The McPherson laboratory uses biochemical, molecular, structural, genetic and cellular approaches to identify and functionally characterize proteins that operate in the formation of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs). CCVs are the major vehicles for endocytic uptake of multiple protein and lipid cargo including nutrient and signaling receptors. Following endocytosis, cargo is delivered to endosomes from where it either recycles back to the cell surface or is targeted to lysosomes for degradation. These sorting decisions control the localization and levels of proteins and are altered in cancer and neurological disease. For example, current projects in the lab reveal how disruption in transport of selective cargo from endosomes to the cell surface contributes to the development of glioblastoma and breast cancer.