The role of exocytosis in biological functions

通过接收来自细胞外环境的信号并与邻居进行通信，将单个细胞功能组织为整个系统对于生物功能的获取、表达或维持至关重要。胞吐作用是细胞内囊泡运输的主要途径之一，是支持组织化过程的关键因素。在本研究中，我们着重于胞吐作用在细胞间接触的形成、神经突起的生长以及突触的形成中的作用，这些突触的形成导致了神经系统的器官发生或发育和再生。重点分析了Rab家族小G蛋白及其相关蛋白的功能，阐明了Rab家族小G蛋白生物学功能获得的分子机制。

Organization of individual cellular function as a whole system through receiving signals from extracellular environment and communicating with neighbors is vital for acquisition, expression, or maintenance of biological functions. Exocytosis, which is a one of main pathway of intracellular vesicular trafficking is taken as a pivotal factor to support the processes of the organization. In this study, we focus on the role of exocytosis in the formation of cell-cell contacts, neurite outgrowth, and the synapse formation leading to the organogenesis, or development and regeneration of neuronal system. We especially analyze the function of Rab family small G proteins and the related proteins and throw light on the molecular mechanisms of acquisition of biological functions.