Studies on the molecular mechanism of biogenesis and maturation of melanosomes regulated by a novel Rab32/38-binding protein

Rab gtpase是一个小的gtpase家族，通过募集其特异性效应分子来调节所有真核细胞中的各种膜运输事件。Rab27A、Rab32和Rab38定位于黑素小体上，但Rab32/38在黑素细胞中的功能尚不清楚。我们发现了一种新的机制，可以解释由Rab32/38和Varp （Rab32/38的效应分子）调控的黑色素生成酶转运到黑色素小体。

Rab GTPases constitute a family of small GTPases that regulate a variety of membrane trafficking events in all eukaryotic cells by recruiting their specific effector molecules. It has been reported that Rab27A, Rab32, and Rab38 are localized on the melanosomes, however, little is known about the function(s)of Rab32/38 in melanocytes. We found a novel mechanism that underlies the transport of melanogenic enzymes to melanosomes regulated by Rab32/38 and Varp that is an effector molecule of Rab32/38.