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Biomedical subjects

S R Terlecky

Publications and source records attributed to S R Terlecky.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Quantitative analysis of peroxisomal protein import in vitro.

Protein import into the peroxisome matrix is mediated by peroxisome-targeting signals (PTSs). We have developed a novel, quantitative, in vitro assay for measuring peroxisomal import of PTS1-containing proteins. This enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based system utilizes semi-intact human A431 cells or fibroblasts and a biotinylated version of the PTS1-containing import substrate, luciferase. We show that biotinylated luciferase accumulated in peroxisomes in a time- and temperature-dependent fashion, in a reaction stimulated by exogenously added ATP, cytosol, and zinc. No import was detected in fibroblasts from a human patient belonging to complementation group 2, who suffered from the fatal peroxisomal disorder Zellweger syndrome and lacked a functional PTS1 receptor, Pex5p. Also, the reaction was significantly inhibited by antibodies to the zinc-finger protein, Pex2p. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that biotinylated luciferase was imported into the lumen of bona fide peroxisomes. (a) Biochemical fractionation of cells after the import reaction showed a time-dependent accumulation of the import substrate within intracellular organelles. (b) Confocal fluorescence microscopy indicated that imported biotinylated luciferase colocalized with the peroxisomal protein PMP70. (c) Visualization of the imported biotinylated luciferase by indirect fluorescence or indirect immunofluorescence required disruption of the peroxisomal membrane, indicating true import rather than binding to the outside of the organelle.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PTS2 protein import into mammalian peroxisomes.

Peroxisome targeting signal (PTS)2 directs proteins from their site of synthesis in the cytosol to the lumen of the peroxisome. Unlike PTS1 which is present in the great majority of peroxisomal matrix proteins and whose import mechanics have been dissected in considerable detail, PTS2 is a relatively rare topogenic signal whose import mechanisms are far less well understood. However, as is the case for PTS1 proteins, an inability to import PTS2 proteins leads to human disease. In this report, we describe the biochemical characterization of mammalian PTS2 protein import using a semi-permeabilized cell system. We show that a PTS2-containing reporter molecule is taken up by peroxisomes in a reaction that is time-, temperature-, ATP-, and cytosol-dependent. Furthermore, the import process is specific, saturable, and requires action of the chaperone Hsc70, the cochaperone Hsp40, and the peroxins Pex5p and Pex14p. We also demonstrate peroxisomal translocation of PTS2 reporter/antibody complexes confirming the import competence of higher order structures. Importantly, cultured fibroblasts from patients with the rhizomelic form of chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) which are deficient for the PTS2 receptor protein, Pex7p, are unable to import the PTS2 reporter in this assay. The ability to monitor PTS2 import in vitro will permit, for the first time, a detailed comparison of the biochemical properties of PTS1 and PTS2 protein import.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acetyltransferase↗

How peroxisomes arise.

Peroxisomes are formed by the synthesis and assembly of membrane proteins and lipids, the selective import of proteins from the cytosol, and the growth and division of resultant organelles. To date, 23 proteins, called peroxins, are known to participate in these processes. This review summarizes recent progress in peroxin characterization and examines the underlying molecular mechanisms of peroxisome biosynthesis.

Animals↗

Identification of a human PTS1 receptor docking protein directly required for peroxisomal protein import.

The discovery of many fatal human disorders resulting from impaired peroxisomal protein import makes the functional characterization of human peroxins critical. As part of our attempt to identify novel human genes and gene products involved in the import of peroxisomal proteins, we raised antisera against peroxisomal membrane proteins. One such antiserum inhibited peroxisomal protein import in semipermeabilized mammalian cells. This "import inhibiting" antiserum, ab-MF3, specifically recognized a 57-kDa protein. Immunoblot analysis of rat liver subcellular fractions demonstrated that this protein was present exclusively in peroxisomal membranes. Functional analysis revealed that this 57-kDa molecule bound the PTS1 receptor, Pex5p, in ligand blots, suggesting it is a docking site on the peroxisomal membrane. Previous studies have identified two yeast proteins, Pex14p and Pex13p, as Pex5p-binding proteins. To facilitate the biochemical analysis of peroxisomal membrane docking proteins, we cloned and expressed the previously unidentified human Pex14p, as well as a human Pex13p that is 39 aa longer than previously reported. Recombinant Pex14p was specifically recognized by the "import inhibiting" ab-MF3 and bound Pex5p and the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain of Pex13p in ligand blots. These studies demonstrate that the ab-MF3-immunoreactive, 57-kDa peroxisomal membrane protein is Pex14p. Furthermore, this peroxin interacts with Pex5p and Pex13p(SH3) and is directly required for peroxisomal protein import.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An intralysosomal hsp70 is required for a selective pathway of lysosomal protein degradation.

Previous studies have implicated the heat shock cognate (hsc) protein of 73 kD (hsc73) in stimulating a lysosomal pathway of proteolysis that is selective for particular cytosolic proteins. This pathway is activated by serum deprivation in confluent cultured human fibroblasts. We now show, using indirect immunofluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy, that a heat shock protein (hsp) of the 70-kD family (hsp70) is associated with lysosomes (ly-hsc73). An mAb designated 13D3 specifically recognizes hsc73, and this antibody colocalizes with an antibody to lgp120, a lysosomal marker protein. Most, but not all, lysosomes contain ly-hsc73, and the morphological appearance of these organelles dramatically changes in response to serum withdrawal; the punctate lysosomes fuse to form tubules. Based on susceptibility to digestion by trypsin and by immunoblot analysis after two-dimensional electrophoresis of isolated lysosomes and isolated lysosomal membranes, most ly-hsc73 is within the lysosomal lumen. We determined the functional importance of the ly-hsc73 by radiolabeling cellular proteins with [3H]leucine and then allowing cells to endocytose excess mAb 13D3 before measuring protein degradation in the presence and absence of serum. The increased protein degradation in response to serum deprivation was completely inhibited by endocytosed mAb 13D3, while protein degradation in cells maintained in the presence of serum was unaffected. The intralysosomal digestion of endocytosed [3H]RNase A was not affected by the endocytosed mAb 13D3. These results suggest that ly-hsc73 is required for a step in the degradative pathway before protein digestion within lysosomes, most likely for the import of substrate proteins.

Animals↗

Signals, receptors, and cytosolic factors involved in peroxisomal protein import.

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous eukaryotic organelles which function in a wide variety of metabolic processes. The many lethal human disorders associated with defects in peroxisomal protein import underscore the importance of this organelle. In recent years, the evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanisms of protein targeting to, and translocation across, peroxisomal membranes have begun to emerge. Signals which route proteins to the organelle have been identified, as have cytosolic, membrane-associated, and lumenal components of the import machinery. The goal of this brief review was to summarize our current knowledge of some of these molecules and to describe several potential mechanisms by which peroxisomes selectively import their constituent proteins. Aspects of these mechanisms that distinguish peroxisomal protein import from protein targeting to other organelles are highlighted.

Biological Transport↗

The cytosolic and membrane components required for peroxisomal protein import.

Peroxisomes are vital intracellular organelles which house enzymes involved in a variety of metabolic pathways. The large number of human disorders associated with flawed peroxisome biogenesis emphasizes the importance of protein targeting to, and translocation across, the peroxisomal membrane. This brief review will summarize some of the emerging themes of peroxisomal protein import, specifically addressing the targeting signals possessed by constituent proteins, as well as the cytosolic, membrane and luminal components of the import machinery. Although a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of peroxisomal protein import is not yet available, remarkable progress has been made in the field in recent years. An overview of these advances will be presented.

Biological Transport↗

The Pichia pastoris peroxisomal protein PAS8p is the receptor for the C-terminal tripeptide peroxisomal targeting signal.

The peroxisomal targeting signal 1 (PTS1), consisting of a C-terminal tripeptide (SKL and variants), directs polypeptides to the peroxisome matrix in evolutionarily diverse organisms. Previous studies in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris identified a 68 kDa protein, PAS8p, as a potential component of the PTS1 import machinery. We now report several new properties of this molecule which, taken together, show that it is the peroxisomal PTS1 receptor. (i) PAS8p is localized to and tightly associated with the cytoplasmic side of the peroxisomal membrane, (ii) peroxisomes of wild-type, but not of pas8 delta (null) mutant, P.pastoris cells bind a PTS1-containing peptide (CRYHLKPLQSKL), (iii) CRYHLKPLQSKL can be cross-linked to PAS8p after binding at the peroxisome membrane and (iv) purified PAS8p binds CRYHLKPLQSKL with high affinity (nanomolar dissociation constant). In addition, the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of PAS8p is identified as the PTS1 binding region.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Activation of a selective pathway of lysosomal proteolysis in rat liver by prolonged starvation.

Lysosomal uptake and degradation of polypeptides such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ribonuclease A (RNase A), and RNase S-peptide (residues 1-20 of RNase A) are progressively activated in rat liver by starvation before isolation of lysosomes. This pathway of proteolysis is selective, since it is stimulated by the heat shock cognate protein of 73 kDa (HSC73) and ATP-MgCl2, and lysosomal uptake of RNase A could be competed by GAPDH but not by ovalbumin. A portion of intracellular HSC73 is associated with certain lysosomes, and the amount of lysosomal HSC73 increases by 5- to 10-fold during prolonged starvation. The lysosome-associated HSC73 is primarily within the lysosomal lumen. Double immunogold labeling of lysosomes incubated in vitro with RNase A detects this protein substrate as well as HSC73 within lysosomes. More than two-thirds of the labeled lysosomes contain both RNase A and HSC73. The possible physiological significance of the activation of this selective pathway of lysosomal proteolysis in long-term starvation is discussed.

Animals↗

Hsp70s and lysosomal proteolysis.

Confluent cultured cells activate a lysosomal pathway of polypeptide breakdown in response to withdrawal of serum growth factors. The substrates for this proteolytic pathway are a restricted class of cytosolic polypeptides containing peptide sequences biochemically related to lysine-phenylalanine-glutamate-arginine-glutamine, or, in single amino acid abbreviations, KFERQ. The heat shock cognate protein of 73 kD (hsc73) binds to a variety of polypeptides via this molecular determinant and facilitates their lysosomal import and degradation. In addition, a portion of intracellular hsc73 resides within the lysosome and appears to be an essential component of the proteolytic machinery. Several potential mechanisms by which hsc73 mediates selective lysosomal import and degradation of polypeptides are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Selective binding and uptake of ribonuclease A and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by isolated rat liver lysosomes.

Ribonuclease A (RNase A) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) are selectively taken up and degraded by isolated rat liver lysosomes by very similar processes. The uptake and degradation of both of these proteins are stimulated by the heat shock cognate protein of 73 kDa and ATP/Mg2+. Both binding and uptake of RNase A and GAPDH by lysosomes are saturable, and uptake of RNase A and GAPDH requires a protease-sensitive component within the lysosomal membrane. GAPDH competes for binding and uptake of RNase A by lysosomes and vice versa while another protein, ovalbumin, does not compete. RNase S-peptide (amino acids 1-20 of RNase A) also competes for RNase A binding and uptake by lysosomes, while RNase S-protein (amino acids 21-124 of RNase A) does not compete. The uptake of RNase A by lysosomes appears to involve an intermediate step in which approximately 2 kDa of the polypeptide's COOH terminus remains outside lysosomes while the remainder is inside the lysosomal lumen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Polypeptide import and degradation by isolated lysosomes.

We reported previously that lysosomes derived from human diploid fibroblasts import and degrade polypeptides and that these processes are stimulated by ATP and by the heat shock cognate protein of 73 kDa (hsc73). We now report several new aspects of this in vitro proteolytic pathway. (a) Among four polypeptides tested, this pathway appears to be selective for those containing KFERQ-like peptide motifs. (b) Substrate proteins specifically bind to a protein-containing site on lysosomal membranes. (c) Lysosomes derived from serum-deprived cells are twice as active as those from serum-supplemented cells. (d) A portion of intracellular hsc73 is associated with lysosomes, and the amount of lysosomal hsc73 increases in response to serum withdrawal. Additional characterization of this proteolytic pathway not reported previously shows that intact lysosomes are required, the import process is saturable with an apparent Km of 5 microM for RNase S-peptide, and reducing agents activate this lysosomal import and degradation pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Protein and peptide binding and stimulation of in vitro lysosomal proteolysis by the 73-kDa heat shock cognate protein.

Lysosomal degradation of intracellular proteins during serum withdrawal is stimulated by a member of the 70-kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) family (Chiang, H.-L., Terlecky, S. R., Plant, C. P., and Dice, J. F. (1989) Science 246, 382-385). This hsp70, isolated by affinity chromatography with RNase S-peptide-Sepharose, is referred to as the 73-kDa peptide recognition protein (prp73). We now report that prp73 binds to several proteins and peptides whose degradative rates are increased during serum withdrawal. prp73 also binds to the pentapeptide, KFERQ, and more weakly to most modified RNase S-peptide derivatives with a single amino acid substitution within the KFERQ sequence. Taken together, these results suggest that prp73 binds to a variety of proteins at peptide regions biochemically related to KFERQ. Three lines of evidence indicate that prp73 is the heat shock cognate protein of 73 kDa (hsc73): (a) among five hsp70s tested, hsc73 binds to RNase S-peptide most avidly, (b) both prp73 and hsc73 also bind to RNase A and aspartate aminotransferase but not to ovalbumin, lysozyme, or ubiquitin, and (c) both prp73 and hsc73 promote uptake and degradation of [3H] RNase S-peptide by lysosomes in vitro, while three other hsp70s are without activity in this assay.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Targeting specific proteins for lysosomal proteolysis.

A class of cytosolic proteins has been identified that are degraded faster (have shorter half-lives) in human diploid fibroblasts deprived of serum. In RNase A, a model protein used for these studies, a pentapeptide comprising amino acids 7-11, Lys-Phe-Glu-Arg-Gln or KFERQ, is responsible for its enhanced degradation. The cytosolic proteins that are degraded faster during serum deprivation are recognized by an antiKFERQ antibody and, therefore, probably contain variations of the KFERQ motif. These cytosolic proteins are degraded in lysosomes. Transport into lysosomes in vitro is stimulated by ATP and the heat shock cognate protein of 73 kDa (hsc73).

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

A pathway of lysosomal proteolysis mediated by the 73-kilodalton heat shock cognate protein.

Cultured IMR-90 diploid human lung fibroblasts respond to withdrawal of serum or growth factors by increasing protein degradation. This increase, due to enhanced transfer of proteins into lysosomes, is specific for a class of intracellular proteins containing peptide sequences biochemically related to Lysine-Phenylalanine-Glutamate-Arginine-Glutamine (KFERQ). This peptide motif is recognized by an intracellular protein which facilitates its transfer into lysosomes in vitro and presumably, in vivo. We called this protein the peptide recognition protein of 73-kilodaltons (prp73). We have shown prp73 to be the constitutive member of the heat shock 70kD family (hsc73) by a variety of criteria. Furthermore, our reconstitution of this pathway of lysosomal degradation in vitro has provided insight in to the molecular mechanisms and requisite biochemical components.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Targeting of cytosolic proteins to lysosomes for degradation.

We review evidence for a pathway by which specific cytosolic proteins are targeted to lysosomes for degradation in cultured cells in response to serum withdrawal. This pathway is also activated by starvation in several rat tissues. The enhanced degradation is specific for a class of intracellular proteins containing peptide sequences related to residues 7 to 11 of ribonuclease A (RNase A). The amino acid sequence of this pentapeptide is lysine-phenylalanine-glutamate-arginine-glutamine, or, in single letter amino acid abbreviations, KFERQ. A heat shock protein of 73 kDa binds to such peptide regions in proteins and somehow mediates their transfer to lysosomes for degradation. The recent reconstitution of this lysosomal pathway of proteolysis in vitro should permit detailed mechanistic analysis of how proteins are directed to and translocated across lysosomal membranes.

Animals↗