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Transfer of mitochondria and endosomes between cells by gap junction internalization
Author(s) -
Norris Rachael P.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
traffic
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.677
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1600-0854
pISSN - 1398-9219
DOI - 10.1111/tra.12786
Subject(s) - organelle , internalization , gap junction , endosome , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , immunogold labelling , intracellular , mitochondrion , connexin , vesicle , cell junction , cell , ultrastructure , membrane , anatomy , biochemistry
Intercellular organelle transfer has been documented in several cell types and has been proposed to be important for cell‐cell communication and cellular repair. However, the mechanisms by which organelle transfer occurs are uncertain. Recent studies indicate that the gap junction protein, connexin 43 (Cx43), is required for mitochondrial transfer but its specific role is unknown. Using three‐dimensional electron microscopy and immunogold labeling of Cx43, this report shows that whole organelles including mitochondria and endosomes are incorporated into double‐membrane vesicles, called connexosomes or annular gap junctions, that form as a result of gap junction internalization. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for intercellular organelle transfer mediated by Cx43 gap junctions.