Graca Raposo is a renowned scientist in the field of cell biology and immunology. Her work has focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying exosome biogenesis and function, particularly in the context of cancer and infectious diseases. She has made significant contributions to the field by uncovering the role of exosomes in intercellular communication and disease progression. Additionally, her research has provided insights into the development of exosome-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Overall, Graca Raposo's scientific work has greatly advanced our understanding of exosome biology and its potential applications in medical research and clinical practice.
Title and abstract for CanCell seminar:
Physiopathology of human skin pigmentation: Biogenesis of pigment granules and functions of Extracellular Vesicles.
The endosomal system is a network of organelles with essential roles in eukaryotic cells for physiological processes such as nutrient uptake, macromolecule degradation and signaling. One specialization of the endocytic pathway is highlighted by the existence in specialized cell types of organelles sharing features with lysosomes, so called lysosome-related organelles (LROs). One model LRO is the melanosome, the pigment granule produced by skin melanocytes. An additional functional modulation of the endosomal system is the secretory capacity of multivesicular endosomes (MVEs) and the subsequent release of their intraluminal vesicles into the extracellular space, called exosomes. Exosomes, but also ectosomes released from the plasma membrane, carry proteins and genetic material playing key roles in cell-to-cell communication in health and disease. Our projects, exploiting state of the art imaging methods with biochemistry and molecular biology focus on understanding i) the membrane dynamics and components involved in in the generation of cell type specific organelles such as melanosomes in pigment cells ii) the fate of melanosomes and functions in keratinocytes ex vivo and in vitro and their alterations in human skin pigmentary disorders; iii) how Extracellular Vesicles driven communication impact on pigmentation and skin homeostasis.