Structure and functions of HD-PTP in receptor trafficking and cancer

Cell surface receptors trigger the activation of signaling pathways to regulate key cellular processes, including cell survival and proliferation. Internalization, sorting and trafficking of activated receptors, therefore play a major role in the regulation and attenuation of cell signaling. Efficient sorting of endocytosed receptors is performed by the ESCRT machinery, which targets receptors for degradation by the sequential establishment of protein complexes. These events are tightly regulated and malfunction of ESCRT components can lead to abnormal trafficking, sustained signaling and promote tumor formation or progression. In this review, we analyze the modular domain organization of the alternative ESCRT protein HD-PTP and its role in receptor trafficking and tumorigenesis.