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Unconventional Protein Secretion in Animal Cells
Fanny Ng1, Bor Luen Tang2,3
1Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|September 26, 2016
Summary
Eukaryotic cells secrete proteins via conventional or unconventional pathways. Unconventional protein secretion (UPS) bypasses the Golgi apparatus, involving mechanisms like plasma membrane translocation and microvesicle release.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Eukaryotic cells utilize the canonical exocytic pathway for protein secretion, involving the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.
- However, certain proteins are secreted through unconventional pathways, independent of Golgi processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of unconventional protein secretion (UPS) mechanisms in animal cells.
- To highlight proteins secreted via UPS, including cytosolic and membrane proteins.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on unconventional protein secretion.
- Analysis of known mechanisms, including plasma membrane translocation and extracellular vesicle formation.
Main Results:
- Identified proteins like FGF2, IL-1β, α integrin, and CFTR are secreted through UPS.
- UPS mechanisms include direct translocation across the plasma membrane and release via exosomes or other microvesicles.
Conclusions:
- Unconventional protein secretion represents a significant alternative route for protein export in eukaryotic cells.
- Further research is ongoing to fully elucidate the diverse mechanisms of UPS.
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