VPS28 Human

The primary function of VPS28 is to facilitate the endosomal sorting of cell surface receptors via a multivesicular body/late endosome pathway . This process is essential for the regulation of various cellular activities, including signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and the degradation of membrane proteins.

VPS28, along with other subunits of the ESCRT-I complex, such as VPS23 (also known as Tumor Susceptibility Gene 101 or TSG101) and VPS37, works to recognize and bind ubiquitinated proteins. These proteins are then sorted into intraluminal vesicles of multivesicular bodies, which eventually fuse with lysosomes for degradation .

Interestingly, the ESCRT-I complex, including VPS28, can be hijacked by enveloped viruses to facilitate their budding from the cell membrane . This mechanism is exploited by viruses such as HIV, which utilize the ESCRT machinery to exit the host cell and propagate infection.

The VPS28 gene is located on chromosome 8 (8q24.3) in humans . It has multiple transcript variants due to alternative splicing, which results in different isoforms of the protein. These isoforms may have distinct functions or regulatory mechanisms within the cell .

Mutations or dysregulation of the VPS28 gene and its associated pathways can lead to various diseases. For instance, VPS28 has been linked to Wolfram Syndrome 2, a rare genetic disorder characterized by diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness . Additionally, the role of VPS28 in viral budding makes it a potential target for antiviral therapies aimed at disrupting the life cycle of enveloped viruses .

Human recombinant VPS28 is used in research to study the ESCRT-I complex and its functions. By expressing and purifying recombinant VPS28, scientists can investigate its interactions with other proteins, its role in endosomal sorting, and its involvement in viral budding. This research is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes and for developing therapeutic strategies to target diseases associated with VPS28 dysfunction.

In summary, Vacuolar Protein Sorting 28 (Human Recombinant) is a vital protein involved in the regulation of protein sorting and transport within cells. Its role in endosomal sorting, viral budding, and disease makes it a significant focus of research in molecular biology and genetics.