VAP organizes presynaptic Ca 2+ signaling and synaptic vesicle mobilization through Kv2 membrane contact sites
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In neurons, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms an extensive network that establishes membrane contact sites (MCSs) with various organelles including the plasma membrane (PM). While MCSs are known to regulate lipid exchange and Ca 2+ signaling, their specific roles in synaptic transmission remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the ER resident proteins VAPA and VAPB are essential for organizing presynaptic Ca 2+ exchange and mobilizing synaptic vesicles. We show that the loss of VAP impairs Ca 2+ loading into both the ER and mitochondria during electrical activity. This regulation occurs primarily through VAP interactions with voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv2) at the PM. Our data suggest that the Kv2-VAP complex organizes presynaptic Ca 2+ signaling outside of the active zone. Without this scaffold, synaptic vesicles become trapped in the reserve pool and fail to participate in exocytosis. These findings reveal a novel role for Kv2-VAP MCSs in coordinating organelle Ca 2+ signaling and the synaptic vesicle cycle.
Authors: Cameron D. Paton, In Ha Cho, Michael B. Hoppa
Institution: Dartmouth College
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Awards: Super-resolution spinning disk confocal microscope for Dartmouth Life Sciences, G4723570668, Neuronal Cell Biology of Kv2.1-induced Endoplasmic Reticulum/Plasma Membrane Contact sites, Cancer Center Support Grant, The Institute for Biomolecular Targeting, The Role of VAP Membrane Contact Sites in Axonal Calcium Dynamics and Synaptic Transmission, DartCF: The Dartmouth Cystic Fibrosis Research Center
OpenAlex ID: W7160529267