Role of motor proteins in organizing the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus

The endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are highly dynamic organelles. Motor proteins are intimately involved in establishing and maintaining the structure and position of both organelles, as well as in facilitating membrane traffic between them. Myosins, kinesins and cytoplasmic dynein all have a range of roles to play in these events, although their particular functions may vary across species and during development. A variety of in-vivo and in-vitro approaches are beginning to reveal how this motility may be regulated, and identify which motors are involved in each function.