Unsolved mysteries in membrane traffic

Remarkable strides have been made over the past 20 years in elucidating the molecular basis of membrane trafficking (1). Indeed, a combination of biochemical and genetic approaches have determined the identity and function of many of the core constituents needed for protein secretion and endocytosis. But much remains to be learned. This review highlights underlying themes in membrane traffic to help us refocus and solve many remaining and newly emerging issues that are fundamental to mammalian cell biology and human physiology.