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 (PubMed:12860994, PubMed:18209100). The ESCRT machinery also functions in topologically equivalent membrane fission events, such as the terminal stages of cytokinesis (PubMed:21310966). Together with SPAST, the ESCRT-III complex promotes nuclear envelope sealing and mitotic spindle disassembly during late anaphase (PubMed:26040712). Plays a role in the endosomal sorting pathway. ESCRT-III proteins are believed to mediate the necessary vesicle extrusion and/or membrane fission activities, possibly in conjunction with the AAA ATPase VPS4. When overexpressed, membrane-assembled circular arrays of CHMP4B filaments can promote or stabilize negative curvature and outward budding. CHMP4A/B/C are required for the exosomal release of SDCBP, CD63 and syndecan (PubMed:22660413). (Microbial infection) The ESCRT machinery also functions in topologically equivalent membrane fission events, such as the budding of enveloped viruses (HIV-1 and other lentiviruses). Via its interaction with PDCD6IP involved in HIV-1 p6- and p9-dependent virus release. 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 CHMP6 and CHMP4C. Interacts with PDCD6IP; the interaction is direct. Interacts with VPS4A; the interaction is direct. Interacts with VPS4B; the interaction is direct. Interacts with CHMP7. Interacts with CFTR; the interaction requires misfolded CFTR. Interacts with PTPN23. Recruited to the nuclear envelope by CHMP7 during late anaphase (PubMed:26040712). Localizes transiently to the midbody arms immediately before abscission (PubMed:22422861). Widely expressed. Expressed at higher level in heart and skeletal muscle. Also expressed in brain, colon, thymus, spleen, kidney, liver, small intestine, placenta, lung and peripheral blood lymphocytes. 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. Isgylation weakens its interaction with VPS4A. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Its overexpression strongly inhibits HIV-1 release. Belongs to the SNF7 family.