cpx 2

Complexin-2 (CPLX2), a member of the complexin/synaphin family, is a soluble pre-synaptic protein believed to regulate neurotransmitter release from pre-synaptic terminals. Complexins are soluble proteins that regulate the activity of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes necessary for vesicle fusion. Complexins are unable to bind to monomeric SNARE proteins but bind with high affinity to ternary SNARE complexes and with lower affinity to target SNARE complexes. Complexin 1 (CX1) and complexin 2 (CX2) are presynaptic proteins that modulate neurotransmitter release and are used as markers of inhibitory and excitatory synapses, respectively. CPLX2 is localized in pre-synaptic terminals in mature brain. The G71-P89 region of CPLX2 is essential and sufficient for preferential axonal distribution. CPLX2 participates in the Ca(2+)-sensitive regulatory pathway for zymogen granule exocytosis. Complexin-2 is a key player in normal neurological function, and its downregulation could lead to changes in neurotransmitter release sufficient to cause significant behavioural abnormalities such as depression. It is involved in synaptogenesis and the modulation of neurotransmitter release.