An integrative, multiscale approach to understanding the molecular basis for receptor mediated trafficking within the early secretory pathway

Eukaryotic cells concentrate certain proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas others are actively exported for secretion. For 20 years, cell biologists have known the identity of the receptors responsible for this process, but the molecular basis for their function has remained elusive, hampering efforts to understand this fundamental feature of cell biology. 

Using a combination of atomic structural models, cell and biochemical assays, computational molecular dynamics and synthetic antibody technology we are now able to address many of the outstanding questions relating to receptor mediated trafficking. 

Answers to these questions will provide a comprehensive molecular basis for how proteins are trafficked within the cell and help us understand the neurological and ageing-related diseases that result in malfunction of these processes.