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Live-cell Imaging of Endocytic Transport using Functionalized Nanobodies in Cultured Cells
Published on: October 17, 2025
Tethering complexes in the endocytic pathway: CORVET and HOPS.
Jachen A Solinger1, Anne Spang
1Biozentrum, Universität Basel, Switzerland.
The FEBS Journal
|January 29, 2013
Summary
The CORVET and HOPS complexes are crucial for cellular entry and transport, guiding endosomes through maturation and fusion. These protein complexes ensure proper endolysosomal trafficking and cell function.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endocytosis is the cellular process for internalizing proteins, peptides, solutes, and pathogens.
- Conserved proteins are vital for endosome maturation, lysosome biogenesis, and endolysosomal trafficking, including autophagy.
- The CORVET and HOPS complexes play key roles in tethering membranes, Rab GTPase interaction, and SNARE assembly for membrane fusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of CORVET and HOPS complexes in endocytosis and endolysosomal trafficking.
- To explore the diversification of CORVET and HOPS subunits in metazoans and their impact on cellular complexity.
- To investigate the intricate network of interactions governing endosome maturation.
Main Methods:
- Genetic studies in model organisms (yeast, worms, flies, mammals).
- Biochemical analysis of CORVET and HOPS complex functions.
- Investigation of interactions with other endolysosomal pathway components.
Main Results:
- CORVET and HOPS complexes are essential for early-to-late endosome transition and lysosome biogenesis.
- These complexes tether membranes, interact with Rab GTPases, and regulate SNARE assembly for fusion.
- Diversified subunits in metazoans suggest specialized complexes for complex trafficking pathways.
- Interactions with V-ATPase, ESCRT, phosphoinositides, cytoskeleton, and Rab GTPases highlight a cooperative network.
Conclusions:
- Endosomal tethering complexes, including CORVET and HOPS, are central regulators of endomembrane identity and dynamics.
- These complexes orchestrate a complex network essential for efficient endosome maturation and trafficking.
- Understanding these complexes provides insights into fundamental cellular processes and disease mechanisms.
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