The “SNARE” hypothesis How do coated vesicles go to the right place and fuse with the right membrane? The “SNARE” hypothesis
SNARE Vesicle-SNAP-receptors (v-SNAREs) Target-SNAP-receptors (t-SNAREs) SNAP=soluble NSF attachment proteins NSF=N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor
Lysosomes Digestive enzymes Low pH (4-5) Develop from late endosomes/hydrolases from Golgi Activated by lowering the pH
Extracellular components Cell walls Extracellular matrix Bone Cartilage Connective tissue
Types of molecules in ECM Structural proteins—strength/flexibility Collagen Elastin Proteoglycans--matrix Adhesive glycoproteins—stick cells to matrix Fibronectins laminins
Collagen--strength
Synthesis--fibroblasts
Elastin--flexibility
Glycosaminoglycans
Proteoglycans—hydrated matrix
Adhesive glycoproteins Extracellular Fibronectins Laminins Cell surface Integrins
Fibronectins Group of adhesive glycoproteins 2 long linked proteins Several binding domains
Fibronectin roles Anchor cells to ECM Maintain cell shape Cell movement Blood clotting
Laminins Found in basal laminae Role of basal laminae Contain Special ECM Under epithelial cells Separates them from connective tissue Role of basal laminae Support Permeability barrier Contain Type IV collagen Proteoglycans laminins
Laminins Very large proteins 3 linked peptides Multiple domains
What binds the cells to the ECM?
Integrins Groups of transmembrane proteins Link cytoskeleton to ECM Fibronectin receptor is best known
Cell-cell interactions Cell-cell adhesion Cell-cell communication
Cell-cell adhesion Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) Cadherins Lots of them Involved in many cellular processes Cadherins Adhesive glycoproteins
Cell juctions Adhesive junctions Tight junctions Gap junctions Strong links Tight junctions Prevent leaks between cells Gap junctions Forms direct link between cells
Adhesive junctions Desmosomes Hemidesmosomes Adherens junctions Focal adhesions All contain - intracellular attachment proteins—link to cytoskeleton - transmembrane linker proteins—link the cells
Desmosomes—rivets between cells
Adherens junctions Belt around cell Connects to actin, not tonofilaments Look a lot like desmosomes Found in Heart Epithelial layers Oftern form belt Called “focal adhesion” if connects to ECM
Tight junctions
Gap junctions Direct electrical connection Formed by connexons Protein=connexin Prominent in muscle and nerve—e.g. electrical tissues Form of cell-cell communication
Cell walls
Plant cell walls Cellulose (40%) Branched polysaccharides Hemicellulose (20%) Pectins (30%) Extensins--glycoproteins (10%) Lignins—woody tissues Insoluble aromatic alcohols Cross-link to form wood
Plasmodesmata