Sphingolipids containing very long-chain fatty acids regulate Ypt7 function during the tethering stage of vacuole fusion.

Sphingolipids are essential in membrane trafficking and cellular homeostasis. Here, we show that sphingolipids containing very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) promote homotypic vacuolar fusion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The elongase Elo3 adds the last two carbons to VLCFAs that are incorporated into sphingolipids.

A two-tiered system for selective receptor and transporter protein degradation.

Diverse physiology relies on receptor and transporter protein down-regulation and degradation mediated by ESCRTs. Loss-of-function mutations in human ESCRT genes linked to cancers and neurological disorders are thought to block this process. However, when homologous mutations are introduced into model organisms, cells thrive and degradation persists, suggesting other mechanisms compensate.

Acetate and hypertonic stress stimulate vacuole membrane fission using distinct mechanisms.

Vacuoles in plants and fungi play critical roles in cell metabolism and osmoregulation. To support these functions, vacuoles change their morphology, e.g.