Protein Trafficking and Quality Control

Synonyms

Protein transport; Protein sorting

Definition

Protein trafficking is the transport of proteins to their correct subcellular compartments or to the extracellular space ("secretory pathway"). Endo- and exocytosis describe vesicle budding and fusion at the plasma membrane and are by most authors not included in the term protein trafficking. Protein quality control comprize all cellular mechanisms, monitoring protein folding and detecting aberrant forms.

Basic Mechanisms

General Transport Routes and Quality Control

The intracellular protein transport and quality control mechanisms ensure that proteins are delivered to their correct subcellular compartment and are thus a prerequisite for both cell architecture and function. Trafficking processes are not only important for proper protein sorting. Together with biosynthesis and degradation mechanisms, they play also an important role in maintaining specific protein concentrations in