Visualizing sequential compound fusion and kiss-and-run in live excitable cells

Abstract

Vesicle fusion is assumed to occur at flat membrane of excitable cells. In live neuroendocrine cells, we visualized vesicle fusion at Ω-shape membrane generated by preceding fusion, termed sequential compound fusion, which may be followed by fusion pore closure, termed compound kiss-and-run. These novel fusion modes contribute to vesicle docking, multi-vesicular release, asynchronous release, and endocytosis. We suggest modifying current models of exo-endocytosis to include these new fusion modes.