(
2007-08-01)
Kuner, T.; Li, Y.; Gee, K. R.; Bonewald, L. F.; Augustine, George J.
The time at which the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) acts during
synaptic vesicle trafficking was identified by time-controlled perturbation of NSF
function with a photo-activatable inhibitory peptide. Photolysis of this caged
peptide in the squid giant presynaptic terminal caused an abrupt (0.2 s) slowing
of the kinetics of the postsynaptic current (PSC) and a more gradual (2-3 s)
reduction in PSC amplitude. Based on the rapid rate of these inhibitory effects
relative to the speed of synaptic vesicle recycling, we conclude that NSF
functions in reactions that immediately precede neurotransmitter release. Our
results indicate the locus of SNARE protein recycling in presynaptic terminals
and reveal a new target for rapid regulation of transmitter release.