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.