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 is required for the maintenance of the cycling of mannose 6-phosphate receptors between the TGN and endosomes, this cycling is necessary for proper lysosomal sorting of acid hydrolases such as CTSD. Acts as component of the EARP complex that is involved in endocytic recycling. The EARP complex associates with Rab4-positive endosomes and promotes recycling of internalized transferrin receptor (TFRC) to the plasma membrane. Component of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, also called VFT (VPS fifty-three) complex, composed of VPS51, VPS52, VPS53 and VPS54. Component of the endosome-associated retrograde protein (EARP) complex, composed of VPS51, VPS52, VPS53 and VPS50/Syndetin (By similarity). The EARP complex interacts with EIPR1 (PubMed:27440922). EIPR1 interacts with GARP complex and mediates its recruitment to the trans-Golgi network. Interacts with RAB6A and STX10. Interacts with UHRF1BP1L (By similarity). Localizes to the trans-Golgi network as part of the GARP complex, while it localizes to recycling endosomes as part of the EARP complex. Ubiquitous. Belongs to the VPS52 family.