COPICOPIIkomplekser

COPICOPIIkomplekser refers to a class of protein complexes involved in vesicular transport within eukaryotic cells. These complexes are essential for the formation and budding of transport vesicles from specific cellular compartments, most notably the Golgi apparatus and the plasma membrane. The name itself is derived from the key protein components that define these structures.

The primary COPICOPIIkomplekser is composed of at least five distinct protein subunits. These proteins assemble in a regulated manner to facilitate the cargo-specific packaging into vesicles. The process begins with the recruitment of a small GTPase, Sar1, to the membrane. Sar1 then recruits other subunits, including Sec24, Sec13, and Sec31, which collectively form a coat that shapes the vesicle and selects the cargo to be transported.

COPICOPIIkomplekser play a critical role in the secretory pathway, ensuring that proteins and lipids are correctly delivered to their destinations, whether it be lysosomes, the cell surface, or secretion outside the cell. Dysfunction of these complexes can lead to various cellular defects and has been implicated in certain diseases. Research into COPICOPIIkomplekser continues to illuminate the intricate mechanisms of intracellular trafficking.