Extracellular Vesicles: An Overlooked Secretion System in Cyanobacteria

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Lima, S (Author) Other; Matinha Cardoso, J (Author) Other; Paula Tamagnini (Author) FCUP; Oliveira, P (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: LIFE-BASEL

Vol. 20

Pages: 1-20

ISSN: 2075-1729

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 27 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-P3Y

DOI: 10.3390/life10080129

Abstract (EN): In bacteria, the active transport of material from the interior to the exterior of the cell, or secretion, represents a very important mechanism of adaptation to the surrounding environment. The secretion of various types of biomolecules is mediated by a series of multiprotein complexes that cross the bacterial membrane(s), each complex dedicated to the secretion of specific substrates. In addition, biological material may also be released from the bacterial cell in the form of vesicles. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are bilayered, nanoscale structures, derived from the bacterial cell envelope, which contain membrane components as well as soluble products. In cyanobacteria, the knowledge regarding EVs is lagging far behind compared to what is known about, for example, other Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we present a summary of the most important findings regarding EVs in Gram-negative bacteria, discussing aspects of their composition, formation processes and biological roles, and highlighting a number of technological applications tested. This lays the groundwork to raise awareness that the release of EVs by cyanobacteria likely represents an important, and yet highly disregarded, survival strategy. Furthermore, we hope to motivate future studies that can further elucidate the role of EVs in cyanobacterial cell biology and physiology.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20