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Regulated exocytosis: a novel, widely expressed system
Barbara Borgonovo1, Emanuele Cocucci, Gabriella Racchetti
1Department of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Excellence Centre in Cell Differentiation, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy.
Nature Cell Biology
|November 26, 2002
Summary
Researchers identified a new type of vesicle, termed
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Neuroscience
- Membrane trafficking
Background:
- Calcium-induced exocytosis is a rapid process distinct from regulated secretion.
- A novel exocytosis pathway has been observed in secretory and non-secretory cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify markers and characterize the function of a novel calcium-induced exocytosis pathway.
- To propose a name for the vesicles involved in this process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the PC12 neuronal cell line.
- Identified desmoyokin-AHNAK as a marker for specific vesicles.
- Examined vesicle localization in resting and stimulated cells.
- Characterized vesicle identity and function in cellular processes.
Main Results:
- Desmoyokin-AHNAK, a marker for a novel vesicle type, was identified in PC12 cells.
- These vesicles, termed 'enlargosomes', are found in various cells and tissues.
- Enlargosomes are distinct from known organelles and vesicles like ER, Golgi, endosomes, lysosomes, and Glut4 vesicles.
- Desmoyokin-AHNAK translocates from vesicle lumen to the cell surface upon stimulation.
- Enlargosomes are involved in plasma membrane enlargement during differentiation and membrane repair.
Conclusions:
- A novel class of vesicles, 'enlargosomes', mediates rapid calcium-induced exocytosis.
- Enlargosomes play crucial roles in plasma membrane expansion and repair.
- The identification of desmoyokin-AHNAK provides a marker for studying this unique cellular mechanism.