Characteristics of SNARE proteins are defined by distinctive properties of SNARE motifs.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Syntaxin-1A and Sso1 are syntaxin family SNARE proteins engaged in synaptic vesicle fusion and yeast exocytosis. The syntaxin-1A SNARE motif can form a fusogenic SNARE complex with Sso1 partners. However, a chimera in which the SNARE motif in syntaxin-1A is introduced into Sso1 was not functional in yeast because the chimera is retained in the ER. Through the analysis of the transport defect of Sso1/syntaxin-1A chimeric SNAREs, we found that their SNARE motifs have distinctive properties. METHODS: Sso1, syntaxin-1A, and Sso1/syntaxin-1A chimeric SNAREs were expressed in yeast cells and their localization and interaction with other SNAREs are analyzed. RESULTS: SNARE proteins containing the syntaxin-1A SNARE motif exhibit a transport defect because they form a cis-SNARE complex in the ER. Ectopic SNARE complex formation can be prevented in syntaxin-1A by binding to a Sec1/Munc-18-like (SM) protein. In contrast, the SNARE motif of Sso1 does not form an ectopic SNARE complex. Additionally, we found that the SNARE motif in syntaxin-1A, but not that in Sso1, self-interacts, even when it is in the inactive form and bound to the SM protein. CONCLUSIONS: The SNARE motif in syntaxin-1A, but not in Sso1, likely forms ectopic SNARE complex. Because of this property, the SM protein is necessary for syntaxin-1A to prevent its promiscuous assembly and to promote its export from the ER. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Properties of SNARE motifs affect characteristics of SNARE proteins. The regulatory mechanisms of SNARE proteins are, in part, designed to handle such properties.