Trends in cell biology

Secreted microRNAs: a new form of intercellular communication.

Publication Date: 2012 Jan 17 PMID: 22260888
Authors: Chen, X. - Liang, H. - Zhang, J. - Zen, K. - Zhang, C. Y.
Journal: Trends Cell Biol

In multicellular organisms, cell-to-cell communication is of particular importance for the proper development and function of the organism as a whole. Intensive studies over the past three years suggesting horizontal transfer of secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) between cells point to a potentially novel role for these molecules in intercellular communication. Using a microvesicle-dependent, or RNA-binding protein-associated, active trafficking system, secreted miRNAs can be delivered into recipient cells where they function as endogenous miRNAs, simultaneously regulating multiple target genes or signaling events. In this Opinion, we summarize recent literature on the biogenesis and uptake of secreted miRNAs, propose a possible working model for how secreted miRNAs might be sorted and transferred between cells and speculate on their biological significance.

post to: CiteULike

Senescence: a new weapon for cancer therapy.

Publication Date: 2012 Jan 13 PMID: 22245068
Authors: Acosta, J. C. - Gil, J.
Journal: Trends Cell Biol

Senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest that can be activated by oncogenic signaling and manifests with changes in cellular organization and gene expression, such as the induction of a complex secretome. Importantly, senescence limits tumor progression and determines the outcome of conventional anticancer therapies. In recent years, therapeutic approaches such as p53 reactivation, inhibition of c-MYC in addicted tumors or treatment with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors have proven effective by invoking a senescence response. The possibility of using prosenescence therapies for cancer treatment has provoked considerable interest. We propose that the senescence secretome can be a source of novel targets for prosenescence therapies, as it has tumor suppressive actions. Overall, tailored prosenescence therapies have the potential to be used for treating cancer and other pathologies.

post to: CiteULike

Organized living: formation mechanisms and functions of plasma membrane domains in yeast.

Publication Date: 2012 Jan 12 PMID: 22245053
Authors: Ziolkowska, N. E. - Christiano, R. - Walther, T. C.
Journal: Trends Cell Biol

Plasma membrane proteins and lipids organize into lateral domains of specific composition. Domain formation is achieved by a combination of lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions, membrane-binding protein scaffolds and protein fences. The resulting domains function in membrane protein turnover and homeostasis, as well as in cell signaling. We review the mechanisms generating plasma membrane domains and the functional consequences of this organization, focusing on recent findings from research on the yeast model system.

post to: CiteULike

ESCRT-III polymers in membrane neck constriction.

Publication Date: 2012 Jan 10 PMID: 22240455
Authors: Guizetti, J. - Gerlich, D. W.
Journal: Trends Cell Biol

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III machinery contributes to membrane deformation and scission in cytokinesis, intraluminal vesicle formation, autophagy and virus budding. Recombinant ESCRT-III subunits polymerize in vitro into filaments, tubes, sheets or rings, and ESCRT-III-dependent filaments have been observed in cells at virus bud necks and at the cytokinetic abscission site. These observations have inspired speculation about how ESCRT-III could mediate constriction and fission of membrane necks. Based on the polymer structures observed in vitro and in vivo, we discuss models for ESCRT-III function and outline how emerging technologies could be used to test these models.

post to: CiteULike