Acts as component of the GARP complex that is involved in retrograde transport from early and late endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). The GARP complex facilitates tethering as well as SNARE complex assembly at the Golgi (By similarity). Required for vesicle trafficking involved in plasma membrane protein composition. Probably involved in pollen tube elongation and other polar growth. Confers basal tolerance to long-term heat stress and osmotic stress, by acclimation of the plasma membrane. Component of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, composed by VPS52, VPS53 and VPS54. Interacts directly with VPS52 and VPS54. Localized in the GARP complex in the Golgi and post-Golgi compartments. Present in pollen. Mostly expressed in vegetative tissues, including leaves, siliques, and stems, and flower buds, and, at lower levels, in roots and mature flowers. Lethal when homozygous. In hemizygous plants, male-specific transmission defect. Belongs to the VPS53 family.