The exocyst is a multisubunit protein complex that was first identified and characterized in budding yeast. Later studies have demonstrated its conservation in eukaryotes, from plants to mammals. This complex mediates the tethering of secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane prior to fusion mediated by soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). The exocyst has been implicated in a variety of cellular processes, such as exocytosis, cell growth, cytokinesis, cell migration, primary ciliogenesis and tumorigenesis. Recent years have seen major progress in our understanding of this complex. In this Primer, we focus on some of the basic information about the exocyst complex, including its structure, assembly, molecular interactions, function in vesicle tethering and membrane fusion, and involvement in many physiological processes.
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