Multi-component protein complexes and Golgi membrane trafficking

Several large cytosolic protein complexes with multiple components have been proposed to play key roles in mediating or controlling membrane trafficking. Among these complexes, TRAPP, COG and GARP/VFT have been implicated in multiple steps of Golgi membrane trafficking. The importance of these complexes for Golgi function has been established using in vitro biochemical assays and yeast and mammalian somatic cell genetics. Furthermore, mutations in the genes encoding subunits of either TRAPP or the COG complex have been shown to be responsible for human genetic disorders. We here review recent studies exploring the structures and functions of these three oligomeric complexes.