Multiple aspects of Rab protein action in the secretory pathway: focus on Rab3 and Rab6

Biochimie. 2000 Apr;82(4):375-84. doi: 10.1016/s0300-9084(00)00219-4.

Abstract

Rab proteins form the largest branch of the Ras superfamily of GTPases. They are localized to the cytoplasmic face of organelles and vesicles involved in the biosynthetic/secretory and endocytic pathways in eukaryotic cells. It is now well established that Rab proteins play an essential role in the processes that underlie the targeting and fusion of transport vesicles with their appropriate acceptor membranes. They perform this task through interactions with a wide variety of effector molecules. In this review, we illustrate recent advances in the field of Rab GTPases, taking as examples two proteins involved in the biosynthetic pathway, Rab3 and Rab6.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / physiology*
  • Endocytosis / physiology
  • Exocytosis / physiology
  • Hormones / metabolism
  • Membrane Fusion / physiology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • rab3 GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Rab6 protein
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins
  • rab3 GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Calcium