The Knowns and Unknowns of ER-Golgi Intermediate Compartment
LI Shulin*, GE Liang*
The ERGIC (endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment) was initially discovered during the study of intracellular transport mechanisms of viral proteins. Early studies, due to its unique structure and subcellular localization, posited the ERGIC as a “transit hub” between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus, playing roles in cargo sorting and bidirectional transport within the conventional secretory pathway. Subsequent research, however, unveiled a series of unconventional functions for ERGIC under cellular stress, such as modulating the early formation of autophagosomes and acting as a central hub for unconventional secretory proteins. Various studies have shown that many coronaviruses hijack the host’s ERGIC, using it as a platform for replication and assembly. Additionally, there’s evidence suggesting ERGIC’s involvement in protein synthesis quality control and its potential existence in different membrane structures like ER Whorl, ensuring cellular homeostasis under stress conditions. While the distinct structure and multifaceted functions of ERGIC have been recognized, the current understanding of its functionalities remains very limited. Specifically, the mechanisms through which ERGIC coordinates its dynamic structures and diverse functions under different physiological and pathological conditions are still not very clear. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ERGIC’s cellular functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms and delve into related topics.
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