Articles tagged with Endocytosis
A study by IBEC researchers found that dynamic protein usage, measured by endocytic turnover rate (ETOR), plays a critical role in blood–brain barrier function and is disrupted under inflammatory conditions. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for restoring neurovascular health.
Researchers at OIST identified 80 plasma membrane repair proteins in budding yeast, revealing a coordinated sequence of molecular events. The study provides a foundation for investigating plasma membrane repair mechanisms in higher eukaryotes, including human cells.
Researchers have discovered that vesicles generated from cell-surface protrusions can deliver active proteins and genome-editing enzymes far more efficiently than conventional extracellular vesicles. This natural delivery system may enable the development of safer and more precise strategies for genome editing, regenerative medicine, a...
Researchers used computer simulations to understand how protein dynamin forms small vesicles within cells. Dynamin loosens at a certain stage to generate the force needed to narrow the surrounding membrane tube, providing insights for artificial nano-device design.
A new study from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) reveals that glucose uptake is poorly managed in β-cells from people with Type 2 diabetes, leading to reduced insulin secretion. Restoring proper GLUT trafficking could slow disease progression and personalize therapies, according to the researchers.
Researchers at Osaka University uncovered the molecular details of how Drosophila fruit fly cells are removed during development, challenging the common assumption that clustered apoptosis poses a disadvantage to organisms. This study may help determine how abnormal cell death leads to congenital defects in humans.
Researchers at Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie have discovered a new interaction network in the endocytosis process, revealing a previously unknown link between AP180 and AP2. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
The study reveals two distinct modes of endosomal fusion: homotypic fusion, where small vesicles fuse rapidly, and heterotypic fusion, where large vesicles absorb endosomes. Mathematical analysis and experiments suggest that actin dynamics plays a crucial role in promoting homotypic fusion.
Researchers are developing minimally invasive techniques to repair and regenerate tissue in aortic aneurysms using actively targeted, drug-releasing nanoparticles. The team found that rod-shaped particles with high aspect ratios were selectively taken up by diseased endothelial cells, leading to improved therapy outcomes.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that SARS-CoV-2 entry varies among different species and tissue types, highlighting the need for thorough investigations into viral entry mechanisms. The study's findings suggest that targeting TMPRSS2 may not be effective in preventing COVID-19 infection in mink.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have uncovered a novel mechanism for sorting endocytic cargo, revealing a specific compartment within the trans-Golgi network that determines the fate of cargo. This discovery has implications for understanding basic life processes and diseases caused by disruptions in endocytosis.
Scientists have elucidated the regulatory functions of Pan1p, a key player in late-stage clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The protein drives actin assembly and disassembly, facilitating vesicle internalization.
A recent study published in eLife has revealed that high levels of soluble tau protein impair signaling between neurons, leading to cognitive decline. The research suggests that targeting the binding site of dynamin, a protein that binds to microtubules, may rescue synaptic transmission and prevent memory impairment.
Researchers used fluorescence microscopy to study clathrin-mediated endocytosis in living cells. They found evidence of three models of curvature initiation and discovered that short-lived events favored the constant-curvature model, while longer events preferred the flat-to-curved transition pathway.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets that can bypass the cell membrane and deliver biomacromolecules effectively. This breakthrough enables faster, safer, and more effective treatments for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders.
A new treatment for inflammatory pain has been developed by UB researchers using lipidated peptides that can penetrate nerve endings and provide long-lasting pain relief. The treatment also shows promise in reducing gender differences in pain perception.
A new study reveals that the APOE4 variant of the APOE gene disrupts a key process in brain cells, while increasing PICALM expression can repair the damage. The findings suggest that faulty endocytosis plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease etiology.
The ApoE4 variant prevents the recycling of sortilin, a receptor that supplies neurons with essential fatty acids. This disruption leads to reduced lipid uptake and increased inflammation in brain cells, making them susceptible to cell death.
A study found that a clinically available drug, prochlorperazine (PCZ), inhibits the internalization of receptors on tumor cells, increasing the ability of anticancer antibodies to bind and mount effective immune responses. This temporary inhibition improves the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
Researchers found that healthy cells clear harmful aggregates via endocytosis, a process previously thought to occur only on external substances. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for ALS by increasing the efficiency of endocytosis. The next step is to develop ways to enhance this process using genetic and chemical methods.
Researchers at Cornell University describe how cells initiate and perform endocytosis, a process crucial for everyday cell functioning. They found that NECAP acts like a chip clip to clamp shut the AP2 protein complex, preventing endocytosis.
A new chemical tool has been identified to block endocytosis in plants, a process essential for nutrient uptake and cellular signaling. The compound, ES9-17, was developed through an international collaboration and retains the ability to bind clathrin, a protein involved in endocytosis.
Cells utilize membrane tension to regulate endocytosis and maintain homeostasis. A protein called vinculin senses changes in force and regulates the CLIC/GEEC pathway to control endocytic processes.
Endocytic waves initiated by clathrin emerge in some cell populations and are temporally related to downstream waves of F-BAR and other actin regulating proteins. This study reveals the link between endocytosis and generation of cortical actin waves, providing insight into how cells maintain plasma membrane composition.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have successfully triggered clathrin-mediated endocytosis in lab cells using a chemical rapamycin. This breakthrough enables precise control over when and where vesicles form, allowing scientists to study timing and protein requirements with accuracy.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified the precise toxic mechanism of alpha-synuclein, a key causative agent in Parkinson's development. The protein inhibits vesicle endocytosis, critical for neurotransmission, leading to its devastating effects on motor control and cognitive function.
A new study suggests that a protein deficiency in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disrupts cellular endocytosis, leading to muscle weakness. Interestingly, a mild version of this defect may also confer resistance to infections in carriers of the disease.
Researchers identify two cancer phenotype clusters based on endocytic dysfunction in non-small cell lung cancers, one marked by KRAS mutations and the other by epithelial changes. This study provides a new approach to distinguishing cancer subtypes using endocytic activity.
A recent study reveals that ßCTF, a protein precursor to amyloid beta, initiates abnormalities leading to neuron loss in early Alzheimer's pathology. Drugging ßCTF levels may help slow or stop Alzheimer's progression.
Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg solved a decades-old cell biology puzzle by clarifying the behavior of clathrin proteins, crucial for endocytosis. The team used new imaging techniques to demonstrate that the surface area of the clathrin coat remains constant during endocytosis, only changing its curvature as it draws the cell membrane i...
Researchers at UNIGE reconcile two dominant endocytosis theories, proposing a balanced interplay between clathrin proteins and other adaptors. The study suggests that clathrins do not dominate the process, but rather contribute to a subtle energy-based deformation of the membrane.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a critical relationship governing how cells ingest matter through endocytosis. By controlling membrane tension, they found that fewer proteins are needed to form a vesicle as tension decreases.
The study reveals that actin is busy forming a stiff cortex in cells during mitosis and cannot be used for endocytosis. By tricking the cell into making actin available, researchers restarted endocytosis in mitotic cells.
Researchers have identified a novel protein complex, TPLATE, essential for plant endocytosis, which is unique to plants. The discovery sheds light on the process of endocytosis and its importance in plant cells.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that endocytosis drives changes in cell shape by remodelling the cell membrane. Cells adapt their feeding strategy to suck in long tubes of membrane, processing them into smaller vesicles.
Scientists discovered that enterocytes play a significant role in absorbing relatively large particles, challenging conventional wisdom and offering new avenues for increasing the absorption of medicines taken by mouth. The study found that between 10-50% of spheres were absorbed via endocytosis in cells called enterocytes.
Researchers reveal how individual molecules work together during a single act of endocytosis, overcoming an energy barrier through molecular cooperation. This discovery sheds light on a process linked to human diseases and has implications for treating conditions like muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists discovered that dynamin polymerises, forming a helix around an artificial membrane tubule and compressing it until it breaks. The location of the fission is specific, appearing at the boundary between the helix and the membrane.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered how cell-penetrating peptides, such as the HIV TAT peptide, interact with cells to facilitate the transfer of molecular cargoes. The study reveals that these peptides can act like a Swiss Army Knife, interacting strongly with membranes and cytoskeletons to produce multiple pathways of translocation.
MDC researchers have determined the molecular structure of dynamin, a key player in cellular nutrient uptake. The study provides fundamental insights into the 'wire-puller' mechanism of dynamin during endocytosis, which is essential for signal transmission and immune system function.
Researchers found synaptophysin controls vesicle replacement, potentially leading to new treatments for learning deficits. The study may also help explain why people with synaptophysin mutations experience mental retardation.
Scientists identified a previously unknown mechanism for massive endocytosis (MEND) in cells, where up to 75% of the cell plasma membrane can be reversibly engulfed. MEND preferentially targets low-ordered, cholesterol-containing membrane domains.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found a protein, CLC-5, that plays a crucial role in treating Dent's disease, a rare genetic disorder causing kidney stones and failure. The study reveals that faulty CLC-5 delivery impairs endocytosis, leading to vitamin and hormone loss.
Researchers applied a new strategy to investigate the effects of thousands of genes on endocytosis, revealing precise definitions of what cells need when and where. This understanding could lead to preventing infections and developing treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's.
A novel gene called Flower was discovered to play a crucial role in vesicle uptake in neurons, allowing for rapid neurotransmission. The gene's corresponding protein is present in synaptic vesicles and enables calcium influx, initiating exocytosis.
A large protein called Tweek is crucial for recycling and endocytosis in the synaptic process, allowing neurotransmitters to be transported to neurons. The study found that increasing PI(4,5)P2 levels reverses the defect in endocytic processes, highlighting the importance of Tweek in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
New research reveals that cells employ similar molecules for importing and exporting cargo, blurring the line between endocytosis and exocytosis. This challenges traditional biological assumptions about dedicated molecules for specific processes.
Spartin localizes to lipid droplets and binds to TIP47, regulating their turnover. Overexpressing or knocking down Spartin causes an increase in LD size and number.
A study has revealed that endocytosis is necessary for the production of amyloid beta, a key component of Alzheimer's brain plaques. The research found that endocytosis plays a critical role in increasing amyloid beta levels, which are coupled to normal nerve cell communication called synaptic activity.
Researchers identified how toxic protein plaque accumulates in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that endocytosis plays a crucial role in transporting amyloid precursor protein into neurons, leading to A
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have identified the role of Synaptojanin 1 in the synaptic vesicle cycle, a critical aspect of synaptic function. The enzyme's removal slows down endocytosis, highlighting its importance in cell-to-cell information flow.
A team of scientists has developed a new method to analyze the development of cortical polarity in cell membranes, which is essential for various cellular processes. They combined experiments with living cells and a mathematical model, showing that polarized regions are defined with near-optimal precision.
Researchers have developed an assay that visualizes the formation of clathrin-coated vesicles at single clathrin-coated pits with high time resolution. This breakthrough sheds light on fundamental questions about clathrin-mediated endocytosis, including whether single coated pits give rise to multiple vesicles.
Researchers found that ephrin subtype EphrinB activates the EphB receptor, triggering a chemical pathway that stimulates synaptojanin-1 enzyme, essential for cellular endocytosis. This process is crucial for neurotransmitter regulation and nerve cell function.
Researchers have discovered that morphogen molecules move across cells via diffusion, a finding that could lead to new strategies for treating organ defects and cancers. The study used the fruit fly model to demonstrate how TGF beta family molecules function as morphogens.
Researchers found that the Hrs protein regulates cell proliferation by tagging receptors for degradation through a process called endocytosis. This finding could lead to new cancer treatments targeting the Hrs protein.
UCSF scientists have demonstrated in animals how morphine's potent painkilling powers can be sustained without increasing dosages. By pairing morphine with an opioid that facilitates endocytosis, they showed that the natural cellular process can arrest the pattern of tolerance to morphine.