Regulation of early endosomes across eukaryotes: Evolution and functional homology of Vps9 proteins.

ABSTRACT: Endocytosis is a crucial process in eukaryotic cells. The GTPases Rab 5, 21 and 22 that mediate endocytosis are ancient eukaryotic features and all available evidence suggests retained conserved function. In animals and fungi, these GTPases are regulated in part by proteins possessing Vps9 domains. However, the diversity, evolution and functions of Vps9 proteins beyond animals or fungi are poorly explored. Here we report a comprehensive analysis of the Vps9 family of GTPase regulators, combining molecular evolutionary data with functional characterization in the non-opisthokont model organism Trypanosoma brucei. At least 3 subfamilies, Alsin, Varp and Rabex5 + GAPVD1, are found across eukaryotes, suggesting that all are ancient features of regulation of endocytic Rab protein function. Ther

SUBMITTER: Herman EK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6032885 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature