A novel coatomer-related SEA complex dynamically associates with the vacuole in yeast and is implicated in the response to nitrogen starvation.

We now seem to live in a small world, in which everyone is highly interconnected. Cells, too, often also display tremendous interconnectivities in their component systems. As a recent case in point, we have identified a conserved protein complex--the SEA complex--that links the nuclear pore complex (NPC), the COPII vesicle coating complex, vacuoles and autophagy. In this punctum we will discuss the properties of this novel complex.