UNC18/A0238

The UNC18 protein, also known as A0238, is involved in the regulation of vesicle release from the synaptic membrane and is essential to neurotransmission.

The UNC18 protein, also known as A0238, is involved in the regulation of vesicle release from the synaptic membrane and is essential to neurotransmission. UNC18 binds to syntaxin 1A and several other syntaxin family members. Little is known about the domain structure of UNC18, which is comprised of 594 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 67.6 kDa. Knock-out mice die at birth and show a blockade of neurotransmitter release and hence complete loss of synaptic transmission and resultant paralysis. Spontaneous action potentials are still seen. Brain structures form normally, but thereafter degenerate (probably due to apoptosis). These observations support the view that transmitter release is not required for synapse formation, but is necessary for synapse maintenance.