Synapsin II (SYN2)

Synapsin II is a member of the synapsin family. Synapsins encode neuronal phosphoproteins which associate with the cytoplasmic surface of synaptic vesicles. Family members are characterized by common protein domains, and they are implicated in synaptogenesis and the modulation of neurotransmitter release, suggesting a potential role in several neuropsychiatric diseases. This member of the synapsin family encodes a neuron-specific phosphoprotein that selectively binds to small synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic nerve terminal.

Synapsin II the collective name for two proteins, Synapsin IIa and Synapsin IIb, with Synapsin IIa being the larger of the two isoforms. Their apparent molecular weights are 74,000 and 55,000 per SDS gel electrophoresis.