clatrinadependientes

Clatrinadependientes, also known as clathrin-dependent pathways or clathrin-mediated endocytosis, are a major cellular process responsible for the internalization of molecules, nutrients, and receptors from the cell surface. This pathway relies on the formation of a specialized protein coat made of clathrin, a triskelion-shaped protein that assembles into a polyhedral lattice around budding vesicles.

The process begins when cargo molecules bind to specific receptors on the plasma membrane. Adapter proteins, such as AP2, recognize and capture these receptor-cargo complexes, recruiting clathrin to form a coated pit. As clathrin assembles into a lattice, it induces membrane curvature, leading to the formation of a clathrin-coated vesicle. Once the vesicle is fully formed, it is pinched off from the membrane with the help of accessory proteins and dynamin, a GTPase enzyme.

After internalization, the clathrin coat is disassembled, allowing the vesicle to fuse with early endosomes for sorting and trafficking within the cell. Clathrin-dependent endocytosis is essential for regulating receptor levels, nutrient uptake, and signal transduction. It also plays a role in the recycling of plasma membrane components and the clearance of pathogens or debris.

This pathway is highly conserved across eukaryotic organisms, reflecting its fundamental role in cellular function. Disruptions or mutations in clathrin or associated proteins are linked to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Due to its critical involvement in cellular regulation, clathrin-mediated endocytosis continues to be a significant focus of biomedical research.