Secretory pathway

The secretory pathway is a fundamental cellular system responsible for the synthesis, folding, and trafficking of proteins to the cell surface or extracellular space (Lodish et al., 2016). It initiates at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where proteins are translocated and folded, and continues through the Golgi apparatus for sorting and modification (Alberts et al., 2014). This pathway is essential for the production of hormones, antibodies, and membrane receptors, making it a central hub for cellular communication. Dysregulation of the secretory pathway is implicated in various diseases, including cystic fibrosis, where protein trafficking is impaired, and many cancers that over-activate the pathway to support growth (Wang & Kaufman, 2016). While the pathway itself is a broad biological process rather than a single molecular target, specific components like the Sec61 translocon or various chaperones are targeted by experimental drugs to induce ER stress or block protein secretion (Barlowe & Miller, 2013). Consequently, pharmacological modulation of this pathway offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating protein-misfolding disorders and malignancies.

Other names

Protein secretion pathwayExocytic pathwayER-Golgi secretory pathwayConventional secretory pathway

Drugs targeting components of the secretory pathway typically act by inhibiting vesicle formation (e.g., Brefeldin A), blocking protein glycosylation (e.g., Tunicamycin), or disrupting calcium homeostasis (e.g., Thapsigargin) to induce the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and subsequent apoptosis (Wang & Kaufman, 2016).