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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
12:40
Visualizing Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis of G Protein-coupled Receptors at Single-event Resolution via TIRF Microscopy
Published on: October 20, 2014
The Secret (Mitotic) Life of Clathrin
1Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Warwick Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Traffic (Copenhagen, Denmark)
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Clathrin, a protein vital for endocytosis, also plays a crucial role in cell division. This perspective explores clathrin's dual functions in membrane trafficking and mitosis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Clathrin is a key protein in endocytosis, forming the coat of endocytic vesicles.
- Its role in membrane trafficking is well-established.
- Clathrin also exhibits a distinct, non-trafficking function during mitosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the alternative function of clathrin during mitosis.
- To examine how clathrin performs its mitotic role.
- To provide insight into clathrin's "moonlighting" capabilities.
Main Methods:
- This perspective synthesizes existing research on clathrin's functions.
- It reviews biochemical and molecular studies.
- Focuses on the structural and functional aspects of clathrin in cell division.
Main Results:
- Clathrin is part of a complex that stabilizes microtubules in the mitotic spindle.
- This stabilization is critical for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division.
- Clathrin's mitotic function is independent of its endocytic role.
Conclusions:
- Clathrin is a "moonlighting" protein with essential roles in both membrane trafficking and cell division.
- Understanding clathrin's mitotic function provides a more complete picture of its cellular importance.
- Further research can elucidate the mechanisms of clathrin's dual functionality.
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