Diverse roles for the p24 family of proteins in eukaryotic cells

Abstract Members of the p24 protein family form a highly conserved family of type I transmembrane proteins that are abundant components of the early secretory pathway. Topologically, the proteins have a large luminal domain and a short cytoplasmic domain that allows for targeting to both coat protein complex II and coat protein complex I vesicles, and thus these proteins cycle between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi compartments. Several functions have been proposed for these proteins including a role in coat protein complex I vesicle biogenesis, cargo protein selection, organization of intracellular membranes, and protein quality control. Recent studies have added to the list of potential cargo substrates for which p24 function is required for normal transport in the secretory pathway. This review focuses on recent developments in the study of p24 proteins and their requirement for secretory and membrane protein transport in eukaryotic cells.