StMU Research Scholars

Featuring Scholarly Research, Writing, and Media at St. Mary's University
April 11, 2026

Vesicle Transportation: The Mechanisms Behind Directionality and Specificity

This project aims to share the concepts underlying the intermolecular transport of cargo molecules within a cell. The mechanisms behind vesicle formation, specificity, and directionality between membrane-bound organelles and the plasma membrane. Key processes such as exocytosis and endocytosis are illustrated using biorender figures, providing a visual representation of the cell taking in and expelling molecules. Other proteins, such as Rab and SNAREs, are highlighted as they are vital for vesicle docking and fusion with the plasma membrane. In addition to explaining the cellular process, there is significance to why these mechanisms must operate without error; in particular, the correlation between Alzheimer’s disease and vesicular transport dysfunction is discussed. Specifically, research-backed data suggests that vesicles carrying amyloid beta and tau proteins may contribute to the synaptic dysfunction, furthering the progression of the disease. Overall, this project incorporates fundamental cell biology concepts, applying them to current research to provide an easy-to-interpret infographic. Thank you to Dr. Shackleford for her contribution to this project. 

Laila Sosa

Hi! My name is Laila Sosa, and my major is forensic science- biology. I hope to attend medical school once my time here at St. Mary's is completed in 2027.

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