Synaptic vesicle proteins in exocytosis: what do we know?

Synaptic release of neurotransmitters is a fast process that is mediated by Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Several abundant membrane proteins of synaptic vesicles have been characterized at the molecular level but their function in synaptic vesicle traffic is poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that some of these proteins are involved in exocytotic membrane fusion.