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In vivo and in vitro Studies of Adaptor-clathrin Interaction
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In vivo and in vitro Studies of Adaptor-clathrin Interaction

Published on: January 26, 2011

The non-canonical roles of clathrin and actin in pathogen internalization, egress and spread

Ashley C Humphries1, Michael Way

  • 1Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK.

Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|September 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pathogens manipulate clathrin, a protein crucial for cell entry, to spread within hosts. This review examines how pathogens hijack clathrin and the actin cytoskeleton for internalization, egress, and dissemination.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Pathogen-Host Interactions
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a well-established pathway for cellular uptake.
  • Pathogens frequently exploit host cell machinery for their own life cycles.
  • Emerging evidence suggests clathrin's involvement extends beyond entry to pathogen dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of clathrin in pathogen internalization, egress, and spread.
  • To highlight the mechanisms by which pathogens manipulate clathrin and the actin cytoskeleton.
  • To discuss the interplay between clathrin and actin during pathogen-host cell interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on clathrin and pathogen interactions.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying pathogen manipulation of cellular processes.
  • Focus on events occurring at the plasma membrane during pathogen infection.

Main Results:

  • Pathogens extensively utilize clathrin for entry into host cells.
  • Clathrin and the actin cytoskeleton are frequently co-opted by pathogens.
  • Pathogen strategies involve hijacking these host systems for internalization, egress, and spread.

Conclusions:

  • Clathrin plays a critical, adaptable role in multiple stages of pathogen infection.
  • Understanding clathrin-pathogen interplay offers insights into controlling infectious diseases.
  • The coordinated action of clathrin and actin is essential for pathogen dissemination.

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