VPS51

Vps51 is a protein found in yeast and other eukaryotes. It is a component of the yeast vacuolar protein sorting complex, specifically the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex. The GARP complex plays a crucial role in retrograde transport, which is the movement of proteins and lipids from the Golgi apparatus back to the endoplasmic reticulum.

The GARP complex is composed of four subunits: Vps51, Vps52, Vps53, and Vps54. Vps51 is essential for the assembly and function of this complex. Mutations in Vps51 lead to defects in vacuolar protein sorting, resulting in mislocalization of proteins that are normally destined for the vacuole. These defects can manifest as impaired vacuolar morphology and altered cellular physiology.

Research has shown that Vps51 interacts with other proteins involved in vesicle trafficking and membrane dynamics. Its precise role within the GARP complex is thought to involve mediating interactions with other GARP subunits and potentially with components of the vesicle coat or tethering machinery. Understanding Vps51's function is important for elucidating the intricate mechanisms of intracellular protein sorting and transport.