Synapsin I plays a key role in synaptic plasticity in brain. This effect is due in large part to the ability of the synapsins to regulate the availability of synaptic vesicles for release. In addition to its role in plasticity, the e, Xenopus/Amphibian,pression of synapsin I is a precise indicator of synapse formation. Thus, synapsin I immunocytochemistry provides a valuable tool for the study of synaptogenesis. The role of synapsin in synaptic plasticity and in synaptogensis is regulated by phosphorylation. Serine 603 is the site on synapsin I that is phosphorylated by calcium calmodulin kinase II and by p21-activated kinases. Phosphorylation of this site is thought to regulate synaptic vesicle function.