[Structural-functional organization of Golgi apparatus].

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Organelle Biology

Background:

• The Golgi apparatus (GA) is a central organelle in eukaryotic cells, crucial for protein and lipid modification and transport.
• Understanding the GA's complex functions is vital for comprehending cellular processes and various diseases.
• Existing reviews provide valuable insights, but a comprehensive summary integrating recent findings is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the Golgi apparatus (GA) structure and function.
• To discuss protein and lipid trafficking, modification, and sorting within the GA.
• To highlight the roles of specific proteins and GTPases in the secretory pathway and GA biogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental papers and existing reviews on Golgi apparatus.
• Synthesis of contemporary data on intra-Golgi transport, protein modification, and sorting.
• Inclusion of original data on GA involvement in water transport and atypical GA organization.

Main Results:

• Detailed discussion of intra-Golgi protein transport models and GA structural organization.
• Emphasis on the critical roles of coatomer proteins (COPI, COPII, clathrin), SNAREs, and small GTPases (ARF, SARI) in the secretory pathway.
• Exploration of GA ultrastructural alterations under various physiological conditions and novel findings on GA in microsporidia.

Conclusions:

• The Golgi apparatus is a dynamic organelle with intricate mechanisms for protein and lipid processing and trafficking.
• Specific protein families and GTPases are essential regulators of the secretory pathway and GA function.
• Further research into GA's role in water transport and its atypical forms in parasites like microsporidia is warranted.