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Article
Regulation of Quantal Shape by Rab3A: Evidence for a Fusion Pore-Dependent Mechanism
The Journal of Physiology
  • Xueyong Wang, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Ramachandran Thiagarajan
  • Qingbo Wang, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Teclemichael Tewolde
  • Mark M. Rich, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Kathrin L. Engisch, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-15-2008
Abstract

The function of Rab3A, a small GTPase located on synaptic vesicles, is not well understood. Studies in the Rab3A−/− mouse support a role in activity-dependent plasticity, but have not reported any effects on spontaneously occurring miniature synaptic currents, except that there is a decrease in resting frequency at the neuromuscular junction. Therefore we were surprised to find an increase in the occurrence of mEPCs with abnormally long half-widths at the neuromuscular junctions of Rab3A−/− mice. The abnormal miniature endplate currents (mEPCs), which have significantly greater charge than the average mEPCs for the same fibres, could arise from larger vesicles. However, the type of mEPC most increased in Rab3A−/− mice has a slow rise, which suggests it is not the result of full collapse fusion. To test if the slow mEPCs increased after loss of Rab3A could be due to malfunctioning fusion pores, we used carbon fibre amperometry to record pre-spike feet, which have been shown to correspond to the initial opening of a narrow fusion pore, in adrenal chromaffin cells of wild-type and Rab3A−/− mice. We found that small amplitude pre-spike feet with abnormally long durations were increased in Rab3A−/− cells. The correspondence between mEPC and amperometric data supports our interpretation that slow rising, long half-width mEPCs are caused by reduced diameter fusion pores that remain open longer. These data could be explained by a direct action of Rab3A on the fusion pore, or by Rab3A-dependent control of vesicles with unusual fusion pore characteristics.

DOI
10.1113/jphysiol.2008.151191
Citation Information
Xueyong Wang, Ramachandran Thiagarajan, Qingbo Wang, Teclemichael Tewolde, et al.. "Regulation of Quantal Shape by Rab3A: Evidence for a Fusion Pore-Dependent Mechanism" The Journal of Physiology Vol. 586 Iss. 16 (2008) p. 3949 - 3962 ISSN: 1469-7793
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mark_rich/23/