Mechanistic analysis of phosphoinositide conversion and tethering

Abstract

Membranes are critical to the organization of eukaryotes. The conversion of phosphoinositides, landmarks of cell identity, is an important aspect of cell regulation. Recognition of these lipids is especially important in trafficking and at organelle-organelle interaction sites. Yet, the kinetics linking peripheral membrane protein recruitment to molecular switches at the membrane are relatively unexplored. Two such binary switches, phosphoinositides themselves and small GTPases, contribute specificity to the logistics of cellular trafficking through their regulation of tethers.