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Kv beta subunit oxidoreductase activity and Kv1 potassium channel trafficking.

Voltage-gated Kv1 potassium channels consist of pore-forming alpha subunits and cytoplasmic Kv beta subunits. The latter play diverse roles in modulating the gating, stability, and trafficking of Kv1 channels. The crystallographic structure of the Kv beta2 subunit revealed surprising structural homology with aldo-keto reductases, including a triosephosphate isomerase barrel structure, conservation of key catalytic residues, and a bound NADP(+) cofactor (Gulbis, J. M., Mann, S., and MacKinnon, R. (1999) Cell 90, 943-952). Each Kv1-associated Kv beta subunit (Kv beta 1.1, Kv beta 1.2, Kv beta 2, and Kv beta 3) shares striking amino acid conservation in key catalytic and cofactor binding residues. Here, by a combination of structural modeling and biochemical and cell biological analyses of structure-based mutations, we investigate the potential role for putative Kv beta subunit enzymatic activity in the trafficking of Kv1 channels. We found that all Kv beta subunits promote cell surface expression of coexpressed Kv1.2 alpha subunits in transfected COS-1 cells. Kv beta1.1 and Kv beta 2 point mutants lacking a key catalytic tyrosine residue found in the active site of all aldo-keto reductases have wild-type trafficking characteristics. However, mutations in residues within the NADP(+) binding pocket eliminated effects on Kv1.2 trafficking. In cultured hippocampal neurons, Kv beta subunit coexpression led to axonal targeting of Kv1.2, recapitulating the Kv1.2 localization observed in many brain neurons. Similar to the trafficking results in COS-1 cells, mutations within the cofactor binding pocket reduced axonal targeting of Kv1.2, whereas those in the catalytic tyrosine did not. Together, these data suggest that NADP(+) binding and/or the integrity of the binding pocket structure, but not catalytic activity, of Kv beta subunits is required for intracellular trafficking of Kv1 channel complexes in mammalian cells and for axonal targeting in neurons.

Animals↗

Presenilins and gamma-secretase inhibitors affect intracellular trafficking and cell surface localization of the gamma-secretase complex components.

The intramembranous cleavage of Alzheimer beta-amyloid precursor protein and the signaling receptor Notch is mediated by the presenilin (PS, PS1/PS2)-gamma-secretase complex, the components of which also include nicastrin, APH-1, and PEN-2. In addition to its essential role in gamma-secretase activity, we and others have reported that PS1 plays a role in intracellular trafficking of select membrane proteins including nicastrin. Here we examined the fate of PEN-2 in the absence of PS expression or gamma-secretase activity. We found that PEN-2 is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and has a much shorter half-life in PS-deficient cells than in wild type cells, suggesting that PSs are required for maintaining the stability and proper subcellular trafficking of PEN-2. However, the function of PS in PEN-2 trafficking is distinct from its contribution to gamma-secretase activity because inhibition of gamma-secretase activity by gamma-secretase inhibitors did not affect the PEN-2 level or its egress from the endoplasmic reticulum. Instead, membrane-permeable gamma-secretase inhibitors, but not a membrane-impermeable derivative, markedly increased the cell surface levels of PS1 and PEN-2 without affecting that of nicastrin. In support of its role in PEN-2 trafficking, PS1 was also required for the gamma-secretase inhibitor-induced plasma membrane accumulation of PEN-2. We further showed that gamma-secretase inhibitors specifically accelerated the Golgi to the cell surface transport of PS1 and PEN-2. Taken together, we demonstrate an essential role for PSs in intracellular trafficking of the gamma-secretase components, and that selective gamma-secretase inhibitors differentially affect the trafficking of the gamma-secretase components, which may contribute to an inactivation of gamma-secretase.

Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases↗

Novel function for receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) in post-endocytic receptor trafficking.

RAMPs (1-3) are single transmembrane accessory proteins crucial for plasma membrane expression, which also determine receptor phenotype of various G-protein-coupled receptors. For example, adrenomedullin receptors are comprised of RAMP2 or RAMP3 (AM1R and AM2R, respectively) and calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), while a CRLR heterodimer with RAMP1 yields a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor. The major aim of this study was to determine the role of RAMPs in receptor trafficking. We hypothesized that a PDZ type I domain present in the C terminus of RAMP3, but not in RAMP1 or RAMP2, leads to protein-protein interactions that determine receptor trafficking. Employing adenylate cyclase assays, radioligand binding, and immunofluorescence microscopy, we observed that in HEK293 cells the CRLR-RAMP complex undergoes agonist-stimulated desensitization and internalization and fails to resensitize (i.e. degradation of the receptor complex). Co-expression of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) with the CRLR-RAMP3 complex, but not CRLR-RAMP1 or CRLR-RAMP2 complex, altered receptor trafficking to a recycling pathway. Mutational analysis of RAMP3, by deletion and point mutations, indicated that the PDZ motif of RAMP3 interacts with NSF to cause the change in trafficking. The role of RAMP3 and NSF in AM2R recycling was confirmed in rat mesangial cells, where RNA interference with RAMP3 and pharmacological inhibition of NSF both resulted in a lack of receptor resensitization/recycling after agonist-stimulated desensitization. These findings provide the first functional difference between the AM1R and AM2R at the level of post-endocytic receptor trafficking. These results indicate a novel function for RAMP3 in the post-endocytic sorting of the AM-R and suggest a broader regulatory role for RAMPs in receptor trafficking.

Animals↗

A carboxyl-terminal determinant of the neuronal glutamate transporter, EAAC1, is required for platelet-derived growth factor-dependent trafficking.

The neuronal glutamate transporter, EAAC1 (excitatory amino acid carrier 1), undergoes rapid regulation after treatment with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or phorbol ester in C6 glioma cells and neurons. A large intracellular pool of EAAC1 exists, from which transporters are redistributed to the cell surface in response to these signals. Here we show that PDGF had no effect on subcellular localization of the glial glutamate transporter, GLT-1, after transfection into C6 glioma cells. Chimeras consisting of domains from EAAC1 or GLT-1 were used to investigate structural motifs involved in PDGF-dependent redistribution of EAAC1. PDGF did not induce trafficking of an EAAC1 chimera containing the carboxyl-terminal domain of GLT-1; however, it did induce trafficking of a GLT-1 chimera containing the carboxyl-terminal domain of EAAC1. A truncated mutant of EAAC1 lacking 10 carboxyl-terminal amino acids was responsive to PDGF, whereas a mutant lacking 20 residues was not. Alanine substitution mutagenesis in this region revealed a short motif, (502)YVN(504), necessary for regulated trafficking. This motif was also involved in protein kinase C-dependent trafficking, as mutant transporters exhibited an attenuated response to phorbol ester. Interestingly, the presence of YVN in the homologous region of a nonresponsive chimera was not sufficient to confer regulated trafficking; however, the presence of a 12-amino acid motif starting at this Tyr residue was sufficient to confer responsiveness to PDGF. These studies identify a novel motif within the carboxyl terminus of EAAC1 which is required for regulated trafficking. The possibility that this motif targets EAAC1 to an intracellular, "regulated pool" is discussed.

Alanine↗

Hurdles to lymphocyte trafficking in the tumor microenvironment: implications for effective immunotherapy.

An important consideration in the development of T cell-based cancer immunotherapy is that effector T cells must efficiently traffic to the tumor microenvironment in order to control malignant progression. T cell trafficking to target tissues is orchestrated by dynamic interactions between circulating lymphocytes and endothelial cells lining blood vessels. It is informative, in this regard, to compare and contrast the molecular mechanisms governing lymphocyte extravasation at distinct vascular sites: (1) high endothelial venules (HEV) of secondary lymphoid organs, which are portals for efficient trafficking of naive and central memory T lymphocytes; (2) non-activated endothelium of normal tissues that mediate relatively low basal levels of trafficking but are rapidly transformed into HEV-like vessels in response to local inflammatory stimuli; and (3) vessels within the intratumoral region and the surrounding peritumoral areas. These vessels can be distinguished by differential expression of hallmark trafficking molecules that function as molecular beacons directing lymphocyte migration across vascular barriers. This article reviews evidence that recruitment of effector T cells to the intratumoral microenvironment is impeded by sub-threshold expression of trafficking molecules on tumor microvessels. Emerging data support the thesis that when considered from the perspective of extravasation, vessels embedded within the intratumoral microenvironment of established tumors do not exhibit stereotypical characteristics of a chronic inflammatory state. A major challenge will be to develop therapeutic approaches to improve trafficking of effector T lymphocytes to tumor sites without skewing the balance in favor of a chronic inflammatory milieu that facilitates tumor maintenance and progression.

Animals↗

Differential roles of syntaxin 7 and syntaxin 8 in endosomal trafficking.

To understand molecular mechanisms that regulate the intricate and dynamic organization of the endosomal compartment, it is important to establish the morphology, molecular composition, and functions of the different organelles involved in endosomal trafficking. Syntaxins and vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) families, also known as soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), have been implicated in mediating membrane fusion and may play a role in determining the specificity of vesicular trafficking. Although several SNAREs, including VAMP3/cellubrevin, VAMP8/endobrevin, syntaxin 13, and syntaxin 7, have been localized to the endosomal membranes, their precise localization, biochemical interactions, and function remain unclear. Furthermore, little is known about SNAREs involved in lysosomal trafficking. So far, only one SNARE, VAMP7, has been localized to late endosomes (LEs), where it is proposed to mediate trafficking of epidermal growth factor receptor to LEs and lysosomes. Here we characterize the localization and function of two additional endosomal syntaxins, syntaxins 7 and 8, and propose that they mediate distinct steps of endosomal protein trafficking. Both syntaxins are found in SNARE complexes that are dissociated by alpha-soluble NSF attachment protein and NSF. Syntaxin 7 is mainly localized to vacuolar early endosomes (EEs) and may be involved in protein trafficking from the plasma membrane to the EE as well as in homotypic fusion of endocytic organelles. In contrast, syntaxin 8 is likely to function in clathrin-independent vesicular transport and membrane fusion events necessary for protein transport from EEs to LEs.

Animals↗

Golgi-to-late endosome trafficking of the yeast pheromone processing enzyme Ste13p is regulated by a phosphorylation site in its cytosolic domain.

This study addressed whether phosphorylation regulates trafficking of yeast membrane proteins that cycle between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and endosomal system. The TGN membrane proteins A-ALP, a model protein containing the Ste13p cytosolic domain fused to alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Kex2p were found to be phosphorylated in vivo. Mutation of the S13 residue on the cytosolic domain of A-ALP to Ala was found to block trafficking to the prevacuolar compartment (PVC), whereas a S13D mutation generated to mimic phosphorylation accelerated trafficking into the PVC. The S13 residue was shown by mass spectrometry to be phosphorylated. The rate of endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport of newly synthesized A(S13A)-ALP was indistinguishable from wild-type, indicating that the lack of transport of A(S13A)-ALP to the PVC was instead due to differences in Golgi/endosomal trafficking. The A(S13A)-ALP protein exhibited a TGN-like localization similar to that of wild-type A-ALP. Similarly, the S13A mutation in endogenous Ste13p did not reduce the extent of or longevity of its localization to the TGN as shown by alpha-factor processing assays. These results indicate that S13 phosphorylation is required for TGN-to-PVC trafficking of A-ALP and imply that phosphorylation of S13 may regulate recognition of A-ALP by vesicular trafficking machinery.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Regulation of membrane trafficking by a novel Cdc42-related protein in Caenorhabditis elegans epithelial cells.

Rho GTPases are mainly known for their implication in cytoskeleton remodeling. They have also been recently shown to regulate various aspects of membrane trafficking. Here, we report the identification and the characterization of a novel Caenorhabditis elegans Cdc42-related protein, CRP-1, that shows atypical enzymatic characteristics in vitro. Expression in mouse fibroblasts revealed that, in contrast with CDC-42, CRP-1 was unable to reorganize the actin cytoskeleton and mainly localized to trans-Golgi network and recycling endosomes. This subcellular localization, as well as its expression profile restricted to a subset of epithelial-like cells in C. elegans, suggested a potential function for this protein in polarized membrane trafficking. Consistent with this hypothesis, alteration of CRP-1 expression affected the apical trafficking of CHE-14 in vulval and rectal epithelial cells and sphingolipids (C(6)-NBD-ceramide) uptake and/or trafficking in intestinal cells. However, it did not affect basolateral trafficking of myotactin in the pharynx and the targeting of IFB-2 and AJM-1, two cytosolic apical markers of intestine epithelial cells. Hence, our data demonstrate a function for CRP-1 in the regulation of membrane trafficking in a subset of cells with epithelial characteristics.

Actins↗

Pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of hsp90-dependent trafficking reduces aggregation and promotes degradation of the expanded glutamine androgen receptor without stress protein induction.

The molecular chaperone hsp90 has emerged as an important therapeutic target in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, including the polyglutamine expansion disorders, because of its ability to regulate the activity, turnover and trafficking of many proteins. For neurodegenerative disorders associated with protein aggregation, the rationale has been that inhibition of hsp90 by geldanamycin and related compounds activates heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) to induce the production of the chaperones hsp70 and hsp40 that promote disaggregation and protein degradation. However, we show here that geldanamycin blocks the development of aggregates of the expanded glutamine androgen receptor (AR112Q) of Kennedy disease in Hsf1(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts where these chaperones are not induced. Geldanamycin is additionally known to inhibit hsp90-dependent protein trafficking and to promote proteasomal degradation of client proteins. Overexpression of the hsp90 cochaperone p23 also promotes AR112Q degradation, and inhibits both AR trafficking and AR112Q aggregation without altering levels of hsp70 or hsp40. The hsp90-dependent trafficking mechanism has been defined, and it is shown that key immunophilin (IMM) components of the trafficking machinery are present in polyglutamine aggregates in cell and mouse models of Kennedy disease. Our results indicate that inhibition of the hsp90-dependent trafficking mechanism prevents aggregation of the expanded glutamine androgen receptor, thereby opening a variety of novel therapeutic approaches to these neurodegenerative disorders.

Animals↗

Distinct antigen trafficking from skin in the steady and active states.

In antigen trafficking from the skin, it has been postulated that Langerhans cells/dendritic cells are activated after capturing exogenous antigens, up-regulate the expression of the chemokine receptor, CCR7, and migrate into lymphoid organs in response to the signaling of a chemokine, CCL21, which is expressed in lymphatic vessels and T cell zone stromal cells. Here we demonstrate that there is a distinct pathway of antigen trafficking from skin in the steady state that is independent of CCL21-CCR7 signaling. Employing melanin granules as an endogenous traceable antigen, we developed a system for visualizing antigen trafficking using mice with melanocytosis in the skin. We found the abrogation of antigen trafficking into regional lymph nodes (LN) in CCL21-Ser-deficient paucity of lymph node T cells (plt) mice in the active state induced by lipopolysaccharide injection, corresponding with previous reports, but normal accumulation of antigen in regional LN under steady-state conditions. These findings suggest that self-antigen is trafficking constitutively using pathway(s) other than that of the active state and the constitutive trafficking might regulate self-reactivity of the immune system.

Animals↗

Host cell phospholipids are trafficked to and then modified by Chlamydia trachomatis.

There is little information on the trafficking of eukaryotic lipids from a host cell to either the cytoplasmic membrane of or the vacuolar membrane surrounding intracellular pathogens. Purified Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular bacterial parasite, contains several eukaryotic glycerophospholipids, yet attempts to demonstrate transfer of these lipids to the chlamydial cell membrane have not been successful. In this report, we demonstrate that eukaryotic glycerophospholipids are trafficked from the host cell to C. trachomatis. Phospholipid trafficking was assessed by monitoring the incorporation of radiolabelled isoleucine, a precursor of C. trachomatis specific branched-chain fatty acids, into host-derived glycerophospholipids and by monitoring the transfer of host phosphatidylserine to chlamydiae and its subsequent decarboxylation to form phosphatidylethanolamine. Phospholipid trafficking to chlamydiae was unaffected by brefeldin A, an inhibitor of Golgi function. Furthermore, no changes in trafficking were observed when C. trachomatis was grown in a mutant cell line with a nonfunctional, nonspecific phospholipid transfer protein. Host glycerophospholipids are modified by C. trachomatis, such that a host-synthesized straight-chain fatty acid is replaced with a chlamydia-synthesized branched-chain fatty acid. We also demonstrate that despite the acquisition of host-derived phospholipids, C. trachomatis is capable of de novo synthesis of phospholipids typically synthesized by prokaryotic cells. Our results provide novel information on chlamydial phospholipid metabolism and eukaryotic cell lipid trafficking, and they increase our understanding of the evolutionary steps leading to the establishment of an intimate metabolic association between an obligate intracellular bacterial parasite and a eukaryotic host cell.

Animals↗

The role of regulated CFTR trafficking in epithelial secretion.

The focus of this review is the regulated trafficking of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in distal compartments of the protein secretory pathway and the question of how changes in CFTR cellular distribution may impact on the functions of polarized epithelial cells. We summarize data concerning the cellular localization and activity of CFTR and attempt to synthesize often conflicting results from functional studies of regulated endocytosis and exocytosis in CFTR-expressing cells. In some instances, findings that are inconsistent with regulated CFTR trafficking may result from the use of overexpression systems or nonphysiological experimental conditions. Nevertheless, judging from data on other transporters, an appropriate cellular context is necessary to support regulated CFTR trafficking, even in epithelial cells. The discovery that disease mutations can influence CFTR trafficking in distal secretory and recycling compartments provides support for the concept that regulated CFTR recycling contributes to normal epithelial function, including the control of apical CFTR channel density and epithelial protein secretion. Finally, we propose molecular mechanisms for regulated CFTR endocytosis and exocytosis that are based on CFTR interactions with other proteins, particularly those whose primary function is membrane trafficking. These models provide testable hypotheses that may lead to elucidation of CFTR trafficking mechanisms and permit their experimental manipulation in polarized epithelial cells.

Animals↗

Most LQT2 mutations reduce Kv11.1 (hERG) current by a class 2 (trafficking-deficient) mechanism.

BACKGROUND: The KCNH2 or human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) encodes the Kv11.1 alpha-subunit of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) in the heart. Type 2 congenital long-QT syndrome (LQT2) results from KCNH2 mutations that cause loss of Kv11.1 channel function. Several mechanisms have been identified, including disruption of Kv11.1 channel synthesis (class 1), protein trafficking (class 2), gating (class 3), or permeation (class 4). For a few class 2 LQT2-Kv11.1 channels, it is possible to increase surface membrane expression of Kv11.1 current (IKv11.1). We tested the hypotheses that (1) most LQT2 missense mutations generate trafficking-deficient Kv11.1 channels, and (2) their trafficking-deficient phenotype can be corrected. METHODS AND RESULTS: Wild-type (WT)-Kv11.1 channels and 34 missense LQT2-Kv11.1 channels were expressed in HEK293 cells. With Western blot analyses, 28 LQT2-Kv11.1 channels had a trafficking-deficient (class 2) phenotype. For the majority of these mutations, the class 2 phenotype could be corrected when cells were incubated for 24 hours at reduced temperature (27 degrees C) or in the drugs E4031 or thapsigargin. Four of the 6 LQT2-Kv11.1 channels that had a wild-type-like trafficking phenotype did not cause loss of Kv11.1 function, which suggests that these channels are uncommon sequence variants. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to identify a dominant mechanism, class 2, for the loss of Kv11.1 channel function in LQT2 and to report that the class 2 phenotype for many of these mutant channels can be corrected. This suggests that if therapeutic strategies to correct protein trafficking abnormalities can be developed, it may offer clinical benefits for LQT2 patients.

Cell Line↗

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) regulates golgi structure and modulates intracellular trafficking of membrane proteins.

The Golgi complex and the trans-Golgi network are critical cellular organelles involved in the endocytic and biosynthetic pathways of protein trafficking. Lipids have been implicated in the regulation of membrane-protein trafficking, vesicular fusion, and targeting. We have explored the role of cytosolic group IV phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) in membrane-protein trafficking in kidney epithelial cells. Adenoviral expression of cPLA(2) in LLC-PK(1) kidney epithelial cells prevents constitutive trafficking to the plasma membrane of an aquaporin 2-green fluorescent protein chimera, with retention of the protein in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Plasma membrane Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit localization is markedly reduced in cells expressing cPLA(2), whereas the trafficking of a Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) anion exchanger to the plasma membrane is not altered in these cells. Expression of cPLA(2) results in dispersion of giantin and beta-COP from their normal, condensed Golgi localization, and in marked disruption of the Golgi cisternae. cPLA(2) is present in Golgi fractions from noninfected LLC-PK(1) cells and rat kidney cortex. The distribution of tubulin and actin was not altered by cPLA(2), indicating that the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton remain intact. Total cellular protein synthesis is unaffected by the increase in cPLA(2) activity. Thus cPLA(2) plays an important role in determining Golgi architecture and selective control of constitutive membrane-protein trafficking in renal epithelial cells.

Antiporters↗

Rules of engagement promote polarity in RNA trafficking.

Many cell biological pathways exhibit overall polarity (net movement of molecules in one direction) even though individual molecular interactions in the pathway are freely reversible. The A2 RNA trafficking pathway exhibits polarity in moving specific RNA molecules from the nucleus to localization sites in the myelin compartment of oligodendrocytes or dendritic spines in neurons. The A2 pathway is mediated by a ubiquitously expressed trans-acting trafficking factor (hnRNP A2) that interacts with a specific 11 nucleotide cis-acting trafficking sequence termed the A2 response element (A2RE) found in several localized RNAs. Five different molecular partners for hnRNP A2 have been identified in the A2 pathway: hnRNP A2 itself, transportin, A2RE RNA, TOG (tumor overexpressed gene) and hnRNP E1, each playing a key role in one particular step of the A2 pathway. Sequential interactions of hnRNP A2 with different molecular partners at each step mediate directed movement of trafficking intermediates along the pathway. Specific "rules of engagement" (both and, either or, only if) govern sequential interactions of hnRNP A2 with each of its molecular partners. Rules of engagement are defined experimentally using three component binding assays to measure differential binding of hnRNP A2 to one partner in the presence of each of the other partners in the pathway. Here we describe rules of engagement for hnRNP A2 binding to each of its molecular partners and discuss how these rules of engagement promote polarity in the A2 RNA trafficking pathway. For molecules with multiple binding partners, specific rules of engagement govern different molecular interactions. Rules of engagement are ultimately determined by structural relationships between binding sites on individual molecules. In the A2 RNA trafficking pathway rules of engagement governing interactions of hnRNP A2 with different binding partners provide the basis for polarity of movement of intermediates along the pathway.

Animals↗

Palmitoylation controls trafficking of GAD65 from Golgi membranes to axon-specific endosomes and a Rab5a-dependent pathway to presynaptic clusters.

The GABA-synthesizing enzyme GAD65 is synthesized as a soluble cytosolic protein but undergoes post-translational modification(s) to become anchored to the cytosolic face of Golgi membranes before targeting to synaptic vesicle membranes in neuroendocrine cells. Palmitoylation of cysteines 30 and 45 in GAD65 is not required for targeting to Golgi membranes but is crucial for post-Golgi trafficking to presynaptic clusters in neurons. Here, we show that palmitoylated GAD65 colocalizes with the small GTP-binding protein Rab5a in Golgi membranes and in axons but not in dendrites. In the presence of the constitutively positive mutant Rab5(Q79L) palmitoylation resulted in polarized targeting of GAD65 to giant Rab5a-positive axonal endosomes, characterized by the absence of the Rab5a-effector molecule EEA1 and the transferrin receptor. By contrast, Rab5a-positive/EEA1-positive somatodendritic giant endosomes containing the transferrin receptor were devoid of GAD65. Palmitoylation-deficient GAD65 was excluded from endosomal compartments. A dominant negative mutant of Rab5a, Rab5a(S34N), specifically blocked axonal trafficking and presynaptic clustering of palmitoylated GAD65, but did not affect axonal trafficking of mutants of GAD65 that fail to traffic to giant axonal endosomes containing Rab5a(Q79L). Two transmembrane synaptic vesicle proteins, VAMP2 and VGAT also localized to the axonal giant endosomes, and their axonal trafficking and presynaptic clustering was blocked by Rab5a(S34N). The results suggest that palmitoylation of GAD65 regulates the trafficking of the protein from Golgi membranes to an endosomal trafficking pathway in axons that is dependent on Rab5a and is required for the targeting of several synaptic vesicle proteins to presynaptic clusters.

Animals↗

Demonstration of insulin-responsive trafficking of GLUT4 and vpTR in fibroblasts.

Insulin-responsive trafficking of the GLUT4 glucose transporter and the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) in adipose and muscle cells is well established. Insulin regulation of GLUT4 trafficking in these cells underlies the role that adipose tissue and muscle play in the maintenance of whole body glucose homeostasis. GLUT4 is expressed in a very limited number of tissues, most highly in adipose and muscle, while IRAP is expressed in many tissues. IRAP's physiological role in any of the tissues in which it is expressed, however, is unknown. The fact that IRAP, which traffics by the same insulin-regulated pathway as GLUT4, is expressed in 'non-insulin responsive' tissues raises the question of whether these other cell types also have a specialized insulin-regulated trafficking pathway. The existence of an insulin-responsive pathway in other cell types would allow regulation of IRAP activity at the plasma membrane as a potentially important physiological function of insulin. To address this question we use reporter molecules for both GLUT4 and IRAP trafficking to measure insulin-stimulated translocation in undifferentiated cells by quantitative fluorescence microscopy. One reporter (vpTR), a chimera between the intracellular domain of IRAP and the extracellular and transmembrane domains of the transferrin receptor, has been previously characterized. The other is a GLUT4 construct with an exofacial HA epitope and a C-terminal GFP. By comparing these reporters to the transferrin receptor, a marker for general endocytic trafficking, we demonstrate the existence of a specialized, insulin-regulated trafficking pathway in two undifferentiated cell types, neither of which normally express GLUT4. The magnitude of translocation in these undifferentiated cells (approximately threefold) is similar to that reported for the translocation of GLUT4 in muscle cells. Thus, undifferentiated cells have the necessary retention and translocation machinery for an insulin response that is large enough to be physiologically important.

3T3 Cells↗

Oxidative stress disrupts internalization and endocytic trafficking of transferrin in a human malignant keratinocyte line.

Oxidative stress is involved in epidermal cell pathology. One potential mechanism for this toxicity that has previously not been explored in epidermal cells involves modulation of endocytic trafficking and the implications that such modulation can have for altered cell function. The effects of oxidative stress on endocytic trafficking are not well understood, particularly relating to how general or cell-type specific such effects may be. With induction of oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide, for example, both impaired and enhanced cell-surface binding and endocytic trafficking have been reported for transferrin (Tf), a circulatory iron-carrier protein. The objective of the current study was to characterize the effect of oxidative stress on internalization and endocytic trafficking of Tf in an epidermoid cell line (A431). Evidence is presented for a significant dose-dependent impairment of cellular Tf internalization after treatment with hydrogen peroxide over a wide range of concentrations from 0.06 to 5.8 mM. Scatchard analysis of binding revealed that peroxide treatments resulted in a large decrease, more than fourfold, in the number of cell-surface Tf-binding sites (Bmax) but little change in the dissociation constant (Kd). With respect to endocytic trafficking of Tf, evidence is presented that transport of internalized transferrin back out of the cell (i.e., Tf recycling) is significantly impaired as a result of oxidative stress at all the peroxide concentrations tested. The oxidative stress-dependent changes in endocytic trafficking in these malignant human keratinocytes are compared with those reported for other cell types.

Binding Sites↗