Meta-Biol

• Pathways

In addition to the better characterized COPI-dependent retrograde Golgi-to-ER pathway, a second COPI-independent pathway has also been identified. This pathway is RAB6 dependent and transports cargo such as glycosylation enzymes and Shiga and Shiga-like toxin through tubular carriers rather than vesicles (White et al, 1999; Girod et al, 1999; reviewed in Heffernan and Simpson, 2014). In the absence of a COPI coat, the membrane curvature necessary to initiate tubulation may be provided through the action of phospholipase A, which hydrolyzes phospholipids at the sn2 position to yield lysophospholipids. This activity is countered by lysophospholipid acyltransferases, and the balance of these may influence whether transport tubules or transport vesicles form (de Figuiredo et al, 1998; reviewed in Bechler et al, 2012). RAB6-dependent tubules also depend on the dynein-dynactin motor complex and the hoomodimeric Bicaudal proteins (Matanis et al, 2002; Yamada et al, 2013; reviewed in Heffernan and Simpson, 2014).

The secretory membrane system allows a cell to regulate delivery of newly synthesized proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids to the cell surface, a necessity for growth and homeostasis. The system is made up of distinct organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi complex, plasma membrane, and tubulovesicular transport intermediates. These organelles mediate intracellular membrane transport between themselves and the cell surface. Membrane traffic within this system flows along highly organized directional routes. Secretory cargo is synthesized and assembled in the ER and then transported to the Golgi complex for further processing and maturation. Upon arrival at the trans Golgi network (TGN), the cargo is sorted and packaged into post-Golgi carriers that move through the cytoplasm to fuse with the cell surface. This directional membrane flow is balanced by retrieval pathways that bring membrane and selected proteins back to the compartment of origin.

The transit of proteins and other cargo through the cell requires a cellular transport process in which transported substances are moved in membrane-bounded vesicles. Transported substances are enclosed in the vesicle lumen or located in the vesicle membrane. The transport process begins with the formation of the vesicle itself, often triggered by the interaction of the cargo with the vesicle formation machinery. Vesicular transport pathways can include vesicle formation, coating, budding, uncoating and target membrane fusion depending upon the function of the pathway described. Vesicle-mediated transport occurs from within cell via ER and Golgi transport, as well as functioning in the endocytosis of material taken into the cell via scavenger receptors.