The Late Endosome

Late endosome and lysosomes form the second major membrane network along the endocytic pathway, after early/recycling endosomes, and as such, late endosomes function as the last portal before lysosomes. In mammalian cells, they link the endosomal system to other cellular destinations, including the trans-Golgi complex and the plasma membrane, and interact via membrane-contact sites with the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles. Finally, it has become clear in recent years that late endosomes operate as a major sensing and signaling organelle that informs the cell about its nutrient and supply situation.