Membrane Trafficking

This book covers the past, present and future of the intra-cellular trafficking field, which has made a quantum leap in the last few decades. It details how the field has developed and evolved as well as examines future directions.

As membrane trafficking research has expanded over the past thirty years, a remarkable convergence of information has been gained by using genetic approaches in yeast cells with biochemical approaches in mammalian cells. This book reflects these advances by devoting one section of the book to yeast cells and the other to mammalian cells, with each section providing both classic and cutting-edge techniques to study macromolecular transport across the membranes.

For the first time experts in the area of signalling research with a focus on the ARF family have contributed to the production of a title devoted to ARF biology. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the ARF family, tables of the ARF GEFs and ARF GAPs, and more than a dozen chapters describing them in detail are provided. The impact of the ARF proteins on widely diverse aspects of cell biology and cell signalling can be clearly seen from the activities described; including membrane traffic, lipid metabolism, receptor desensitization, mouse development, microtubule dynamics, and bacterial pathogenesis. Anyone interested in understanding the complexities of cell signalling and the integration of signalling networks will benefit from this volume.

This detailed volume presents a series of methods exploring membrane trafficking research, ranging from genetics and high-resolution imaging to in vitro biochemical and biophysical assays. Covering virtually all the major trafficking branches, the book delves into the exocytic pathway, which focuses on cargo transport from the ER to the Golgi, through the Golgi cisternae, and to the plasma membrane and the extracellular space; the endocytic pathway, which includes cargo endocytosis, endosomal recycling, and lysosomal degradation; as well as emerging topics beyond the conventional exocytic and endocytic pathways. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Membrane Trafficking: Methods and Protocols provides techniques with broad applications as an ideal guide for junior researchers new to membrane trafficking as well as established membrane biologists seeking to expand their research programs.

"Ypt/Rab GTPases form the largest branch of the Ras-related small GTPase superfamily and regulate intracellular membrane trafficking in all eukaryotes. Since their discovery over two decades ago, a wealth of information has accumulated about the roles that"