Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
exocytosis, syntaxin, Ca2+, Calmodulin-Activated Protein Kinase II, CaMKII
College
Life Sciences
Department
Physiology and Developmental Biology
Abstract
Neurons use chemical messengers called neurotransmitters to communicate with muscles and other neurons. In the axon terminal of a neuron, neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles. Neurotransmitter is released from the neuron through a process called exocytosis. In exocytosis, synaptic vesicles fuse with the cell membrane and neurotransmitter is released from the cell. During exocytosis, important proteins in both the synaptic vesicle membrane and cell membrane called SNARE proteins bind to one another. These proteins are required for exocytosis. Exocytosis and subsequent neurotransmitter release is regulated by Ca2+. The mechanism by which Ca2+ regulates exocytosis is poorly understood.
Recommended Citation
Merino, Stephen M. and Woodbury, Dr. Dixon
(2013)
"Does CaMKII Regulate Exocytosis Through Its Binding To Syntaxin?,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1393.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1393