Positively regulates a late step in exocytosis of various cytoplasmic vesicles, such as synaptic vesicles and other secretory vesicles . Organizes the SNAREs into a cross-linked zigzag topology that, when interposed between the vesicle and plasma membranes, is incompatible with fusion, thereby preventing SNAREs from releasing neurotransmitters until an action potential arrives at the synapse . Also involved in glucose-induced secretion of insulin by pancreatic beta-cells. Essential for motor behavior.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Cytosol, Perikaryon, Presynapse
Enriched at synaptic-releasing sites in mature neurons.
Nervous system. In hippocampus and cerebellum, expressed mainly by inhibitory neurons. Overexpressed in substantia nigra from patients with Parkinson disease.