Kittel, R.J., Wichmann, C., Rasse, T.M., Fouquet, W., Schmidt, M., Schmid, A., Wagh, D.A., Pawlu, C., Kellner, R.R., Willig, K.I., Hell, S.W., Buchner, E., Heckmann, M., Sigrist, S.J. (2006). Bruchpilot promotes active zone assembly, Ca2+ channel clustering, and vesicle release.  Science 312(5776): 1051--1054.

FBrf0190611

Research paper

The molecular organization of presynaptic active zones during calcium influx-triggered neurotransmitter release is the focus of intense investigation. The Drosophila coiled-coil domain protein Bruchpilot (BRP) was observed in donut-shaped structures centered at active zones of neuromuscular synapses by using subdiffraction resolution STED (stimulated emission depletion) fluorescence microscopy. At brp mutant active zones, electron-dense projections (T-bars) were entirely lost, Ca2+ channels were reduced in density, evoked vesicle release was depressed, and short-term plasticity was altered. BRP-like proteins seem to establish proximity between Ca2+ channels and vesicles to allow efficient transmitter release and patterned synaptic plasticity.