Molecular Mechanisms of the Membrane Sculpting ESCRT Pathway |
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| Authors: | William Mike Henne Harald Stenmark Scott D Emr |
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| Institution: | 1.Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853;2.Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853;3.Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0379 Oslo, Norway;4.Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0379 Oslo, Norway |
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| Abstract: | The endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) drive multivesicular body (MVB) biogenesis and cytokinetic abscission. Originally identified through genetics and cell biology, more recent work has begun to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ESCRT-mediated membrane remodeling, with special focus on the ESCRT-III complex. In particular, several light and electron microscopic studies provide high-resolution imaging of ESCRT-III rings and spirals that purportedly drive MVB morphogenesis and abscission. These studies highlight unifying principles to ESCRT-III function, in particular: (1) the ordered assembly of the ESCRT-III monomers into a heteropolymer, (2) ESCRT-III as a dynamic complex, and (3) the role of the AAA ATPase Vps4 as a contributing factor in membrane scission. Mechanistic comparisons of ESCRT-III function in MVB morphogenesis and cytokinesis suggest common mechanisms in membrane remodeling. |
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