Biology Under Cover Abstract

Selected Journal & Book Covers from SBS Faculty

UNC-13 is Required for Synaptic Vesicle Fusion in C. Elegans

Janet E. Richmond,Warren S. Davis&Erik M. Jorgensen

Abstract

We analyzed the synaptic physiology of unc-13 mutants in the nematode C. elegans. Mutants of unc-13 had normal nervous system architecture, and the densities of synapses and postsynapticreceptors were normal at the neuromuscular junction. However, the number of synaptic vesicles at neuromuscular junctions was two-to threefold greater in unc-13 mutants than in wild-type animals. Most importantly, evoked release at both GABAergic and cholinergic synapses was almost absent in unc-13 null alleles, as determined by whole-cell, voltage-clamp techniques. Although mutant synapses had morphologically docked vesicles, these vesicles were not competent for release as assayed by spontaneous release in calcium-free solution or by the application of hyperosmotic saline. These experiments support models in which UNC-13 mediates either fusion of vesicles during exocytosis or priming of vesicles for fusion