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Keywords

Exocytosis, Neurotransmission, SNARE Complex, Alcohol

Abstract

SNAP-25 helps drive fusion of synaptic vesicles with the neuronal membrane. This process of exocytosis is fundamental for any form of neuro-communication. Prior to vesicle fusion, SNAP-25 comes together with two other SNARE proteins, syntaxin and synaptobrevin, to form the SNARE complex. As the SNARE complex tightens, vesicle fusion occurs, leading to neurotransmitter release. SNAP-25 is expressed in two isoforms, SNAP-25A and SNAP-25B, and are expressed at different stages of development. Previous literature has shown that alcohol and oxidative stress directly affect neurotransmission. We sought to determine if the method of action was through altering the secondary structure of SNAP-25. Using Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy (CD), we determined that SNAP-25’s secondary structure is significantly impacted by alcohol and oxidative stress. We hypothesize that these structural differences in SNAP-25 provide neurons with functionally different responses possibly resulting in altered neurotransmission.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Cell Biology and Physiology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Senior

How Does Alcohol Affect Neurotransmission? — An Exploration of SNAP-25

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Life Sciences Commons

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