Protein phase separation hotspots at the presynapse.

Authors
Lautenschläger, Janin  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7788-7074

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Type
Article
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Abstract

Fundamental discoveries have shaped our molecular understanding of presynaptic processes, such as neurotransmitter release, active zone organization and mechanisms of synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling. However, certain regulatory steps still remain incompletely understood. Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and its role in SV clustering and active zone regulation now introduce a new perception of how the presynapse and its different compartments are organized. This article highlights the newly emerging concept of LLPS at the synapse, providing a systematic overview on LLPS tendencies of over 500 presynaptic proteins, spotlighting individual proteins and discussing recent progress in the field. Newly discovered LLPS systems like ELKS/liprin-alpha and Eps15/FCho are put into context, and further LLPS candidate proteins, including epsin1, dynamin, synaptojanin, complexin and rabphilin-3A, are highlighted.

Publication Date
2022-02
Online Publication Date
2022-02-09
Acceptance Date
2022-01-13
Keywords
Exocytosis, Phase separation, Synapse, active zone, Synapsin, Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis
Journal Title
Open Biol
Journal ISSN
2046-2441
2046-2441
Volume Title
12
Publisher
The Royal Society
Sponsorship
Royal Society (DHF/R1/201228)