Synaptotagmin-12 (SYT12)

Synaptotagmin-12 (SYT12) is a membrane-trafficking protein belonging to the synaptotagmin family, localized to synaptic vesicles in neurons[1][2]. Unlike classical synaptotagmin isoforms, SYT12 does not bind calcium and instead acts as a phosphoprotein regulated by phosphorylation through cAMP-dependent protein kinase A at serine 97[1][2][3][4]. SYT12 forms a complex with synaptotagmin-1, preventing synaptotagmin-1 from interacting with SNARE complexes and thereby selectively increasing spontaneous neurotransmitter release without affecting evoked release[1][2][4]. Beyond neuronal roles, increased SYT12 expression has been implicated in the progression of certain cancers such as lung adenocarcinoma, in part through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway[1][5][3]. The gene is also involved in presynaptic forms of synaptic plasticity, such as mossy-fiber long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, through PKA-dependent signaling[4]. SYT12 is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target, especially in the context of cancer[1][5].

Other names

Synaptotagmin XIISYTXIISYT11SytXIISRG1sytXIIsynaptotagmin-XIIsynaptotagmin-12synaptotagmin XII

Modulation of spontaneous neurotransmitter release (via cAMP/PKA-mediated phosphorylation); Regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in oncogenic contexts