VAMP2
Description
The VAMP2 (vesicle associated membrane protein 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
VAMP2 is a protein encoded by the VAMP2 gene in humans. It is a key component of the protein complex responsible for docking and fusing synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. VAMP2 belongs to the VAMP/synaptobrevin family and plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter release, likely functioning between the docking and fusion steps. Mice lacking VAMP2 cannot survive after birth and exhibit significantly reduced synaptic transmission (around 10% of normal). VAMP2 forms stable complexes with syntaxin, SNAP25, complexin, and synaptophysin. Mutations in VAMP2 can cause a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hypotonia and autistic features, sometimes accompanied by hyperkinetic movements.
VAMP2 plays a crucial role in the fusion of transport vesicles with their target membranes. It is a major SNARE protein of synaptic vesicles, facilitating the release of neurotransmitters by mediating the fusion of synaptic vesicles. VAMP2 is essential for rapid vesicular exocytosis and activity-dependent neurotransmitter release, as well as the rapid endocytosis responsible for the reuse of synaptic vesicles. Furthermore, VAMP2 regulates the gating characteristics of the KCNB1 potassium channel.
VAMP2 is also known as NEDHAHM, SYB2, VAMP-2.
