In vitro assays of vesicular transport

Movement of proteins and lipids between the various compartments of eukaryo tic cells is fundamental to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. and an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern these processes rema ins a key goal of cell biological research. This aim has been greatly facil itated by the development of assays that recapitulate specific events in vi tro. In the following article we provide an overview of some of the current ly used assays that measure the movement of proteins within the exocytic an d endocytic pathways, and provide a starting point for those wishing to est ablish their own systems to study other vesicular transport steps.