VAMP4: Proteins and Enzymes

The vesicle associated membrane proteins (VAMP) or synaptobrevins are calcium binding proteins specific to eukaryotes. VAMPs, along with synaptosomal associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP 25) and syntaxin, form the core complex of soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins that interact with the soluble proteins N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) and alpha-SNAP. These membrane associated proteins play a key role in the regulation of vesicle membrane fusion with the plasma membrane. The Clostridium tetani neurotoxin is a metalloprotease with specificity for VAMP. In Alzheimer®s disease, VAMP levels of all isoforms appear to be significantly lowered.