Tetraspanins are highly conserved 4-transmembrane proteins which form molecular clusters with a large variety of transmembrane and cytosolic proteins. By these associations tetraspanins are engaged in a multitude of biological processes. Furthermore, tetraspanin complexes are located in specialized microdomains, called tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs). TEMs provide a signaling platform and are poised for invagination and vesicle formation. These vesicles can be released as exosomes (Exo) and are important in cell contact-independent intercellular communication. Here, we summarize emphasizing knockdown and knockout models' pathophysiological joint and selective activities of CD151 and Tspan8, and discuss the TEM-related engagement of CD151 and Tspan8 in Exo activities.
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April 2017
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Cover Image
Cover Image
This artistic rendition shows an Atomic Force Microscopy tip probing the mechanics of an individual virus particle. The colour scale of the particle indicates the deformation and stress of the viral shell obtained with Finite Element Analysis. The applied force is monitored by focusing a laser beam at the end of the microcantilever. For more information please see study by Moreno-Madrid et al. in this issue, pages 499–511. Image provided by Pedro De Pablo.
Review Article|
April 13 2017
Joint features and complementarities of Tspan8 and CD151 revealed in knockdown and knockout models
Biochem Soc Trans (2017) 45 (2): 437–447.
Article history
Received:
November 28 2016
Revision Received:
February 04 2017
Accepted:
February 13 2017
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