Figure 2. Action of polyunsaturated fatty acids on syntaxin.

Syntaxin present in a ‘closed conformation’ is a target for PUFAs. They can induce a conformational change, leading to an ‘open’ conformation of the syntaxin and allowing interaction with SNAP-25. Upon this interaction, SNAP-25 acquires its coiled α-helical structure. A subsequent association of the heterodimer with vesicular synaptobrevin leads to formation of the ternary SNARE complex which promotes vesicle fusion.