Work

The Calcium-Independent Receptor of α-Latrotoxin Is Not a Neurexin

Year: 1996

Type: article

Abstract: alpha-Latrotoxin (alpha-LTx), a vertebrate neurotoxin isolated from Black Widow Spider venom, causes massive spontaneous neurotransmitter release. The molecular mechanism(s) by which the toxin exerts its effect is largely unknown. Here we report identification and purification of a novel membrane receptor with high affinity for alpha-LTx. Unlike neurexin Ia, a previously described high affinity alpha-LTx receptor, this novel protein binds alpha-LTx independently of Ca2+ presence and therefore may be a mediator of the calcium-independent stimulation of neurotransmitter release by alpha-latrotoxin. The major protein component of calcium-independent alpha-LTx receptors is a novel M(r) 120,000 protein which does not belong to the neurexin family. Among several tissues tested, the M(r) 120,000 protein was found only in brain.

Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1996.1598

Authors: Valery G. Krasnoperov, Ronald Beavis, Oleg G. Chepurny, Alvin R. Little, Alexander N. Plotnikov, Alexander G. Petrenko

Institutions: NYU Langone Health, New York University

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,110