Research article summary (published 12 Sep 2009):

Cholesterol, regulated exocytosis and the physiological fusion machine.

Full Abstract

Exocytosis is a highly conserved and essential process. Although numerous proteins are involved throughout the exocytotic process, the defining membrane fusion step appears to occur through a lipid-dominated mechanism. Here we review and integrate the current literature on protein and lipid roles in exocytosis, with emphasis on the multiple roles of cholesterol in exocytosis and membrane fusion, in an effort to promote a more molecular systems-level view of the as yet poorly understood process of Ca2+-triggered membrane mergers.

Author information

Author/s: Churchward, Matthew A (MA); Coorssen, Jens R (JR);

Affiliation: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: The Biochemical journal (Biochem J), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 423 (issue 1) : pp 1-14

Dates: Created 2009/09/10; Completed 2009/10/05;

PMID: 19740078, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/5/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals Cholesterol - physiology Exocytosis - physiology Humans Lipid Metabolism - physiology Membrane Fusion - physiology

Membrane Fusion - physiology Membrane Fusion Proteins - metabolism; physiology Membrane Microdomains - metabolism; physiology Models, Biological Presynaptic Terminals - metabolism; physiology Virus Attachment

Associated Chemicals: Membrane Fusion Proteins (0) ; Cholesterol (57-88-5)

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