Beyond Clathrin: Decoding the Mechanism of Ultrafast Endocytosis.

Abstract

Endocytosis in non-neuronal cells requires gradual recruitment of proteins to endocytic sites for inducing membrane curvature and forming contractile scaffolds around the neck of endocytic pits. This recruitment process is thought to be rate-limiting, requiring tens of seconds. In contrast, a form of endocytosis in neurons called ultrafast endocytosis is much faster, requiring only 100 milliseconds for endocytosis of synaptic vesicle proteins. In this review, we compare the mechanisms of protein recruitment during clathrin-mediated endocytosis in non-neuronal cells and ultrafast endocytosis in neurons and discuss how endocytosis can complete within 100 milliseconds. We then discuss the potential clinical relevance of this endocytic pathway.