Analysis of the non-endosomal function of ESCRT-III proteins

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Internalized cell surface proteins pass through several endosomal compartments on their way to the lysosome/vacuole for degradation. Endocytic transport is mediated by a complex array of protein functions, many of which have been identified through genetic screens in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Some of the proteins have been grouped into complexes ( ESCRT complexes ) that function consecutively at the level of late endosomes. One of these complexes, the ESCRT-III complex, is made up of a family of small coiled-coil forming proteins. Although all of these proteins function at a common step in the endocytic pathway, the corresponding mutants show distinct phenotypes. Genetic analyses suggest that these proteins have additional functions that are separate from their endosomal function. In this project, we will examine this non-endosomal function of the ESCRT-III proteins. We will focus on one member of this protein family, the Snf7 protein. In addition to its endosomal role, Snf7 affects the expression of genes in the nucleus. We will investigate how Snf7 interferes with gene expression in the nucleus.