Dimeric Alix nucleates ESCRT-III CHMP4 polymerization
Alix is a key adaptor protein of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) membrane remodeling machinery. Although Alix-mediated recruitment of the ESCRT-III subunit CHMP4 is well established, the molecular mechanisms underlying Alix activation and ESCRT-III polymerization remain poorly understood. Here, we present the crystal structure of the dimeric Alix V-domain (Alix-V) in complex with a llama nanobody. Dimerization is mediated by domain swapping, generating an X-shaped flexible conformation. We demonstrate that Alix forms dimers in vivo and provide evidence for the recruitment of dimeric Alix to plasma membrane repair sites and the cytokinetic midbody. Notably, a mutation disrupting Alix dimerization impairs plasma membrane repair. Furthermore, high-speed AFM experiments reveal that dimeric Alix, but not the monomeric form, nucleates CHMP4B filament polymerization. Our data establish that dimeric Alix is the active form responsible for nucleating two ESCRT-III CHMP4 filaments, whose geometry creates a platform for the recruitment of downstream ESCRT-III components required to assemble the active membrane remodeling and fission machinery.