Mechanisms and applications: Cargos transport to basolateral membranes in polarized epithelial cells

In polarized cells, the differential distribution of proteins results in the formation of apical and basolateral membranes. The basolateral membrane contacts basal lamina and mediates cell-to-cell communication, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and enabling drug absorption. To establish and maintain the basolateral domain, intricate mechanisms are necessary to ensure the proper sorting and transportation of molecules. Sorting signals play a crucial role in regulating the distributions of basolateral proteins, determining their trafficking route and final residence. Newly synthesized proteins can be segregated into different carrier vesicles at either trans-Golgi network (TGN) or endosomes. Additionally, understanding basolateral transport in polarized epithelial cells is important for predicting diseases and delivering drugs. This review provides a summary of recent advancements in the mechanisms and applications of basolateral sorting and trafficking.