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16:43
Visualization of Endoplasmic Reticulum Subdomains in Cultured Cells
Published on: February 18, 2014
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Wnt traffic from endoplasmic reticulum to filopodia
Naushad Moti1, Jia Yu1, Gaelle Boncompain2
1Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
Plos One
|February 23, 2019
Summary
This study visualizes Wnt protein transport, revealing that Porcupine (PORCN) and Wntless (WLS) are crucial for Wnt secretion. Findings highlight the role of filopodia in Wnt cell-to-cell communication.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Wnt proteins are essential secreted signaling molecules involved in development and adult stem cell regulation.
- While Wnt signaling pathways are well-studied, the mechanisms of Wnt secretion and intercellular transport remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and investigate the real-time trafficking of Wnt proteins from their synthesis to secretion.
- To elucidate the roles of Porcupine (PORCN) and Wntless (WLS) in Wnt protein secretion and transport.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Retention Using Selective Hook (RUSH) system for real-time tracking of Wnt trafficking.
- Investigated the effects of Porcupine (PORCN) inhibition and Wntless (WLS) knockout on Wnt transport.
- Observed Wnt-containing vesicles at the plasma membrane and associated filopodia.
Main Results:
- Inhibition of PORCN or knockout of WLS blocked Wnt protein exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
- Wnt-containing vesicles exhibited pausing at sub-cortical plasma membrane regions before cellular exit.
- Wnt-containing vesicles were observed associated with filopodia, suggesting a role in intercellular communication.
Conclusions:
- Visualized and confirmed the critical roles of WLS and PORCN in regulating Wnt ER exit.
- Provided evidence supporting the involvement of filopodia in Wnt protein secretion and signaling to adjacent cells.
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