Modulating neuromodulation by receptor membrane traffic in the endocytic pathway.

ABSTRACT: Cellular responsiveness to many neuromodulators is controlled by endocytosis of the transmembrane receptors that transduce their effects. Endocytic membrane trafficking of particular neuromodulator receptors exhibits remarkable diversity and specificity, determined largely by molecular sorting operations that guide receptors at trafficking branchpoints after endocytosis. In this Review, we discuss recent progress in elucidating mechanisms mediating the molecular sorting of neuromodulator receptors in the endocytic pathway. There is emerging evidence that endocytic trafficking of neuromodulator receptors, in addition to influencing longer-term cellular responsiveness under conditions of prolonged or repeated activation, may also affect the acute response. Physiological and pathological cons

SUBMITTER: von Zastrow M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3496082 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature