Background information
Synaptotagmins are a large gene family of synaptic vesicle type III integral membrane proteins that function as regulators of both exocytosis and endocytosis and are involved in neurotransmitter secretion from small secretory vesicles. Synaptotagmin XIV, also known as SytXIV, is a 555 amino acid single-pass type III membrane protein belonging to the Synaptotagmin family. With the ability to form heterodimers, Synaptotagmin XIV mainly exists as a homodimer and contains two C2 domains, an N-terminal transmembrane domain and a putative fatty-acylation site. Synaptotagmin XIV is Ca2+-independent and may function in the trafficking and exocytosis of secretory vesicles to tissues outside the brain. Disruption of Synaptotagmin XIV may be affiliated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Synaptotagmin XIV exists as six alternatively spliced isoforms and is encoded by a gene on human chromosome 1q32.2.
