Myogenesis is a multistep process that requires a spatiotemporal regulation of cell events resulting finally in myoblast fusion into multinucleated myotubes. Most major insights into the mechanisms underlying fusion seem to be conserved from insects to mammals and include the formation of podosome-like protrusions (PLPs) that exert a driving force toward the founder cell. However, the machinery that governs this process remains poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The ability to respond to mechanical forces is a basic requirement for maintaining endothelial cell (ECs) homeostasis, which is continuously subjected to low shear stress (LSS) and high shear stress (HSS). In arteries, LSS and HSS have a differential impact on EC autophagy processes. However, it is still unclear whether LSS and HSS differently tune unique autophagic machinery or trigger specific autophagic responses in ECs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBlood platelets are produced by megakaryocytes through a complex program of differentiation and play a critical role in hemostasis and thrombosis. These anucleate cells are the target of antithrombotic drugs that prevent them from clumping in cardiovascular disease conditions. Platelets also significantly contribute to various aspects of physiopathology, including interorgan communications, healing, inflammation, and thromboinflammation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Increasing evidence links genetic defects affecting actin-regulatory proteins to diseases with severe autoimmunity and autoinflammation, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Dedicator of cytokinesis 11 (DOCK11) activates the small Rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), a central regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. The role of DOCK11 in human immune-cell function and disease remains unknown.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhosphoinositides (PIs) play a crucial role in regulating intracellular signaling, actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, and membrane trafficking by binding to specific domains of effector proteins. They are primarily found in the membrane leaflets facing the cytosol. Our study demonstrates the presence of a pool of phosphatidylinositol 3-monophosphate (PI3P) in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of resting human and mouse platelets.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF