title: The formation and function of ER-endosome membrane contact sites.
abstract: Recent advances in membrane contact site (MCS) biology have revealed key roles for MCSs in inter-organellar exchange, the importance of which is becoming increasingly apparent. Roles for MCSs in many essential physiological processes including lipid transfer, calcium exchange, receptor tyrosine kinase signalling, lipid droplet formation, autophagosome formation, organelle dynamics and neurite outgrowth have been reported. The ER forms an extensive and dynamic network of MCSs with a diverse range of functionally distinct organelles. MCSs between the ER and endocytic pathway are particularly abundant, suggesting important physiological roles. Here, our current knowledge of the formation and function of ER contact sites with endocytic organelles from studies in mammalian systems is reviewed. Their relatively poorly defined molecular composition and recently identified functions are discussed. In addition, likely, but yet to be established, roles for these contacts in lipid transfer and calcium signalling are considered. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The cellular lipid landscape edited by Tim P. Levine and Anant K. Menon.
authors.affiliation: UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK. Electronic address: e.eden@ucl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Emily R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Eden
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000378:metabolism*; D011992:Endosomes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Endoplasmic reticulum; Endosome; Lipid transport; Membrane contact site