We have been studying clathrin-independent forms of endocytosis (CIE) and have identified a number of endogenous PM proteins that enter cells through this mechanism. We have begun to study these proteins in detail in an attempt to understand how they travel in cells and whether they specifically interact with cellular machinery. We have identified signals in the cytoplasmic tails of CD44, CD98 and CD147 that are responsible for their altered trafficking and are looking for cellular machinery that is responsible for recognition and sorting of these signals. Understanding how these proteins move into and out of cells is important because these proteins are involved in interaction with the extracellular matrix (CD44), are involved in nutrient transport (CD98) and interact with integrins and matrix metalloproteinases (CD147). To facilitate these studies we are using SNAP-tag technology to quantify endocytosis and recycling of specific cell surface proteins. We are currently looking for compounds that inhibit or stimulate CIE. We have also been interested in examining the communication between CIE and clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). In examining the effects of Pitstop, a newly discovered inhibitor of CME, we found that it was also a potent inhibitor of CIE. Pitstop had been identified through a biochemical assay and although it does inhibit CME, it has broader effects.
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