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Published on: June 14, 2016
Disruption-induced mucus secretion: repair and protection
K Miyake1, T Tanaka, P L McNeil
1Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America.
Plos Biology
|August 29, 2006
Summary
Cell membrane disruption triggers calcium-dependent mucus secretion, aiding cell repair and gastrointestinal lubrication. This emergency response protects against mechanical stress and promotes survival.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Gastroenterology
- Membrane Biology
Background:
- Plasma membrane disruption in cells initiates rapid calcium influx.
- This calcium influx triggers membrane fusion events for cell repair.
- Gastrointestinal epithelial cells are susceptible to mechanical stress and plasma membrane damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of disruption-induced exocytosis in mucus secretion.
- To determine the calcium dependence of this secretory response.
- To explore the protective functions of mucus secretion following cell membrane injury.
Main Methods:
- Inducing plasma membrane disruption in stomach mucous cells using shear stress and laser irradiation.
- Assessing mucus secretion and cell resealing in vitro.
- Examining disruption-induced responses in ex vivo segments of rat large intestine.
Main Results:
- Plasma membrane disruption triggers a potent, calcium-dependent mucus secretory response in stomach cells.
- Cellular resealing is coupled to mucus secretion; disruption without calcium leads to cell death.
- This calcium-dependent, disruption-induced mucus secretion and resealing were observed in intact intestinal tissue.
Conclusions:
- Disruption-induced exocytosis is a critical mechanism for both cell survival and mucus secretion.
- This process liberates lubricating mucus at sites of mechanical injury in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Mechanotransduction via disruption-induced exocytosis explains rapid adjustments in gastrointestinal lubrication to mechanical stress.
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