Migrasome biogenesis and functions

Shunbang Yu1, Li Yu1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Science, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

The FEBS Journal
|September 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Migrasomes are novel organelles formed by migrating cells on retraction fibers. These structures are involved in cell signaling, damaged mitochondria transport, and molecule transfer, highlighting their diverse cellular roles.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Organelle Discovery

Background:

  • Migrating cells leave behind retraction fibers.
  • A novel pomegranate-like structure, the migrasome, is discovered on these fibers.
  • Migrasome production correlates with cell migration.

Approach:

  • This review discusses the functions, mechanisms, and potential applications of migrasomes.
  • Detailed examination of migrasome's role in cellular processes.

Key Points:

  • Migrasomes are newly identified organelles produced by migrating cells.
  • Functions include releasing signaling molecules, transporting damaged mitochondria, and transferring mRNA/proteins.
  • Highly correlated with cell migration.

Conclusions:

  • Migrasomes represent a significant discovery in cell biology.
  • Understanding migrasomes opens avenues for potential therapeutic applications.
  • Further research into migrasome mechanisms is warranted.

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