Macropinocytosis pathway

Macropinocytosis is an actin-dependent cellular endocytic process that mediates the non-selective uptake of large volumes of extracellular fluid, solutes, and macromolecules into large vesicles termed macropinosomes[7][1][2][3]. Unlike receptor-mediated endocytosis or phagocytosis, macropinocytosis does not require ligand binding or receptor engagement—it is initiated by plasma membrane ruffling and cup formation driven by actin dynamics[2][3]. Macropinosomes may fuse with lysosomes for cargo degradation or recycle contents back to the plasma membrane[5][1]. The pathway plays essential roles in nutrient sensing, immune surveillance, antigen presentation, signal transduction, and cellular adaptation to metabolic stress[6][4][3]. Pathogens and cancer cells can exploit macropinocytosis for invasion or metabolic sustenance[1][3]. Although not a canonical molecular drug target, regulators of the process (e.g., small GTPases, kinases) are being investigated for therapeutic intervention, especially in cancer and infectious diseases.

Other names

MacropinocytosisMacropinocytic pathwayMacropinosome pathway

Inhibition of sodium/hydrogen exchange (amiloride derivatives), disrupting actin-driven membrane ruffling and macropinosome formation; Interference with GTPase and PI3K signaling, affecting pathway activation and progression.