Evolutionary diversity of the dual Ca2+ sensor system for neurotransmitter release.

Several proteins containing C2 domains have been identified as Ca2+ sensors for neurotransmitter release. In several cases, multiple C2 domain containing proteins function together to sustain evoked synchronous and asynchronous release as well as Ca2+-dependent forms of spontaneous release. Most recent publication by Li and colleagues have identified a novel Ca2+ sensor at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction [8] that complements the fast Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1 in mediating a slower form of evoked release. Here, we discuss these results as well as earlier work suggesting an evolutionarily conserved diversity of Ca2+ sensors mediating distinct forms of neurotransmitter release.