Mapping the cell: International research team investigates the endoplasmic reticulum

Human cells contain billions of molecules. To prevent complete chaos, these molecules and the reactions between them are organized within structures known as organelles. One of the cell's most important organelles is the endoplasmic reticulum, a dynamic network that extends throu

Human cells contain billions of molecules. To prevent complete chaos, these molecules and the reactions between them are organized within structures known as organelles. One of the cell's most important organelles is the endoplasmic reticulum, a dynamic network that extends throughout the cell and plays an essential role in cell growth.

Using a method they developed themselves, an international team of molecular biologists and bioinformaticians has tackled the challenge of determining precisely which molecules make up the membrane of this organelle. The researchers have published their findings in the journal EMBO Reports.