The ESCRT complexes

Abstract

The ESCRT machinery consists of the peripheral membrane protein complexes ESCRT-0, -I, -II, -III, and Vps4–Vta1, and the ALIX homodimer. The ESCRT system is required for degradation of unneeded or dangerous plasma membrane proteins; biogenesis of the lysosome and the yeast vacuole; the budding of most membrane enveloped viruses; the membrane abscission step in cytokinesis; macroautophagy; and several other processes. From their initial discovery in 2001–2002, the literature on ESCRTs has grown exponentially. This review will describe the structure and function of the six complexes noted above and summarize current knowledge of their mechanistic roles in cellular pathways and in disease.

Keywords::

• ESCRT
• ubiquitin
• HIV-1
• cytokinesis
• protein structure
• viral budding

Acknowledgements

I thank E. Freed and C. Blackstone for comments on the manuscript and members of my group and colleagues in the ESCRT field for many stimulating discussions.

Declaration of interest

Research in my laboratory is supported by the NIDDK and IATAP programs of the NIH intramural research program.

Michael M. Cox