Lysosomal exocytosis is impaired in mucolipidosis type IV

ROS and intracellular ion channels

Oxidative stress is a well-known driver of numerous pathological processes involving protein and lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The resulting increase of pro-apoptotic pressure drives tissue damage in a host of conditions, including ischemic stroke and reperfusion injury, diabetes, death in acute pancreatitis and neurodegenerative diseases. Somewhat less frequently discussed, but arguably as important, is the signaling function of oxidative stress stemming from the ability of oxidative stress to modulate ion channel activity. The evidence for the modulation of the intracellular ion channels and transporters by oxidative stress is constantly emerging and such evidence suggests new regulatory and pathological circuits that can be explored towards new treatments for diseases in which oxidative stress is an issue. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the effects of oxidative stress on the intracellular ion channels and transporters and their role in cell function.

Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles in neural cells and neurodegenerative diseases

The function of human nervous system is critically dependent on proper interneuronal communication. Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles are emerging as a novel form of information exchange within the nervous system. Intraluminal vesicles within multivesicular bodies (MVBs) can be transported in neural cells anterogradely or retrogradely in order to be released into the extracellular space as exosomes. RNA loading into exosomes can be either via an interaction between RNA and the raft-like region of the MVB limiting membrane, or via an interaction between an RNA-binding protein-RNA complex with this raft-like region. Outflow of exosomes from neural cells and inflow of exosomes into neural cells presumably take place on a continuous basis. Exosomes can play both neuro-protective and neuro-toxic roles. In this review, we characterize the role of exosomes and microvesicles in normal nervous system function, and summarize evidence for defective signaling of these vesicles in disease pathogenesis of some neurodegenerative diseases.

Fusion of lysosomes with secretory organelles leads to uncontrolled exocytosis in the lysosomal storage disease mucolipidosis type IV

Mutations in TRPML1 cause the lysosomal storage disease mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV). The role of TRPML1 in cell function and how the mutations cause the disease are not well understood. Most studies focus on the role of TRPML1 in constitutive membrane trafficking to and from the lysosomes. However, this cannot explain impaired neuromuscular and secretory cells' functions that mediate regulated exocytosis. Here, we analyzed several forms of regulated exocytosis in a mouse model of MLIV and, opposite to expectations, we found enhanced exocytosis in secretory glands due to enlargement of secretory granules in part due to fusion with lysosomes. Preliminary exploration of synaptic vesicle size, spontaneous mEPSCs, and glutamate secretion in neurons provided further evidence for enhanced exocytosis that was rescued by re-expression of TRPML1 in neurons. These features were not observed in Niemann-Pick type C1. These findings suggest that TRPML1 may guard against pathological fusion of lysosomes with secretory organelles and suggest a new approach toward developing treatment for MLIV.

Retinal Dystrophy and Optic Nerve Pathology in the Mouse Model of Mucolipidosis IV

Mucolipidosis IV is a debilitating developmental lysosomal storage disorder characterized by severe neuromotor retardation and progressive loss of vision, leading to blindness by the second decade of life. Mucolipidosis IV is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the MCOLN1 gene, which encodes the transient receptor potential channel protein mucolipin-1. Ophthalmic pathology in patients includes corneal haze and progressive retinal and optic nerve atrophy. Herein, we report ocular pathology in Mcoln1(-/-) mouse, a good phenotypic model of the disease. Early, but non-progressive, thinning of the photoreceptor layer, reduced levels of rhodopsin, disrupted rod outer segments, and widespread accumulation of the typical storage inclusion bodies were the major histological findings in the Mcoln1(-/-) retina. Electroretinograms showed significantly decreased functional response (scotopic a- and b-wave amplitudes) in the Mcoln1(-/-) mice. At the ultrastructural level, we observed formation of axonal spheroids and decreased density of axons in the optic nerve of the aged (6-month-old) Mcoln1(-/-) mice, which indicates progressive axonal degeneration. Our data suggest that mucolipin-1 plays a role in postnatal development of photoreceptors and provides a set of outcome measures that can be used for ocular therapy development for mucolipidosis IV.

Lysosomal physiology

Lysosomes are acidic compartments filled with more than 60 different types of hydrolases. They mediate the degradation of extracellular particles from endocytosis and of intracellular components from autophagy. The digested products are transported out of the lysosome via specific catabolite exporters or via vesicular membrane trafficking. Lysosomes also contain more than 50 membrane proteins and are equipped with the machinery to sense nutrient availability, which determines the distribution, number, size, and activity of lysosomes to control the specificity of cargo flux and timing (the initiation and termination) of degradation. Defects in degradation, export, or trafficking result in lysosomal dysfunction and lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Lysosomal channels and transporters mediate ion flux across perimeter membranes to regulate lysosomal ion homeostasis, membrane potential, catabolite export, membrane trafficking, and nutrient sensing. Dysregulation of lysosomal channels underlies the pathogenesis of many LSDs and possibly that of metabolic and common neurodegenerative diseases.

Novel Role of TRPML2 in the Regulation of the Innate Immune Response

TRPMLs (or mucolipins) constitute a family of endosomal cation channels with homology to the transient receptor potential superfamily. In mammals, the TRPML family includes three members: TRPML1-3. Although TRPML1 and TRPML3 have been well characterized, the cellular function of TRPML2 has remained elusive. To address TRPML2 function in a physiologically relevant cell type, we first analyzed TRPML2 expression in different mouse tissues and organs and found that it was predominantly expressed in lymphoid organs and kidney. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed tight regulation of TRPML2 at the transcriptional level. Although TRPML2 expression was negligible in resting macrophages, TRPML2 mRNA and protein levels dramatically increased in response to TLR activation both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, TRPML1 and TRPML3 levels did not change upon TLR activation. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that endogenous TRPML2 primarily localized to recycling endosomes both in culture and primary cells, in contrast with TRPML1 and TRPML3, which distribute to the late and early endosomal pathway, respectively. To better understand the in vivo function of TRPML2, we generated a TRPML2-knockout mouse. We found that the production of several chemokines, in particular CCL2, was severely reduced in TRPML2-knockout mice. Furthermore, TRPML2-knockout mice displayed impaired recruitment of peripheral macrophages in response to i.p. injections of LPS or live bacteria, suggesting a potential defect in the immune response. Overall, our study reveals interesting differences in the regulation and distribution of the members of the TRPML family and identifies a novel role for TRPML2 in the innate immune response.

The mucolipin-2 (TRPML2) ion channel: a tissue-specific protein crucial to normal cell function

The discovery of the TRPML subfamily of ion channels has created an exciting niche in the fields of membrane trafficking, signal transduction, autophagy, and metal homeostasis. The TRPML protein subfamily consists of three members, TRPML1, TRPML2, and TRPML3, which are encoded by MCOLN1, MCOLN2, and MCOLN3 genes, respectively. They are non-selective cation channels with six predicted transmembrane domains and intracellular amino- and carboxyl-terminus regions. They localize to the plasma membrane, endosomes, and lysosomes of cells. TRPML1 is associated with the human lysosomal storage disease known as mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), but TRPML2 and TRPML3 have not been linked with a human disease. Although TRPML1 is expressed in many tissues, TRPML3 is expressed in a varied but limited set of tissues, while TRPML2 has a more limited expression pattern where it is mostly detected in lymphoid and myeloid tissues. This review focuses on TRPML2 because it appears to play an important, yet unrecognized role in the immune system. While the evidence has been mostly indirect, we present and discuss relevant data that strengthen the connection of TRPML2 with cellular immunity. We also discuss the functional redundancy between the TRPML proteins, and how such features could be exploited as a potential therapeutic strategy for MLIV disease. We present evidence that TRPML2 expression may complement certain phenotypic alterations in MLIV cells and briefly examine the challenges of functional complementation. In conclusion, the function of TRPML2 still remains obscure, but emerging data show that it may serve a critical role in immune cell development and inflammatory responses.

BK Channels Alleviate Lysosomal Storage Diseases by Providing Positive Feedback Regulation of Lysosomal Ca2+ Release

Promoting lysosomal trafficking represents a promising therapeutic approach for lysosome storage diseases. Efficient Ca(2+) mobilization from lysosomes is important for lysosomal trafficking. Ca(2+) release from lysosomes could generate a negative potential in the lumen to disturb subsequent Ca(2+) release in the absence of counter ion flux. Here we report that lysosomes express big-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK) channels that form physical and functional coupling with the lysosomal Ca(2+) release channel, TRPML1. Ca(2+) release via TRPML1 causes BK activation, which in turn facilitates further lysosomal Ca(2+) release and membrane trafficking. Importantly, BK overexpression rescues the impaired TRPML1-mediated Ca(2+) release and abnormal lysosomal storage in cells from Niemann-Pick C1 patients. Therefore, we have identified a lysosomal K(+) channel that provides a positive feedback mechanism to facilitate TRPML1-mediated Ca(2+) release and membrane trafficking. Our findings suggest that upregulating BK may be a potential therapeutic strategy for certain lysosomal storage diseases and common neurodegenerative disorders.

Mucolipidosis type IV protein TRPML1-dependent lysosome formation

Lysosomes are dynamic organelles that undergo cycles of fusion and fission with themselves and with other organelles. Following fusion with late endosomes to form hybrid organelles, lysosomes are reformed as discrete organelles. This lysosome reformation or formation is a poorly understood process that has not been systematically analyzed and that lacks known regulators. In this study, we quantitatively define the multiple steps of lysosome formation and identify the first regulator of this process.

PAX5 is the transcriptional activator of mucolipin-2 (MCOLN2) gene

Transient receptor potential mucolipin (TRPML) proteins belong to the TRP superfamily of non-selective cation channels. The TRPML1, -2, and -3 proteins are encoded by Mucolipin (MCOLN)-1, -2 and -3 genes, respectively. TRPML1 has been associated with mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), while no disease phenotype has been linked with TRPML2 or -3 protein. The TRPML proteins share high sequence similarities, form hetero-tetramers, and serve in membrane trafficking, autophagy, and metal homeostasis. Previous studies suggest that TRPML2 serves a role in the immune system; however, the evidence is mostly indirect. We hypothesize that if TRPML2 is involved in immune function its expression would be likely regulated by an immune-associated transcription factor protein. Thus, we set out to identify the core promoter region and the transcription factor responsible for MCOLN2 gene expression. Using dual-luciferase assay and over-expression analyses, we reveal for the first time that B-cell lineage specific activator protein (BSAP), also known as paired box 5 (PAX5), controls MCOLN2 expression. Specifically, heterologous expression of PAX5 in HEK-293 cells significantly increased endogenous MCOLN2 transcript and TRPML2 protein levels, while RNA interference targeting endogenous PAX5 reduced its effect. Site-directed mutagenesis studies showed that the core promoter and PAX5 binding region to be between -79 and -60 base pairs upstream of the transcriptional start site. Thus, our findings add to a growing list of evidence for TRPML2's possible involvement in the immune system. The knowledge gained from this study could be used to further characterize the role of TRPML2 in B-cell development and function.

The role of TRPMLs in endolysosomal trafficking and function

Members of the Transient Receptor Potential-Mucolipin (TRPML) constitute a family of evolutionarily conserved cation channels that function predominantly in endolysosomal vesicles. Whereas loss-of-function mutations in human TRPML1 were first identified as being causative for the lysosomal storage disease, Mucolipidosis type IV, most mammals also express two other TRPML isoforms called TRPML2 and TRPML3. All three mammalian TRPMLs as well as TRPML related genes in other species including Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila exhibit overlapping functional and biophysical properties. The functions of TRPML proteins include roles in vesicular trafficking and biogenesis, maintenance of neuronal development, function, and viability, and regulation of intracellular and organellar ionic homeostasis. Biophysically, TRPML channels are non-selective cation channels exhibiting variable permeability to a host of cations including Na(+), Ca(2+), Fe(2+), and Zn(2+), and are activated by a phosphoinositide species, PI(3,5)P2, that is mostly found in endolysosomal membranes. Here, we review the functional and biophysical properties of these enigmatic cation channels, which represent the most ancient and archetypical TRP channels.

Mucolipin 1 positively regulates TLR7 responses in dendritic cells by facilitating RNA transportation to lysosomes

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9 sense microbial single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and ssDNA in endolysosomes. Nucleic acid (NA)-sensing in endolysosomes is thought to be important for avoiding TLR7/9 responses to self-derived NAs. Aberrant self-derived NA transportation to endolysosomes predisposes to autoimmune diseases. To restrict NA-sensing in endolysosomes, TLR7/9 trafficking is tightly controlled by a multiple transmembrane protein Unc93B1. In contrast to TLR7/9 trafficking, little is known about a mechanism underlying NA transportation. We here show that Mucolipin 1 (Mcoln1), a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel gene family, has an important role in ssRNA trafficking into lysosomes. Mcoln1(-/-) dendritic cells (DCs) showed impaired TLR7 responses to ssRNA. A mucolipin agonist specifically enhanced TLR7 responses to ssRNAs. The channel activity of Mcoln1 is activated by a phospholipid phosphatidylinositol (3,5) bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2), which is generated by a class III lipid kinase PIKfyve. A PIKfyve inhibitor completely inhibited TLR7 responses to ssRNA in DCs. Confocal analyses showed that ssRNA transportation to lysosomes in DCs was impaired by PIKfyve inhibitor as well as by the lack of Mcoln1. Transportation of TLR9 ligands was also impaired by the PIKfyve inhibitor. These results demonstrate that the PtdIns(3,5)P2-Mcoln1 axis has an important role in ssRNA transportation into lysosomes in DCs.

Behavioral deficits, early gliosis, dysmyelination and synaptic dysfunction in a mouse model of mucolipidosis IV

Mucolipidosis IV (MLIV) is caused by mutations in the gene MCOLN1. Patients with MLIV have severe neurologic deficits and very little is known about the brain pathology in this lysosomal disease. Using an accurate mouse model of mucolipidosis IV, we observed early behavioral deficits which were accompanied by activation of microglia and astrocytes. The glial activation that persisted during the course of disease was not accompanied by neuronal loss even at the late stage. In vivo [Ca²⁺]-imaging revealed no changes in resting [Ca²⁺] levels in Mcoln1^−/− cortical neurons, implying their physiological health. Despite the absence of neuron loss, we observed alterations in synaptic plasticity, as indicated by elevated paired-pulse facilitation and enhanced long-term potentiation. Myelination deficits and severely dysmorphic corpus callosum were present early and resembled white matter pathology in mucolipidosis IV patients. These results indicate the early involvement of glia, and challenge the traditional view of mucolipidosis IV as an overtly neurodegenerative condition.

Cellular zinc levels are modulated by TRPML1-TMEM163 interaction

Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is caused by loss of function mutations in the TRPML1 ion channel. We previously reported that tissue zinc levels in MLIV were abnormally elevated; however, the mechanism behind this pathologic accumulation remains unknown. Here, we identify transmembrane (TMEM)-163 protein, a putative zinc transporter, as a novel interacting partner for TRPML1. Evidence from yeast two-hybrid, tissue expression pattern, co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry and confocal microscopy studies confirmed the physical association of TMEM163 with TRPML1. This interaction is disrupted when a part of TMEM163's N-terminus was deleted. Further studies to define the relevance of their interaction revealed that the plasma membrane (PM) levels of TMEM163 significantly decrease when TRPML1 is co-expressed in HEK-293 cells, while it mostly localizes within the PM when co-expressed with a mutant TRPML1 that distributes mostly in the PM. Meanwhile, co-expression of TMEM163 does not alter TRPML1 channel activity, but its expression levels in MLIV patient fibroblasts are reduced, which correlate with marked accumulation of zinc in lysosomes when these cells are acutely exposed to exogenous zinc (100 μM). When TMEM163 is knocked down or when TMEM163 and TRPML1 are co-knocked down in HEK-293 cells treated overnight with 100 nm zinc, the cells have significantly higher intracellular zinc levels than untreated control. Overall, these findings suggest that TMEM163 and TRPML1 proteins play a critical role in cellular zinc homeostasis, and thus possibly explain a novel mechanism for the pathological overload of zinc in MLIV disease.

A novel role of transient receptor potential mucolipin1 (TRPML1) in protecting against imidazole-induced cytotoxicity

Lysosomotropic amines cause serious side effects such as cytoplasmic vacuolation and cell death. TRPML1 (also known as mucolipin1), a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) protein family, may regulate fusion/fission of vesicles along the endocytic pathway and some aspects of lysosomal ion homeostasis. Nevertheless, it is still unknown whether TRPML1 is involved in death of mammalian cells induced by lysosomotropic agents. In this study, imidazole was used as a model to investigate the role of TRPML1 in the cytotoxicity of lysosomotropic agents. Overexpression of wild-type TRPML1 inhibited imidazole-induced vacuole formation and cell death in human endometrial adenocarcinoma (HEC-1B) cells. In contrast, siRNA-mediated TRPML1 knockdown increased the cell death induced by imidazole. Bafilomycin A1 raises the pH of acidic organelles and therefore suppresses accumulation of weak bases in them. Similarly, lysosomal pH was raised in TRPML1-overexpressing cells; therefore, we inferred that TRPML1 protected against imidazole toxicity by regulating the pH of acidic organelles. We concluded that TRPML1 had a novel role in protecting against lysosomotropic amine toxicity.

Lysosomal exocytosis and lipid storage disorders

Lysosomes are acidic compartments in mammalian cells that are primarily responsible for the breakdown of endocytic and autophagic substrates such as membranes, proteins, and lipids into their basic building blocks. Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of metabolic disorders caused by genetic mutations in lysosomal hydrolases required for catabolic degradation, mutations in lysosomal membrane proteins important for catabolite export or membrane trafficking, or mutations in nonlysosomal proteins indirectly affecting these lysosomal functions. A hallmark feature of LSDs is the primary and secondary excessive accumulation of undigested lipids in the lysosome, which causes lysosomal dysfunction and cell death, and subsequently pathological symptoms in various tissues and organs. There are more than 60 types of LSDs, but an effective therapeutic strategy is still lacking for most of them. Several recent in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that induction of lysosomal exocytosis could effectively reduce the accumulation of the storage materials. Meanwhile, the molecular machinery and regulatory mechanisms for lysosomal exocytosis are beginning to be revealed. In this paper, we first discuss these recent developments with the focus on the functional interactions between lipid storage and lysosomal exocytosis. We then discuss whether lysosomal exocytosis can be manipulated to correct lysosomal and cellular dysfunction caused by excessive lipid storage, providing a potentially general therapeutic approach for LSDs.

TRPML1: an ion channel in the lysosome

The first member of the mammalian mucolipin TRP channel subfamily (TRPML1) is a cation-permeable channel that is predominantly localized on the membranes of late endosomes and lysosomes (LELs) in all mammalian cell types. In response to the regulatory changes of LEL-specific phosphoinositides or other cellular cues, TRPML1 may mediate the release of Ca(2+) and heavy metal Fe(2+)/Zn(2+)ions into the cytosol from the LEL lumen, which in turn may regulate membrane trafficking events (fission and fusion), signal transduction, and ionic homeostasis in LELs. Human mutations in TRPML1 result in type IV mucolipidosis (ML-IV), a childhood neurodegenerative lysosome storage disease. At the cellular level, loss-of-function mutations of mammalian TRPML1 or its C. elegans or Drosophila homolog gene results in lysosomal trafficking defects and lysosome storage. In this chapter, we summarize recent advances in our understandings of the cell biological and channel functions of TRPML1. Studies on TRPML1's channel properties and its regulation by cellular activities may provide clues for developing new therapeutic strategies to delay neurodegeneration in ML-IV and other lysosome-related pediatric diseases.

Loss of TRPML1 promotes production of reactive oxygen species: is oxidative damage a factor in mucolipidosis type IV?

TRPML1 is a lysosomal ion channel permeable to cations, including Fe2+. Our data suggest that TRPML1 redistributes Fe2+ between the lysosomes and the cytoplasm. Loss of TRPML1 leads to production of reactive oxygen species, and to mitochondrial deterioration.

A TRP channel in the lysosome regulates large particle phagocytosis via focal exocytosis

Phagocytosis of large extracellular particles such as apoptotic bodies requires delivery of the intracellular endosomal and lysosomal membranes to form plasmalemmal pseudopods. Here, we identified mucolipin TRP channel 1 (TRPML1) as the key lysosomal Ca2+ channel regulating focal exocytosis and phagosome biogenesis. Both particle ingestion and lysosomal exocytosis are inhibited by synthetic TRPML1 blockers and are defective in macrophages isolated from TRPML1 knockout mice. Furthermore, TRPML1 overexpression and TRPML1 agonists facilitate both lysosomal exocytosis and particle uptake. Using time-lapse confocal imaging and direct patch clamping of phagosomal membranes, we found that particle binding induces lysosomal PI(3,5)P2 elevation to trigger TRPML1-mediated lysosomal Ca2+ release specifically at the site of uptake, rapidly delivering TRPML1-resident lysosomal membranes to nascent phagosomes via lysosomal exocytosis. Thus phagocytic ingestion of large particles activates a phosphoinositide- and Ca2+-dependent exocytosis pathway to provide membranes necessary for pseudopod extension, leading to clearance of senescent and apoptotic cells in vivo.

A phenotypic compound screening assay for lysosomal storage diseases

The lysosome is a vital cellular organelle that primarily functions as a recycling center for breaking down unwanted macromolecules through a series of hydrolases. Functional deficiencies in lysosomal proteins due to genetic mutations have been found in more than 50 lysosomal storage diseases that exhibit characteristic lipid/macromolecule accumulation and enlarged lysosomes. Recently, the lysosome has emerged as a new therapeutic target for drug development for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases. However, a suitable assay for compound screening against the diseased lysosomes is currently unavailable. We have developed a Lysotracker staining assay that measures the enlarged lysosomes in patient-derived cells using both fluorescence intensity readout and fluorescence microscopic measurement. This phenotypic assay has been tested in patient cells obtained from several lysosomal storage diseases and validated using a known compound, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, in primary fibroblast cells derived from Niemann Pick C disease patients. The results demonstrate that the Lysotracker assay can be used in compound screening for the identification of lead compounds that are capable of reducing enlarged lysosomes for drug development.

The role of autophagy in neurodegenerative disease

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradative process used to recycle obsolete cellular constituents and eliminate damaged organelles and protein aggregates. These substrates reach lysosomes by several distinct mechanisms, including delivery within endosomes as well as autophagosomes. Completion of digestion involves dynamic interactions among compartments of the autophagic and endocytic pathways. Neurons are particularly vulnerable to disruptions of these interactions, especially as the brain ages. Not surprisingly, mutations of genes regulating autophagy cause neurodegenerative diseases across the age spectrum with exceptional frequency. In late-onset disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and familial Parkinson's disease, defects arise at different stages of the autophagy pathway and have different implications for pathogenesis and therapy. This Review provides an overview of the role of autophagy in neurodegenerative disease, focusing particularly on less frequently considered lysosomal clearance mechanisms and their considerable impact on disease. Various therapeutic strategies for modulating specific stages of autophagy and the current state of drug development for this purpose are also evaluated.

Signals from the lysosome: a control centre for cellular clearance and energy metabolism

For a long time, lysosomes were considered merely to be cellular 'incinerators' involved in the degradation and recycling of cellular waste. However, now there is compelling evidence indicating that lysosomes have a much broader function and that they are involved in fundamental processes such as secretion, plasma membrane repair, signalling and energy metabolism. Furthermore, the essential role of lysosomes in autophagic pathways puts these organelles at the crossroads of several cellular processes, with significant implications for health and disease. The identification of a master regulator, transcription factor EB (TFEB), that regulates lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy has revealed how the lysosome adapts to environmental cues, such as starvation, and targeting TFEB may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for modulating lysosomal function in human disease.

Impaired glucose tolerance in a mouse model of sidt2 deficiency

Sidt2 was identified as a novel integral lysosomal membrane protein recently. We generated global Sidt2 knockout mice by gene targeting. These mice have a comparatively higher random and fasting glucose concentration. Intraperitoneal and oral glucose tolerance tests in Sidt2 knockout mice indicated glucose intolerance and decreased serum insulin level. Notably, the Sidt2(-/-) mice had hypertrophic islets compared with control mice. By Western blot and immunofluorescence, Sidt2(-/-) mouse islets were shown to have increased insulin protein, which actually contained more insulin secretory granules than their controls, demonstrated by electromicroscopy. Consistent with the in vivo study, isolated islet culture from the Sidt2(-/-) mice produced less insulin when stimulated by a high concentration of glucose or a depolarizing concentration of KCl. Under electromicroscope less empty vesicles and more mature ones in Sidt2(-/-) mice islets were observed, supporting impaired insulin secretory granule release. In conclusion, Sidt2 may play a critical role in the regulation of mouse insulin secretory granule secretion.

Let's play a game of chutes and ladders: Lysosome fusion with the epithelial plasma membrane

In non-polarized cells, calcium-induced exocytosis of “conventional” lysosomes is important in diverse processes like membrane repair after exposure to pore-forming toxins and clearance of cellular debris. Resealing of torn membranes is especially critical for barrier epithelia that directly interact with pathogens and toxins, which can result in membrane microdisruptions and lesions. However, whether lysosomes participate in membrane repair in polarized epithelia has been an open question. We recently reported that in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, localized influx of calcium induces lysosomes to fuse with the basolateral membrane. This spatial segregation of exocytosis depends on an intact actin cytoskeleton, membrane cholesterol and restricted distribution of fusion machinery such as the t-SNARE syntaxin 4. Our data show that the polarity of syntaxin 4 (which is regulated by the clathrin adaptor protein AP-1) dictates whether lysosomes parachute down to the basolateral membrane or take a ladder up to the apical membrane. Here, we speculate about additional machinery (such as the lysosomal calcium sensor synaptotagmin VII and the v-SNARE VAMP7) that could be involved in polarized fusion of lysosomes with the epithelial membrane. We also discuss the potential importance of lysosome exocytosis in maintaining membrane integrity in the retinal pigment epithelium, the primary tissue affected in blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

Systematic screens for proteins that interact with the mucolipidosis type IV protein TRPML1

Mucolipidosis type IV is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting from mutations in the MCOLN1 gene, which encodes the endosomal/lysosomal Transient Receptor Potential channel protein mucolipin-1/TRPML1. Cells isolated from Mucolipidosis type IV patients and grown in vitro and in in vivo models of this disease both show several lysosome-associated defects. However, it is still unclear how TRPML1 regulates the transport steps implicated by these defects. Identifying proteins that associate with TRPML1 will facilitate the elucidation of its cellular and biochemical functions. We report here two saturation screens for proteins that interact with TRPML1: one that is based on immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry and the other using a genetic yeast two-hybrid approach. From these screens, we identified largely non-overlapping proteins, which represent potential TRPML1-interactors., Using additional interaction assays on some of the potential interactors from each screen, we validated some proteins as candidate TRPML1 interactors In addition, our analysis indicates that each of the two screens not only identified some false-positive interactors, as expected from any screen, but also failed to uncover potential TRPML1 interactors. Future studies on the true interactors, first identified in these screens, will help elucidate the structure and function of protein complexes containing TRPML1.

Membrane trafficking in neuronal maintenance and degeneration

Defects in membrane trafficking and degradation are hallmarks of most, and maybe all, neurodegenerative disorders. Such defects typically result in the accumulation of undegraded proteins due to aberrant endosomal sorting, lysosomal degradation, or autophagy. The genetic or environmental cause of a specific disease may directly affect these membrane trafficking processes. Alternatively, changes in intracellular sorting and degradation can occur as cellular responses of degenerating neurons to unrelated primary defects such as insoluble protein aggregates or other neurotoxic insults. Importantly, altered membrane trafficking may contribute to the pathogenesis or indeed protect the neuron. The observation of dramatic changes to membrane trafficking thus comes with the challenging need to distinguish pathological from protective alterations. Here, we will review our current knowledge about the protective and destructive roles of membrane trafficking in neuronal maintenance and degeneration. In particular, we will first focus on the question of what type of membrane trafficking keeps healthy neurons alive in the first place. Next, we will discuss what alterations of membrane trafficking are known to occur in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, Parkinson's disease, polyQ diseases, peripheral neuropathies, and lysosomal storage disorders. Combining the maintenance and degeneration viewpoints may yield insight into how to distinguish when membrane trafficking functions protectively or contributes to degeneration.

Exocytosis is impaired in mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA mouse chromaffin cells

Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (MPS IIIA) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the activity of the lysosomal hydrolase, sulphamidase, an enzyme involved in the degradation of heparan sulphate. MPS IIIA patients exhibit progressive mental retardation and behavioural disturbance. While neuropathology is the major clinical problem in MPS IIIA patients, there is little understanding of how lysosomal storage generates this phenotype. As reduced neuronal communication can underlie cognitive deficiencies, we investigated whether the secretion of neurotransmitters is altered in MPS IIIA mice; utilising adrenal chromaffin cells, a classical model for studying secretion via exocytosis. MPS IIIA chromaffin cells displayed heparan sulphate storage and electron microscopy revealed large electron-lucent storage compartments. There were also increased numbers of large/elongated chromaffin granules, with a morphology that was similar to immature secretory granules. Carbon fibre amperometry illustrated a significant decrease in the number of exocytotic events for MPS IIIA, when compared to control chromaffin cells. However, there were no changes in the kinetics of release, the amount of catecholamine released per exocytotic event, or the amount of Ca(2+) entry upon stimulation. The increased number of large/elongated granules and reduced number of exocytotic events suggests that either the biogenesis and/or the cell surface docking and fusion potential of these vesicles is impaired in MPS IIIA. If this also occurs in central nervous system neurons, the reduction in neurotransmitter release could help to explain the development of neuropathology in MPS IIIA.

Autophagy in lysosomal storage disorders

Lysosomes are ubiquitous intracellular organelles that have an acidic internal pH, and play crucial roles in cellular clearance. Numerous functions depend on normal lysosomes, including the turnover of cellular constituents, cholesterol homeostasis, downregulation of surface receptors, inactivation of pathogenic organisms, repair of the plasma membrane and bone remodeling. Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are characterized by progressive accumulation of undigested macromolecules within the cell due to lysosomal dysfunction. As a consequence, many tissues and organ systems are affected, including brain, viscera, bone and cartilage. The progressive nature of phenotype development is one of the hallmarks of LSDs. In recent years biochemical and cell biology studies of LSDs have revealed an ample spectrum of abnormalities in a variety of cellular functions. These include defects in signaling pathways, calcium homeostasis, lipid biosynthesis and degradation and intracellular trafficking. Lysosomes also play a fundamental role in the autophagic pathway by fusing with autophagosomes and digesting their content. Considering the highly integrated function of lysosomes and autophagosomes it was reasonable to expect that lysosomal storage in LSDs would have an impact upon autophagy. The goal of this review is to provide readers with an overview of recent findings that have been obtained through analysis of the autophagic pathway in several types of LSDs, supporting the idea that LSDs could be seen primarily as "autophagy disorders."

Mucolipin controls lysosome exocytosis in Dictyostelium

Mucolipidosis type IV is a poorly understood lysosomal storage disease caused by alterations in the mucolipin lysosomal Ca(2+) channel. In this study, we generated mucolipin-knockout Dictyostelium cells, and observed that lysosome exocytosis was markedly increased in these cells compared with wild-type cells. In addition, mucolipin-knockout cells were more resistant to Ca(2+) deprivation, and the Ca(2+) concentration in their secretory lysosomes was decreased, suggesting that mucolipin transfers Ca(2+) ions from the cytosol to the lumen of secretory lysosomes. We speculate that mucolipin attenuates the fusogenic effect of local cytosolic increases in Ca(2+) by dissipating them into the lumen of lysosomal compartments.

Role of protein kinase d in Golgi exit and lysosomal targeting of the transmembrane protein, Mcoln1

The targeting of lysosomal transmembrane (TM) proteins from the Golgi apparatus to lysosomes is a complex process that is only beginning to be understood. Here, the lysosomal targeting of mucolipin-1 (Mcoln1), the TM protein defective in the autosomal recessive disease, mucolipidosis type IV, was studied by overexpressing full-length and truncated forms of the protein in human cells, followed by detection using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. We demonstrated that a 53-amino acid C-terminal region of Mcoln1 is required for efficient exit from the Golgi. Truncations lacking this region exhibited reduced delivery to lysosomes and decreased proteolytic cleavage of Mcoln1 into characteristic ∼35-kDa fragments, suggesting that this cleavage occurs in lysosomes. In addition, we found that the co-expression of full-length Mcoln1 with kinase-inactive protein kinase D (PKD) 1 or 2 inhibited Mcoln1 Golgi exit and transport to lysosomes and decreased Mcoln1 cleavage. These studies suggest that PKDs play a role in the delivery of some lysosomal resident TM proteins from the Golgi to the lysosomes.

Loss of lysosomal ion channel transient receptor potential channel mucolipin-1 (TRPML1) leads to cathepsin B-dependent apoptosis

Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the gene MCOLN1, which codes for the transient receptor potential family ion channel TRPML1. MLIV has an early onset and is characterized by developmental delays, motor and cognitive deficiencies, gastric abnormalities, retinal degeneration, and corneal cloudiness. The degenerative aspects of MLIV have been attributed to cell death, whose mechanisms remain to be delineated in MLIV and in most other storage diseases. Here we report that an acute siRNA-mediated loss of TRPML1 specifically causes a leak of lysosomal protease cathepsin B (CatB) into the cytoplasm. CatB leak is associated with apoptosis, which can be prevented by CatB inhibition. Inhibition of the proapoptotic protein Bax prevents TRPML1 KD-mediated apoptosis but does not prevent cytosolic release of CatB. This is the first evidence of a mechanistic link between acute TRPML1 loss and cell death.

Mucolipidosis type IV: an update

Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is a neurodevelopmental as well as neurodegenerative disorder with severe psychomotor developmental delay, progressive visual impairment, and achlorydria. It is characterized by the presence of lysosomal inclusions in many cell types in patients. MLIV is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in MCOLN1, which encodes for mucolipin-1, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family. Although approximately 70-80% of patients identified are Ashkenazi Jewish, MLIV is a pan-ethnic disorder. Importantly, while MLIV is thought to be a rare disease, its frequency may be greater than currently appreciated, for its common presentation as a cerebral palsy-like encephalopathy can lead to misdiagnosis. Moreover, patients with milder variants are often not recognized as having MLIV. This review provides an update on the ethnic distribution, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, methods of diagnosis, molecular genetics, differential diagnosis, and treatment of patients with MLIV. An enhanced awareness of the manifestations of this disorder may help to elucidate the true frequency and range of symptoms associated with MLIV, providing insight into the pathogenesis of this multi-system disease.

Transcriptional activation of lysosomal exocytosis promotes cellular clearance

Lysosomes are cellular organelles primarily involved in degradation and recycling processes. During lysosomal exocytosis, a Ca²⁺-regulated process, lysosomes are docked to the cell surface and fuse with the plasma membrane (PM), emptying their content outside the cell. This process has an important role in secretion and PM repair. Here we show that the transcription factor EB (TFEB) regulates lysosomal exocytosis. TFEB increases the pool of lysosomes in the proximity of the PM and promotes their fusion with PM by raising intracellular Ca²⁺ levels through the activation of the lysosomal Ca²⁺ channel MCOLN1. Induction of lysosomal exocytosis by TFEB overexpression rescued pathologic storage and restored normal cellular morphology both in vitro and in vivo in lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Our data indicate that lysosomal exocytosis may directly modulate cellular clearance and suggest an alternative therapeutic strategy for disorders associated with intracellular storage.

Characterization of the CLEAR network reveals an integrated control of cellular clearance pathways

In metazoans, lysosomes are the center for the degradation of macromolecules and play a key role in a variety of cellular processes, such as autophagy, exocytosis and membrane repair. Defects of lysosomal pathways are associated with lysosomal storage disorders and with several late onset neurodegenerative diseases. We recently discovered the CLEAR (Coordinated Lysosomal Expression and Regulation) gene network and its master gene transcription factor EB (TFEB), which regulates lysosomal biogenesis and function. Here, we used a combination of genomic approaches, including ChIP-seq (sequencing of chromatin immunoprecipitate) analysis, profiling of TFEB-mediated transcriptional induction, genome-wide mapping of TFEB target sites and recursive expression meta-analysis of TFEB targets, to identify 471 TFEB direct targets that represent essential components of the CLEAR network. This analysis revealed a comprehensive system regulating the expression, import and activity of lysosomal enzymes that control the degradation of proteins, glycosaminoglycans, sphingolipids and glycogen. Interestingly, the CLEAR network appears to be involved in the regulation of additional lysosome-associated processes, including autophagy, exo- and endocytosis, phagocytosis and immune response. Furthermore, non-lysosomal enzymes involved in the degradation of essential proteins such as hemoglobin and chitin are also part of the CLEAR network. Finally, we identified nine novel lysosomal proteins by using the CLEAR network as a tool for prioritizing candidates. This study provides potential therapeutic targets to modulate cellular clearance in a variety of disease conditions.

Clarifying lysosomal storage diseases

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a class of metabolic disorders caused by mutations in proteins critical for lysosomal function. Such proteins include lysosomal enzymes, lysosomal integral membrane proteins, and proteins involved in the post-translational modification and trafficking of lysosomal proteins. There are many recognized forms of LSDs and, although individually rare, their combined prevalence is estimated to be 1 in 8000 births. Over two-thirds of LSDs involve central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction (progressive cognitive and motor decline) and these symptoms are often the most debilitating. Although the genetic basis for these disorders is clear and the biochemistry of the proteins well understood, the cellular mechanisms by which deficiencies in these proteins disrupt neuronal viability remain ambiguous. In this review, we provide an overview of the widespread cellular perturbations occurring in LSDs, how they might be linked and interventions that may specifically or globally correct those defects.

Role of TRP channels in the regulation of the endosomal pathway

Some members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily have proved to be essential in maintaining adequate ion homeostasis, signaling, and membrane trafficking in the endosomal pathway. The unique properties of the TRP channels confer cells the ability to integrate cytosolic and intraluminal stimuli and allow maintained and regulated release of Ca(2+) from endosomes and lysosomes.

A role for the Ca2+ channel TRPML1 in gastric acid secretion, based on analysis of knockout mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Mutations in TRPML1, a lysosomal Ca(2+)-permeable TRP channel, lead to mucolipidosis type IV, a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease. An unusual feature of mucolipidosis type IV is constitutive achlorhydria. We produced Trpml1(-/-) (null) mice to investigate the requirement for this protein in gastric acid secretion.

METHODS

Trpml1-null mice were generated by gene targeting. The expression of Trpml1 and its role in acid secretion by gastric parietal cells were analyzed using biochemical, histologic, and ultrastructural approaches.

RESULTS

Trpml1 is expressed by parietal cells and localizes predominantly to the lysosomes; it was dynamically palmitoylated and dephosphorylated in vivo following histamine stimulation of acid secretion. Trpml1-null mice had significant impairments in basal and histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion and markedly reduced levels of the gastric proton pump. Histologic and ultrastructural analyses revealed that Trpml1(-/-) parietal cells were enlarged, had multivesicular and multi-lamellated lysosomes, and maintained an abnormal intracellular canalicular membrane. The intralysosomal Ca(2+) content and receptor-mediated Ca(2+) signaling were, however, unaffected in Trpml1(-/-) gastric glands, indicating that Trpml1 does not function in the regulation of lysosomal Ca(2+).

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of Trpml1 causes reduced levels and mislocalization of the gastric proton pump and alters the secretory canaliculi, causing hypochlorhydria and hypergastrinemia. The lysosomal enlargement and defective intracellular canaliculi formation observed in Trpml1(-/-) parietal cells indicate that Trpml1 functions in the formation and trafficking of the tubulovesicles. This study provides direct evidence for the regulation of gastric acid secretion by a TRP channel; TRPML1 is an important protein in parietal cell apical membrane trafficking.

The cation channel mucolipin-1 is a bifunctional protein that facilitates membrane remodeling via its serine lipase domain

Phospholipase modulators have been shown to affect the topology of lipid bilayers and the formation of tubulo-vesicular structures, but the specific endogenous phospholipases involved have yet to be identified. Here we show that TRPML1 (MLN1), a Ca(2+)-permeable channel, contributes to membrane remodeling through a serine lipase consensus domain, and thus represents a novel type of bifunctional protein. Remarkably, this serine lipase active site determines the ability of MLN1 to generate tubulo-vesicular extensions in mucolipin-1-expressing oocytes, human fibroblasts and model membrane vesicles. Our demonstration that MLN1 is involved in membrane remodeling and the formation of extensions suggests that it may play a role in the formation of cellular processes linked to the late endosome/lysosome (LE/L) pathway. MLN1 is absent or mutated in patients with mucolipidosis IV (MLIV), a lysosomal disorder with devastating neurological and other consequences. This study provides potential insight into the pathophysiology of MLIV.

Dictyostelium as a model for human lysosomal and trafficking diseases

Dictyostelium cells are genetically haploid and therefore easily analyzed for mutant phenotypes. In the past, many tools and molecular markers have been developed for a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the endocytic pathway in these amoebae. This review outlines parallels and discrepancies between mutants in Dictyostelium, the corresponding mammalian cells and the symptoms of human patients affected by lysosomal and trafficking defects. Situations where knowledge from Dictyostelium may potentially help understand human disease and vice versa are also addressed.

Macroautophagy is defective in mucolipin-1-deficient mouse neurons

Mucolipidosis type IV is a neurodegenerative lysosomal disease clinically characterized by psychomotor retardation, visual impairment, and achlorhydria. In this study we report the development of a neuronal cell model generated from cerebrum of Mcoln1(-/-) embryos. Prior functional characterization of MLIV cells has been limited to fibroblast cultures gleaned from patients. The current availability of the mucolipin-1 knockout mouse model Mcoln1(-/-) allows the study of mucolipin-1-defective neurons, which is important since the disease is characterized by severe neurological impairment. Electron microscopy studies reveal significant membranous intracytoplasmic storage bodies, which correlate with the storage morphology observed in cerebral cortex of Mcoln1(-/-) P7 pups and E17 embryos. The Mcoln1(-/-) neuronal cultures show an increase in size of LysoTracker and Lamp1 positive vesicles. Using this neuronal model system, we show that macroautophagy is defective in mucolipin-1-deficient neurons and that LC3-II levels are significantly elevated. Treatment with rapamycin plus protease inhibitors did not increase levels of LC3-II in Mcoln1(-/-) neuronal cultures, indicating that the lack of mucolipin-1 affects LC3-II clearance. P62/SQSTM1 and ubiquitin levels were also increased in Mcoln1(-/-) neuronal cultures, suggesting an accumulation of protein aggregates and a defect in macroautophagy which could help explain the neurodegeneration observed in MLIV. This study describes, for the first time, a defect in macroautophagy in mucolipin-1-deficient neurons, which corroborates recent findings in MLIV fibroblasts and provides new insight into the neuronal pathogenesis of this disease.

Heteromultimeric TRPML channel assemblies play a crucial role in the regulation of cell viability models and starvation-induced autophagy

The mucolipin (TRPML) subfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels consists of three members that play various roles in the regulation of membrane and protein sorting along endo-lysosomal pathways. Loss-of-function mutations in TRPML1 cause the neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder, mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), whereas a gain-of-function mutation in TRPML3 is principally implicated in the hearing-impaired and abnormally pigmented varitint-waddler mouse. Currently, TRPML2 is not implicated in any pathological disorder, but we have recently shown that it is a functional cation channel that physically interacts with TRPML1 and TRPML3 to potentially regulate lysosomal integrity. Here, we show that mutant TRPMLs heteromultimerize with other mutant and wild-type TRPMLs to regulate cell viability and starvation-induced autophagy, a process that mediates macromolecular and organellar turnover under cell starvation conditions. Heteromultimerization of dominant-negative TRPMLs with constitutively active TRPMLs rescues cells from the cytotoxic effects of TRPML constitutive activity. Moreover, dominant-negative TRPML1 channels, including a mutant channel directly implicated in MLIV pathology, also inhibit starvation-induced autophagy by interacting with and affecting native TRPML channel function. Collectively, our results indicate that heteromultimerization of TRPML channels plays a role in various TRPML-regulated mechanisms.

Roles of CUP-5, the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue of human TRPML1, in lysosome and gut granule biogenesis

Background

CUP-5 is a Transient Receptor Potential protein in C. elegans that is the orthologue of mammalian TRPML1. Loss of TRPML1 results in the lysosomal storage disorder Mucolipidosis type IV. Loss of CUP-5 results in embryonic lethality and the accumulation of enlarged yolk granules in developing intestinal cells. The embryonic lethality of cup-5 mutants is rescued by mutations in mrp-4, which is required for gut granule differentiation. Gut granules are intestine-specific lysosome-related organelles that accumulate birefringent material. This link between CUP-5 and gut granules led us to determine the roles of CUP-5 in lysosome and gut granule biogenesis in developing intestinal cells.

Results

We show that CUP-5 protein localizes to lysosomes, but not to gut granules, in developing intestinal cells. Loss of CUP-5 results in defects in endo-lysosomal transport in developing intestinal cells of C. elegans embryos. This ultimately leads to the appearance of enlarged terminal vacuoles that show defective lysosomal degradation and that have lysosomal and endosomal markers. In contrast, gut granule biogenesis is normal in the absence of CUP-5. Furthermore, loss of CUP-5 does not result in inappropriate fusion or mixing of content between lysosomes and gut granules.

Conclusions

Using an in vivo model of MLIV, we show that there is a defect in lysosomal transport/biogenesis that is earlier than the presumed function of TRPML1 in terminal lysosomes. Our results indicate that CUP-5 is required for the biogenesis of lysosomes but not of gut granules. Thus, cellular phenotypes in Mucolipidosis type IV are likely not due to defects in lysosome-related organelle biogenesis, but due to progressive defects in lysosomal transport that lead to severe lysosomal dysfunction.

TRP channels of intracellular membranes

Ion channels are classically understood to regulate the flux of ions across the plasma membrane in response to a variety of environmental and intracellular cues. Ion channels serve a number of functions in intracellular membranes as well. These channels may be temporarily localized to intracellular membranes as a function of their biosynthetic or secretory pathways, i.e., en route to their destination location. Intracellular membrane ion channels may also be located in the endocytic pathways, either being recycled back to the plasma membrane or targeted to the lysosome for degradation. Several channels do participate in intracellular signal transduction; the most well known example is the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) in the endoplasmic reticulum. Some organellar intracellular membrane channels are required for the ionic homeostasis of their residing organelles. Several newly-discovered intracellular membrane Ca(2+) channels actually play active roles in membrane trafficking. Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are a superfamily (28 members in mammal) of Ca(2+)-permeable channels with diverse tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and physiological functions. Almost all mammalian TRP channels studied thus far, like their ancestor yeast TRP channel (TRPY1) that localizes to the vacuole compartment, are also (in addition to their plasma membrane localization) found to be localized to intracellular membranes. Accumulated evidence suggests that intracellularly-localized TRP channels actively participate in regulating membrane traffic, signal transduction, and vesicular ion homeostasis. This review aims to provide a summary of these recent works. The discussion will also be extended to the basic membrane and electrical properties of the TRP-residing compartments.

Mucolipins: Intracellular TRPML1-3 channels

The mucolipin family of Transient Receptor Potential (TRPML) proteins is predicted to encode ion channels expressed in intracellular endosomes and lysosomes. Loss-of-function mutations of human TRPML1 cause type IV mucolipidosis (ML4), a childhood neurodegenerative disease. Meanwhile, gain-of-function mutations in the mouse TRPML3 result in the varitint-waddler (Va) phenotype with hearing and pigmentation defects. The broad spectrum phenotypes of ML4 and Va appear to result from certain aspects of endosomal/lysosomal dysfunction. Lysosomes, traditionally believed to be the terminal "recycling center" for biological "garbage", are now known to play indispensable roles in intracellular signal transduction and membrane trafficking. Studies employing animal models and cell lines in which TRPML genes have been genetically disrupted or depleted have uncovered roles of TRPMLs in multiple cellular functions including membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and organellar ion homeostasis. Physiological assays of mammalian cell lines in which TRPMLs are heterologously overexpressed have revealed the channel properties of TRPMLs in mediating cation (Ca(2+)/Fe(2+)) efflux from endosomes and lysosomes in response to unidentified cellular cues. This review aims to summarize these recent advances in the TRPML field and to correlate the channel properties of endolysosomal TRPMLs with their biological functions. We will also discuss the potential cellular mechanisms by which TRPML deficiency leads to neurodegeneration.

The tissue-specific expression of TRPML2 (MCOLN-2) gene is influenced by the presence of TRPML1

Mucolipidosis type IV is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the loss or dysfunction of the mucolipin-1 (TRPML1) protein. It has been suggested that TRPML2 could genetically compensate (i.e., become upregulated) for the loss of TRPML1. We thus investigated this possibility by first studying the expression pattern of mouse TRPML2 and its basic channel properties using the varitint-waddler (Va) model. Here, we confirmed the presence of long variant TRPML2 (TRPML2lv) and short variant (TRPML2sv) isoforms. We showed for the first time that, heterologously expressed, TRPML2lv-Va is an active, inwardly rectifying channel. Secondly, we quantitatively measured TRPML2 and TRPML3 mRNA expressions in TRPML1-/- null and wild-type (Wt) mice. In wild-type mice, the TRPML2lv transcripts were very low while TRPML2sv and TRPML3 transcripts have predominant expressions in lymphoid and kidney organs. Significant reductions of TRPML2sv, but not TRPML2lv or TRPML3 transcripts, were observed in lymphoid and kidney organs of TRPML1-/- mice. RNA interference of endogenous human TRPML1 in HEK-293 cells produced a comparable decrease of human TRPML2 transcript levels that can be restored by overexpression of human TRPML1. Conversely, significant upregulation of TRPML2sv transcripts was observed when primary mouse lymphoid cells were treated with nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate, or N-(2-[p-bromocinnamylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide, both known activators of TRPML1. In conclusion, our results indicate that TRPML2 is unlikely to compensate for the loss of TRPML1 in lymphoid or kidney organs and that TRPML1 appears to play a novel role in the tissue-specific transcriptional regulation of TRPML2.

Activating mutations of the TRPML1 channel revealed by proline-scanning mutagenesis

The mucolipin TRP (TRPML) proteins are a family of endolysosomal cation channels with genetically established importance in humans and rodent. Mutations of human TRPML1 cause type IV mucolipidosis, a devastating pediatric neurodegenerative disease. Our recent electrophysiological studies revealed that, although a TRPML1-mediated current can only be recorded in late endosome and lysosome (LEL) using the lysosome patch clamp technique, a proline substitution in TRPML1 (TRPML1(V432P)) results in a large whole cell current. Thus, it remains unknown whether the large TRPML1(V432P)-mediated current results from an increased surface expression (trafficking), elevated channel activity (gating), or both. Here we performed systemic Pro substitutions in a region previously implicated in the gating of various 6 transmembrane cation channels. We found that several Pro substitutions displayed gain-of-function (GOF) constitutive activities at both the plasma membrane (PM) and endolysosomal membranes. Although wild-type TRPML1 and non-GOF Pro substitutions localized exclusively in LEL and were barely detectable in the PM, the GOF mutations with high constitutive activities were not restricted to LEL compartments, and most significantly, exhibited significant surface expression. Because lysosomal exocytosis is Ca(2+)-dependent, constitutive Ca(2+) permeability due to Pro substitutions may have resulted in stimulus-independent intralysosomal Ca(2+) release, hence the surface expression and whole cell current of TRPML1. Indeed, surface staining of lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (Lamp-1) was dramatically increased in cells expressing GOF TRPML1 channels. We conclude that TRPML1 is an inwardly rectifying, proton-impermeable, Ca(2+) and Fe(2+)/Mn(2+) dually permeable cation channel that may be gated by unidentified cellular mechanisms through a conformational change in the cytoplasmic face of the transmembrane 5 (TM5). Furthermore, activation of TRPML1 in LEL may lead to the appearance of TRPML1 proteins at the PM.

Identification of the penta-EF-hand protein ALG-2 as a Ca2+-dependent interactor of mucolipin-1

Loss of function mutations in mucolipin-1 (MCOLN1) have been linked to mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), a recessive lysosomal storage disease characterized by severe neurological and ophthalmological abnormalities. MCOLN1 is an ion channel that regulates membrane transport along the endolysosomal pathway. It has been suggested that MCOLN1 participates in several Ca(2+)-dependent processes, including fusion of lysosomes with the plasma membrane, fusion of late endosomes and autophagosomes with lysosomes, and lysosomal biogenesis. Here, we searched for proteins that interact with MCOLN1 in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. We found that the penta-EF-hand protein ALG-2 binds to the NH-terminal cytosolic tail of MCOLN1. The interaction is direct, strictly dependent on Ca(2+), and mediated by a patch of charged and hydrophobic residues located between MCOLN1 residues 37 and 49. We further show that MCOLN1 and ALG-2 co-localize to enlarged endosomes induced by overexpression of an ATPase-defective dominant-negative form of Vps4B (Vps4B(E235Q)). In agreement with the proposed role of MCOLN1 in the regulation of fusion/fission events, we found that overexpression of MCOLN1 caused accumulation of enlarged, aberrant endosomes that contain both early and late endosome markers. Interestingly, aggregation of abnormal endosomes was greatly reduced when the ALG-2-binding domain in MCOLN1 was mutated, suggesting that ALG-2 regulates MCOLN1 function. Overall, our data provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate MCOLN1 activity. We propose that ALG-2 acts as a Ca(2+) sensor that modulates the function of MCOLN1 along the late endosomal-lysosomal pathway.