The dynamic control of kiss-and-run and vesicular reuse probed with single nanoparticles

Science. 2009 Mar 13;323(5920):1448-53. doi: 10.1126/science.1167373. Epub 2009 Feb 12.

Abstract

Vesicular secretion of neurotransmitter is essential for neuronal communication. Kiss-and-run is a mode of membrane fusion and retrieval without the full collapse of the vesicle into the plasma membrane and de novo regeneration. The importance of kiss-and-run during efficient neurotransmission has remained in doubt. We developed an approach for loading individual synaptic vesicles with single quantum dots. Their size and pH-dependent photoluminescence change allowed us to distinguish kiss-and-run from full-collapse fusion and to track single vesicles through multiple rounds of kiss-and-run and reuse, without perturbing vesicle cycling. Kiss-and-run dominated at the beginning of stimulus trains, reflecting the preference of vesicles with high release probability. Its incidence was increased by rapid firing, a response appropriate to shape the kinetics of neurotransmission during a wide range of firing patterns.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Ion Transport
  • Luminescence
  • Membrane Fusion*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Presynaptic Terminals / physiology
  • Quantum Dots
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Synaptic Membranes / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission*
  • Synaptic Vesicles / physiology*

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents