Eukaryotic cells are organised in membrane-bound compartments that constantly and actively exchange material. Coat complexes promote transport of proteins between compartments by generating cargo-loaded membrane vesicles. Tight regulation of traffic ensures that each class of protein is delivered to the right place at the right time, so that cells can function smoothly and communicate with each other.

The first step in trafficking, cargo exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is mediated by the COPII coat. My lab uses a combination of biochemistry and structural biology to understand how COPII function is regulated to promote secretion of large extracellular matrix components such as procollagens.