EEA1

The gene EEA1 encodes for the 1400 amino acid is_associated_with::protein, Early is_associated_with::Endosome is_associated_with::Antigen 1'''.

EEA1 localizes exclusively to early is_associated_with::endosomes and has an important role in endosomal trafficking. EEA1 binds directly to the is_associated_with::phospholipid is_associated_with::phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate through its C-terminal is_associated_with::FYVE domain and forms a is_associated_with::homodimer through a is_associated_with::coiled coil. EEA1 acts as a tethering molecule that couples vesicle docking with SNAREs such as is_associated_with::N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein, bringing the endosomes physically closer and ultimately resulting in the fusion and delivery of endosomal cargo.

Function
EEA1 is a is_associated_with::RAB5A effector protein which binds via a N-terminal is_associated_with::zinc finger domain and is required for fusion of early and late endosomes and for sorting at the early endosome level

Involvement in pathogenesis
Due to the proteins importance in vesicular trafficking, a number of intracellular bacteria prevent EEA1 recruitment to the vacuole. is_associated_with::Mycobacterium tuberculosis is known to inhibit the recruitment of EEA1 to the phagosomal membrane through CamKII. is_associated_with::Legionella pneumophila also prevents EEA1 recruitment through a currently unknown mechanism. Interestingly, the related pathogen is_associated_with::Legionella longbeachae recruits EEA1 and appears to replicate within a modified early endosome.