Senescence, apoptosis, and stem cell biology: the rationale for an expanded view of intracrine action

Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2009 Sep;297(3):H893-901. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00414.2009. Epub 2009 Jul 10.

Abstract

Some extracellular-signaling peptides also at times function within the intracellular space. We have termed these peptides intracrines and have argued that intracrine function is associated with a wide variety of peptides/proteins including hormones, growth factors, cytokines, enzymes, and DNA-binding proteins among others. Here we consider the possibility that intracrines participate in the related phenomena of senescence, apoptosis, and stem cell regulation of tissue biology. Based on this analysis, we also suggest that the concept of intracrine action be expanded to include possible regulatory peptide transfer via exosomes/microvesicles and possibly by nanotubes. Moreover, the process of microvesicular and nanotube transfer of peptides and other biologically relevant molecules, which we inclusively term laterality, is explored. These notions have potentially important therapeutic implications, including implications for the therapy of cardiovascular disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cellular Senescence / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / physiology*

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins