Chikungunya virus nsP1 induces migrasome formation

Migrasomes: Critical players in intercellular nanovesicle communication

Migrasomes are vesicular structures that form on elongated tethers originating from the tips or junctions of cellular tails during migration. These organelles, named for their vesicle rich lumen and release during cell movement, have gained attention for their role in intercellular communication and signal transduction. Migrasome formation is closely associated with the dynamic and active movement of cells, as well as with the intrinsic properties of cells and the extracellular microenvironment under various pathophysiological conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of migrasome dynamics, examining the mechanisms and distinct features of nanoscale vesicle-mediated intercellular signaling. It also highlights the influence of microscopic secretory factors on migrasome generation and formation. By comparing migrasomes with other active extracellular vesicles, this review highlights the advantages of migrasomes and addresses future challenges.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles promote migrasomes formation

The rising pollution from zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) poses significant global concerns due to their widespread environmental presence and potential negative effects on human health. This study explores how ZnO-NPs impact migrasomes formation, a crucial process for cellular migration and communication. Our findings indicate that 28 nm ZnO-NPs enhance migrasomes formation, correlating with increased levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] and GTP-RhoA-essential molecules in migrasomes biogenesis. Additionally, ZnO-NPs help alleviate mitochondrial damage caused by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) through mitocytosis, which removes dysfunctional mitochondria, thereby preserving cellular integrity. The migrasomes induced by ZnO-NPs were found to contain various cellular components, including mitochondria, lysosomes, lipid droplets, and the ZnO-NPs themselves. These results underscore the role of ZnO-NPs in promoting migrasomes formation and protecting mitochondrial function, revealing significant implications for cellular behavior, therapeutic applications, and environmental and health safety.

Migrasome: a novel insight into unraveling physiological and pathological function

The migrasome, a recently discovered organelle formed during cell migration, is a membrane-bound vesicular structure containing numerous smaller intracavitary vesicles and cellular contents. It is generated at the tips and intersections of retraction fibers (RFs). Upon the rupture of RFs, migrasomes can either be engulfed by surrounding cells or undergo lysis to release their contents into the extracellular microenvironment. The process through which cells release their contents via migrasomes is termed migracytosis. Migrasomes play crucial roles in intercellular signaling, cellular homeostasis maintenance, and intercellular material transport. This article provides a comprehensive review of the discovery, biogenesis, isolation and characterization, biological functions of migrasomes, as well as their roles in the occurrence, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of clinical diseases. Furthermore, this paper proposes novel hypotheses and future directions regarding the current research challenges of migrasomes and their potential clinical applications, which may facilitate future clinical diagnosis and treatment involving migrasomes.

Shedding light on the cell biology and diverse physiological functions of the migrasome

The migrasome, an organelle that forms behind migrating cells, is connected to the cell body by a retraction fiber. Once released from the retraction fiber, the migrasome transforms into an extracellular vesicle and plays important roles in cell communication, development, angiogenesis, and disease. To date, the biogenesis, regulation of formation, cargo transportation, and physiological functions of migrasomes remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying migrasome formation and regulation, describe the evidence suggesting that migrasomes serve various physiological functions, compare the differences between migrasomes and other extracellular vesicles, emphasize the limitations in studying migrasomes, and discuss the potential of migrasomes in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Migrasomes: key players in immune regulation and promising medical applications

Migrasomes are newly discovered extracellular organelles released by migrating cells, such as immune cells, tumor cells, and other special functional cells like podocytes and embryonic cells. They contain a diverse array of constituents, including proteins, lipids, and RNA which can be released to the designated location to activate surrounding cells, thereby facilitating intercellular communication and signal transduction. Since then, our understanding of the mechanism and function of the migrasomes has expanded exponentially, with recent evidence indicating they are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in immune regulation. Furthermore, methods and techniques for extracting, detecting, and characterizing migrasomes are constantly advancing. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of migrasomes and their key roles in modulating immune responses, as well as the prospective challenges surrounding their clinical application, aiming to provide novel insights into the emerging organelles.

Migrasomes as intercellular messengers: potential in the pathological mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of clinical diseases

Migrasomes are newly identified organelles that were first discovered in 2015. Since then, their biological structure, formation process, and physiological functions have been gradually elucidated. Research in recent years has expanded our understanding of these aspects, highlighting their significance in various physiological and pathological processes. Migrasomes have been found to play crucial roles in normal physiological functions, including embryonic development, vascular homeostasis, material transport, and mitochondrial quality control. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests their involvement in various diseases; however, clinical research on their roles remains limited. Current studies indicate that migrasomes may contribute to disease pathogenesis and hold potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review consolidates existing clinical research on migrasomes, focusing on their role in disease mechanisms and their use in medical applications. By examining their biological structure and function, this review aims to generate insights that encourage further research, ultimately contributing to advancements in disease prevention and treatment.

Migrasomes: Emerging organelles for unveiling physiopathology and advancing clinical implications

Migrasomes are newly identified cellular organelles with a pomegranate-like structure and specifically generated by migrating cells. The mechanisms underlying migrasome biogenesis and methods for their isolation are gradually being elucidated. These organelles are pivotal in cell-to-cell communication and the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis. Their involvement in a diverse array of physiological and pathological processes is increasingly recognized. Despite these advancements, research on migrasomes is still in its early stages. It is imperative to delve deeper into the intricate mechanisms and functions of migrasomes to fully understand their role in physiopathology. In this review, we summarize the current research progress on migrasomes, including their distribution, biogenesis, purification and identification techniques, biological functionalities, and roles in physiological and pathological processes. We particularly highlight their potentials in disease diagnosis and therapy and point out the challenges facing us, aiming to provide novel insights into the emerging organelles.

Polystyrene nanoplastics enhance poxvirus preference for migrasome-mediated transmission

Since the emergence of a global outbreak of mpox in 2022, understanding the transmission pathways and mechanisms of Orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia virus (VACV), has become paramount. Nanoplastic pollution has become a significant global issue due to its widespread presence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health. These emerging pollutants pose substantial risks to both living organisms and the environment, raising serious health concerns related to their proliferation. Despite this, the effects of nanoparticles on viral transmission dynamics remain unclear. This study explores how polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) influence the transmission of VACV through migrasomes. We demonstrate that PS-NPs accelerate the formation of migrasomes early in the infection process, facilitating VACV entry as soon as 15 h post-infection (hpi), compared to the usual onset at 36 hpi. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal significant co-localization of VACV with migrasomes induced by PS-NPs by 15 hpi. This interaction coincides with an increase in lipid droplet size, attributed to higher cholesterol levels influenced by PS-NPs. By 36 hpi, migrasomes exposed to both PS-NPs and VACV exhibit distinct features, such as retraction fibers and larger lipid droplets, emphasizing their critical role in cargo transport during viral infections. These results suggest that PS-NPs may act as modulators of viral transmission dynamics through migrasomes, with potential implications for antiviral strategies and environmental health.

The roles of migrasomes in immunity, barriers, and diseases

Migrasomes are recently identified extracellular vesicles and organelles formed in conjunction with cell migration. They are situated at the rear of migrating cells, exhibit a circular or elliptical membrane-enclosed structure, and function as a new organelle. Migrasomes selectively sort intercellular components, mediating a cell migration-dependent release mechanism known as migracytosis and modulating cell-cell communication. Accumulated evidence clarifies migrasome formation processes and indicates their diverse functional roles. Migrasomes may also be potentially correlated with the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of certain diseases. Migrasomes' involvement in physiological and pathological processes highlights their potential for expanding our understanding of biological procedures and as a target in clinical therapy. However, the precise mechanisms and full extent of their involvement in immunity, barriers, and diseases remain unclear. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of migrasomes in human immunity and barriers, in addition to providing insights into their impact on human diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Migrasomes, newly identified extracellular vesicles and organelles, form during cell migration and are located at the rear of migrating cells. These circular or elliptical structures mediate migracytosis, selectively sorting intercellular components and modulating cell-cell communication. Evidence suggests diverse functional roles for migrasomes, including potential links to disease occurrence, progression, and prognosis. Their involvement in physiological and pathological processes highlights their significance in understanding biological procedures and potential clinical therapies. However, their exact mechanisms in immunity, barriers, and diseases remain unclear. This review provides an overview of migrasomes' roles in human immunity and barriers, and their impact on diseases.

Migrasome biogenesis: when biochemistry meets biophysics on membranes

Migrasomes, newly identified organelles, play crucial roles in intercellular communication, contributing to organ development and angiogenesis. These vesicles, forming on retraction fibers of migrating cells, showcase a sophisticated architecture. Recent research reveals that migrasome biogenesis is a complicated and highly regulated process. This review summarizes the mechanisms governing migrasome formation, proposing a model in which biogenesis is understood through the lens of membrane microdomain assembly. It underscores the critical interplay between biochemistry and biophysics. The biogenesis unfolds in three distinct stages: nucleation, maturation, and expansion, each characterized by unique morphological, biochemical, and biophysical features. We also explore the broader implications of migrasome research in membrane biology and outline key unanswered questions that represent important directions for future investigation.

The migrasome as a developmental learning paradigm in cell biology

Migrasome is a newly discovered organelle composed of small vesicular structures enclosed in membrane structures. Since its discovery in 2014, migrasome has attracted increasing attention in cell biology due to its critical role in multiple disease processes. Its pivotal role in various disease processes, including cell migration, intercellular communication, removal of damaged mitochondria, embryogenesis localization, immune cell chemotaxis, and virus transmission, underscores its significance in biological systems. With research on migrasome steadily increasing, it becomes a unique resource for undergraduate cell biology education. For deeper understanding of migrasome, we applied a bibliometric approach. Here we conducted a comprehensive analysis of migrasome research by retrieving relevant literature from databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed using the keywords "migrasome" or "migrasomes." Employing CiteSpace software and Prism, we analyzed annual publication trends, identified core authors and institutions, assessed national contributions, examined keywords, and scrutinized highly cited literature related to migrasome research. This study presents a comprehensive overview of migrasome research, elucidating its literature characteristics, key contributors, research hotspots, and emerging trends. By shedding light on the current status and future trajectories of migrasome research, we aim to provide valuable insights for teachers in cell biology education. We propose for the integration of migrasome research into undergraduate curricula to enhance the understanding of cell biology among premedical, medical, and biomedical students, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricate mechanisms governing cellular behavior and disease processes.

Biophysical aspects of migrasome organelle formation and their diverse cellular functions

The transient cellular organelles known as migrasomes, which form during cell migration along retraction fibers, have emerged as a crutial factor in various fundamental cellular processes and pathologies. These membrane vesicles originate from local membrane swellings, encapsulate specific cytoplasmic content, and are eventually released to the extracellular environment or taken up by recipient cells. Migrasome biogenesis entails a sequential membrane remodeling process involving a complex interplay between various molecular factors such as tetraspanin proteins, and mechanical properties like membrane tension and bending rigidity. In this review, we summarize recent studies exploring the mechanism of migrasome formation. We emphasize how physical forces, together with molecular factors, shape migrasome biogenesis, and detail the involvement of migrasomes in various cellular processes and pathologies. A comprehensive understanding of the exact mechanism underlying migrasome formation and the identification of key molecules involved hold promise for advancing their therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Emerging concepts of migrasome: An up-and-coming organelle from biology to the clinic

Since the migrasome concept was first proposed in 2015, extensive research has been conducted on these novel organelles, which grow on retracted fibers at the posterior end of migrating cells. Recently, molecular markers, biological functions, and clinical values based on the initial formation mechanism of migrasomes have emerged. Additionally, researchers are recognizing the significant role that migrasomes play in the pathological and diagnostic processes of clinical diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the biology and clinical application of migrasomes and provide a comprehensive view of the prospective challenges surrounding their clinical application.

Quantification of urinary podocyte-derived migrasomes for the diagnosis of kidney disease

Migrasomes represent a recently uncovered category of extracellular microvesicles, spanning a diameter range of 500 to 3000 nm. They are emitted by migrating cells and harbour a diverse array of RNAs and proteins. Migrasomes can be readily identified in bodily fluids like serum and urine, rendering them a valuable non-invasive source for disease diagnosis through liquid biopsy. In this investigation, we introduce a streamlined and effective approach for the capture and quantitative assessment of migrasomes, employing wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-coated magnetic beads and flow cytometry (referred to as WBFC). Subsequently, we examined the levels of migrasomes in the urine of kidney disease (KD) patients with podocyte injury and healthy volunteers using WBFC. The outcomes unveiled a substantial increase in urinary podocyte-derived migrasome concentrations among individuals with KD with podocyte injury compared to the healthy counterparts. Notably, the urinary podocyte-derived migrasomes were found to express an abundant quantity of phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) proteins. The presence of PLA2R proteins in these migrasomes holds promise for serving as a natural antigen for the quantification of autoantibodies against PLA2R in the serum of patients afflicted by membranous nephropathy. Consequently, our study not only pioneers a novel technique for the isolation and quantification of migrasomes but also underscores the potential of urinary migrasomes as a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis of KD with podocyte injury.

Research trends on alphavirus receptors: a bibliometric analysis

Background

Alphaviruses are a diverse group of pathogens that have garnered considerable attention due to their impact on human health. By investigating alphavirus receptors, researchers can elucidate viral entry mechanisms and gain important clues for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases. This study presents an in-depth analysis of the research progress made in the field of alphavirus receptors through bibliometric analysis.

Methods

This study encompasses various aspects, including historical development, annual publication trends, author and cited-author analysis, institutional affiliations, global distribution of research contributions, reference analysis with strongest citation bursts, keyword analysis, and a detailed exploration of recent discoveries in alphavirus receptor research.

Results

The results of this bibliometric analysis highlight key milestones in alphavirus receptor research, demonstrating the progression of knowledge in this field over time. Additionally, the analysis reveals current research hotspots and identifies emerging frontiers, which can guide future investigations and inspire novel therapeutic strategies.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview of the state of the art in alphavirus receptor research, consolidating the existing knowledge and paving the way for further advancements. By shedding light on the significant developments and emerging areas of interest, this study serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers engaged in combating alphavirus infections and improving public health.

Chikungunya virus nonstructural protein 1 is a versatile RNA capping and decapping enzyme

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) contains both the N7-guanine methyltransferase and guanylyltransferase activities and catalyzes the 5' end cap formation of viral RNAs. To further understand its catalytic activity and role in virus-host interaction, we demonstrate that purified recombinant CHIKV nsP1 can reverse the guanylyl transfer reaction and remove the m7GMP from a variety of capped RNA substrates including host mRNAs. We then provide the structural basis of this function with a high-resolution cryo-EM structure of nsP1 in complex with the unconventional cap-1 substrate RNA m7GpppAmU. We show that the 5'ppRNA species generated by decapping can trigger retinoic acid-inducible gene I-mediated interferon response. We further demonstrate that the decapping activity is conserved among the alphaviral nsP1s. To our knowledge, this is a new mechanism through which alphaviruses activate the antiviral immune response. This decapping activity could promote cellular mRNA degradation and facilitate viral gene expression, which is functionally analogous to the cap-snatching mechanism by influenza virus.

Migrasome: a new functional extracellular vesicle

Migrasome is a novel cellular organelle produced during cell migration, and its biogenesis depends on the migration process. It is generated in a variety of cells such as immune cells, metastatic tumor cells, other special functional cells like podocytes and cells in developing organisms. It plays important roles in various fields especially in the information exchange between cells. The discovery of migrasome, as an important supplement to the extracellular vesicle system, provides new mechanisms and targets for comprehending various biological or pathological processes. In this article, we will review the discovery, structure, distribution, detection, biogenesis, and removal of migrasomes and mainly focus on summarizing its biological functions in cell-to-cell communication, homeostatic maintenance, embryonic development and multiple diseases. This review also creates prospects for the possible research directions and clinical applications of migrasomes in the future.

Migrasomes released by HSV-2-infected cells serve as a conveyance for virus spread

•Cells infected with HSV-2 release migrasomes containing HSV-2 virions. •HSV-2 in the isolated migrasomes can be transmitted to uninfected cells and cause productive infection. •It is the first time that migrasomes have been found to play a role in virus spread.

Research Progress and Direction of Novel Organelle-Migrasomes

Migrasomes are organelles that are similar in structure to pomegranates, up to 3 μm in diameter, and contain small vesicles with a diameter of 50-100 nm. These membranous organelles grow at the intersections or tips of retracting fibers at the back of migrating cells. The process by which cells release migrasomes and their contents outside the cell is called migracytosis. The signal molecules are packaged in the migrasomes and released to the designated location by migrasomes to activate the surrounding cells. Finally, the migrasomes complete the entire process of information transmission. In this sense, migrasomes integrate time, space, and specific chemical information, which are essential for regulating physiological processes such as embryonic development and tumor invasion and migration. In this review, the current research progress of migrasomes, including the discovery of migrasomes and migracytosis, the structure of migrasomes, and the distribution and functions of migrasomes is discussed. The migratory marker protein TSPAN4 is highly expressed in various cancers and is associated with cancer invasion and migration. Therefore, there is still much research space for the pathogenesis of migratory bodies and cancer. This review also makes bold predictions and prospects for the research directions of the combination of migrasomes and clinical applications.