The septin cytoskeleton is required for plasma membrane repair.

Plasma membrane repair is a fundamental homeostatic process of eukaryotic cells. Here, we report a new function for the conserved cytoskeletal proteins known as septins in the repair of cells perforated by pore-forming toxins or mechanical disruption. Using a silencing RNA screen, we identified known repair factors (e.

High-throughput Measurement of Plasma Membrane Resealing Efficiency in Mammalian Cells.

In their physiological environment, mammalian cells are often subjected to mechanical and biochemical stresses that result in plasma membrane damage. In response to these damages, complex molecular machineries rapidly reseal the plasma membrane to restore its barrier function and maintain cell survival. Despite 60 years of research in this field, we still lack a thorough understanding of the cell resealing machinery.

Host cell perforation by listeriolysin O (LLO) activates a Ca-dependent cPKC/Rac1/Arp2/3 signaling pathway that promotes internalization independently of membrane resealing.

Host cell invasion is an indispensable step for a successful infection by intracellular pathogens. Recent studies identified pathogen-induced host cell plasma membrane perforation as a novel mechanism used by diverse pathogens (, , and adenovirus) to promote their internalization into target cells. It was concluded that and adenovirus damage the host cell plasma membrane to hijack the endocytic-dependent membrane resealing machinery, thereby invading the host cell.

High-Throughput Microplate-Based Assay to Monitor Plasma Membrane Wounding and Repair.

The plasma membrane of mammalian cells is susceptible to disruption by mechanical and biochemical damages that frequently occur within tissues. Therefore, efficient and rapid repair of the plasma membrane is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and survival. Excessive damage of the plasma membrane and defects in its repair are associated with pathological conditions such as infections, muscular dystrophy, heart failure, diabetes, and lung and neurodegenerative diseases.