Functional roles of synapsin: Lessons from invertebrates

Data collected from the invertebrate models have allowed to establish several of the basic mechanisms of neuronal function and pioneered the studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in behavioral responses. In the 1970s, the first synaptic proteins – including synapsin – being identified, the first attempts to evaluate their synaptic function were done using available invertebrate preparations. Forty years later, it appears that deductions made from invertebrate synapsin were largely validated in vertebrates, probably reflecting the phylogenic conservation of some specific synapsin sub-domains. In this review, in light of insights got from invertebrate preparations, we discuss the role of synapsin in synaptogenesis and synaptic function, especially on short term plasticity.

► Pioneer functional synaptic studies about synapsins were first obtained in giant invertebrate preparations.
► A prototypical invertebrate synapsin emerge from phylogenetic analysis structure/function
► The reported or potential molecular interactions of synapsins and functional observations at synapses were compared.
► We finally discuss the role of synapsins in some key steps of vesicular cycle at presynapses.