Vps4a, a member of the large family of AAA+ ATPases, is a crucial component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) system. This system drives membrane remodeling in numerous cellular processes such as receptor degradation, cell division, and neural pruning [3]. Vps4a also plays roles in autophagy, lipophagy, and membrane repair, and is thus of great biological importance. Genetic models, especially KO mouse models, have been instrumental in studying its functions.

In cardiomyocyte-specific Vps4a knockout mice, autophagosome accumulation was observed, and the autophagic flux was blocked, leading to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and early lethality. This indicates that Vps4a contributes to the sealing of autophagosomes in cardiomyocytes and is essential for normal cardiac function [2]. In another study, deletion of Vps4a in H1299 cells had a similar biological effect as treatment with aloperine, an alkaloid that targets Vps4a to inhibit autophagosome-lysosome fusion, thereby suppressing cancer progression [1]. Also, Vps4a-deficient hearts were more susceptible to cell damage during ischemia/reperfusion injury, as Vps4a is involved in plasma membrane repair [4].

In conclusion, Vps4a is essential for processes like autophagy, membrane repair, and lipophagy. Model-based research, especially using Vps4a KO mouse models, has revealed its critical role in diseases such as cardiomyopathy, cancer, and those related to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Understanding Vps4a's functions provides insights into potential therapeutic strategies for these diseases.