Functional separation of endosomal fusion factors and the class C core vacuole/endosome tethering (corvet) complex in endosome biogenesis

Abstract

Background: The interdependence of the endosomal fusion factors CORVET and Vac1 has not been addressed. Results: CORVET can be separated from other endocytic fusion factors on the basis of ultrastructure, localization, and trafficking. Conclusion: CORVET acts independently of the Vac1 tether and requires activated Rab5 homologs for localization. Significance: Our data reveal a unique role of CORVET in sorting of biosynthetic cargo to the vacuole.© 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.