Cell Biology of Membrane Trafficking in Human Disease

Abstract

Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying membrane traffic pathways is crucial to the treatment and cure of human disease. Different human diseases caused by changes in cellular homeostasis arise through single gene mutation(s) resulting in compromised membrane trafficking. Many pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria or parasites have evolved mechanisms to subvert the host cell response to infection, or have hijacked cellular mechanisms to proliferate and ensure pathogen survival. Understanding the consequence of genetic mutations or pathogenic infection on membrane traffic has also enabled greater understanding of the interactions between organisms and the surrounding environment. This review will focus on human genetic defects and molecular mechanisms that underlie eukaryote exocytosis and endocytosis and current and future prospects for alleviation of a variety of human diseases.