Munc13-1 is a presynaptic phorbol ester receptor that enhances neurotransmitter release

Andrea Betz, Uri Ashery, Michael Rickmann, Iris Augustin, Erwin Neher, Thomas C. Südhof, Jens Rettig, Nils Brose*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

359 Scopus citations

Abstract

Munc13-1, a mammalian homolog of C. elegans unc-13p, is thought to be involved in the regulation of synaptic transmission. We now demonstrate that Munc13-1 is a presynaptic high-affinity phorbol ester and diacylglycerol receptor with ligand affinities similar to those of protein kinase C. Munc13- 1 associates with the plasma membrane in response to phorbol ester binding and acts as a phorbol ester-dependent enhancer of transmitter release when overexpressed presynaptically in the Xenopus neuromuscular junction. These observations establish Munc13-1 as a novel presynaptic target of the diacylglycerol second messenger pathway that acts in parallel with protein kinase C to regulate neurotransmitter secretion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)123-136
Number of pages14
JournalNeuron
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1998
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
Helmholtz
Human Frontier Science Program
Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftSFB406/A1, RE1092/3-1
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

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