Phase separation of signaling molecules promotes T cell receptor signal transduction

• Autores: Xiaolei Su, Enfu Hui, Wenmin Xing, Sudeep Banjade
• Localización: Science, ISSN 0036-8075, Vol. 352, Nº 6285, 2016, págs. 596-599
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Activation of various cell surface receptors triggers the reorganization of downstream signaling molecules into micrometer- or submicrometer-sized clusters. However, the functional consequences of such clustering have been unclear. We biochemically reconstituted a 12-component signaling pathway on model membranes, beginning with T cell receptor (TCR) activation and ending with actin assembly. When TCR phosphorylation was triggered, downstream signaling proteins spontaneously separated into liquid-like clusters that promoted signaling outputs both in vitro and in human Jurkat T cells. Reconstituted clusters were enriched in kinases but excluded phosphatases and enhanced actin filament assembly by recruiting and organizing actin regulators. These results demonstrate that protein phase separation can create a distinct physical and biochemical compartment that facilitates signaling.