EEA1

The EEA1 gene encodes a protein of 1400 amino acids, early endosomal antigen 1.

EEA1 is localized only in early endosomes and plays an important role in endosome transport. EEA1 directly binds phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate via its C-terminal FYVE domain, and forms a homodimer by coiling coils. EEA1 acts as a binding molecule, docking vesicles with SNARE (such as N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein), bringing the endosome physically closer, and ultimately leading to the fusion and delivery of endosome cargo.

EEA1 is a RAB5A effector protein, which is bound by the N-terminal zinc finger domain and is necessary for early and late endosomal fusion and sorting at the early endosomal level.