The ESCRT-III Isoforms CHMP2A And CHMP2B Display Different Effects On Membranes Upon Polymerization

Abstract

ESCRT-III proteins are involved in many membrane remodeling processes including multivesicular body biogenesis as first discovered in yeast. In humans, CHMP2 exists as two potential isoforms, CHMP2A and CHMP2B, but their physical characteristics have not been compared yet. Here, we use a combination of technics on biomimetic systems and purified proteins to study their affinity and effects on membranes. We establish that CHMP2B binding is enhanced in the presence of PI(4,5)P2 lipids. In contrast, CHMP2A does not display lipid specificity and requires CHMP3 for binding significantly to membranes. On the micrometer scale and at moderate bulk concentrations, CHMP2B forms a reticular structure on membranes whereas CHMP2A (+CHMP3) binds homogeneously. Eventually, CHMP2A and CHMP2B unexpectedly induce different mechanical effects to membranes: CHMP2B strongly rigidifies them while CHMP2A (+CHMP3) has no significant effect. Altogether, we conclude that CHMP2B and CHMP2A cannot be considered as isoforms and might thus contribute differently to membrane remodeling processes.