VAMP3 Human

Synaptobrevin-3, also known as Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 3 (VAMP3), is a member of the SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor) protein family. These proteins are essential for the fusion of vesicles with target membranes, a critical process in cellular transport and communication. Synaptobrevin-3 is particularly important in the context of synaptic vesicle exocytosis, where it plays a key role in neurotransmitter release.

Synaptobrevin-3 is an integral membrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 18 kilodaltons (kDa). It is characterized by a single transmembrane domain, a cytoplasmic domain that participates in SNARE complex formation, and a short luminal domain. The SNARE complex is composed of four α-helices: one contributed by synaptobrevin, one by syntaxin, and two by SNAP-25 .

The primary function of Synaptobrevin-3 is to mediate the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, facilitating the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. This process is tightly regulated by calcium ions and involves the formation of a highly stable SNARE complex .

Synaptobrevin-3 is crucial for normal neuronal function. Disruptions in its activity can lead to severe neurological disorders. For instance, the botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, targets and cleaves synaptobrevin, leading to paralysis by preventing neurotransmitter release .

Recombinant Synaptobrevin-3 is produced using genetic engineering techniques, where the gene encoding Synaptobrevin-3 is inserted into an expression system, typically bacterial or mammalian cells, to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein is used in various research applications, including studies on vesicle fusion, neurotransmitter release, and the development of therapeutic agents targeting SNARE proteins.

Research on Synaptobrevin-3 has provided significant insights into the mechanisms of synaptic transmission and the role of SNARE proteins in cellular communication. Understanding the function and regulation of Synaptobrevin-3 can lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases .

In clinical settings, recombinant Synaptobrevin-3 can be used to study the effects of toxins, such as botulinum toxin, and to develop inhibitors that can modulate SNARE complex formation and function. This has potential applications in treating conditions caused by excessive neurotransmitter release, such as spasticity and certain types of chronic pain .