Probable core component of the endosomal sorting required for transport complex III (ESCRT-III) which is involved in multivesicular bodies (MVBs) formation and sorting of endosomal cargo proteins into MVBs. MVBs contain intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) that are generated by invagination and scission from the limiting membrane of the endosome and mostly are delivered to lysosomes enabling degradation of membrane proteins, such as stimulated growth factor receptors, lysosomal enzymes and lipids. The MVB pathway appears to require the sequential function of ESCRT-O, -I,-II and -III complexes. ESCRT-III proteins mostly dissociate from the invaginating membrane before the ILV is released. The ESCRT machinery also functions in topologically equivalent membrane fission events, such as the terminal stages of cytokinesis and the budding of enveloped viruses (HIV-1 and other lentiviruses). ESCRT-III proteins are believed to mediate the necessary vesicle extrusion and/or membrane fission activities, possibly in conjunction with the AAA ATPase VPS4. In the ESCRT-III complex, it probably serves as an acceptor for the ESCRT-II complex on endosomal membranes. Probable core component of the endosomal sorting required for transport complex III (ESCRT-III). ESCRT-III components are thought to multimerize to form a flat lattice on the perimeter membrane of the endosome. Several assembly forms of ESCRT-III may exist that interact and act sequentially. Interacts with VPS4A; the interaction is direct. Interacts with VPS4B; the interaction is direct. Interacts with CHMP4A, CHMP4B and CHMP4C. Interacts with SNF8, VPS25 and VPS36. Localizes to endosomal membranes. Ubiquitously expressed. The acidic C-terminus and the basic N-termminus are thought to render the protein in a closed, soluble and inactive conformation through an autoinhibitory intramolecular interaction. The open and active conformation, which enables membrane binding and oligomerization, is achieved by interaction with other cellular binding partners, probably including other ESCRT components. ISGylated in a CHMP5-dependent manner. Isgylation weakens its interaction with VPS4A. Belongs to the SNF7 family.