Molecular genetics of regulated secretion in paramecium

Biochimie. 2000 Apr;82(4):269-88. doi: 10.1016/s0300-9084(00)00201-7.

Abstract

Paramecium is a unicell in which cellular processes are amenable to genetic dissection. Regulated secretion, which designates a secretory pathway where secretory products are first stored in intracellular granules and then released by exocytotic membrane fusion upon external trigger, is an important function in Paramecium, involved in defensive response through the release of organelles called trichocysts. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the molecular genetics of two major aspects of the regulated pathway in Paramecium, the biogenesis of the secretory organelles and their exocytosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium / physiology
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / physiology*
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • Genes, Protozoan / physiology*
  • Molecular Biology
  • Paramecium / physiology*
  • Paramecium / ultrastructure
  • Protozoan Proteins / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Calcium