Membrane Resealing: Synaptotagmin VII Keeps Running the Show

Norma W. Andrews^*

Section of Microbial Pathogenesis and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.

Summary: Ca²⁺ influx, an immediate consequence of plasma membrane disruption, triggers a resealing mechanism involving exocytosis. Although this has been known for about a decade, a better understanding of the organelles involved and of the molecular machinery controlling membrane repair has been slower to emerge. Recent studies have changed this picture, by identifying lysosomes as exocytotic vesicles involved in membrane resealing and the Ca²⁺-binding protein synaptotagmin VII as a regulator of this process. New evidence reinforces the role of the C₂A and C₂B domains of synaptotagmin VII in plasma membrane repair, highlighting the importance of this molecule as a powerful tool for future studies.

*Contact information. Telephone, 203-737-2410; fax, 203-737-2630; e-mail, norma.andrews{at}yale.edu

The editors suggest the following Related Resources on Science sites:

In Science Signaling

LETTERS
Shaky Ground for Lysosome-Dependent Membrane Repair

Richard A. Steinhardt (4 October 2005)
Sci. STKE 2005 (304), lc1. [DOI: 10.1126/stke.3042005lc1]
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

LETTERS
Response to "Shaky Ground for Lysosome-Dependent Membrane Repair"

Norma W. Andrews (4 October 2005)
Sci. STKE 2005 (304), lc2. [DOI: 10.1126/stke.3042005lc2]
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

REVIEWS
Cycling of Synaptic Vesicles: How Far? How Fast!

Thierry Galli and Volker Haucke (21 December 2004)
Sci. STKE 2004 (264), re19. [DOI: 10.1126/stke.2642004re19]
 |  Gloss »  |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »  |  Update »  |  Animations »

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES: