clathrin-sculpted acetylcholine transport vesicle membrane

Definition

Target type: cellularcomponent

The lipid bilayer surrounding a clathrin-sculpted acetylcholine transport vesicle. [GOC:dph]

Clathrin-sculpted acetylcholine transport vesicle membranes are specialized cellular components that facilitate the transport of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, from the presynaptic neuron to the synaptic cleft. These vesicles are characterized by their distinctive clathrin coat, a protein lattice that provides structural support and mediates their budding from the presynaptic membrane. The clathrin coat is composed of clathrin triskelions, which assemble into a polyhedral cage-like structure.

The vesicle membrane itself is enriched in specific proteins and lipids that are essential for its function. Key proteins include:

- **Synaptobrevin:** A v-SNARE (vesicle-associated soluble NSF attachment protein receptor) that interacts with the t-SNAREs on the presynaptic membrane, facilitating vesicle docking and fusion.
- **Synaptotagmin:** A calcium sensor protein that triggers vesicle fusion upon calcium influx, leading to acetylcholine release into the synaptic cleft.
- **VAMP2:** Another v-SNARE involved in vesicle fusion.

In addition to these proteins, the vesicle membrane is also enriched in specific lipids, such as phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), which plays a role in vesicle budding and fusion.

The clathrin coat and the specialized protein and lipid composition of the vesicle membrane ensure efficient and regulated transport of acetylcholine, enabling communication between neurons.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (5)