Research Progress and Direction of Novel Organelle-Migrasomes
Yu Zhang1, Minghui Zhang1, Zhuoyi Xie1
1The Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 28 Changsheng Road, Hengyang 421001, China.
Abstract:
Migrasomes are organelles that are similar in structure to pomegranates, up to 3 μm in diameter, and contain small vesicles with a diameter of 50-100 nm. These membranous organelles grow at the intersections or tips of retracting fibers at the back of migrating cells. The process by which cells release migrasomes and their contents outside the cell is called migracytosis. The signal molecules are packaged in the migrasomes and released to the designated location by migrasomes to activate the surrounding cells. Finally, the migrasomes complete the entire process of information transmission. In this sense, migrasomes integrate time, space, and specific chemical information, which are essential for regulating physiological processes such as embryonic development and tumor invasion and migration. In this review, the current research progress of migrasomes, including the discovery of migrasomes and migracytosis, the structure of migrasomes, and the distribution and functions of migrasomes is discussed. The migratory marker protein TSPAN4 is highly expressed in various cancers and is associated with cancer invasion and migration. Therefore, there is still much research space for the pathogenesis of migratory bodies and cancer. This review also makes bold predictions and prospects for the research directions of the combination of migrasomes and clinical applications.
Insights
Migrasomes are novel organelles involved in cell-to-cell communication and tissue regulation. Their role in embryonic development and cancer invasion highlights their potential for future clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Organelle Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Migrasomes are pomegranate-like organelles, up to 3 μm in diameter, containing smaller vesicles.
- They form at retracting cell fiber tips during cell migration.
- The release process is termed migracytosis, facilitating intercellular signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research progress on migrasomes and migracytosis.
- To discuss the structure, distribution, and functions of migrasomes.
- To explore the potential of migrasomes in understanding cancer pathogenesis and clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on migrasomes.
- Analysis of migrasome structure and formation mechanisms.
- Discussion of the role of migrasomes in physiological and pathological processes.
Main Results:
- Migrasomes act as crucial mediators of intercellular information transmission.
- They integrate temporal, spatial, and chemical cues essential for development and tumor invasion.
- TSPAN4, a migratory marker, is highly expressed in cancers, linking migrasomes to cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- Migrasomes are vital for regulating embryonic development and tumor cell migration.
- Further research into migrasomes and migracytosis offers significant potential for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
- The study of migrasomes opens new avenues for clinical applications in oncology.
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