Endosome

Endosome refers to a collection of intracellular membrane-bound organelles present in all eukaryotic cells, whose primary function is sorting, trafficking, and processing of proteins and lipids internalized from the plasma membrane and received from the trans-Golgi network[1][3][6][9]. Endosomes can be categorized as early, late, or recycling based on their maturation state and markers—they mediate recycling of surface receptors to the plasma membrane, delivery of cargo to lysosomes for degradation, and act as platforms for assembly of signaling complexes[1][2][4][7]. Endosomes play important roles in nutrient absorption, receptor-mediated signaling, immune response, cell migration, and cell division[2][3][8]. Dysfunction in endosomal trafficking or maturation has been linked to diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer[2][3]. However, the term "endosome" refers to a functional compartment and not a discrete molecular entity amenable to direct pharmacological targeting[1][7].

Other names

endosomal compartmentendocytic vesicleearly endosomelate endosomemultivesicular body