Vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 28 homolog (VPS28)

Vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 28 homolog (VPS28) is a core subunit of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport-I (ESCRT-I) complex, which is highly conserved from yeast to humans[3][6]. VPS28 participates in the recognition and sorting of ubiquitinated membrane proteins, directing them into multivesicular bodies as part of the endolysosomal degradation pathway[3][6][1]. Structurally, the ESCRT-I complex contains VPS28, VPS23 (TSG101), and VPS37, forming a heterotetrameric complex[2]. The C-terminal domain of VPS28 interacts directly with the ESCRT-II complex, facilitating the sequential handoff of cargo during vesicular trafficking[1][4]. VPS28 is essential for processes such as lysosome and vacuole biogenesis, cytokinesis, and the budding of certain enveloped viruses, including HIV[2][3][6]. Aberrant VPS28 or ESCRT-I function can cause defects in cell surface receptor downregulation and misregulation of endocytic pathways, and has been implicated in human diseases such as cancer and viral infections[3][2]. No approved drugs are currently known to directly target VPS28, nor is it widely considered a classical drug target such as a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

H-Vps28CIIAESCRT-I complex subunit VPS28vacuolar protein sorting 28 homologyeast class E protein Vps28p homologVPS28, ESCRT-I subunitvacuolar protein sorting 28-like protein