Munc-18 (an acronym for mammalian uncoordinated-18) proteins are the mammalian homologue of UNC-18 (which was first discovered in the nematode worm C. elegans) and are a member of the Sec1/Munc18-like (SM) protein family. Munc-18 proteins have been identified as essential components of the synaptic vesicle fusion protein complex and are crucial for the regulated exocytosis of neurons and neuroendocrine cells.
Munc-18 binds syntaxin and forms a syntaxin/munc-18 complex which is thought to precede and/or regulate vesicle priming], a process mediated by VAMP, SNAP-25 and syntaxin. Munc18-1, a member of the SM family, has multiple roles in exocytosis. It directly promotes syntaxin stability and either controls the spatially correct assembly of core complexes for SNARE-dependent fusion, or acts as a direct component of the fusion machinery through the interaction with SNARE core. Munc18a, which binds specifically to the N-terminal of syntaxin, causes a conformation change, activating syntaxin, which in turn connects to the ternary-SNARE complex. Deletion of munc18-1 leads to a defect in secretory vesicle docking. Furthermore, the munc18-1 deficient mouse is the first mouse model wherein neurotransmitter secretion is completely absent. This mouse model is appropriately titled the "silent mouse."
This outline below presents a broad modeling of how Munc-18 is thought to play a role in vesicle docking and fusion, allowing for intentional exocytosis. As it is a combined preliminary modeling, more research is necessary to fully understand the role of Munc-18 in this process.
It has also been shown in one study that Munc-18 binds to the C-terminus of synaptobrevin, suggesting that this protein plays an important role in membrane fusion.
The following is a list of human munc-18 proteins: