Intracellular Lectin, Ergic 53

Abstract

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) 53-kDa protein (ERGIC-53) is a cargo receptor for the transport of nascent proteins from the ER through the ERGIC to the Golgi in cells. ERGIC-53 has an L-type lectin domain in luminal part, and sugar-binding activity is required for the transport of cargo proteins. In the ER, another protein named MCFD2 is associated with ERGIC-53, which plays important roles in sophisticated function of ERGIC-53. In this chapter, I will describe functional roles of ERGIC-53 in the cell based on its biochemical properties.