Background: Munc18-1 is required for membrane fusion, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Results: Distinct point mutations in domain 3a of Munc18-1 differentially affect the conformation of helix 12, VAMP2 binding, and membrane fusion. Conclusion: A conformational switch in helix 12 promotes SNAREpin assembly via the VAMP2 interaction. Significance: The Munc18-1-VAMP2 interaction may represent a general molecular mechanism of how SM proteins accelerate membrane fusion.

Regulated exocytosis requires that the assembly of the basic membrane fusion machinery is temporarily arrested. Synchronized membrane fusion is then caused by a specific trigger—a local rise of the Ca2+ concentration. Using reconstituted giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), we have analysed the role of complexin and membrane‐anchored synaptotagmin 1 in arresting and synchronizing fusion by lipid‐mixing and cryo‐electron microscopy. We find that they mediate the formation and consumption of docked small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) via the following sequence of events: Synaptotagmin 1 mediates v‐SNARE‐SUV docking to t‐SNARE‐GUVs in a Ca2+‐independent manner. Complexin blocks vesicle consumption, causing accumulation of docked vesicles. Together with synaptotagmin 1, complexin synchronizes and stimulates rapid fusion of accumulated docked vesicles in response to physiological Ca2+ concentrations. Thus, the reconstituted assay resolves both the stimulatory and inhibitory function of complexin and mimics key aspects of synaptic vesicle fusion.

Graphical Abstract Highlights d The energy barrier for vesicle fusion depends on SNAREcomplex surface charge d Positive charges decrease and negative charges increase the energy barrier for fusion d Addition of 35 positive charges per SNARE-complex fuses vesicles with evoked rates d Synaptotagmin-1 acts as an electrostatic switch, adding 18 charges by binding to Ca 2+ SUMMARYInformation transfer across CNS synapses depends on the very low basal vesicle fusion rate and the ability to rapidly upregulate that rate upon Ca 2+ influx. We show that local electrostatic repulsion participates in creating an energy barrier, which limits spontaneous synaptic transmission. The barrier amplitude is increased by negative charges and decreased by positive charges on the SNAREcomplex surface. Strikingly, the effect of charges on the barrier is additive and this extends to evoked transmission, but with a shallower charge dependence. Action potential-driven synaptic release is equivalent to the abrupt addition of $35 positive charges to the fusion machine. Within an electrostatic model for triggering, the Ca 2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1 contributes $18 charges by binding Ca 2+ , while also modulating the fusion barrier at rest. Thus, the energy barrier for synaptic vesicle fusion has a large electrostatic component, allowing synaptotagmin-1 to act as an electrostatic switch and modulator to trigger vesicle fusion.

Whether interactions between synaptotagmin-1 (syt-1) and the soluble NSF attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are required during neurotransmission is debated. We examined five SNAP-25 mutations designed to interfere with syt-1 interactions. One mutation, D51/ E52/E55A, targeted negative charges within region II of the primary interface (Zhou et al., 2015); two mutations targeted region I (D166A and D166/E170A) and one mutation targeted both (D51/E52/E55/D166A). The final mutation (D186/D193A) targeted C-terminal residues not expected to interact with syt-1. An in vitro assay showed that the region I, region II, and region IϩII (D51/E52/E55/D166A) mutants markedly reduced the attachment between syt-1 and t-SNARE-carrying vesicles in the absence of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P 2 ]. In the presence of PI(4,5)P 2 , vesicle attachment was unaffected by mutation. When expressed in Snap-25-null mouse autaptic neurons, region I mutations reduced the size of the readily releasable pool of vesicles, whereas the region II mutation reduced vesicular release probability. Combining both in the D51/E52/E55/D166A mutation abrogated evoked release. These data point to a division of labor between region I (vesicle priming) and region II (evoked release). Spontaneous release was disinhibited by region I mutations and found to correlate with defective complexin (Cpx) clamping in an in vitro fusion assay, pointing to an interdependent role of synaptotagmin and Cpx in release clamping. Mutation in region II (D51/E52/E55A) also unclamped release, but this effect could be overcome by synaptotagmin overexpression, arguing against an obligatory role in clamping. We conclude that three synaptic release functions of syt-1, vesicle priming, spontaneous release clamping, and evoked release triggering, depend on direct SNARE complex interaction.

Background:The cascade of reactions and proteins conferring regulated exocytosis needs to be characterized. Results: Synaptotagmin 1 is a primary vesicle-docking factor, and Munc18-1 accelerates subsequent v-/t-SNARE assembly/zippering. Conclusion: Synaptotagmin 1, PI(4,5)P 2 , complexin II, and Munc18-1 function in a sequential and concerted manner to mediate vesicle docking, SNAREpin assembly, and fast Ca 2ϩ -triggered exocytosis. Significance: Efficient Ca 2ϩ -regulated membrane fusion was reconstituted from a minimal set of components.