UNC13A
Description
The UNC13A (unc-13 homolog A) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
UNC13A is a protein encoded by the UNC13A gene in humans. It belongs to the UNC13 family and plays a crucial role in vesicle maturation during exocytosis, acting as a target for the diacylglycerol second messenger pathway. UNC13A is involved in neurotransmitter release by priming synaptic vesicles before fusion and participating in the activity-dependent refilling of the readily releasable vesicle pool. It's particularly important for most glutamatergic synapses, as well as GABA-mediated ones. UNC13A also plays a role in dendrite formation by melanocytes and in preparing secretory granules for insulin secretion. It contains several conserved domains, including three C2 domains, one C1 domain, and Munc13 homology domains 1 and 2. UNC13A is located at the active zone of presynaptic density.
UNC13A plays a role in vesicle maturation during exocytosis by responding to the diacylglycerol second messenger pathway. It's crucial for neurotransmitter release by preparing synaptic vesicles for fusion and helps replenish the readily releasable vesicle pool. It's essential for synaptic vesicle maturation in most excitatory (glutamatergic) synapses but not inhibitory (GABA-mediated) ones. It aids in the fusion of neuronal dense core vesicles and regulates their release location and efficiency. UNC13A is also involved in preparing secretory granules for insulin secretion and contributes to dendrite formation in melanocytes.
UNC13A is also known as Munc13-1.
