Membranes and organelles (Editorial overview)

Abstract

Compartmentalisation by intracellular membranes provides the basis for many different types of cell specialisations, which allow cells to execute an enormous number of different functions within the body. At the same time they lay down a complicated pathway within the cell for proteins to be sorted correctly to their destinations. However, within cells, both proteins and organelles are sorted with incredible accuracy and specificity. Our understanding of how this is accomplished is increasing as the mechanisms governingmembrane trafficking are unravelled. This issue includes reviews on some of the current areas involving proteins travelling through eukaryotic cells.