A SYNTHETIC MODEL OF INTRA-GOLGI TRAFFIC

We present a hypothesis on the mechanisms used by cells to transport c argo through the secretory system. We propose that at least three basi c processes coordinately participate in membrane traffic: cisternal ma turation-progression, controlled cargo diffusion along transient membr ane continuities between different compartments, and a mostly retrogra de vesicle-mediated transport. A 'synthetic' model based on the combin ation of these mechanisms can explain both the progression of supramol ecular aggregates through the secretory pathway and the fast intra-Gol gi transport of conventional cargoes. Analysis of the existing literat ure shows that the available data are consistent with the proposed mod el.