SNAREs (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive Factor Attachment Protein Receptors)

Definition

SNARE proteins are essential components of the machinery that drives fusion of membranes during exocytosis and endocytosis - basically they help transport materials in and out of cells.

Related terms

Exocytosis:

The process where cells transport molecules (such as proteins) out of the cell via vesicles that merge with the plasma membrane.

Endocytosis:

The process where cells absorb molecules (like proteins) from outside by engulfing it with their cell membrane forming vesicles inside called endosomes.

Vesicle Fusion: The joining together or merging of vesicular membranes often facilitated by SNARE proteins.