The cell is a densely populated community. It is also a fast-paced metropolis where macromolecular complexes and membrane-enclosed organelles can move swiftly along cytoskeletal highways. A seismic shift in our understanding of how a living cell is organized was brought on some 30 years ago by the discovery of green fluorescent protein (GFP), which allowed scientists to study the behavior of proteins and organelles in real time and in their natural environment. It showed us that proteins confined to endosomal membranes—such as the immune receptor major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II—move bidirectionally along microtubules, rather than following unidirectional trajectories. This development raised questions regarding how this choreographed movement is regulated and the purpose it may serve. (Remember, it’s crowded on and around the cellular highways!) Over the years, we and others have identified many regulators of endosomal transport, including RILP and FYCO1, the effectors of the small GTPase Rab7, which bind to the dynein/dynactin and kinesin motors, respectively. It further became evident that endosomes are not fully autonomous entities, and that another organelle—the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)—can influence their motility through a variety of mechanisms. These include cholesterol-dependent loading of microtubule-directed motors onto endosomes, as well as ubiquitin-mediated positioning of these organelles, both regulated through reversible-membrane contact sites formed between endosomes and the ER. The ER controls endosomes, but—as we will show—the endosomes control the ER as well. In this webinar, we’ll learn how these and other findings contribute to the emerging paradigm of profound yet dynamic interconnectivity among diverse cellular subcompartments.
During the webinar, the viewers will:
- Obtain insights into the social interactions between endosomes and other compartments within the crowded cell
- Learn how the positioning and movement of endosomes and other organelles is controlled
- See how the endosomes make the ER and the ER drives the endosomes
- View videos exposing the incredible organelle dynamics inside the crowded cell
- Be able to ask questions during the live broadcast.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3D5f32D