Phospholipase D Regulation of Exosome Secretion

在化学系生命过程化学项目的支持下，丹佛大学的米歇尔·诺尔斯正在研究细胞如何控制彼此之间的交流。细胞交流的一种方式是通过分泌被称为“外体”的纳米信息包。外切体是包裹着脂类的容器，携带着分子在体内穿梭，在那里它们被其他细胞吸收。外切体可以改变其他细胞的功能，无论是好是坏。控制细胞如何制造外切体及其释放的因素还没有完全被了解。该奖项支持的研究将集中在脂类修饰蛋白、磷脂酶D(PLD)和磷脂酸(PA)，磷脂酸是一种由PLD催化产生的脂类。PA可以改变膜的形状，并充当信号分子。PLD和PA在外切体的形成和释放中的作用将被研究。除了产生有关外显体的新知识外，该项目还将为研究生和本科生创造机会，学习如何使用最先进的技术来解决细胞通讯前沿的问题。诺尔斯博士和Dinah Loerke(丹佛大学)将为研究生开发一个同伴指导计划。科学和更广泛的影响活动的结果将在会议上公布并发表，以使其他人能够在获得的关于细胞调节和学生指导的基础知识的基础上再接再厉。磷脂酶D和磷脂酶A(PLD和PA)可能参与外切体的形成和/或释放过程本身。这两个步骤都需要高度弯曲的膜。在这个研究项目中，PLD的存在和PA的形成将在空间和时间上映射到外切体分泌过程中。定量荧光显微镜方法将与标准生化方法结合使用，以评估外切体的数量和它们从细胞中释放的频率。外切体生命周期的形成、运输和融合阶段将在活细胞中进行评估。PLD的活性和存在将被改变，以确定何时何地需要PLD和磷脂酸。该项目有可能产生深远的科学影响；具体地说，通过展示生物物理工具/化学生物学的使用来帮助阐明细胞通讯的重要机制。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

With the support of the Chemistry of Life Processes Program in the Division of Chemistry, Michelle Knowles of the University of Denver is studying how cells control their communication with one another. One way that cells communicate is through the secretion of nanoscopic packets called “exosomes.” Exosomes are lipid-coated containers that carry molecules and travel through the body, where they are taken up by other cells. Exosomes can alter the function of other cells, for better or worse. The factors that control how cells make exosomes and their release are not fully understood. The research supported by this award will focus on the lipid-modifying protein, phospholipase D (PLD), an enzyme, and on phosphatidic acid (PA), which is a lipid whose production is catalyzed by PLD. PA can alter the shapes of membranes and acts as a signaling molecule. The role of PLD and PA in the formation of exosomes and their release will be investigated. Beyond generating new knowledge about exosomes, the project will create opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to learn how to use state of the art technology to address problems at the forefront of cell communication. Drs. Knowles and Dinah Loerke (University of Denver) will develop a peer mentoring program for graduate students. The results of scientific and broader impact activities will be presented at conferences and published to allow others to build upon the foundational knowledge obtained about cellular regulation and student mentorship.Phospholipase D and phospholipase A (PLD and PA) could be involved in the formation of exosomes and/or in the release process itself. Both steps require highly curved membranes. In this research project, the presence of PLD and the formation of PA will be mapped in space and time during exosome secretion. Quantitative fluorescence microscopy approaches will be used in conjunction with standard biochemical methods to assess the number of exosomes and the frequency with which they are released from cells. The formation, trafficking and fusion stages of the exosome lifecycle will be assessed in live cells. The activity and presence of PLD will be altered to determine when and where PLD and phosphatidic acid are required. This project has the potential for far-reaching scientific impact; specifically, by demonstrating the use of biophysical tools/chemical biology to help to elucidate important mechanisms of cellular communication.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.