The cornichon family of COPII cargo receptors is highly conserved in all eukaryotic cells. By simultaneously binding various membrane proteins (cargoes) and a COPII-coat subunit, cornichons promote the incorporation of cargo proteins into the COPII vesicles and, consequently, the efficient trafficking of cargoes via the secretory pathway. Our recent results demonstrate the important role of cornichons in the maintenance of monovalent-cation homeostasis by influencing the targeting of various yeast or human Na+ and K+ transporters to the plasma membrane. The relationship of cornichons to serious human diseases and their utility as prognostic and therapeutic targets will be discussed.

IPHYS contact person: olga.zimmermannova@fgu.cas.cz