Journal Article

FZJ-2025-01836

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png ESCRTs – a multi-purpose membrane remodeling device encoded in all life forms

Nachmias, D. (Corresponding author) ; Frohn, B. P. ; Sachse, C. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Mizrahi, I. ; Elia, N.

2025
Elsevier Science Amsterdam [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.tim.2025.01.009

Abstract: The ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) membrane remodeling complex, found across all life forms, exhibits a versatility that transcends evolutionary boundaries. From orchestrating the constriction of micron-wide tubes in cell division to facilitating the budding of 50 nm vesicles in receptor degradation, ESCRTs perform diverse functions in animal cells. However, the basis of this functional diversity remains enigmatic. While extensively studied in eukaryotes, the role of ESCRTs in prokaryotes is only beginning to emerge. This review synthesizes data on ESCRT systems across the tree of life, focusing on microorganisms and drawing parallels to their functions in human cells. This comparative approach highlights the remarkable plasticity of the ESCRT system across functional, structural, and genomic levels in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This integrated knowledge supports a model in which the ESCRT system evolved as a multipurpose membrane remodeling tool, adaptable to specific functions within and across organisms. Our review not only underscores the significance of ESCRTs in microorganisms but also paves the way for exciting avenues of research into the intricacies of cellular membrane dynamics, offering valuable insights into the evolution of cellular complexity across diverse organisms and ecosystems.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Strukturbiologie (ER-C-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 5352 - Understanding the Functionality of Soft Matter and Biomolecular Systems (POF4-535) (POF4-535)
2. 5241 - Molecular Information Processing in Cellular Systems (POF4-524) (POF4-524)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; BIOSIS Reviews Reports And Meetings ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 15 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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