The Vps13 Family of Lipid Transporters and Its Role at Membrane Contact Sites

The conserved VPS13 proteins constitute a new family of lipid transporters at membrane contact sites. These large proteins are suspected to bridge membranes and form a direct channel for lipid transport between organelles. Mutations in the 4 human homologs (VPS13A-D) are associated with a number of neurological disorders, but little is known about their precise functions or the relevant contact sites affected in disease. In contrast, yeast has a single Vps13 protein which is recruited to multiple organelles and contact sites. The yeast model system has proved useful for studying the function of Vps13 at different organelles and identifying the localization determinants responsible for its membrane targeting. In this review we describe recent advances in our understanding of VPS13 proteins with a focus on yeast research.

Automated summary

The conserved VPS13 proteins are a new family of lipid transporters at membrane contact sites, with mutations in human homologs linked to neurological disorders. Yeast serves as a useful model system to study Vps13 function at different organelles and determine the factors responsible for its membrane targeting. Recent advances in understanding VPS13 proteins, focusing on yeast research, are described in this review.