ESCRT-III-mediated membrane repair in cell death and tumor resistance

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

The plasma membrane is made of glycerophospholipids that separate the inner and outer parts of the cell. Under physiological conditions, it acts as a barrier and gatekeeper to protect cells from the environment. In pathological situations, it undergoes structural and functional changes, resulting in cell damage. Indeed, plasma membrane damage caused by various stresses (e.g., hypoxia, nutritional deficiencies, ultraviolet radiation, and chemotherapeutic agents) is one of the hallmarks of cell death. Phosphatidylserine exposure and plasma membrane blebbing usually occurs in apoptotic cells, while necrotic cells lose the integrity of the plasma membrane and thereby release intracellular damage-associated molecular patterns. In contrast, the endosomal sorting complex required for transport-III (ESCRT-III), an evolutionarily conserved protein complex with membrane fission machinery, plays a key role in the repair of damaged plasma membranes in various types of regulated cell death, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. These emerging findings indicate that ESCRT-III is a potential target to overcome drug resistance during tumor therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalCancer Gene Therapy
Volume28
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'ESCRT-III-mediated membrane repair in cell death and tumor resistance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this