Abstract

The polarized distribution of functions in polarized cells requires the coordinated interaction of three machineries that modify the basic mechanisms of intracellular protein trafficking and distribution. First, intrinsic protein-sorting signals and cellular decoding machineries regulate protein trafficking to plasma membrane domains; second, intracellular signalling complexes define the plasma membrane domains to which proteins are delivered; and third, proteins that are involved in cell–cell and cell–substrate adhesion orientate the three-dimensional distribution of intracellular signalling complexes and, accordingly, the direction of membrane traffic. The integration of these mechanisms into a complex and dynamic network is crucial for normal tissue function and is often defective in disease states.

Author affiliations

1. Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA.
   Email: mellman.ira@gene.com
2. Department of Biology, the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and the Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
   Email: wjnelson@stanford.edu

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