C2C12 myoblasts release micro-vesicles containing mtDNA and proteins involved in signal transduction

Exp Cell Res. 2010 Jul 15;316(12):1977-84. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2010.04.006. Epub 2010 Apr 24.

Abstract

Micro-vesicles can be released by different cell types and operate as 'safe containers' mediating inter-cellular communication. In this work we investigated whether cultured myoblasts could release exosomes. The reported data demonstrate, for the first time, that C2C12 myoblasts release micro-vesicles as shown by the presence of two exosome markers (Tsg101 and Alix proteins). Using real-time PCR analysis it was shown that these micro-vesicles, like other cell types, carry mtDNA. Proteomic characterization of the released micro-vesicle contents showed the presence of many proteins involved in signal transduction. The bioinformatics assessment of the Disorder Index and Aggregation Index of these proteins suggested that C2C12 micro-vesicles mainly deliver the machinery for signal transduction to target cells rather than key proteins involved in hub functions in molecular networks. The presence of IGFBP-5 in the purified micro-vesicles represents an exception, since this binding protein can play a key role in the modulation of the IGF-1 signalling pathway. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that skeletal muscle cells release micro-vesicles, which probably have an important role in the communication processes within skeletal muscles and between skeletal muscles and other organs. In particular, the present findings suggest possible new diagnostic approaches to skeletal muscle diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport / genetics
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport / metabolism
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5 / genetics
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5 / metabolism
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Myoblasts, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5
  • Pdcd6ip protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tsg101 protein
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I