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Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Plasma Membrane Repair Mechanisms with Innovative Thermoplasmonic Puncturing
Published on: January 19, 2024
Annexins and plasma membrane repair
Sophia N Koerdt1, Arsila P K Ashraf1, Volker Gerke1
1Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
Cellular repair of plasma membrane injuries involves calcium influx and protein recruitment. Annexins, calcium-regulated proteins, play a crucial role in resealing the membrane and cytoskeletal remodeling during wound repair.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plasma membrane injury triggers a cell-autonomous repair process.
- Calcium influx at the injury site is a key initiator of membrane repair.
- Calcium-regulated proteins are recruited to the wound site to aid in repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of annexins in plasma membrane wound repair.
- To highlight annexins as calcium-regulated proteins involved in cellular repair mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing evidence on annexin function in membrane repair.
- Focuses on the calcium-dependent association of annexins with acidic phospholipids.
- Discusses the temporal and spatial accumulation of annexins at injury sites.
Main Results:
- Annexins bind to acidic phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner.
- Annexin accumulation at plasma membrane injury sites is temporally controlled.
- Annexins are implicated in controlling membrane rearrangements during repair, potentially with proteins like dysferlin.
Conclusions:
- Annexins are critical calcium-regulated proteins in plasma membrane wound repair.
- Their function involves membrane resealing and cytoskeletal remodeling.
- Evidence from model systems supports their role in cellular repair.
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