title: Functional specialization of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol membrane anchor.
abstract: The discovery of GPI-anchored membrane proteins presented a conundrum for membrane biologists. What could the special purpose be for this type of membrane anchor and why couldn't a transmembrane anchor do the same job? Recent information from several different sources is beginning to provide answers to these questions. In this review, evidence is presented that GPI-anchored membrane proteins are uniquely adapted for delivering to the cell both nutrient and signaling molecules or ions using two distinct endocytic pathways. So far, they are the only surface molecules known to have this capability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002451:Cell Compartmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D004705:Endocytosis; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D008565:Membrane Proteins