Exocytosis: From Molecules to Cells

This book is divided into three sections: 1) Components of exocytotic pathways; 2) Biophysical insights from synthetic and reconstituted systems; and, 3) Physiological systems of exocytosis. The first section begins with a description of how secretory organelles form and are packaged with appropriate constituents for exocytosis. The second includes two chapters on recently published reconstituted systems of SNARE-mediated fusion. The final third of the book summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms of exocytosis and its regulation in diverse systems.

This book is a reference for researchers and students in the fields of exocytosis and membrane trafficking who hope to gain a broad understanding of how these processes operate in various cell types. Historical perspectives on exocytosis are also presented and discussed.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive and cohesive molecules-to-systems presentation of key features of secretory pathways.

• Presents a single volume description of exocytosis regulatory mechanisms in many different cell types.

• A number of chapter authors are highly regarded researchers in the field.

• Detailed descriptions are provided of diverse systems of exocytosis including yeast exocytosis and exosomal secretion.

• Incorporates methodologies that are routinely used by biophysicists to study exocytosis and membrane fusion including electrochemistry, electrophysiology, reconstitution assays, and high-resolution fluorescence imaging.