Endocytic control of growth factor signalling: multivesicular bodies as signalling organelles

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2011 Nov 23;13(1):53-60. doi: 10.1038/nrm3244.

Abstract

Signal transduction and endocytosis are intertwined processes. The internalization of ligand-activated receptors by endocytosis has classically been thought to attenuate signals by targeting receptors for degradation in lysosomes, but it can also maintain signals in early signalling endosomes. In both cases, localization to multivesicular endosomesen route to lysosomes is thought to terminate signalling. However, during WNT signal transduction, sequestration of the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inside multivesicular endosomes results in the stabilization of many cytosolic proteins. Thus, the role of endocytosis during signal transduction may be more diverse than anticipated, and multivesicular endosomes may constitute a crucial signalling organelle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endocytosis*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Multivesicular Bodies / metabolism*
  • Multivesicular Bodies / ultrastructure
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3