Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex (SNARE complex)

The **soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex (SNARE complex)** is a highly conserved protein complex that mediates membrane fusion in eukaryotic cells, most notably the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane during neurotransmitter release. The core SNARE complex is a stable four-helix bundle formed by the assembly of two types of SNARE proteins: v-SNAREs (typically synaptobrevin/VAMP) on vesicle membranes and t-SNAREs (typically syntaxin and SNAP-25) on target membranes. Syntaxin and synaptobrevin each contribute one helix and SNAP-25 contributes two helices to the complex. The SNARE complex functions by bringing vesicle and target membranes into close proximity, reducing the energy barrier for fusion, and catalyzing the formation of a fusion pore[1][2][4][5]. The complex is regulated and recycled by additional factors, notably the ATPase NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor) and the adaptor αSNAP, which together disassemble the SNARE complex after fusion[3]. The SNARE complex is the precise molecular target for botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins, which cleave individual SNARE proteins, thereby preventing neurotransmitter release and causing paralysis. **Notes on target validity:** - This entry refers to a *protein complex* rather than a single molecule (receptor, enzyme, etc.), but it is a well-defined molecular target for certain toxins and is essential in vesicular traffic. - The query term uses "Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion attachment protein receptor complex," which is a non-standard or overly literal name. The scientifically accepted term is "soluble NSF attachment protein receptor complex" or "SNARE complex."[1][2][3] - The SNARE complex is not a classical receptor, but rather a fusion machinery complex. Nonetheless, it functions as a discrete, targetable protein complex in biology and pharmacology. **Alternative target mapping:** - If strictly requiring a single protein "receptor," map to SNARE family proteins such as syntaxin, synaptobrevin (VAMP), or SNAP-25, but the core target is the assembled protein complex. - The submitted name has a minor wording error ("fusion attachment" is non-standard; "factor" is part of NSF, not the SNARE complex itself). "Soluble NSF attachment protein receptor complex" is correct. **Summary:** The SNARE complex is a critical protein assembly that mediates vesicle fusion with target membranes in exocytosis, particularly in neuronal synaptic transmission. It is a proven target for certain neurotoxins and plays key roles in physiology and disease.[1][2][3][4][5]

Other names

SNARE protein complexSNARE complexsoluble NSF attachment protein receptor complex

Inhibition of SNARE complex function (prevents synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release)