Commentary Cell Science Reviews Vol 6 No 1 ISSN 1742-8130

Synaptotagmin-IV: A negative regulator of BDNF secretion

Exchange of information between neurons is mainly mediated through vesicular exo- and endocytosis. Molecules regulating these processes play an important role not only in synapse development but also in synaptic plasticity. Synaptotagmins are calcium sensitive transmembrane proteins that mediate vesicular fusion by binding to SNAREs in a calcium-dependent manner. Synaptotagmin IV (Syt-IV) is unique because of its ability to bind SNARE proteins in the absence of Ca²⁺ and prevent vesicular fusion. Hence, the question is what is the function of this Ca²⁺-insensitive synaptotagmin IV and, why is it expressed along with other Ca²⁺-sensitive isoforms within neurons? A recent study reports that Syt-IV localizes to BDNF-containing vesicles in both axons and dendrites of hippocampal neurons, negatively regulating BDNF release.

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