Mechanisms controlling the expression of the components of the exocytotic apparatus under physiological and pathological conditions

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed spectacular progress in the identification of the protein apparatus required for exocytosis of neurotransmitters, peptide hormones and other bioactive products. In striking contrast, our knowledge of the mechanisms determining the expression of the components of the secretory machinery has remained rudimentary. Since modifications in secretory functions are associated with several physiological processes and contribute to the development of human pathologies, a better knowledge of the control of the expression of the genes involved in exocytosis is urgently needed. Recent studies have led to the identification of transcription factors and other regulatory molecules such as microRNAs that modulate the cellular level of key controllers of the exocytotic process. These findings furnish a new perspective for understanding how secretory functions can adapt to normal physiological conditions and shed light on the mechanisms involved in the development of important human diseases such as diabetes mellitus characterized by defective release of bioactive compounds.