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Visualizing Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis of G Protein-coupled Receptors at Single-event Resolution via TIRF Microscopy
Published on: October 20, 2014
Double-membrane gap junction internalization requires the clathrin-mediated endocytic machinery
Anna M Gumpert1, Joseph S Varco, Susan M Baker
1Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.
FEBS Letters
|July 29, 2008
Summary
Cells internalize gap junctions (GJs) via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This process uses specific proteins to internalize double-membrane vesicles, offering new insights into cellular communication regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Direct cell-cell communication via gap junctions (GJs) is essential for cellular functions.
- Regulation of GJ intercellular communication (GJIC) involves biosynthesis, degradation, and gating.
- Cellular internalization of GJs in response to stimuli was previously observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of GJ internalization.
- To identify the molecular machinery involved in GJ internalization.
- To determine if endocytic pathways are involved in GJ internalization.
Main Methods:
- Studied GJ internalization using various stimuli.
- Utilized techniques to identify proteins involved in the endocytic process.
- Investigated the role of clathrin, adaptor protein complex 2, disabled 2, and dynamin.
Main Results:
- Gap junctions (GJs) are internalized by cells in response to diverse stimuli.
- GJ internalization is a clathrin-mediated endocytic process.
- The endocytic machinery, including clathrin, AP2, D2, and dynamin, mediates GJ internalization.
Conclusions:
- Gap junction internalization is mediated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
- This study is the first to report clathrin machinery internalizing double-membrane vesicles.
- Understanding GJ internalization provides new regulatory mechanisms for GJIC.
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