Traffic

The phagosome as the organelle linking innate and adaptive immunity.

Publication Date: 2012 May 11 PMID: 22577865
Authors: Kagan, J. C. - Iwasaki, A.
Journal: Traffic

The means by which phagocytosis and antimicrobial defense mechanisms are linked have expanded greatly in recent years. It is now clear that the process of phagocytosis does more than just degrade internalized microbes, but also helps coordinate the actions of the innate and adaptive immune system. This review will discuss the means by which Toll-like Receptor signaling pathways are coordinated around the processes of phagocytosis, phagosome trafficking and autophagy and how these signaling pathways influence T-cell mediated immunity. In this regard, we propose that at the subcellular level, phagosomes represent the smallest definable unit that links innate and adaptive immunity.

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Snail Destabilizes Cell Surface Crumbs3a.

Publication Date: 2012 May 3 PMID: 22554228
Authors: Harder, J. L. - Whiteman, E. L. - Pieczynski, J. N. - Liu, C. J. - Margolis, B.
Journal: Traffic

During Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), cells modulate expression of proteins resulting in loss of apical-basal polarity. Effectors of this EMT switch target the polarity protein Crumbs3a, a small transmembrane protein that is essential for generation of the apical membrane and tight junctions of mammalian epithelial cells. We previously showed that the Crumbs3 gene is a direct target of transcriptional regulation by Snail, a potent inducer of EMT. However, Snail has also been shown to have multiple non-transcriptional roles, including regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation and survival. Using SNAP-tag labeling, we determined that cell surface Crumbs3a has a half-life of approximately 3 hours and that this cell surface half-life is significantly reduced when EMT is induced by Snail. We further observe that Snail induces differential glycosylation of Crumbs3a, including sialylation, suggesting a mechanism by which Crumbs3a may be destabilized. These results indicate that Crumbs3a is a post-translational target of Snail, in addition to being a transcriptional target. We conclude that Snail's ability to post-translationally modify and destabilize Crumbs3a augments the depolarizing process of EMT.

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The BLOS1 interacting protein KXD1 is involved in the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles.

Publication Date: 2012 May 3 PMID: 22554196
Authors: Yang, Q. - He, X. - Yang, L. - Zhou, Z. - Cullinane, A. R. - Wei, A. - Zhang, Z. - Hao, Z. - Zhang, A. - He, M. - Feng, Y. - Gao, X. - Gahl, W. A. - Huizing, M. - Li, W.
Journal: Traffic

Biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-1 (BLOC-1) is an eight-subunit complex involved in lysosomal trafficking. Interacting proteins of these subunits expand the understanding of its biological functions. With the implementation of the naive Bayesian analysis, we found that a human uncharacterized 20 kDa coiled-coil KxDL protein, KXD1, is a BLOS1-interacting protein. In vitro binding assays confirmed the interaction between BLOS1 and KXD1. Mouse KXD1 homolog was widely expressed and absent in Kxd1 knockout (KO) mice. BLOS1 was apparently reduced in Kxd1-KO mice. Mild defects in the melanosomes of the retinal pigment epithelia and in the platelet dense granules of the Kxd1-KO mouse were observed, mimicking a mouse model of mild Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome that affects the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles.

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Retromer guides STxB and CD8-M6PR from early to recycling endosomes, EHD1 guides STxB from recycling endosome to Golgi.

Publication Date: 2012 Apr 27 PMID: 22540229
Authors: McKenzie, J. E. - Raisley, B. - Zhou, X. - Naslavsky, N. - Taguchi, T. - Caplan, S. - Sheff, D.
Journal: Traffic

Retrograde trafficking transports proteins, lipids and toxins from the plasma membrane to the Golgi and ER. To reach the Golgi, these cargos must transit the endosomal system, consisting of early endosomes, recycling endosomes, late endosomes and lysosomes. All cargos pass through early endosomes, but may take different routes to the Golgi. Retromer dependent cargos bypass the late endosomes to reach the Golgi. We compared how two very different retromer dependent cargos negotiate the endosomal sorting system. Shiga toxin B, bound to the external layer of the plasma membrane, and chimeric CD8-Mannose-6-Phosphate Receptor, which is anchored via a transmembrane domain. Both appear to pass through the recycling endosome. Ablation of the recycling endosome diverted both of these cargos to an aberrant compartment and prevented them from reaching the Golgi. Once in the recycling endosome, Shiga toxin required EHD1 to traffic to the TGN, while the CD8-Mannose-6-Phosphate Receptor was not significantly dependent on EHD1. Knockdown of retromer components left cargo in the early endosomes, suggesting that it is required for retrograde exit from this compartment. This work establishes the recycling endosome as a required step in retrograde traffic of at least these two retromer dependent cargos. Along this pathway, retromer is associated with EE to recycling endosome traffic, while EHD1 is associated with recycling endosome to TGN traffic of STxB.

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AMPA receptors regulate exocytosis and insulin release in pancreatic beta cells.

Publication Date: 2012 Apr 27 PMID: 22540213
Authors: Wu, Z. Y. - Zhu, L. J. - Zou, N. - Krizancica Bombek, L. - Shao, C. Y. - Wang, N. - Wang, X. X. - Liang, L. - Xia, J. - Rupnik, M. - Shen, Y.
Journal: Traffic

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are expressed in islets and insulinoma cells and involved in insulin secretion. However, the exact roles that iGluRs play in beta cells remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that GluR2-containing alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) were expressed in mouse beta cells. Glutamate application increased both cytosolic calcium and the number of docked insulin-containing granules, which resulted in augmentation of depolarization-induced exocytosis and high-glucose-stimulated insulin release. While glutamate application directly depolarized beta cells, it also induced an enormous depolarization when K(ATP) channels were available. Glutamate application reduced the conductance of K(ATP) channels and increased voltage oscillations. Moreover, actions of AMPARs were absent in Kir6.2 knock-out mice. The effects of AMPARs on K(ATP) channels were mediated by cytosolic cGMP. Taken together, our experiments uncovered a novel mechanism by which AMPARs participate in insulin release.

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A Critical Histidine Residue Within LIMP-2 Mediates pH Sensitive Binding to Its Ligand beta-Glucocerebrosidase.

Publication Date: 2012 Apr 26 PMID: 22537104
Authors: Zachos, C. - Blanz, J. - Saftig, P. - Schwake, M.
Journal: Traffic

The lysosomal membrane protein type 2 is a novel identified lysosomal sorting receptor for beta-glucocerebrosidase (GC). Mutations in both genes underlie human pathologies causing action myoclonus-renal failure syndrome (AMRF) and Gaucher disease (GD), respectively. We now demonstrate that the lumenal acidification mediated by the vacuolar (H(+) )-ATPase triggers the dissociation of LIMP-2 and GC in late endosomal/lysosomal compartments. Moreover, we identified a single histidine residue in LIMP-2 that is necessary for LIMP-2 and GC binding. This residue is in close proximity to a proposed coiled-coil domain, which determines the binding to GC and may function as a critical pH sensor.

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Determinants for Arabidopsis Peptide Transporter Targeting to the Tonoplast or Plasma Membrane.

Publication Date: 2012 Apr 26 PMID: 22537078
Authors: Komarova, N. Y. - Meier, S. - Meier, A. - Grotemeyer, M. S. - Rentsch, D.
Journal: Traffic

Di- and tripeptide transporters of the PTR/NRT1 (peptide transporter/nitrate transporter1)-family are localized either at the tonoplast (TP) or plasma membrane (PM). As limited information is available on structural determinants required for targeting of plant membrane proteins, we performed gene shuffling and domain swapping experiments of Arabidopsis PTRs. A 7 amino acid fragment of the hydrophilic N-terminal region of PTR2, PTR4 and PTR6 was required for TP localization and sufficient to redirect not only PM-localized PTR1 or PTR5, but also sucrose transporter SUC2 to the TP. Alanine scanning mutagenesis identified L(11) and I(12) of PTR2 to be essential for TP targeting, while only one acidic amino acid at position 5, 6 or 7 was required, revealing a dileucine (LL or LI) motif with at least one upstream acidic residue. Similar dileucine motifs could be identified in other plant TP transporters, indicating a broader role of this targeting motif in plants. Targeting to the PM required the loop between transmembrane domain 6 and 7 of PTR1 or PTR5. Deletion of either PM or TP targeting signals resulted in retention in internal membranes, indicating that PTR trafficking to these destination membranes requires distinct signals and is in both cases not by default.

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Regulated Intramembrane Cleavage of the EGF Receptor.

Publication Date: 2012 Apr 24 PMID: 22531034
Authors: Liao, H. J. - Carpenter, G.
Journal: Traffic

Following the addition of EGF or ionomycin to A431 cells, protease activity mediates cleavage of the EGF receptor producing a 60 kDa fragment that includes the intracellular domain (ICD). This fragment is located in both membrane and nuclear fractions. On the basis of sensitivity to chemical inhibitors and overexpression of cDNAs, the rhomboid intramembrane proteases, not gamma-secretase proteases, are identified as responsible for the cleavage event. Agonist-initiated cleavage occurs slowly over 3-24 h. Inhibition of calpain protease activity significantly increased the detectable level of ICD fragment.

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Botulinum Neurotoxin A Impairs Neurotransmission Following Retrograde Transynaptic Transport.

Publication Date: 2012 Apr 20 PMID: 22519601
Authors: Restani, L. - Novelli, E. - Bottari, D. - Leone, P. - Barone, I. - Galli-Resta, L. - Strettoi, E. - Caleo, M.
Journal: Traffic

The widely used botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) blocks neurotransmission via cleavage of the synaptic protein SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa). Recent evidence demonstrating long-distance propagation of SNAP-25 proteolysis has challenged the idea that BoNT/A remains localized to the injection site. However, the extent to which distant neuronal networks are impacted by BoNT/A retrograde trafficking remains unknown. Importantly, no studies have addressed whether SNAP-25 cleavage translates into structural and functional changes in distant intoxicated synapses. Here we show that the BoNT/A injections into the adult rat optic tectum result in SNAP-25 cleavage in retinal neurons two synapses away from the injection site, such as rod bipolar cells and photoreceptors. Retinal endings displaying cleaved SNAP-25 were enlarged and contained an abnormally high number of synaptic vesicles, indicating impaired exocytosis. Tectal injection of BoNT/A in rat pups resulted in appearance of truncated-SNAP-25 in cholinergic amacrine cells. Functional imaging with calcium indicators showed a clear reduction in cholinergic-driven wave activity, demonstrating impairments in neurotransmission. These data provide the first evidence for functional effects of the retrograde trafficking of BoNT/A, and open the possibility of using BoNT/A fragments as drug delivery vehicles targeting the central nervous system.

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The In Vivo Dynamic Organization of BRCA1-A Complex Proteins at DNA Damage-Induced Nuclear Foci.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22420687
Authors: Mok, M. T. - Henderson, B. R.
Journal: Traffic

The breast cancer associated gene 1 (BRCA1)-A protein complex assembles at DNA damage-induced nuclear foci to facilitate repair of double-stranded breaks. Here, we describe the first systematic comparison of the dynamics, copy number and organization of its core components at foci. We show that the protein pools at individual foci generally comprise a small immobile fraction ( approximately 20%) and larger mobile fraction ( approximately 80%), which together occupy the same focal space but exist at different densities. In the mobile fraction, Abraxas (CCDC98) and the heterodimer BARD1-BRCA1 share similar rates of dynamic exchange (complete turnover in approximately 500 seconds). In contrast, RAP80, which is required for initial foci assembly, was more dynamic with 25-fold faster turnover at mature foci. In addition, Abraxas, BARD1, BRCA1 and Merit40 (NBA1) were stably retained in the immobile fraction of foci under conditions causing loss of BRCC36 and RAP80, suggesting a shift to RAP80-independent localization after foci formation. These results, combined with our finding that RAP80 ( approximately 1200 copies per focus) is twofold more abundant than Abraxas/BARD1/BRCA1 at foci, suggest new models defining the dynamic organization of BRCA1-A complex at mature foci, wherein the unusually fast turnover of RAP80 may contribute to its regulation of BRCA1-dependent DNA repair.

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A Rab11A/Myosin Vb/Rab11-FIP2 Complex Frames Two Late Recycling Steps of Langerin from the ERC to the Plasma Membrane.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22420646
Authors: Gidon, A. - Bardin, S. - Cinquin, B. - Boulanger, J. - Waharte, F. - Heliot, L. - de la Salle, H. - Hanau, D. - Kervrann, C. - Goud, B. - Salamero, J.
Journal: Traffic

A large body of knowledge relating to the constitution of Rab GTPase/Rab effector complexes and their impact on both membrane domain organization and overall membrane trafficking has been built up in recent years. However in the context of the live cell there are still many questions that remain to be answered, such as where and when these complexes assemble and where they perform their primary function(s). We describe here the dynamic processes that take place in the final steps of the Rab11A dependent recycling pathway, in the context of the membrane platform constituted by Myosin Vb, Rab11A, and Rab11-FIP2. We first confirm that a series of previously reported observations obtained during the study of a number of trafficking cargoes also apply to langerin. Langerin is a cargo molecule that traffics through Rab11A-positive membrane domains of the endosomal recycling pathway. In order to explore the relative dynamics of this set of partners, we make extensive use of a combinatory approach of Live-FRET, fast FRAP video, fast confocal and TIRF microscopy modalities. Our data show that the Myosin Vb/Rab11A/Rab11-FIP2 platform is spatially involved in the regulation of langerin trafficking at two distinct sites within live cells, first at the sorting site in the endosomal recycling compartment (ERC) where transport vesicles are formed, and subsequently, in a strict time-defined order, at the very late stage of docking/tethering and fusion of these langerin recycling vesicles to the plasma membrane.

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Gem1 and ERMES Do Not Directly Affect Phosphatidylserine Transport from ER to Mitochondria or Mitochondrial Inheritance.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22409400
Authors: Nguyen, T. T. - Lewandowska, A. - Choi, J. Y. - Markgraf, D. F. - Junker, M. - Bilgin, M. - Ejsing, C. S. - Voelker, D. R. - Rapoport, T. A. - Shaw, J. M.
Journal: Traffic

In yeast, a protein complex termed the ER-Mitochondria Encounter Structure (ERMES) tethers mitochondria to the endoplasmic reticulum. ERMES proteins are implicated in a variety of cellular functions including phospholipid synthesis, mitochondrial protein import, mitochondrial attachment to actin, polarized mitochondrial movement into daughter cells during division, and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The mitochondrial-anchored Gem1 GTPase has been proposed to regulate ERMES functions. Here, we show that ERMES and Gem1 have no direct role in the transport of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the ER to mitochondria during the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), as PS to PE conversion is not affected in ERMES or gem1 mutants. In addition, we report that mitochondrial inheritance defects in ERMES mutants are a secondary consequence of mitochondrial morphology defects, arguing against a primary role for ERMES in mitochondrial association with actin and mitochondrial movement. Finally, we show that ERMES complexes are long-lived, and do not depend on the presence of Gem1. Our findings suggest that the ERMES complex may have primarily a structural role in maintaining mitochondrial morphology.

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A Triple Arg Motif Mediates alpha(2) (B) -Adrenergic Receptor Interaction with Sec24C/D and Export.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22404651
Authors: Dong, C. - Nichols, C. D. - Guo, J. - Huang, W. - Lambert, N. A. - Wu, G.
Journal: Traffic

Recent studies have demonstrated that cargo exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may be directed by ER export motifs recognized by components of the coat protein II (COPII) vesicles. However, little is known about ER export motifs and vesicle targeting of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. Here, we have demonstrated that a triple Arg (3R) motif in the third intracellular loop functions as a novel ER export signal for alpha(2B) -adrenergic receptor (alpha(2B) -AR). The 3R motif mediates alpha(2B) -AR interaction with Sec24C/D and modulates ER exit, cell surface transport and function of alpha(2B) -AR. Furthermore, export function of the 3R motif is independent of its position within alpha(2B) -AR and can be conferred to CD8 glycoprotein. These data provide the first evidence implicating that export of GPCRs is controlled by code-directed interactions with selective components of the COPII transport machinery.

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A Small Peptide Sequence is Sufficient for Initiating Kinesin-1 Activation Through Part of TPR Region of KLC1.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22404616
Authors: Kawano, T. - Araseki, M. - Araki, Y. - Kinjo, M. - Yamamoto, T. - Suzuki, T.
Journal: Traffic

Kinesin-1 anterogradely transports vesicles containing cargo proteins when a protein-protein interaction activates it from an inhibited state. The C-terminal cytoplasmic region of kinesin-1 cargo protein Alcadeinalpha (Alcalpha) interacts with the KLC1 subunit's tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) region, activating kinesin-1's association with vesicles and anterograde transport. We found that either of two 10-amino-acid WD motifs in Alcalpha cytoplasmic region was necessary and sufficient to initiate this activation. An artificial transmembrane protein containing either WD motif induced kinesin-1's vesicular association and anterograde transport in a KLC-dependent manner, even in the normally inhibiting presence of excess KLC1, thus allowing us to analyze the KLC1 TPR-WD functional interaction in detail in vivo. A part of TPR region was dispensable for the WD motifs' activation of kinesin-1 and transport, indicating that only part of the TPR structure is required for this function in vivo. For a different kinesin-1 cargo protein, JIP1, an 11-amino-acid C-terminal region was sufficient to recruit KLC1 to vesicles, but did not activate transport. These observations suggest that structurally different TPR-interacting peptides may have different effects on kinesin-1. This mechanism may partly explain how kinesin-1 can organize the transport of a wide variety of cargo molecules.

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Distinct Role of Subcomplexes of the COPI Coat in the Regulation of ArfGAP2 Activity.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22375848
Authors: Pevzner, I. - Strating, J. - Lifshitz, L. - Parnis, A. - Glaser, F. - Herrmann, A. - Brugger, B. - Wieland, F. - Cassel, D.
Journal: Traffic

COPI vesicles serve for transport of proteins and membrane lipids in the early secretory pathway. Their coat protein (coatomer) is a heptameric complex that is recruited to the Golgi by the small GTPase Arf1. Although recruited en bloc, coatomer can be viewed as a stable assembly of an adaptin-like tetrameric subcomplex (CM4) and a trimeric 'cage' subcomplex (CM3). Following recruitment, coatomer stimulates ArfGAP-dependent GTP hydrolysis on Arf1. Here, we employed recombinant coatomer subcomplexes to study the role of coatomer components in the regulation of ArfGAP2, an ArfGAP whose activity is strictly coatomer-dependent. Within CM4, we define a novel hydrophobic pocket for ArfGAP2 interaction on the appendage domain of gamma(1) -COP. The CM4 subcomplex (but not CM3) is recruited to membranes through Arf1 and can subsequently recruit ArfGAP2. Neither CM3 nor CM4 in itself is effective in stimulating ArfGAP2 activity, but stimulation is regained when both subcomplexes are present. Our findings point to a distinct role of each of the two coatomer subcomplexes in the regulation of ArfGAP2-dependent GTP hydrolysis on Arf1, where the CM4 subcomplex functions in GAP recruitment, while, similarly to the COPII system, the cage-like CM3 subcomplex stimulates the catalytic reaction.

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HDAC6 at the Intersection of Neuroprotection and Neurodegeneration.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22372633
Authors: d'Ydewalle, C. - Bogaert, E. - Van Den Bosch, L.
Journal: Traffic

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) catalyzes multiple reactions. We summarize the current knowledge on HDAC6, its targets and functions. Among others, HDAC6 recognizes damaged proteins and assures that these proteins are destroyed by autophagy. On the other hand, HDAC6 also modifies the tracks used by the clearance mechanism so that axonal transport becomes less efficient. We hypothesize that a disturbance in the equilibrium between the different functions of HDAC6 could play an important role in neurodegeneration.

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A centronuclear myopathy - dynamin 2 mutation impairs autophagy in mice.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22369075
Authors: Durieux, A. C. - Vassilopoulos, S. - Laine, J. - Fraysse, B. - Brinas, L. - Prudhon, B. - Castells, J. - Freyssenet, D. - Bonne, G. - Guicheney, P. - Bitoun, M.
Journal: Traffic

Dynamin 2 (Dnm2) is involved in endocytosis and intracellular membrane trafficking through its function in vesicle formation from distinct membrane compartments. Heterozygous (HTZ) mutations in the DNM2 gene cause dominant centronuclear myopathy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy. We generated a knock-in Dnm2R465W mouse model expressing the most frequent human mutation and recently reported that HTZ mice progressively developed a myopathy. We investigated here the cause of neonatal lethality occurring in homozygous (HMZ) mice. We show that HMZ mice present at birth with a reduced body weight, hypoglycemia, increased liver glycogen content and hepatomegaly, in agreement with a defect in neonatal autophagy. In vitro studies performed in HMZ embryonic fibroblasts point out to a decrease in the autophagy flux prior to degradation at the autolysosome. We show that starved HMZ cells have a higher number of immature autophagy-related structures probably due to a defect of acidification. Our results highlight the role of Dnm2 in the cross talk between endosomal and autophagic pathways and evidence a new role of Dnm2-dependent membrane trafficking in autophagy which may be relevant in DNM2-related human diseases.

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A CRM1-Dependent Nuclear Export Signal Controls Nucleocytoplasmic Translocation of HSCARG, Which Regulates NF-kappaB Activity.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22348310
Authors: Zhang, M. - Hu, B. - Li, T. - Peng, Y. - Guan, J. - Lai, S. - Zheng, X.
Journal: Traffic

HSCARG is a newly identified nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor that plays important roles in cell growth. Our previous study found that HSCARG could shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm by sensing the change in cellular redox states. To further investigate the mechanism of HSCARG translocation and its effect on the regulation of NF-kappaB activity, we identified a previously uncharacterized nuclear export signal (NES) at residues 272-278 of HSCARG that is required for its cytoplasmic translocation. This leucine-rich NES was found to be mediated by chromosome region maintenance 1. More importantly, accumulation of HSCARG in the nucleus occurred following a mutation in the NES or oxidative stress, which attenuated the inhibition of NF-kappaB by HSCARG. These results indicate that nucleocytoplasmic translocation of HSCARG plays an important role in fine-tuning NF-kappaB signaling.

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Protein ligation in living cells using sortase.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22348280
Authors: Strijbis, K. - Spooner, E. - Ploegh, H. L.
Journal: Traffic

Sortagging is a versatile method for site-specific modification of proteins as applied to a variety of in vitro reactions. Here, we explore possibilities of adapting the sortase method for use in living cells. For intracellular sortagging, we employ the Ca(2+) -independent sortase A transpeptidase (SrtA) from Streptococcus pyogenes. Substrate proteins were equipped with the C-terminal sortase-recognition motif (LPXTG); we used proteins with an N-terminal (oligo)glycine as nucleophiles. We show that sortase-dependent protein ligation can be achieved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in mammalian HEK293T cells, both in the cytosol and in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER luminal sortagging enables secretion of the reaction products, among which circular polypeptides. Protein ligation of substrate and nucleophile occurs within 30 min of translation. The versatility of the method is shown by protein ligation of multiple substrates with green fluorescent protein-based nucleophiles in different intracellular compartments.

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Electron tomography reveals Rab6 is essential to the trafficking of trans-Golgi clathrin and COPI-coated vesicles and the maintenance of Golgi cisternal number.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22335553
Authors: Storrie, B. - Micaroni, M. - Morgan, G. P. - Jones, N. - Kamykowski, J. A. - Wilkins, N. - Pan, T. H. - Marsh, B. J.
Journal: Traffic

We have shown previously that Rab6, a small, trans-Golgi-localized GTPase, acts upstream of the conserved oligomeric Golgi complex (COG) and ZW10/RINT1 retrograde tether complexes to maintain Golgi homeostasis. In this article, we present evidence from the unbiased and high-resolution approach of electron microscopy and electron tomography that Rab6 is essential to the trans-Golgi trafficking of two morphological classes of coated vesicles; the larger corresponds to clathrin-coated vesicles and the smaller to coat protein I (COPI)-coated vesicles. On the basis of the site of coated vesicle accumulation, cisternal dilation and the normal kinetics of cargo transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi followed by delayed Golgi to cell surface transport, we suggest that Golgi function in cargo transport is preferentially inhibited at the trans-Golgi/trans-Golgi network (TGN). The >50% increase in Golgi cisternae number in Rab6-depleted HeLa cells that we observed may well be coupled to the trans-Golgi accumulation of COPI-coated vesicles; depletion of the individual Rab6 effector, myosin IIA, produced an accumulation of uncoated vesicles with if anything a decrease in cisternal number. These results are the first evidence for a Rab6-dependent protein machine affecting Golgi-proximal, coated vesicle accumulation and probably transport at the trans-Golgi and the first example of concomitant cisternal proliferation and increased Golgi stack organization under inhibited transport conditions.

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Myosin VI regulates actin dynamics and melanosome biogenesis.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22321127
Authors: Loubery, S. - Delevoye, C. - Louvard, D. - Raposo, G. - Coudrier, E.
Journal: Traffic

Myosin VI has been implicated in various steps of organelle dynamics. However, the molecular mechanism by which this myosin contributes to membrane traffic is poorly understood. Here, we report that myosin VI is associated with a lysosome-related organelle, the melanosome. Using an actin-based motility assay and video microscopy, we observed that myosin VI does not contribute to melanosome movements. Myosin VI expression regulates instead the organization of actin networks in the cytoplasm. Using a cell-free assay, we showed that myosin VI recruited actin at the surface of isolated melanosomes. Myosin VI is involved in the endocytic-recycling pathway, and this pathway contributes to the transport of a melanogenic enzyme to maturing melanosomes. We showed that depletion of myosin VI accumulated a melanogenic enzyme in enlarged melanosomes and increased their melanin content. We confirmed the requirement of myosin VI to regulate melanosome biogenesis by analysing the morphology of melanosomes in choroid cells from of the Snell's waltzer mice that do not express myosin VI. Together, our results provide new evidence that myosin VI regulates the organization of actin dynamics at the surface of a specialized organelle and unravel a novel function of this myosin in regulating the biogenesis of this organelle.

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Nuclear import of exogenous FGF1 requires the ER-protein LRRC59 and the importins Kpnalpha1 and Kpnbeta1.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22321063
Authors: Zhen, Y. - Sorensen, V. - Skjerpen, C. S. - Haugsten, E. M. - Jin, Y. - Walchli, S. - Olsnes, S. - Wiedlocha, A.
Journal: Traffic

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) taken up by cells into endocytic vesicles can be translocated across vesicular membranes into the cytosol and the nucleus where it has a growth regulatory activity. Previously, leucine-rich repeat containing 59 (LRRC59) was identified as an intracellular binding partner of FGF1, but its biological role remained unknown. Here, we show that LRRC59 is strictly required for nuclear import of exogenous FGF1. siRNA-mediated depletion of LRRC59 did not inhibit the translocation of FGF1 into cytosol, but blocked the nuclear import of FGF1. We also found that an nuclear localization sequence (NLS) in FGF1, Ran GTPase, karyopherin-alpha1 (Kpnalpha1), and Kpnbeta1 were required for nuclear import of FGF1. Nuclear import of exogenous FGF2, which depends on CEP57/Translokin, was independent of LRRC59, but was dependent on Kpnalpha1 and Kpnbeta1, while the nuclear import of FGF1 was independent of CEP57. LRRC59 is a membrane-anchored protein that localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the nuclear envelope (NE). We found that LRRC59 possesses NLS-like sequences in its cytosolic part that can mediate nuclear import of soluble LRRC59 variants, and that the localization of LRRC59 to the NE depends on Kpnbeta1. We propose that LRRC59 facilitates transport of cytosolic FGF1 through nuclear pores by interaction with Kpns and movement of LRRC59 along the ER and NE membranes.

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Early and selective impairments in axonal transport kinetics of synaptic cargoes induced by soluble amyloid beta-protein oligomers.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22309053
Authors: Tang, Y. - Scott, D. A. - Das, U. - Edland, S. D. - Radomski, K. - Koo, E. H. - Roy, S.
Journal: Traffic

The downstream targets of amyloid beta (Abeta)-oligomers remain elusive. One hypothesis is that Abeta-oligomers interrupt axonal transport. Although previous studies have demonstrated Abeta-induced transport blockade, early effects of low-n soluble Abeta-oligomers on axonal transport remain unclear. Furthermore, the cargo selectivity for such deficits (if any) or the specific effects of Abeta on the motility kinetics of transported cargoes are also unknown. Toward this, we visualized axonal transport of vesicles in cultured hippocampal neurons treated with picomolar (pm) levels of cell-derived soluble Abeta-oligomers. We examined select cargoes thought to move as distinct organelles and established imaging parameters that allow organelle tracking with consistency and high fidelity - analyzing all data in a blinded fashion. Abeta-oligomers induced early and selective diminutions in velocities of synaptic cargoes but had no effect on mitochondrial motility, contrary to previous reports. These changes were N-methyl D-aspartate receptor/glycogen synthase kinase-3beta dependent and reversible upon washout of the oligomers. Cluster-mode analyses reveal selective attenuations in faster-moving synaptic vesicles, suggesting possible decreases in cargo/motor associations, and biochemical experiments implicate tau phosphorylation in the process. Collectively, the data provide a biological basis for Abeta-induced axonal transport deficits.

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Lipid droplet de novo formation and fission are linked to the cell cycle in fission yeast.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22300234
Authors: Long, A. P. - Manneschmidt, A. K. - VerBrugge, B. - Dortch, M. R. - Minkin, S. C. - Prater, K. E. - Biggerstaff, J. P. - Dunlap, J. R. - Dalhaimer, P.
Journal: Traffic

Cells sequester neutral lipids in bodies called lipid droplets. Thus, the formation and breakdown of the droplets are important for cellular metabolism; unfortunately, these processes are difficult to quantify. Here, we used time-lapse confocal microscopy to track the formation, movement and size changes of lipid droplets throughout the cell cycle in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In theory, the number of lipid droplets in these cells must increase for daughter cells to have the same number of droplets as the parent at a reference point in the cell cycle. We observed stable droplet formation events in G2 phase that were divided evenly between de novo formation of nascent droplets and fission of preexisting droplets. The observations that lipid droplet number is linked to the cell cycle and that droplets can form via fission were both new discoveries. Thus, we scrutinized each fission event for multiple signatures to eliminate possible artifacts from our microscopy. We augmented our time-lapse confocal microscopy with electron microscopy, which showed lipid droplet 'intermediates': droplets shaped like dumbbells that are potentially in transition states between two spherical droplets. Using these complementary microscopy techniques and also dynamic simulations, we show that lipid droplets can form by fission.

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The formation and stability of DC-SIGN microdomains require its extracellular moiety.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22292921
Authors: Liu, P. - Wang, X. - Itano, M. S. - Neumann, A. K. - Jacobson, K. - Thompson, N. L.
Journal: Traffic

Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) is a Ca(2+) -dependent transmembrane lectin that binds a large variety of pathogens and facilitates their uptake for subsequent antigen presentation. This receptor is present in cell surface microdomains, but factors involved in microdomain formation and their exceptional stability are not clear. To determine which domain/motif of DC-SIGN facilitates its presence in microdomains, we studied mutations at key locations including truncation of the cytoplasmic tail, and ectodomain mutations that resulted in the removal of the N-linked glycosylation site, the tandem repeats and the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), as well as modification of the calcium sites in the CRD required for carbohydrate binding. Confocal imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements showed that the cytoplasmic domain and the N-linked glycosylation site do not affect the ability of DC-SIGN to form stable microdomains. However, truncation of the CRD results in complete loss of visible microdomains and subsequent lateral diffusion of the mutants. Apart from cell adhesions, membrane domains are thought to be localized primarily via the cytoskeleton. By contrast, we propose that interactions between the CRD of DC-SIGN and the extracellular matrix and/or cis interactions with transmembrane scaffolding protein(s) play an essential role in organizing these microdomains.

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Assessing the tendency of fluorescent proteins to oligomerize under physiologic conditions.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22289035
Authors: Costantini, L. M. - Fossati, M. - Francolini, M. - Snapp, E. L.
Journal: Traffic

Several fluorescent proteins (FPs) are prone to forming low-affinity oligomers. This undesirable tendency is exacerbated when FPs are confined to membranes or when fused to naturally oligomeric proteins. Oligomerization of FPs limits their suitability for creating fusions with proteins of interest. Unfortunately, no standardized method evaluates the biologically relevant oligomeric state of FPs. Here, we describe a quantitative visual assay for assessing whether FPs are sufficiently monomeric under physiologic conditions. Membrane-associated FP-fusion proteins, by virtue of their constrained planar geometry, achieve high effective concentrations. We exploited this propensity to develop an assay to measure FP tendencies to oligomerize in cells. FPs were fused on the cytoplasmic end of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signal-anchor membrane protein (CytERM) and expressed in cells. Cells were scored based on the ability of CytERM to homo-oligomerize with proteins on apposing membranes and restructure the ER from a tubular network into organized smooth ER (OSER) whorl structures. The ratio of nuclear envelope and OSER structures mean fluorescent intensities for cells expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or monomeric green fluorescent protein (mGFP) CytERM established standards for comparison of uncharacterized FPs. We tested three FPs and identified two as sufficiently monomeric, while a third previously reported as monomeric was found to strongly oligomerize.

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Apicoplast targeting of a Toxoplasma gondii transmembrane protein requires a cytosolic tyrosine-based motif.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22288938
Authors: DeRocher, A. E. - Karnataki, A. - Vaney, P. - Parsons, M.
Journal: Traffic

Toxoplasma gondii, like most apicomplexan parasites, possesses an essential relict chloroplast, the apicoplast. Several apicoplast membrane proteins lack the bipartite targeting sequences of luminal proteins. Vesicles bearing these membrane proteins are detected during apicoplast enlargement, but the means of cargo selection remains obscure. We used a combination of deletion mutagenesis, point mutations and protein chimeras to identify a short motif prior to the first transmembrane domain of the T. gondii apicoplast phosphate transporter 1 (APT1) that is necessary for apicoplast trafficking. Tyrosine 16 was essential for proper localization; any substitution resulted in misdirection of APT1 to the Golgi body. Glycine 17 was also important, with significant Golgi body accumulation in the alanine mutant. Separation of at least eight amino acids from the transmembrane domain was required for full motif function. Similarly placed YG motifs are present in apicomplexan APT1 orthologs and the corresponding N-terminal domain from Plasmodium vivax was able to route T. gondii APT1 to the apicoplast. Differential permeabilization showed that both the N- and C-termini of APT1 are exposed to the cytosol. We propose that this YG motif facilitates APT1 trafficking via interactions that occur on the cytosolic face of nascent vesicles destined for the apicoplast.

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Rabankyrin-5 interacts with EHD1 and Vps26 to regulate endocytic trafficking and retromer function.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22284051
Authors: Zhang, J. - Reiling, C. - Reinecke, J. B. - Prislan, I. - Marky, L. A. - Sorgen, P. L. - Naslavsky, N. - Caplan, S.
Journal: Traffic

Rabankyrin-5 (Rank-5) has been implicated as an effector of the small GTPase Rab5 and plays an important role in macropinocytosis. We have now identified Rank-5 as an interaction partner for the recycling regulatory protein, Eps15 homology domain 1 (EHD1). We have demonstrated this interaction by glutathione S-transferase-pulldown, yeast two-hybrid assay, isothermal calorimetry and co-immunoprecipitation, and found that the binding occurs between the EH domain of EHD1 and the NPFED motif of Rank-5. Similar to EHD1, we found that Rank-5 colocalizes and interacts with components of the retromer complex such as vacuolar protein sorting 26 (Vps26), suggesting a role for Rank-5 in retromer-based transport. Indeed, depletion of Rank-5 causes mislocalization of Vps26 and affects both the retrieval of mannose 6-phosphate receptor transport to the Golgi from endosomes and biosynthetic transport. Moreover, Rank-5 is required for normal retromer distribution, as overexpression of a wild-type Rank-5-small interfering RNA-resistant construct rescues retromer mislocalization. Finally, we show that depletion of either Rank-5 or EHD1 impairs secretion of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein. Overall, our data identify a new interaction between Rank-5 and EHD1, and novel endocytic regulatory roles that include retromer-based transport and secretion.

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Quality control compartments coming of age.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22280095
Authors: Ben-Gedalya, T. - Cohen, E.
Journal: Traffic

Maintenance of proteome integrity (proteostasis) is essential for cellular and organismal survival. Various cellular mechanisms work to preserve proteostasis by ensuring correct protein maturation and efficient degradation of misfolded and damaged proteins. Despite this cellular effort, under certain circumstances subsets of aggregation-prone proteins escape the quality control surveillance, accumulate within the cell and form insoluble aggregates that can lead to the development of disorders including late-onset neurodegenerative diseases. Cells respond to the appearance of insoluble aggregates by actively transporting them to designated deposition sites where they often undergo degradation. Although several protein aggregate deposition sites have been described and extensively studied, key questions regarding their biological roles and how they are affected by aging remained unanswered. Here we review the recent advances in the field, describe the different subtypes of these cellular compartments and outline the evidence that these structures change their properties over time. Finally, we propose models to explain the possible mechanistic links between aggregate deposition sites, neurodegenerative disorders and the aging process.

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Membrane trafficking pathways in Alzheimer's disease.

Publication Date: 2012 Jun PMID: 22269004
Authors: Rajendran, L. - Annaert, W.
Journal: Traffic

Membrane proteins are constantly being trafficked in cells and the relevant proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its processing enzymes, are not exempted from that. Molecular cell biologists have been endeavoring to ascertain a roadmap for APP processing and trafficking in various cell types including neurons. This has led to the identification of numerous regulatory sorting mechanisms, protein-protein interactions and lipidic microenvironments that largely define how and where the substrate APP meets its processing enzymes. However, the cell biology of tau, and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, has long been regarded as a separate field. Nonetheless, recent progress is bringing both worlds together in a new paradigm on how Abeta toxicity and tau are physiologically connected. Here, we discuss an update of our current appraisal on how membrane trafficking may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease and how this could be exploited for effective therapy.

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Regulated exocytosis: novel insights from intravital microscopy.

Publication Date: 2012 May PMID: 22243493
Authors: Masedunskas, A. - Porat-Shliom, N. - Weigert, R.
Journal: Traffic

Regulated exocytosis is a fundamental process that every secretory cell uses to deliver molecules to the cell surface and the extracellular space by virtue of membranous carriers. This process has been extensively studied using various approaches such as biochemistry, electrophysiology and electron microscopy. However, recent developments in time-lapse light microscopy have made possible imaging individual exocytic events, hence, advancing our understanding of this process at a molecular level. In this review, we focus on intravital microscopy (IVM), a light microscopy-based approach that enables imaging subcellular structures in live animals, and discuss its recent application to study regulated exocytosis. IVM has revealed differences in regulation and modality of regulated exocytosis between in vitro and in vivo model systems, unraveled novel aspects of this process that can be appreciated only in in vivo settings and provided valuable and novel information on its molecular machinery. In conclusion, we make the case for IVM being a mature technique that can be used to investigate the molecular machinery of several intracellular events under physiological conditions.

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