A novel endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) component in Arabidopsis thaliana controls cell expansion and development.

ESCRT proteins mediate membrane remodeling and scission events and are essential for endosomal sorting of plasma membrane proteins for degradation. We have identified a novel, plant-specific ESCRT component called (POSITIVE REGULATOR OF SKD1) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Pduanyu1670 has a strong positive effect on the in vitro ATPase activity of SKD1 (also known as Vacuolar Protein Sorting 4 or VPS4), a critical component required for ESCRT-III disassembly and endosomal vesiculation. Pduanyu1670 interacts with both SKD1 and the SKD1-positive regulator LIP5/VTA1. We have identified a putative MIM domain within Pduanyu1670 that mediate the interaction with the MIT domain of SKD1. Interestingly, whereas MIM domains are commonly found at the C terminus of ESCRT-III subunits, the Pduanyu1670 MIM domain is internal. The heterologous expression of Pduanyu1670 in yeast mutant cells lacking Vta1p partially rescues endosomal sorting defects. Pduanyu1670 is expressed in most tissues and cells types in Arabidopsis thaliana. Silencing of Pduanyu1670 leads to reduced cell expansion and abnormal organ growth.

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