TRANS-GOLGI RETICULUM

The trans-Golgi apparatus reticulum is that portion of the Golgi apparatus located in the trans-most aspect of the stack exhibiting certain characteristic morphological and functional characteristics. The membranes of the trans-Golgi reticulum are reticular in form, thickened with plasma membrane-like characteristics and with a considerable portion of their surface covered by clathrin coats. The enzymes thiamine pyrophosphatase and sialyl- and galactosyl transferases are functional markers. Correlative studies show the trans-Golgi apparatus reticulum to be involved in glycoprotein, enzyme and receptor processing and sorting along multiple pathways. Sorting and transfer of constituents to lysosomes, to secretory granules, or to the plasma membrane emerge as dominant functions.