An overview of the synaptic vesicle lipid composition

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2021.108966Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Synaptic vesicles have a defined and distinct lipid composition which is essential for synaptic function.

  • The lipid composition of the synaptic vesicles at the active zone is remarkably stable.

  • The phosphoinositide metabolism plays a major role in synaptic vesicle dynamics.

  • Phosphoinositide phosphatases and phosphokinases regulate synaptic vesicle recycling.

Abstract

Chemical neurotransmission is the major mechanism of neuronal communication. Neurotransmitters are released from secretory organelles, the synaptic vesicles (SVs) via exocytosis into the synaptic cleft. Fusion of SVs with the presynaptic plasma membrane is balanced by endocytosis, thus maintaining the presynaptic membrane at steady-state levels. The protein machineries responsible for exo- and endocytosis have been extensively investigated. In contrast, less is known about the role of lipids in synaptic transmission and how the lipid composition of SVs is affected by dynamic exo-endocytotic cycling. Here we summarize the current knowledge about the composition, organization, and function of SV membrane lipids. We also cover lipid biogenesis and maintenance during the synaptic vesicle cycle.

Keywords

Lipid composition
Synaptic vesicles
Neurotransmitter release
Exocytosis
Endocytosis

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All authors contributed equally.