Transport route for synaptobrevin via a novel pathway of insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane

U. Kutay, G. Ahnert-Hilger, E. Hartmann, B. Wiedenmann, T. A. Rapoport*

*Corresponding author for this work
238 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Synaptobrevin/vesicle-associated membrane protein is one of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins. It is proposed to provide specificity for the targeting and fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane. It belongs to a class of membrane proteins which lack a signal sequence and contain a single hydrophobic segment close to their C-terminus, leaving most of the polypeptide chain in the cytoplasm (tail-anchored). We show that in neuroendocrine PC12 cells, synaptobrevin is not directly incorporated into the target organelle, synaptic-like vesicles. Rather, it is first inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and is then transported via the Golgi apparatus. Its insertion into the ER membrane in vitro occurs post-translationally, is dependent on ATP and results in a trans-membrane orientation of the hydrophobic tail. Membrane integration requires ER protein(s) different from the translocation components needed for proteins with signal sequences, thus suggesting a novel mechanism of insertion.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEMBO Journal
Volume14
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)217-223
Number of pages7
ISSN0261-4189
Publication statusPublished - 01.01.1995

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transport route for synaptobrevin via a novel pathway of insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this