Synaptic vesicles 2 (SV2) is a protein that is found in synaptic vesicles, which are small membrane-bound organelles that store and release neurotransmitters at the synapse, the junction between two neurons. There are three isoforms of SV2: SV2A, SV2B, and SV2C. SV2A is the most widely expressed isoform and is present in most central nervous system synapses.
Structure: SV2 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that spans the synaptic vesicle membrane. It is composed of 12 transmembrane domains, with its N- and C-termini located on the cytosolic side of the membrane. The glycosylation of SV2 is thought to be important for its function in regulating neurotransmitter release.
Function: SV2 plays a critical role in regulating neurotransmitter release from synaptic vesicles. It is thought to function as a transporter, helping to load neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles, and as a modulator of the release process. Specifically, SV2 is thought to regulate the size and frequency of neurotransmitter release events, which are important for normal neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity.
Neurological application: Because of its critical role in regulating neurotransmitter release, SV2 has been the target of drugs used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Specifically, levetiracetam, a widely used antiepileptic drug, is thought to bind to SV2A and modulate its function, leading to a reduction in neurotransmitter release and a decrease in seizure activity. Other drugs that target SV2A are currently being developed for the treatment of other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
In summary, Synaptic Vesicles 2 (SV2) is a protein that plays a critical role in regulating neurotransmitter release from synaptic vesicles. It is a transmembrane glycoprotein that helps to load neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles and modulate the release process. Because of its role in regulating neurotransmitter release, SV2 has been the target of drugs used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
