Vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 51 subunit of GARP complex (VPS51)

VPS51 (Vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 51 subunit of GARP complex) is one of four essential components of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, which also includes VPS52, VPS53, and VPS54[1][2][3]. The complex is located at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and functions primarily to tether and facilitate the fusion of retrograde transport vesicles derived from endosomes to the TGN[1][3][4]. VPS51 is specifically required for the complex's association with SNARE proteins (notably the t-SNARE Tlg1p in yeast, orthologous to syntaxin 6 in mammals), regulating the retrieval of cargo and protein recycling from endosomes to the Golgi[2]. Deficiency or malfunction of VPS51 leads to defects in vesicle trafficking and lysosomal function, with disease links to pontocerebellar hypoplasia and lissencephaly[4]. VPS51’s molecular role is best classified as a vesicle tethering factor, with no direct evidence of receptor, enzyme, or transporter activity. It is not a current therapeutic drug target.

Other names

ANG2ANG3C11orf2C11orf3FFRPP5382PCH13Protein fat-free homologAnother new gene 2 proteinfat-free homolog (zebrafish)GARP complex subunit