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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

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Visualizing Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis of G Protein-coupled Receptors at Single-event Resolution via TIRF Microscopy
Published on: October 20, 2014
MUC1 intra-cellular trafficking is clathrin, dynamin, and rab5 dependent
Xiaolong Liu1, Zhenglong Yuan, Maureen Chung
1Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 2 Dudley Street, MOC 470, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|September 25, 2008
Summary
MUC1 glycoprotein
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MUC1 is over-expressed in adenocarcinomas.
- MUC1's cytoplasmic interactions and nuclear localization are key to tumor activity.
- MUC1's intracellular transport mechanism remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intracellular trafficking of MUC1.
- To elucidate the role of EGFR in MUC1 endocytosis.
- To understand the regulation of MUC1 transport.
Main Methods:
- Live cell imaging to observe MUC1 trafficking.
- Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analysis to map MUC1-EGFR interactions.
- Manipulation of Rab5 expression to study its regulatory role.
Main Results:
- EGF stimulation directly triggers MUC1 endocytosis via EGFR.
- MUC1-CT endocytosis is dependent on clathrin and dynamin.
- Rab5 regulates MUC1 vesicle trafficking towards the peri-nuclear region.
Conclusions:
- MUC1 intracellular trafficking is a regulated process.
- EGFR-MUC1 interaction initiates MUC1 endocytosis.
- Clathrin-mediated endocytosis, dynamin, and Rab5 are critical for MUC1 transport.
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