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. 2009:1:83.
doi: 10.3410/B1-83. Epub 2009 Nov 16.

An old dog learns new tricks: novel functions of the exocyst complex in polarized epithelia in animals

Richard S Kang  1 , Heike Fölsch
Affiliations

An old dog learns new tricks: novel functions of the exocyst complex in polarized epithelia in animals

Richard S Kang et al. F1000 Biol Rep. 2009.

Abstract

The role of the exocyst complex has been studied mainly in the context of basolateral sorting of cargos in polarized cells. Recent developments indicate an extended yet specific function of the exocyst in the outgrowth of the primary cilium from the apical membrane, thereby highlighting a role for the exocyst in ensuring membrane trafficking to important signaling stations in the cell, the tight junctions, and the cilia.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Hypothetical model of the different roles of exocyst complexes in polarized epithelial cells
The sorting of biosynthetic cargos to different plasma membrane domains takes place either at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) or in recycling endosomes in polarized epithelial cells. Vesicular trafficking to the cilium may originate in recycling endosomes where Rab8 or Rab11 or both may regulate the organization of distinct subdomains. The exocyst has been shown to play a role in vesicular trafficking from the recycling endosomes (RE) to the basolateral membrane (arrow 1) as well as in trafficking to the cilium in association with Rab8, Rabin8, and Rab11 (arrow 2). Vesicles may be directed to the base of the cilium by the interaction of Rabin8 and BBS1. Rab11 also has a known role in sorting to the apical membrane (arrow 3).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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