Role of Rab3 GDP/GTP exchange protein in synaptic vesicle trafficking at the mouse neuromuscular junction

The Rab3 small G protein family consists of four members, Rab3A, -3B, -3C, and -3D. Of these members, Rab3A regulates Ca(2+)-dependent neurotransmitter release. These small G proteins are activated by Rab3 GDP/GTP exchange protein (Rab3 GEP). To determine the function of Rab3 GEP during neurotransmi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular biology of the cell 2001-05, Vol.12 (5), p.1421-1430
Main Authors: Tanaka, M, Miyoshi, J, Ishizaki, H, Togawa, A, Ohnishi, K, Endo, K, Matsubara, K, Mizoguchi, A, Nagano, T, Sato, M, Sasaki, T, Takai, Y
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Action Potentials - physiology
Animals
Calcium-Binding Proteins
Electromyography
Embryo, Mammalian - physiology
Embryonic and Fetal Development
Female
Gene Targeting
Lung - pathology
Membrane Glycoproteins - metabolism
Mice
Mice, Knockout
Microscopy, Fluorescence
Nerve Tissue Proteins - metabolism
Neurofilament Proteins - metabolism
Neuromuscular Junction - metabolism
Neuromuscular Junction - ultrastructure
rab3 GTP-Binding Proteins - metabolism
Receptors, Cholinergic - metabolism
Synaptic Vesicles - metabolism
Synaptotagmins
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Summary:The Rab3 small G protein family consists of four members, Rab3A, -3B, -3C, and -3D. Of these members, Rab3A regulates Ca(2+)-dependent neurotransmitter release. These small G proteins are activated by Rab3 GDP/GTP exchange protein (Rab3 GEP). To determine the function of Rab3 GEP during neurotransmitter release, we have knocked out Rab3 GEP in mice. Rab3 GEP-/- mice developed normally but died immediately after birth. Embryos at E18.5 showed no evoked action potentials of the diaphragm and gastrocnemius muscles in response to electrical stimulation of the phrenic and sciatic nerves, respectively. In contrast, axonal conduction of the spinal cord and the phrenic nerve was not impaired. Total numbers of synaptic vesicles, especially those docked at the presynaptic plasma membrane, were reduced at the neuromuscular junction approximately 10-fold compared with controls, whereas postsynaptic structures and functions appeared normal. Thus, Rab3 GEP is essential for neurotransmitter release and probably for formation and trafficking of the synaptic vesicles.
ISSN:1059-1524
1939-4586
DOI:10.1091/mbc.12.5.1421