Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25 (SNAP-25) is a crucial protein involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release at synapses. It is encoded by the SNAP25 gene located on chromosome 20p12.2 in humans . This protein is a member of the SNAP-25 family and plays a significant role in the SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor) complex, which is essential for synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release .
SNAP-25 is a membrane-bound protein anchored to the cytosolic face of membranes via palmitoyl side chains in the middle of the molecule . It contains two t-SNARE coiled-coil homology domains, which are critical for its function in the SNARE complex . The SNARE complex is responsible for the specificity of membrane fusion and directly executes fusion by forming a tight complex that brings the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes together .
Recombinant human SNAP-25 is produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the host organism . The recombinant protein consists of 217 amino acids and has a calculated molecular mass of 24.8 kDa, although it migrates as an approximately 28 kDa band in SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions . The protein is typically lyophilized from sterile PBS, pH 7.4, and may contain protectants such as trehalose, mannitol, and Tween80 . It is stable for up to twelve months when stored at -20°C to -80°C under sterile conditions .
SNAP-25 is a key component of the SNARE complex, which includes syntaxin-1 and synaptobrevin . This complex is essential for the exocytotic fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, a process critical for neurotransmitter release . SNAP-25 has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy . Its role in these conditions highlights its importance as a shared biological substrate among different "synaptopathies" .
Mutations or dysregulation of the SNAP25 gene can lead to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), learning disabilities, and other neurological conditions . The protein’s involvement in synaptic vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in these disorders .