Where R-SNAREs like to roam - the vesicle-associated membrane proteins VAMP721 & VAMP722 in trafficking hotspots

Abstract

VAMP721 and VAMP722, play crucial roles in membranefusion at post-Golgi compartments. They are involved in cellplate formation, recycling, endocytosis, and secretion. Whileindividual SNARE actors and regulators exhibit significantoverlap, specificity is achieved through distinct combinations ofthese components. Cytokinesis-related SNAREs traffic aspreformed CIS-complexes, which require disassembly by theNSF/aSNAP chaperoning complex to facilitate subsequenthomotypic fusion at the cell plate. Recent findings suggest asimilar mechanism may operate during secretion. Regulationof VAMP721 activity involves interactions with tethers, GTPases, and Sec1/Munc18 proteins, along with a newly discoveredphosphorylation at Tyrosine residue 57. These advances provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of cellulartrafficking and membrane fusion.