SNARE proteins (an
acronym derived from "
SNAP (Soluble
NSF Attachment Protein)
REceptor") are a large protein superfamily consisting of more than 60 members in yeast and mammalian cells. The primary role of SNARE proteins is to mediate
vesicle fusion, that is, the fusion of vesicles with their target membrane bound compartments (such as a
lysosome). The best studied SNAREs are those that mediate docking of
synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane in
neurons. These SNAREs are the targets of the bacterial neurotoxins responsible for
botulism and
tetanus.