Here, there, and everywhere: The importance of ER membrane contact sites
Year: 2018
Type: review
Abstract: Our textbook image of organelles has changed. Instead of revealing isolated cellular compartments, the picture now emerging shows organelles as largely interdependent structures that can communicate through membrane contact sites (MCSs). MCSs are sites where opposing organelles are tethered but do not fuse. MCSs provide a hybrid location where the tool kits of two different organelles can work together to perform vital cellular functions, such as lipid and ion transfer, signaling, and organelle division. Here, we focus on MCSs involving the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an organelle forming an extensive network of cisternae and tubules. We highlight how the dynamic ER network regulates a plethora of cellular processes through MCSs with various organelles and with the plasma membrane.
Source: Science
Authors: Haoxi Wu, Pedro Carvalho, Gia K. Voeltz
Institutions: University of Colorado Boulder, University of Oxford
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Unraveling the mechanism of ER-associated organelle constriction and division, The mechanisms and physiology of ER-associated protein degradation, Mechanisms of lipid droplet biogenesis at the endoplasmic reticulum, Predoctoral Training in Signaling and Cellular Regulation, Predoctoral Training Program in Signaling and Cellular Regulation
OpenAlex ID: W2886012836