title: Syntaxin 16: unraveling cellular physiology through a ubiquitous SNARE molecule.
abstract: Syntaxin 16 (Syx16) is member of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family of molecules that functions in membrane fusion in eukaryotic cells. A rather ubiquitously expressed, tail-anchored membrane protein localized mainly at the trans-Golgi network (TGN), it mediates primarily retrograde endosomal-TGN transport. In spite of its ubiquitous expression, Syx16 has specific and interesting roles in the physiology of specialized cells, including Glut4 dynamics, dendritic outgrowth-related membrane traffic, and cytokinesis. We discussed these physiological functions of Syx16 in the light of what is known of its subcellular localization, vesicular trafficking pathways involved, cognate SNARE partners and other interacting proteins. Further, we speculate on some possible pathophysiological roles of Syx16.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
authors.forename: Yanan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Bin Qi
authors.initials: BQ
authors.lastname: Gan
authors.forename: Bor Luen
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D051275:Glucose Transporter Type 4; D021381:Protein Transport; D051438:Syntaxin 16 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D021601:trans-Golgi Network / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D051275:Glucose Transporter Type 4; D051438:Syntaxin 16