Principles of membrane remodeling by dynamic ESCRT-III polymers

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The Endosomal protein complex required for transport-III (ESCRT-III) is a conserved membrane remodeling machinery essential for diverse cellular processes, including cell division and organelle dynamics.
• ESCRT-III's unique ability to catalyze membrane fission from the luminal side and its involvement across various organelles highlight its fundamental role in eukaryotic cells.
• Its evolutionary ancient origins in Archaea and the simple, yet versatile, subunit structure pose questions about its mechanism of membrane remodeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on the unpredicted properties of ESCRT-III polymers.
• To elucidate the general principles governing ESCRT-III filament-mediated membrane remodeling.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on ESCRT-III polymers.
• Analysis of structure-function relationships in ESCRT-III filaments.

Main Results:

• ESCRT-III polymers possess unpredicted properties that dictate their membrane remodeling capabilities.
• The diverse filament shapes assembled by ESCRT-III subunits are key to their functional versatility.
• Recent discoveries provide insights into the mechanistic principles underlying ESCRT-III's membrane remodeling functions.

Conclusions:

• ESCRT-III represents an ancient and fundamental membrane remodeling machinery with unique capabilities.
• Understanding the unpredicted properties of ESCRT-III polymers is crucial for deciphering its mechanism of action.
• This review consolidates current knowledge to define general principles of ESCRT-III-mediated membrane remodeling.