Toward the Inner Nanostructure of a Secretory Vesicle

The release of chemical mediators is an essential element of cell-to-cell communication. Signaling molecules such as neurotransmitters and hormones are stored in membrane-bound organelles called secretory vesicles. Some of these organelles can store molecules at high concentrations, overcoming the osmotic shock that could burst the organelle. These organelles contain a proteinaceous matrix that traps the molecules and avoids high intravesicular osmotic pressure. The functional nanostructure and internal organization of the matrix is not well understood. A report by Lovrić et al. in this issue of ACS Nano provides insight into the storage of a small molecule-dopamine-within the intraluminal compartments of a secretory vesicle. Lovrić et al. used a powerful combination of high spatial resolution mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with amperometric measurements of exocytotic release to delineate the temporal and spatial fate of intravesicular dopamine and its interaction with the matrix.