The molecular mechanisms of membrane traffic in mammalian cells

In eukaryotic cells, proteins and lipids are transported between membraneous organelles. The cells have elaborate molecular machineries to regulate membrane traffic by evolution. We have been focused on ArfGAPs, the molecules that perform "shipping inspection" in cargo sorting in membrane traffic. We have identified novel ArfGAPs involved in transport of blood clotting factor,vWF, and formation of extracellular vesicles in cancer cells. We are also revealing the mechanisms of membrane damage by internalizing magnetic nanoparticles. These works will reveal the novel molecular mechanisms of cargo sorting in unconventional transport pathways. We also aim to develop molecular robots to contribute to treatments of human diseases.