SPECULATING ABOUT SPECTRIN - NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE GOLGI-ASSOCIATED CYTOSKELETON

Amid the continual flux of membranes and proteins through the Golgi, t he distinctive structure and compartmentalization of the cisternal sta cks are preserved. Microtubules and associated motors are required to maintain Golgi structure and for transport to and from the organelle. There is also evidence for Golgi-associated myosins. Recent research h as identified a novel Golgi-associated spectrin-based network. In this review, we discuss evidence for this network and the possible roles f or spectrin in maintaining Golgi structure and in vesicular transport to and from the Golgi. Overall the link between the cytoskeleton and t he Golgi appears to be dynamic in nature, in keeping with the continuo us flux of proteins and lipids through this organelle.