Membrane trafficking and vesicle fusion

The functions of the eukaryotic cell rely onmembrane-bound compartments called organelles. Each of these possesses distinct membrane composition and unique function. In the 1970’s, during George Palade’s time, it was unclear how these organelles communicate with each other and perform their biological functions. The elegant research work of James E Rothman, Randy W Schekman and Thomas C Südhof identified the molecular machinery required for membrane trafficking, vesicle fusion and cargo delivery. Further, they also showed the importance of these processes for biological function. Their novel findings helped to explain several biological phenomena such as insulin secretion, neuron communication and other cellular activities. In addition, their work provided clues to cures for several neurological, immunological and metabolic disorders. This research work laid the foundation to the field of molecular cell biology and these post-Palade investigators were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013.