Localization of Rabphilin-3A on the synaptic vesicle.

Rabphilin-3A is a putative target protein for Rab3A small GTP-binding protein which is implicated in neurotransmitter release. Rabphilin-3A is expressed mainly in brain, but its subcellular localization remains to be clarified. Immunohistochemical analysis has revealed that Rabphilin-3A is most abundant in the synaptic area of the rat cerebellum, retina, and neuromuscular junction. Ultrastructural analysis of the neuromuscular junction using the immunogold method indicates that Rabphilin-3A is localized on the synaptic vesicle. Subcellular fractionation analysis of rat brain has shown that Rabphilin-3A is most highly concentrated in the purified synaptic vesicle fraction. These results indicate that Rabphilin-3A is localized on the synaptic vesicle in the presynapse.