Yes, it is likely that ECM proteins could use this mechanism. It would be interesting to check this further. Very interesting comment. Thanks!

Wow, this paper provides crucial understanding of local translation and processing of transmembrane proteins in axons, one of the big mysteries that have haunted the field for a long time!!!!!!!! Fantastic!!!!!!!! Nguyen et al., 2025, bioRxiv 2025.09.09.674816ff. -- doi.org/10.1101/2025...

Thank you for sharing our work and for the kind words!

Huge thanks to Ginny Farías for the feedback and to all co-authors @noortjekersten.bsky.social, Chun Hei Li, Huey de Jong, Tanuj Arora, Themis Liolios, Mai Dan Nguyen, @mpbebelman.bsky.social, Maarten Altelaar, and @maxkoppers.bsky.social for the collaborative work!

4) We identified the ER-translation regulator HDLBP and the NRZ-SEC22B tethering complex associated with axonal ERES and involved in unconventional secretion. Local removal of axonal ERES components or depletion of these identified players causes defects in axon development.

3) We identified axonal ER-exit-sites components tightly associated with the axonal ER. We developed a tool for local removal of axonal ERES components and observed a reduction in the number of Golgi-bypassing cargos in the axon.

2) Using the Retention Using Selective Hook (RUSH) tool with axonal ER hook, in combination with photoablation, we observed that TMPs can be locally secreted from the axonal ER.

1) We observed translation of axonal TMPs occurring along the axon. Therefore, we wondered if these proteins could be locally secreted.

Excited to share our preprint, now available online on BioRxiv! biorxiv.org/content/10.1.... We uncovered the coupling of translation and secretion machineries at the #axonalER to promote local delivery of axonal transmembrane proteins (TMPs) to the plasma membrane.