Synaptotagmin V is a member of the synaptotagmin family, which consists of membrane-trafficking proteins characterized by their role in neurotransmitter release and hormone secretion. These proteins are integral to the process of exocytosis, where neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft .
Synaptotagmin V plays a pivotal role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release. It acts as a calcium sensor, detecting the influx of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) into presynaptic nerve terminals. This calcium binding triggers a series of events that lead to the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, thereby releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft .
The mechanism by which synaptotagmin V facilitates neurotransmitter release involves its interaction with the SNARE complex. The SNARE complex is composed of proteins such as synaptobrevin, syntaxin, and SNAP-25, which drive the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. Synaptotagmin V binds to these SNARE proteins in a calcium-dependent manner, promoting the fusion process .
Recombinant human synaptotagmin V is produced using Escherichia coli expression systems. This recombinant protein is typically purified to a high degree of purity (>90%) and is validated using techniques such as SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry . Recombinant synaptotagmin V is used in various research applications to study its role in neurotransmitter release and to explore potential therapeutic applications.