Apocrine secretion: New insights into an old phenomenon

摘要: Abstract Background While apocrine secretion was among the earliest secretory mechanisms to be identified, its underlying basis remains poorly understood. Scope of review This reappraises our understanding using insights about from salivary glands Drosophila , in which molecular genetic analyses have provided a glimmer hope for elucidating mechanistic aspects this fundamental process. Major conclusions In contrast well-defined process exocytosis, is non-vesicular transport and pathway that entails loss part cytoplasm. It often involves apical protrusions generates cytoplasmic fragments inside lumen. most intense phase accompanied by release large cellular structures entire organelles include mitochondria, Golgi, portions endoplasmic reticulum, others. Proteomic revealed composed hundreds thousands membranous, cytoskeletal, microsomal, mitochondrial, ribosomal, even nuclear as well nucleolar proteins. Strikingly, although many proteins are released, deoxyribonucleic acid itself intact. spite complexity, it appears several protein components identical, regardless location gland. General significance type common many, if not all, barrier epithelial tissues including skin derivatives epididymis, implicated also lung/bronchi intestinal epithelium. Apocrine mechanism provides en masse delivery very complex proteinaceous mixture polarized allow communication at exterior interfaces.