ESCRTs - a multi-purpose membrane remodeling device encoded in all life forms

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• The endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery is crucial for membrane remodeling in eukaryotic cells.
• ESCRT functions range from vesicle formation in receptor degradation to cell division.
• The full scope of ESCRT functions, particularly in prokaryotes, remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on ESCRT systems across diverse life forms, with a focus on microorganisms.
• To draw parallels between ESCRT functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• To elucidate the evolutionary plasticity and functional versatility of the ESCRT system.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and data synthesis.
• Comparative analysis of ESCRT systems in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• Focus on microbial ESCRT functions and their evolutionary context.

Main Results:

• ESCRT systems exhibit remarkable functional, structural, and genomic plasticity across prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• ESCRTs play diverse, yet conserved, roles in membrane remodeling in microorganisms.
• Parallels are drawn between microbial and human ESCRT functions, suggesting ancient origins.

Conclusions:

• The ESCRT system evolved as a multipurpose membrane remodeling tool with broad adaptability.
• ESCRTs are significant in microbial cellular dynamics and evolution.
• Understanding microbial ESCRTs offers insights into the evolution of cellular complexity and membrane dynamics.