Protein trafficking through the Golgi

We have developed a protocol involving the selective highlighting of GFP-tagged cargo proteins in the Golgi and the monitoring of the distribution and export kinetics of these cargo molecules as they pass through the Golgi apparatus. Using this approach combined with conventional biochemical and ultrastructural methods, we are seeking to obtain new information regarding the mechanism of transport of proteins through the Golgi apparatus. We aim to determine whether the numerous cisternae comprising the Golgi act as cargo carriers in a process of cisternal maturation, or whether the cisternae are stable elements with cargo transferred between them by small vesicles or by direct connections.