Chapter 1

Ypt/Rab GTPases and Intracellular Membrane Trafficking: An Overview

Guangpu Li and Nava Segev

Abstract

Ypt/Rab GTPases form the broadest group of GTPases in eukaryotic cells. These conserved GTPases are key regulators of intracellular trafficking. Like other monomeric GTPases, Ypt/Rabs switch between GDP- and GTP-bound forms with the help of their upstream regulators. When in the GTP-bound form, they interact with downstream effectors that mediate all vesicular transport steps, from vesicle formation to fusion. In addition, Ypt/Rabs are considered as candidates to coordinate intermediate/individual steps during vesicular transport. Due to their central role in intracellular traffic regulation, Ypt/Rabs have been implicated in human diseases ranging from diabetes and cancer to neurological and immunological disorders.

Total Pages: 3-17 (15)

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