Syntenin-knock out reduces exosome turnover and viral transduction

Exosomal transfers represent an important mode of intercellular communication. Syntenin is a small scaffold protein that, when binding ALIX, can direct endocytosed syndecans and syndecan cargo to budding endosomal membranes, supporting the formation of intraluminal vesicles that compose the source of a major class of exosomes. Syntenin, however, can also support the recycling of these same components to the cell surface. Here, by studying mice and cells with syntenin-knock out, we identify syntenin as part of dedicated machinery that integrates both the production and the uptake of secreted vesicles, supporting viral/exosomal exchanges. This study significantly extends the emerging role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans and syntenin as key components for macromolecular cargo internalization into cells.

Automated summary

Syntenin plays a crucial role in exosomal transfers by directing endocytosed cargo to budding endosomal membranes and supporting viral/exosomal exchanges. It, along with heparan sulfate proteoglycans, is identified as a key component for macromolecular cargo internalization into cells.