Vesicle transport is a crucial cellular process that plays fundamental roles in various aspects of cell biology, including in cell signalling. It involves the movement of membrane vesicles, small membrane-bound sacs, within the cytoplasm of cells. These vesicles are responsible for transporting a wide range of biomolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and even organelles, to specific destinations within the cell. There are two primary modes of vesicle transport: exocytosis and endocytosis. Exocytosis involves the fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane, resulting in the release of their contents outside the cell. This process is vital for the secretion of signalling molecules, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. For example, in neuronal cells, synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters fuse with the presynaptic membrane, allowing the local release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, thereby enabling intercellular neuronal communication. Endocytosis, on the other hand, describes the process by which cells internalize substances from their extracellular environment by forming vesicles derived from the plasma membrane. It can occur through various mechanisms, including clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and micropinocytosis/phagocytosis. Endocytosis plays a vital role in cell signalling by regulating the abundance and availability of signalling molecules such as transmembrane receptors on the cell surface. For instance, receptor-mediated endocytosis allows cells to internalize specific ligands, such as growth factors or hormones, by binding to cell surface receptors. This internalization enables the modulation of signalling pathways and ultimately affects cellular responses. An example of this is the internalization of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) upon ligand binding, which leads to the activation of downstream signalling cascades involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Vesicle transport also contributes to the regulation of signalling events within the cell. The trafficking of signalling molecules to specific subcellular compartments allows for spatial and temporal control of signalling pathways. Vesicle transport also participates in the formation and maintenance of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus that are essential for protein synthesis, processing, and sorting. Vesicles shuttle proteins and lipids between these organelles, ensuring the correct localization of signalling molecules and proper functioning of signalling pathways. Disruptions in vesicle transport can lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins and impaired organelle function, contributing to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. We provide a large product range of research tools for studying vesicle transport, including LIMK1 antibodies, Tuberin antibodies, Caveolin-1 antibodies, ARF1 antibodies, and VCP antibodies. Explore our full vesicle transport product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Regulation, Coat Proteins, and SNAPs & SNAREs product ranges.