Sorting nexin-1 (SNX1)

Sorting nexin-1 is a membrane-associated protein involved in intracellular trafficking, particularly in the endosomal sorting of cell surface receptors and retrograde transport to the trans-Golgi network. It is a member of the sorting nexin family, defined by the presence of a Phox homology (PX) domain that binds phosphoinositides, allowing it to associate with endosomal membranes. SNX1 participates in various stages of receptor trafficking, forming complexes (including with retromer components and other SNX proteins) vital for sorting receptors such as protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to degradative lysosomal pathways or facilitating their recycling. SNX1 assembles into helical lattice structures to deform membranes for the generation of transport carriers in the endosomal system. Its dysfunction affects lysosomal sorting and can interfere with receptor turnover, signaling duration, and spatial regulation of surface receptors, which is relevant to diseases including cancer and, by analogy to related proteins, possibly neurodegeneration. SNX1’s physiological functions also include roles in plant stress tolerance and developmental signaling, but in human cells, its main role is orchestrating the trafficking and sorting of signaling receptors, thus regulating cellular homeostasis and signaling outcomes.

Other names

SNX1SNX1AMGC8664HsT17379Vps5VPS5sorting nexin-1A