Distinct patterns of expression of two VAMP genes within the rat brain

William S. Trimble, Thackery S. Gray, Lisa A. Elferink, Michael C. Wilson, Richard H. Scheller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

136 Scopus citations

Abstract

VAMPs are synaptic vesicle-specific proteins composed of a carboxy-terminal Hydrophobic membrane anchor and an approximately 100 amino acid domain oriented towards the cytoplasm. In rat, two 77% homologous VAMP genes are expressed in the CMS. To precisely localize the neurons expressing these 2 forms of VAMP, we have used RNA blotting and in situ hybridization histochemistry with RNA probes specific for the 3′ untranslated regions of the transcripts. These experiments revealed that the 2 genes are expressed in distict, but slightly overlapping, patterns in the rat brain. VAMP-1 expression is localized to a limited number of nuclei, particularly those involved in modulating somatomotor functions, while VAMP-2 expression is more ubiquitous, being found in nuclei associated with autonomic, sensory, and integrative roles. These data suggest that the specific structural features of individual VAMPs may play an important role in synaptic vesicle metabolism.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1380-1387
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Distinct patterns of expression of two VAMP genes within the rat brain'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this