Soluble NSF attachment protein
Soluble NSF attachment proteins are proteins involved in membrane fusion, where they recycle key tethering components after each fusion event. After membrane fusion, the tethering SNARE proteins remain tightly bound to each other. SNAPs bind to the SNARE complex and recruit the soluble ATPase NSF. NSF provides the energy to untangle the SNARE complex, allowing it to be recycled for future fusion events. Mammals have three SNAP genes: α-SNAP, β-SNAP, and γ-SNAP. α- and γ-SNAP are expressed throughout the body, while β-SNAP is specific to the brain.
SNAP proteins were identified by James Rothman's laboratory group in 1990.
