of secretory vesicles is proposed to be activated by Ca2+ binding to the C2A domain and inhibited by inositol polyphosphate binding to the C2B domain. Synaptotagmins now constitute a large family and are thought to be involved in both regulated and constitutive vesicular trafficking. They are classified from their distribution as neuronal (synaptotagmin I-V, X, and XI) and the ubiquitous type (synaptotagmin VI-IX). Among them, synaptotagmins III, V, VI and X are deficient in IP4 binding activity due to the amino acid substitutions in the C-terminal region of the C2B domain, suggesting that these isoforms can work for vesicular trafficking even in the presence of inositol high polyphosphates. Synaptotagmin I is also known to be present in neuronal growth cone vesicles. Antibody against the C2A domain (anti-C2A) that inhibits Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis also blocked neurite outgrowth of the chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron, suggesting that Ca(2+)-dependent synaptotagmin activation is also crucial for neurite outgrowth.     

Functional and physical coupling of voltage-sensitive calcium channels with exocytotic proteins: ramifications for the secretion mechanism

The secretion of neurotransmitters is a rapid Ca(2+)-regulated process that brings about vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane. This rapid process (< 100 microseconds) involves multiple proteins located at the plasma and vesicular membranes. Because of their homology to proteins participating in constitutive secretion and protein trafficking, they have been characterized extensively. The sequential events that lead these proteins to vesicle docking and fusion are still unclear. We will review recent studies that demonstrate the operative role played by voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels and discuss the relevance for the process of evoked transmitter release. The regulation of Ca(2+) influx by syntaxin, synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) and synaptotagmin, and the reciprocity of these proteins in controlling the kinetic properties of the channel will be discussed. Calcium channel and synaptic proteins expressed in Xenopus oocytes demonstrate a strong functional interaction, which could be pertinent to the mechanism of secretion. First, the voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels are negatively modulated by syntaxin: this inhibition is reversed by synaptotagmin. Second, the modulation of N-type Ca(2+) channel activation kinetics strongly suggests that the vesicle could be docked at the plasma membrane through direct interaction with synaptotagmin. Finally, these interactions provide evidence for the assembly of the voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel with syntaxin 1A, SNAP-25 and synaptotagmin into an excitosome complex: a putative fusion complex with a potential role in the final stages of secretion. Studies suggest that cross-talk between the synaptic proteins and the channel in a tightly organized complex may enable a rapid secretory response to an incoming signal such as membrane depolarization.     

Structural basis for the evolutionary inactivation of Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin 4

The neuronal protein synaptotagmin 1 functions as a Ca(2+) sensor in exocytosis via two Ca(2+)-binding C(2) domains. The very similar synaptotagmin 4, which includes all the predicted Ca(2+)-binding residues in the C(2)B domain but not in the C(2)A domain, is also thought to function as a neuronal Ca(2+) sensor. Here we show that, unexpectedly, both C(2) domains of fly synaptotagmin 4 exhibit Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid binding, whereas neither C(2) domain of rat synaptotagmin 4 binds Ca(2+) or phospholipids efficiently. Crystallography reveals that changes in the orientations of critical Ca(2+) ligands, and perhaps their flexibility, render the rat synaptotagmin 4 C(2)B domain unable to form full Ca(2+)-binding sites. These results indicate that synaptotagmin 4 is a Ca(2+) sensor in the fly but not in the rat, that the Ca(2+)-binding properties of C(2) domains cannot be reliably predicted from sequence analyses, and that proteins clearly identified as orthologs may nevertheless have markedly different functional properties.     

The C terminus of SNAP25 is essential for Ca(2+)-dependent binding of synaptotagmin to SNARE complexes

The plasma membrane soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins syntaxin and synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP25) and the vesicle SNARE protein vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) are essential for a late Ca(2+)-dependent step in regulated exocytosis, but their precise roles and regulation by Ca(2+) are poorly understood. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) E, a protease that cleaves SNAP25 at Arg(180)-Ile(181), completely inhibits this late step in PC12 cell membranes, whereas BoNT A, which cleaves SNAP25 at Gln(197)-Arg(198), is only partially inhibitory. The difference in toxin effectiveness was found to result from a reversal of BoNT A but not BoNT E inhibition by elevated Ca(2+) concentrations. BoNT A treatment essentially increased the Ca(2+) concentration required to activate exocytosis, which suggested a role for the C terminus of SNAP25 in the Ca(2+) regulation of exocytosis. Synaptotagmin, a proposed Ca(2+) sensor for exocytosis, was found to bind SNAP25 in a Ca(2+)-stimulated manner. Ca(2+)-dependent binding was abolished by BoNT E treatment, whereas BoNT A treatment increased the Ca(2+) concentration required for binding. The C terminus of SNAP25 was also essential for Ca(2+)-dependent synaptotagmin binding to SNAP25. syntaxin and SNAP25.syntaxin.VAMP SNARE complexes. These results clarify classical observations on the Ca(2+) reversal of BoNT A inhibition of neurosecretion, and they suggest that an essential role for the C terminus of SNAP25 in regulated exocytosis is to mediate Ca(2+)-dependent interactions between synaptotagmin and SNARE protein complexes.     

Calcium-dependent and -independent hetero-oligomerization in the synaptotagmin family

Synaptotagmins constitute a family of membrane proteins that are characterized by one transmembrane region and two C2 domains. Recent genetic and biochemical studies have indicated that oligomerization of synaptotagmin (Syt) I is important for expression of function during exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. However, little is known about hetero-oligomerization in the synaptotagmin family. In this study, we showed that the synaptotagmin family is a type I membrane protein (N(lumen)/C(cytoplasm)) by introducing an artificial N-glycosylation site at the N-terminal domain, and systematically examined all the possible combinations of hetero-oligomerization among synaptotagmin family proteins (Syts I-XI). We classified the synaptotagmin family into four distinct groups based on differences in Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent oligomerization activity. Group A Syts (III, V, VI, and X) form strong homo- and hetero-oligomers by disulfide bonds at an N-terminal cysteine motif irrespective of the presence of Ca(2+) [Fukuda, M., Kanno, E., and Mikoshiba, K. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 31421-31427]. Group B Syts (I, II, VIII, and XI) show moderate homo-oligomerization irrespective of the presence of Ca(2+). Group C synaptotagmins are characterized by weak Ca(2+)-dependent (Syts IX) or no homo-oligomerization activity (Syt IV). Syt VII (Group D) has unique Ca(2+)-dependent homo-oligomerization properties with EC(50) values of about 150 microM Ca(2+) [Fukuda, M., and Mikoshiba, K. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 28180-28185]. Syts IV, VIII, and XI did not show any apparent hetero-oligomerization activity, but some sets of synaptotagmin isoforms can hetero-oligomerize in a Ca(2+)-dependent and/or -independent manner. Our data suggest that Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent hetero-oligomerization of synaptotagmins may create a variety of Ca(2+)-sensors.     

Molecular regulation of membrane resealing in 3T3 fibroblasts

Membrane resealing in mammalian cells after injury depends on Ca(2+)-dependent fusion of intracellular vesicles with the plasma membrane. When cells are wounded twice, the subsequent resealing is generally faster. Physiological and biochemical studies have shown the initiation of two different repair signaling pathways, which are termed facilitated and potentiated responses. The facilitated response is dependent on the generation and recruitment of new vesicles, whereas the potentiated response is not. Here, we report that the two responses can be differentially defined molecularly. Using recombinant fragments of synaptobrevin-2 and synaptotagmin C2 domains we were able to dissociate the molecular requirements of vesicle exocytosis for initial membrane resealing and the facilitated and potentiated responses. The initial resealing response was blocked by fragments of synaptobrevin-2 and the C2B domain of synaptotagmin VII. Both the facilitated and potentiated responses were also blocked by the C2B domain of synaptotagmin VII. Although the initial resealing response was not blocked by the C2AB domain of synaptotagmin I or the C2A domain of synaptotagmin VII, recruitment of new vesicles for the facilitated response was inhibited. We also used Ca2+ binding mutant studies to show that the effects of synaptotagmins on membrane resealing are Ca(2+)-dependent. The pattern of inhibition by synaptotagmin C2 fragments that we observed cannot be used to specify a vesicle compartment, such as lysosomes, in membrane repair.     

Synaptotagmin in Ca2+ -dependent exocytosis: dynamic action in a flash

Synaptotagmins have been the popular candidates for the Ca2+ sensor that couples local rise in Ca2+ to neurotransmitter release. Studies in worm, fly, and mouse corroborate the likely role for synaptotagmin I, the best-studied synaptotagmin prototype, as a Ca2+ trigger for synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Recent investigations have focused on structural domains of synaptotagmin that are critical for its function. Here we provide a brief overview of synaptotagmin I and discuss recent studies within the framework of neurotransmitter release mechanisms for fast synaptic transmission.     

Membrane-bound orientation and position of the synaptotagmin C2B domain determined by site-directed spin labeling

Site-directed spin labeling is used to determine the orientation and depth of insertion of the second C2 domain from synaptotagmin I (C2B) into membrane vesicles composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylserine (PS). EPR line shapes of spin-labeled mutants located with the Ca(2+)-binding loops of C2B broaden in the presence of Ca(2+) and PC/PS vesicles, indicating that these loops undergo a Ca(2+)-dependent insertion into the membrane interface. Power saturation of the EPR spectra provides a position for each spin-labeled site along the bilayer normal, and these EPR-derived distance constraints, along with a high-resolution structure of the C2B domain, are used to generate a model for the domain orientation and position at the membrane interface. Our data show that the isolated C2B domain from synaptotagmin I penetrates PC/PS membranes, and that the backbone of Ca(2+)-binding loops 1 and 3 is inserted below the level of a plane defined by the lipid phosphates. The side chains of several loop residues are within the bilayer interior, and both Ca(2+)-binding sites are positioned near a plane defined by the lipid phosphates. A Tb(3+)-based fluorescence assay is used to compare the membrane affinity of the C2B domain to that of the first synaptotagmin C2 domain (C2A). Both C2A and C2B bind PC/PS (75:25) membrane vesicles with a micromolar lipid affinity in the presence of metal ion. These results indicate that C2A and C2B have a similar membrane affinity and position when bound to PC/PS (75:25) membrane vesicles. EPR spectroscopy indicates that the C2B domain has different interactions with PC/PS membranes containing 1 mol % phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.