Molecular mechanisms of gasdermin D pore-forming activity

Pascal Devant1, Jonathan C Kagan2

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Nature Immunology
|June 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) protein regulates plasma membrane pores, impacting cell death and immune responses. This review details GSDMD

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Regulated plasma membrane disruption is vital for health, involving cell death and cytokine release.
  • Gasdermin D (GSDMD) protein forms pores, driving cytolysis and interleukin-1 family cytokine release.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding GSDMD's regulatory mechanisms.
  • To explore GSDMD's role in diverse immunological effects and its evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of biochemical and cell biological literature on GSDMD.
  • Analysis of GSDMD activation, pore assembly, and posttranslational modifications.
  • Examination of GSDMD interactions with membrane repair and mitochondria.

Main Results:

  • GSDMD activation involves proteolytic cleavage and dynamic pore assembly.
  • Posttranslational modifications and interactions with cellular components regulate GSDMD.
  • Gasdermin family evolution and function across species are discussed.

Conclusions:

  • GSDMD is a critical regulator of membrane integrity and immune signaling.
  • Understanding GSDMD regulation is key to advancing immunology and potential therapeutics.

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