[The p24 family proteins--regulators of vesicular trafficking]

The trafficking of proteins in the secretory pathway is mediated by vesicles. Proteins of the p24 family are present on the membranes of secretory pathway organelles (ER, Golgi, COPI and COPII vesicles). Evidence exists showing that p24 proteins play a role in the development of Alzheimer disease, making them an interesting research subject. Their presence in the secretory pathway and their tissue-dependent expression levels suggest that p24 proteins are involved in secretion. However, their molecular function is not clear. Several potential functions have been proposed for p24 proteins: (1) that they function as receptors for selected cargo; (2) that they regulate vesicle biogenesis; (3) that they perform structural and morphogenetic functions in the secretory pathway; (4) that they are responsible for quality control of transported proteins. In this article, we provide a critical review of the postulated functions of p24 proteins.