Figure 6.

Silymarin impedes clathrin-dependent endocytosis. In receptor-mediated endocytosis, or clathrin-mediated endocytosis, cells incorporate hormones, proteins, and sometimes viruses in a selective manner that depends on a ligand-receptor interaction. (1) The ligand receptor interaction takes place on the cell surface. (2) An adapter protein and clathrin “coat” the internal surface of the receptors and a process of membrane invagination starts. (3) Advanced invagination process. (4) The adaptor protein and clathrin are released. Silymarin impedes this mechanism of endocytosis. Clathrin-dependent endocytosis of surface receptors participates in cellular signaling pathways. Clathrin seems to be a valid target in cancer therapy. ²⁷⁴