Ejectosome

An ejectosome is a cellular organelle responsible for ejecting their contents from the cell. Two unrelated types of ejectosomes are described in the literature:

  1. Cryptomonads have two types of characteristic ejectosomes known as extrusomes.
  2. Intracellular pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, escape from their host cells using an actin-based structure, also called an ejectosome.

Cryptomonad ejectosomes contain two connected spiral ribbon-like structures, held under tension.[1] If the cells are irritated either by mechanical, chemical or light stress, they discharge, propelling the cell in a zig-zag course away from the disturbance. Large ejectisomes, visible under the light microscope, are associated with the pocket; smaller ones occur elsewhere on the cell.[2]

Mycobacteria are ejected from host cells through the action of an actin-based ejectosome. This escape mechanism requires a cytoskeleton regulator from the host plus an intact mycobacterial ESX-1 secretion system. Ejectosomes apparently exert a contractile force, forming a tight septum around the bacteria. Ejection of the bacteria occurs without host cell lysis.[3]

References
  1. "Cryptophyte With Ejectosome Electron Micrograph". Archived from the original on 2011-06-13. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
  2. Cryptomonads = Goniomonas + plastid-containing cryptophytes.
  3. Hagedorn, M. et al. Infection by Tubercular Mycobacteria Is Spread by Nonlytic Ejection from Their Amoeba Hosts. Science 27 March 2009: Vol. 323. no. 5922, pp. 1729 - 1733.
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