Cellular membranes and endocytic uptake pathways

Cellular membranes and endocytic uptake pathways encompass the lipid bilayer boundaries and the diverse mechanisms, such as clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and macropinocytosis, used by cells to internalize extracellular substances (Source: Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). These pathways are fundamental for maintaining cellular homeostasis, regulating the surface expression of receptors, and facilitating nutrient acquisition (Source: NIH/NCBI). In various pathologies, these systems are compromised; for instance, cancer cells often exploit endocytic recycling to maintain high levels of growth factor receptors, while many viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, utilize these pathways for host cell entry (Source: PubMed/NCBI). While the pathways themselves are too broad to be considered a single therapeutic target, specific proteins within them, such as dynamin or clathrin, are targeted by experimental small molecules like Dynasore to block vesicle scission (Source: Journal of Cell Science). Therapeutic strategies also leverage these pathways for the delivery of antibody-drug conjugates and nanoparticles, which rely on receptor-mediated endocytosis for intracellular access. However, the ubiquitous nature of these processes across all tissue types presents a significant challenge for drug development, as systemic inhibition can lead to profound toxicity and disruption of essential physiological functions.

Other names

EndocytosisPlasma membraneVesicle traffickingReceptor-mediated endocytosisPinocytosisPhagocytosisClathrin-mediated endocytosis

Inhibition of dynamin-mediated membrane fission, clathrin-coated pit assembly, or alteration of endosomal pH to prevent cargo processing.