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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
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Molecular structure, function, and dynamics of clathrin-mediated membrane traffic.
Tom Kirchhausen1, David Owen, Stephen C Harrison
1Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School/PCMM, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|May 3, 2014
Summary
Clathrin forms cage-like structures essential for endocytosis, a process where cells internalize molecules. This review details the structural basis of clathrin-mediated vesicle formation and recycling.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Clathrin is a protein complex crucial for endocytosis.
- Clathrin assembly into lattices forms coated pits at the plasma membrane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural aspects of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
- To integrate structural information of proteins involved in coated pit formation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of structural data.
- Integration of structural information for key proteins.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of clathrin structure and its role as a scaffold.
- Identification of major cargo adaptors and accessory proteins.
- Outline of the steps in coated pit formation, cargo loading, and vesicle budding.
Conclusions:
- Clathrin's structural organization is fundamental to endocytic vesicle formation.
- Understanding these structures aids in comprehending vesicular transport mechanisms.
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