Abstract
All membrane fusion in eukaryotic cells, except mitochondrial and homotypic endoplasmic reticulum fusion, is critically dependent upon evolutionarily conserved soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and Sec1/Muc18 (SM) proteins (1, 2). Similar to the cases for SNARE proteins, all SM-null mutants, from yeast to rat, exhibit a significant to complete loss of specific membrane fusion events (3, 4), suggesting the possibility of a conserved mechanism for the SM protein family. The SNARE proteins, as a central fusogen, have been well documented (5). In stark contrast, the function of SM proteins has been elusive, despite intense investigations. In PNAS, Yu et al. (6) present unique and exciting results that provide insights into the mechanism by which SM–SNARE interactions play out in driving intracellular membrane fusion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
