Protein localization within the cell is a key determinant of whether cells establish sub-cellular domains necessary for different activities, confer the molecular interactions required for protein function, and create functional organelles. Yet, the mechanisms that determine protein localization at the intracellular level are not well understood and events that lead to the mislocalization of proteins can have dramatic consequences upon cell viability. Our lab studies the role of mRNA and protein transport in a variety of cellular processes, such as organelle biogenesis, polarized growth, and morphogenesis in simple organisms, such as yeast, and in mammalian cells. Two main avenues of investigation are employed.