Asgard ESCRT-IIIs assemble into helical filaments in the presence of DNA and remodel eukaryotic membranes

The ESCRT machinery mediate membrane remodeling in numerous processes in cells including cell division and nuclear membrane reformation. The identification of ESCRT homologs in Asgard archaea, currently considered the closest ancestor of eukaryotes, suggests a role for ESCRTs in the membrane remodeling processes that occurred during eukaryogenesis. Yet, the function of these distant ESCRT homologs is mostly unresolved. Here we show that Asgard ESCRT-III proteins self-assemble into homo- and hetero- helical tubes, a hallmark of the eukaryotic ESCRT system. Asgard ESCRT- III tube assembly was facilitated in the presence of DNA and inhibited by DNAase. Notably, Asgard ESCRT-III filaments remodeled eukaryotic-like membrane vesicles, also in the presence of DNA, indicating an ancient role for the ESCRT complex in membrane remodeling, that may involve DNA binding. The ability of Asgard archaeal ESCRTs to remodel eukaryotic-like membranes, places them at the junction between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, substantiating a role for ESCRTs in eukaryogenesis. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.