Distinct roles for two synaptotagmin isoforms in synchronous and asynchronous transmitter release at zebrafish neuromuscular junction

Hua Wen, Michael W. Linhoff, Matthew J. McGinley, Geng Lin Li, Glen M. Corson, Gail Mandel, Paul Brehm

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

106 Scopus citations

Abstract

An obligatory role for the calcium sensor synaptotagmins in stimulus-coupled release of neurotransmitter is well established, but a role for synaptotagmin isoform involvement in asynchronous release remains conjecture. We show, at the zebrafish neuromuscular synapse, that two separate synaptotagmins underlie these processes. Specifically, knockdown of synaptotagmin 2 (syt2) reduces synchronous release, whereas knockdown of synaptotagmin 7 (syt7) reduces the asynchronous component of release. The zebrafish neuromuscular junction is unique in having a very small quantal content and a high release probability under conditions of either low-frequency stimulation or high-frequency augmentation. Through these features, we further determined that during the height of shared synchronous and asynchronous transmission these two modes compete for the same release sites.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)13906-13911
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume107
Issue number31
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 3 2010

Keywords

  • Acetylcholine receptor
  • Active zone
  • Exocytosis
  • Synapse

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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