Functional Regulation of Transport Proteins by ERM (Ezrin / Radixin / Moesin) Proteins

Abstract

ERM (Ezrin, Radixin, Moesin) proteins are cross-linkers between the plasma membranes and the actin cytoskele-ton. They are essential for morphogenesis of the apical domain of epithelial cells. Recently, the ERM proteins have been reported to be involved in membrane fusion, endocytosis/exocytosis, and targeting of specific transport proteins to the cell surface under the control of hormones and cellular signals. In this review, I will discuss the involvement of ERM proteins in the regulation of membrane transport proteins especially for their delivery to the cell surface by introducing the phenotypes observed in animals in which the ERM protein gene was inactivated. Some of these phenotypes were similar to those found in human hereditary disease.