VPS16
Description
The VPS16 (VPS16 core subunit of CORVET and HOPS complexes) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 20.
VPS16 is a protein that plays a critical role in the transport of proteins within cells, specifically targeting them to lysosomes. These lysosomes are cellular compartments responsible for breaking down waste products. VPS16 works within two important protein complexes known as HOPS and CORVET, which are involved in the fusion of different types of vesicles, small membrane-bound sacs carrying proteins. This fusion is essential for the proper sorting and delivery of proteins throughout the cell. VPS16's role in these complexes is to connect different parts of the vesicles, ensuring that they properly fuse together. It also interacts with other proteins involved in vesicle transport, further contributing to the complex process of protein trafficking within the cell.
VPS16 plays a crucial role in the intricate process of vesicle-mediated protein trafficking, specifically targeting lysosomal compartments. It is a core component of the HOPS and CORVET endosomal tethering complexes, which are believed to be involved in the transition from Rab5-to-Rab7 endosomes, possibly through interaction with MON1A/B. Furthermore, VPS16 mediates tethering and docking events during SNARE-mediated membrane fusion by binding to SNAREs and SNARE complexes. The HOPS complex, which VPS16 is a part of, is recruited to Rab7 on the late endosomal membrane and regulates late endocytic, phagocytic, and autophagic pathways leading to lysosomes. The CORVET complex, also containing VPS16, functions as a Rab5 effector to facilitate early endosome fusion, particularly in specific endosome subpopulations. VPS16 is essential for the recruitment of VPS33A to the HOPS complex, and is critical for the fusion of endosomes and autophagosomes with lysosomes, dependent on its association with VPS33A but not VPS33B. Its role in autophagosome-lysosome fusion implicates STX17, but not UVRAG.
VPS16 is also known as DYT30, hVPS16.
