2009/03/24 by Gary J. Doherty, Harvey T. McMahon · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Cellular transport and secretion #Caveolin-1 and cellular processes #Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior
paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.biochem.78.081307.110540
openalex publication_date 2009/03/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Endocytic mechanisms control the lipid and protein composition of the plasma membrane, thereby regulating how cells interact with their environments. Here, we review what is known about mammalian endocytic mechanisms, with focus on the cellular proteins that control these events. We discuss the well-studied clathrin-mediated endocytic mechanisms and dissect endocytic pathways that proceed independently of clathrin. These clathrin-independent pathways include the CLIC/GEEC endocytic pathway, arf6-dependent endocytosis, flotillin-dependent endocytosis, macropinocytosis, circular doral ruffles, phagocytosis, and trans-endocytosis. We also critically review the role of caveolae and caveolin1 in endocytosis. We highlight the roles of lipids, membrane curvature-modulating proteins, small G proteins, actin, and dynamin in endocytic pathways. We discuss the functional relevance of distinct endocytic pathways and emphasize the importance of studying these pathways to understand human disease processes.