Endocytosis and signaling: a relationship under development.

The ability to internalize macromolecules by endocytosis is a property of all eukaryotic cells. Frontline research on endocytosis has been presented in a successful series of biannual meetings in Europe. This year's meeting on "Membrane Dynamics in Endocytosis" was held September 13-18 in Acquafredda di Maratea, on the coast of southern Italy. Four key questions were addressed: What are the molecular mechanisms of endocytic membrane trafficking? How does endocytosis modulate receptor signaling and vice versa? What is the importance of endocytosis during development? How do endocytic organelles contribute to immunity or susceptibility to pathogens?