Basic insights into intracellular transport pathways
Two research teams independently discovered a previously unknown protein, which is responsible for the Transport routes within cells is of central importance. The protein appears to play a role, according to two new studies hereditary diseases, The viral infection and at growth of tumor cells to play.
researchers of Cluster of Excellence “Precision Medicine for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases” have a key protein discovered, which seems to be of great importance for viral infections, hereditary diseases and cancer. It is a previously unknown disease gene, which opens up numerous new approaches for research and therapy. The corresponding study results were recently published in the renowned journal “Science” presented.
Virus replication factors examined
The working group around Professor Sabrina Jabs looked for factors in the study without which RNA viruses as the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 cannot multiply. To do this, the team used the latest methods of gene analysis to investigate in human cell cultures which cells survive after infection with certain viruses.
“This means that we switched off practically every gene in the genome at least once in the cell culture and then analyzed which gene knockout caused the cells to survive despite the virus infection because the viruses cannot multiply”explained Jabs.
Discovery of a previously unknown protein
In addition to important factors for the multiplication of viruses, the scientists involved also identified a previously unknown protein called THE LIGHT discovered.
According to the researchers, the protein is essential for the proper functioning of the Lysosomen decisive. Put simply, the lyosomes are the stomach of cells. This delimited area within cells is filled with enzymes and phosphatases, which are used to break down foreign substances or endogenous substances.
LYSET regulates transport to the lysosome
As mentioned above, the lysosomes are important degradation sites in the cell. They contain a variety of enzymes to “digest” non-cellular and cellular material. Malfunctions in this process can lead to certain substances accumulating in the cell.
Important transport route identified within cells
These accumulations are the cause of complaints that those affected with lysosomal storage diseases be evoked. This is a group of diseases that hereditary metabolic diseases be assigned.
“Our work identifies LYSET as an indispensable regulator of a fundamentally important intracellular transport pathway”have The Professor’s Jabs out. According to her, mutations in the LYSET gene are associated with a rare lysosomal storage disease Mucolipidosis connected.
The working group was also able to show that the transport of enzymes to the lysosomes is severely disrupted if the LYSET protein is missing.
How does LYSET affect viral infections?
But in addition to the hereditary metabolic diseases, the newly discovered protein apparently also plays an important role The viral infection.
Because in cells without LYSET could also viruseswhich penetrated the cells, do not cause any damage, whereby the protein or the inhibition of the protein for the treatment of viral infections can be considered.
In summary, it can be said that the study is an important and previously unknown transport route within cells shows and at the same time deep fundamental insights into the cell physiology granted.
LYSET could also play a role in cancer
Another research team from German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) also became aware of the protein LYSET independently of the working group as part of a further study.
“About a year ago, we found out about the other study led by the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, exchanged data and decided to submit the work to Science together rather than try to compete with each other to publish the discovery first.”reported Jabs. The works therefore appear together as complementary publications.
In the second Science publication of the DKFZ, the researchers describe the importance of LYSET for the growth of tumor cells. The findings of the two studies open up a whole range of approaches for future research work, since the protein discovered has not yet been characterized.
Numerous new research approaches
“The temporary inhibition of LYSET and the lysosomal enzyme transport pathway could be used as a therapeutic approach to suppress the growth of certain tumors and prevent viral infections”summed up Jabs. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Cluster of Excellence “Precision Medicine for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases”: Key protein important for viral infections and hereditary diseases discovered (published: September 9th, 2022), precisionmedicine.de
- Christopher M. Richards, Sabrina Jabs, Wenjie Qiao, et al.: The human disease gene LYSET is essential for lysosomal enzyme transport and viral infection; in: Science (2022), science.org
- Catarina Pechincha, et al.: Lysosomal enzyme trafficking factor LYSET enables nutritional usage of extracellular proteins; in: Science (2022), science.org
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.