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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
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Visualizing Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis of G Protein-coupled Receptors at Single-event Resolution via TIRF Microscopy
Published on: October 20, 2014
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Nucleosomes enter cells by clathrin- and caveolin-dependent endocytosis
Huawei Wang1, Xiajing Shan1, Mengtian Ren1
1State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
Nucleic Acids Research
|December 5, 2021
Summary
Free nucleosomes are absorbed onto cell membranes via electrostatic interactions and then internalized through endocytosis. These circulating nucleosomes maintain their structure in the cytosol, potentially causing immune responses and cellular disorders.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- DNA damage and apoptosis release free nucleosomes into circulation.
- Extracellular nucleosomes entering the cytoplasm activate the cGAS enzyme, triggering immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which human cells internalize extracellular nucleosomes.
- To understand the cellular fate and structural integrity of internalized nucleosomes.
Main Methods:
- Investigated nucleosome uptake using human cell models.
- Utilized techniques to observe cell membrane interactions and internalization pathways.
- Analyzed nucleosome integrity after cellular internalization and endosomal escape.
Main Results:
- Nucleosomes initially bind to the cell membrane via electrostatic interactions.
- Internalization occurs through clathrin- or caveolae-dependent endocytosis.
- Nucleosomes rapidly escape endosomes, remaining intact in the cytosol.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a detailed mechanism for nucleosome endocytosis in human cells.
- Efficient uptake and prolonged cytosolic presence of nucleosomes suggest potential roles in cellular dysfunction and immunostimulation.
- Further research is needed to explore the biological effects of endocytosed nucleosomes.
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