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Cloning and expression of a leech complexin

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 10:03 authored by Iain M Dykes, Jane A Davies
Release of neurotransmitter from presynaptic nerve terminals is mediated by SNARE proteins, which are located on the vesicle and plasma membranes. These proteins form a SNARE complex thought to mediate membrane fusion. Complexin is a soluble protein essential for transmitter release, which has been postulated to bind to and stabilise the SNARE complex. We have cloned a complexin homologue, Hm-cpx1, from the leech, Hirudo medicinalis. This protein is expressed in only a subset of neurons in the leech CNS, including the Retzius and P neurons. It is 33% identical to rat complexin I, and 44% identical to squid complexin. Sequence conservation is particularly high in the predicted SNARE binding domain.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Mechanisms of Development

ISSN

0925-4773

Issue

1

Volume

4

Page range

93-97

Pages

5.0

Department affiliated with

  • Biology and Environmental Science Publications

Notes

We examined complexin expression in several identified neurones in Hirudo medicinalis, confirming the basic mechanisms of neurotransmitter release are similar to vertebrates. This now raises the exciting possibility of manipulating transmission at very well characterised specific synapses. Dykes was Davies' DPhil student.

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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