This gene encodes an integral membrane protein of small synaptic vesicles in brain and endocrine cells. The protein also binds cholesterol and is thought to direct targeting of vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (synaptobrevin) to intracellular compartments. SYP contains four transmembrane domains and may function as a gap juction-like channel. Membrane cholesterol specfically interacts with SYP to play a role in vesicle formation. Synaptobrevin (VAMP) also binds to SYP and the resultant complex is upregulated during neuronal development, but is absent in exocytosis fusion complex.
