Expression of synaptotagmin and syntaxin associated with N‐type calcium channels in small cell lung cancer

Abstract
The presence of synaptic proteins involved in excitation/secretion coupling was examined in ten small cell lung cancer lines. N‐Type calcium channels (ω)‐conotoxin receptors), synaptotagmin (p65) and syntaxin (HPC‐1) were detected in eight. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that syntaxin can form a complex with synaptotagmin and calcium channels. The expression of synaptotagmin in small cell lung cancer may elicit an autoimmune response that reduces transmitter release at the nerve terminal.