Unconventional functions for clathrin, ESCRTs, and other endocytic regulators in the cytoskeleton, cell cycle, nucleus, and beyond: links to human disease

• Published in: Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology Vol. 6; no. 9; p. a017004
• Main Authors: Brodsky, Frances M, Sosa, R Thomas, Ybe, Joel A, O'Halloran, Theresa J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 01-09-2014
• Subjects: Animals; Apoptosis; Cell Cycle; Cell Division; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Cell Nucleus - metabolism; Clathrin - metabolism; Cytoskeleton - metabolism; Dimerization; Endocytosis - physiology; Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport - metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation; Glucose - metabolism; Humans; Huntington Disease - metabolism; PERSPECTIVES; Signal Transduction
• ISSN: 1943-0264; 1943-0264
• DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017004

The roles of clathrin, its regulators, and the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) proteins are well defined in endocytosis. These proteins can also participate in intracellular pathways that are independent of endocytosis and even independent of the membrane trafficking function of these proteins. These nonendocytic functions involve unconventional biochemical interactions for some endocytic regulators, but can also exploit known interactions for nonendocytic functions. The molecular basis for the involvement of endocytic regulators in unconventional functions that influence the cytoskeleton, cell cycle, signaling, and gene regulation are described here. Through these additional functions, endocytic regulators participate in pathways that affect infection, glucose metabolism, development, and cellular transformation, expanding their significance in human health and disease.