Structure, isolation, composition and reconstitution of the neuronal fusion pore

Neuronal communication is dependent on the fusion of 40-50 nm in diameter synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters, at the presynaptic membrane. Here we report for the first time at 5-8 Angstrom resolution, the presence of 8-10 nm in diameter cup-shaped neuronal fusion pores or porosomes at the presynaptic membrane, where synaptic vesicles dock and fuse to release neuro transmitters. The structure, isolation, composition, and functional reconstitution of porosomes present at the nerve terminal are described. These findings reveal the molecular mechanism of neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic membrane of nerve terminals. (C) 2004 International Federation for Cell Biology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.