Means of intracellular communication: touching, kissing, fusing

Eukaryotic cells are complicated factories that need ensure productivity and functionality on the cellular level as well as being able to communicate with their environment. In order to do so cells developed intracellular communication systems. For a long time, research focused mainly on the secretory/biosynthetic and endocytic routes for communication, leaving the communication with other organelles apart. In the last decade, this view has changed dramatically and a more holistic view of intracellular communication is emerging. We are still at the tip of the iceberg, but a common theme of touching, kissing, fusing is emerging as general principles of communication.

Automated summary

Eukaryotic cells are complex factories that have developed intracellular communication systems to ensure productivity and functionality, as well as communication with their environment. In recent years, there has been a shift in the understanding of intracellular communication towards a more holistic view, with touching, kissing, fusing emerging as general principles of communication between organelles.