Sorting without a Golgi complex

Abstract The ER‐Golgi‐target organelle route is one of the most studied events and has fascinated researchers for years. However, the conservative mechanism of protein sorting and delivery is now being challenged by the finding of unconventional pathways driving protein sorting and transport. Protozoa parasites are being rediscovered as good models for analyzing alternative targeting pathways, associated with their ability to adapt to diverse environments and hosts. Here, we have gathered all the available information about secretory protein trafficking in Giardia lamblia, with a focus on how this protozoan parasite is able to sort and direct proteins to different compartments in the absence of a Golgi complex. SYNOPSIS Recently, numerous examples of reductive evolution have challenged the general notion that evolution proceeds toward greater complexity both at the organismal and genomic level. The Giardia genus represents a good example of unicellular organisms that have seen reduction of their internal complexity, losing many key eukaryotic organelles such as mitochondria and Golgi. Strikingly, in the absence of a Golgi complex, the ER commands constitutive (1), lysosomal (2), and regulated (3) protein sorting.
Source: Traffic - Category: Research Authors: Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research