Travelling Light

Important proteins are constantly moving from where they are shaped, in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), to the Golgi apparatus where they are packaged for an onward journey. In order to keep the process going, chaperone proteins that 'escape' to the Golgi must be returned to the ER. It’s a bit like luggage trays being returned after taking bags through airport security (although around one million times smaller). In this cell, a technique called photoactivated localisation microscopy follows the movements of KDEL receptors (highlighted by blue lines) as they help to shuttle the chaperones back – sometimes travelling long distances (lighter blue) for this vital rescue mission. This fast process is just one example of a biological cycle that keeps cellular life ticking over.

Image captured at the Micron Imaging Facility, in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

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A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image from work by Andreas Gerondopoulos and Danny Gold
• Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
• Image copyright held by Andreas Gerondopoulos and Danny Gold
• Referring to research published in eLife, July 2021