Cloning of cDNAs encoding human synapsins IIa and IIb.

The synapsins are a family of neuronal phosphoproteins that are specifically associated with the cytoplasmic surface of synaptic vesicles. In mammals, distinct genes for synapsins I, II, and III give rise to members of the synapsin family. The synapsins are implicated in neurotransmitter release and synaptogenesis, processes believed to be aberrant in several neuropsychiatric diseases. The characterization of human synapsins is therefore important for evaluating the possible role of synapsins in human neuropathology. In this report, we describe the cloning and sequence of human synapsins IIa and IIb, products of the synapsin II gene. Human synapsins IIa and IIb conform to the previously described domain model of the synapsins, and the most conserved protein domains are A, C, and E.