Cellular uptake mechanisms

Cellular uptake mechanisms refer to the collective biological processes by which cells internalize extracellular materials, including ions, small molecules, macromolecules, and even other cells (Alberts et al., 2002). These mechanisms are broadly classified into passive transport (diffusion) and active transport, which includes carrier-mediated transport and vesicular transport such as endocytosis, phagocytosis, and pinocytosis (Doherty & McMahon, 2009). In the context of drug development, these pathways are fundamental to determining the pharmacokinetics and intracellular delivery of therapeutics, particularly for large molecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems (Sahay et al., 2010). While cellular uptake mechanisms is a broad category rather than a single molecular target, specific components of these pathways—such as clathrin, caveolin, or various solute carriers—are often studied as points of intervention (Conner & Schmid, 2003). Dysregulation of these processes is implicated in numerous pathologies, including cancer, where uptake is often upregulated to meet metabolic demands, and infectious diseases, where viruses and bacteria hijack uptake pathways to gain entry into host cells (Mercer et al., 2010).

Other names

EndocytosisInternalization pathwaysMembrane transportPhagocytosisPinocytosisReceptor-mediated endocytosis

Modulation of endocytic and transport pathways to control the internalization of therapeutic agents or pathogens.