LIMP-II

Lysosomes are intracytoplasmic organelles that are found within leukocytes (granulocytes, neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils) and function as storage granules for small particles. Lysosomes actively support subcellular protein degradation mechanisms through fusion with cellular organelles such as phagocytic vacuoles and the plasma membrane. Lysosome fusion to the plasma membrane, known as exocytosis, releases the contents of the vesicle into the extracellular environment. The lysosomal integral membrane proteins I–III, known as LIMP-I, LIMP-II and LIMP-III, localize from the trans-Golgi network to lysosomes via an AP-3-dependent pathway that may involve AP-1 and Clathrin. LIMP I-III are protein markers for the lysosome organelle. These markers are exceptionally useful for microscopy studies, cellular fractionation validation and studies pertaining to protein trafficking through the secretory pathway.