Munc13 C2B domain is an activity-dependent Ca2+ regulator of synaptic exocytosis

Munc13 is a multidomain protein of presynaptic active zones that mediates the priming and plasticity of synaptic vesicle exocytosis, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here, we use biophysical, biochemical, and electrophysiological approaches to demonstrate that the central C2B-domain of Munc13 functions as a Ca2+-regulator of short-term synaptic plasticity. The crystal structure of the C2B-domain revealed an unusual Ca2+-binding site with an amphipathic α-helix. This configuration confers onto the C2B-domain unique Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding properties favoring phosphatidylinositolphosphates. A mutation that inactivated Ca2+-dependent phospholipid binding to the C2B-domain did not alter neurotransmitter release evoked by isolated action potentials, but depressed release evoked by action potential trains. In contrast, a mutation that increased Ca2+-dependent phosphatidylinositolbisphosphate binding to the C2B-domain enhanced release evoked by isolated action potentials and by action potential trains. Ou