A novel fast mechanism for GPCR-mediated signal transduction - Control of neurotransmitter release

Yonatan M. Kupchik, Ofra Barchad-Avitzur, Jürgen Wess, Yair Ben-Chaim, Itzchak Parnas, Hanna Parnas*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Reliable neuronal communication depends on accurate temporal correlation between the action potential and neurotransmitter release. Although a requirement for Ca2+ in neurotransmitter release is amply documented, recent studies have shown that voltage-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are also involved in this process. However, how slow-acting GPCRs control fast neurotransmitter release is an unsolved question. Here we examine whether the recently discovered fast depolarization-induced charge movement in the M2-muscarinic receptor (M2R) is responsible for M 2R-mediated control of acetylcholine release. We show that inhibition of the M2R charge movement in Xenopus oocytes correlated well with inhibition of acetylcholine release at the mouse neuromuscular junction. Our results suggest that, in addition to Ca2+ influx, charge movement in GPCRs is also necessary for release control.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)137-151
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Cell Biology
Volume192
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Jan 2011

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