Complexity of Clathrin Coat Dynamics in Endocytosis

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a process by which eukaryotic cells internalise a wide range of molecules such as signalling factors, nutrients and membrane proteins, via the formation of a plasma-membrane-derived vesicle. This complex mechanism involves a coordinated assembly of the scaffold protein clathrin and more than 50 other endocytic proteins at endocytic sites. Clathrin polymerises into sturdy supramolecular lattices, yet its assembly is highly dynamic and controlled by the DnaJ/Hsc70 uncoating machinery. Although clathrin turnover at endocytic sites was proposed early on to allow membrane deformation to occur, more recent studies have started hinting at possible regulatory functions. In this review, we summarise and discuss the key findings that have advanced our understanding of the role played by clathrin dynamics, hoping to shed light on the complex regulation of the endocytic process.