Yeast vacuole fusion: a model system for eukaryotic endomembrane dynamics

Autophagy. 2008 Jan;4(1):5-19. doi: 10.4161/auto.5054. Epub 2007 Sep 12.

Abstract

Vesicular transport in eukaryotic cells is concluded with the consumption of the vesicle at the target membrane. This fusion process relies on Rabs, tethers and SNAREs. Powerful in vitro fusion systems using isolated organelles were crucial to obtain insights into the underlying mechanism of membrane fusion- from the initiation of fusion to lipid bilayer mixing. Among these systems, yeast vacuoles turned out to be particularly useful as they can be manipulated biochemically and genetically. Studies relying on this organelle have revealed insights into the connection of vacuole fusion to endomembrane biogenesis. A number of fusion factors were identified and characterized over the last several years, and placed into the fusion cascade. Within this review, we will present and discuss the current state of our knowledge on vacuole fusion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • Golgi Apparatus / metabolism
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism*
  • Membrane Fusion / physiology*
  • Membrane Lipids / metabolism
  • SNARE Proteins / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism
  • Vacuoles / metabolism*
  • trans-Golgi Network / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Lipids
  • SNARE Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins