Spatiotemporally resolved proteomics of protein trafficking pathways

Every human cell is characterised by a myriad of internal compartments. This system allows cellular components with a shared role, such as proteins, to be collected in the same place. Transport between compartments ensures the balance of cellular components. Defects in transport pathways result in protein accumulation or mislocalisation and represent a key cause of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Recent work has revealed a way to study an under-characterised transport pathway. We can directly observe tubules budding from one intracellular compartment (the Golgi) and fusing to the target intracellular membrane. We will perform a screen using molecular technologies to characterise the cellular machinery that forms these tubules and directs them. These technologies allow components in a certain location in the cell to be labelled.

Our research will identify novel components of the cell’s transport machinery.