Clathrin

Inside(sight) of tiny communicator: exosome biogenesis, secretion, and uptake

Discovered in the late 1980s as an extracellular vesicle of endosomal origin secreted from reticulocytes, exosomes recently gained scientific attention due to its role in intercellular communication. Exosomes have now been identified to carry cell-specific cargo of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other biologically active molecules. Exosomes can be selectively taken up by neighboring or distant cells, which has shown to result in structural and functional responses in the recipient cells. Recent advances indicate the regulation of exosomes at various steps, including their biogenesis, selection of their cargo, as well as cell-specific uptake. This review will shed light on the differences between the type of extracellular vesicles. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in our understanding of the regulation of exosome biogenesis, secretion, and uptake.

Evolutionarily unique mechanistic framework of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in plants

In plants, clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME) represents the major route for cargo internalisation from the cell surface. It has been assumed to operate in an evolutionary conserved manner as in yeast and animals. Here we report characterisation of ultrastructure, dynamics and mechanisms of plant CME as allowed by our advancement in electron microscopy and quantitative live imaging techniques. Arabidopsis CME appears to follow the constant curvature model and the bona fide CME population generates vesicles of a predominantly hexagonal-basket type; larger and with faster kinetics than in other models. Contrary to the existing paradigm, actin is dispensable for CME events at the plasma membrane but plays a unique role in collecting endocytic vesicles, sorting of internalised cargos and directional endosome movement that itself actively promote CME events. Internalized vesicles display a strongly delayed and sequential uncoating. These unique features highlight the independent evolution of the plant CME mechanism during the autonomous rise of multicellularity in eukaryotes.

Effect of elasticity on the phagocytosis of micro/nanoparticles

A broad range of investigation methods and frameworks are used to better study the elasticity of various micro/nanoparticles (MNPs) with different properties and to explore the effect of such properties on their interactions with biological species.

Extracellular Vesicles in Modifying the Effects of Ionizing Radiation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coated nanovesicles actively secreted by almost all cell types. EVs can travel long distances within the body, being finally taken up by the target cells, transferring information from one cell to another, thus influencing their behavior. The cargo of EVs comprises of nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins derived from the cell of origin, thereby it is cell-type specific; moreover, it differs between diseased and normal cells. Several studies have shown that EVs have a role in tumor formation and prognosis. It was also demonstrated that ionizing radiation can alter the cargo of EVs. EVs, in turn can modulate radiation responses and they play a role in radiation-induced bystander effects. Due to their biocompatibility and selective targeting, EVs are suitable nanocarrier candidates of drugs in various diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, the cargo of EVs can be engineered, and in this way they can be designed to carry certain genes or even drugs, similar to synthetic nanoparticles. In this review, we describe the biological characteristics of EVs, focusing on the recent efforts to use EVs as nanocarriers in oncology, the effects of EVs in radiation therapy, highlighting the possibilities to use EVs as nanocarriers to modulate radiation effects in clinical applications.

Quantitative proteomics reveals reduction of endocytic machinery components in gliomas

Background

Gliomas are the most frequent and aggressive malignancies of the central nervous system. Decades of molecular analyses have demonstrated that gliomas accumulate genetic alterations that culminate in enhanced activity of receptor tyrosine kinases and downstream mediators. While the genetic alterations, like gene amplification or loss, have been well characterized, little information exists about changes in the proteome of gliomas of different grades.

Methods

We performed unbiased quantitative proteomics of human glioma biopsies by mass spectrometry followed by bioinformatic analysis.

Findings

Various pathways were found to be up- or downregulated. In particular, endocytosis as pathway was affected by a vast and concomitant reduction of multiple machinery components involved in initiation, formation, and scission of endocytic carriers. Both clathrin-dependent and -independent endocytosis were changed, since not only clathrin, AP-2 adaptins, and endophilins were downregulated, but also dynamin that is shared by both pathways. The reduction of endocytic machinery components caused increased receptor cell surface levels, a prominent phenotype of defective endocytosis. Analysis of additional biopsies revealed that depletion of endocytic machinery components was a common trait of various glioma grades and subclasses.

Interpretation

We propose that impaired endocytosis creates a selective advantage in glioma tumor progression due to prolonged receptor tyrosine kinase signaling from the cell surface.

Fund

This work was supported by Grants 316030-164105 (to P. Jenö), 31003A-162643 (to M. Spiess) and PP00P3-176974 (to G. Hutter) from the Swiss National Science Foundation. Further funding was received by the Department of Surgery from the University Hospital Basel.

Fibronectin on the Surface of Extracellular Vesicles Mediates Fibroblast Invasion

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are endosome and plasma membrane-derived nano-sized vesicles that participate in intercellular signaling. Although EV cargo may signal via multiple mechanisms, how signaling components on the surface of EVs mediate cellular signaling is less well understood. In this study, we show that fibroblast-derived EVs carry fibronectin on the vesicular surface, as evidenced by mass spectrometry-based proteomics (Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra) and flow-cytometric analyses. Fibroblasts undergoing replicative senescence or transforming growth factor β1-induced senescence and fibroblasts isolated from human subjects with an age-related lung disorder, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, secreted higher numbers of EVs than their respective controls. Fibroblast-derived EVs induced an invasive phenotype in recipient fibroblasts. This invasive fibroblast phenotype was dependent on EV surface localization of fibronectin, interaction with the fibronectin receptor α5β1 integrin, and activation of invasion-associated signaling pathways involving focal adhesion kinase and Src family kinases. EVs in the cellular supernatant, unbound to the extracellular matrix, were capable of mediating invasion signaling on recipient fibroblasts, supporting a direct interaction of EV surface fibronectin with the plasma membrane of recipient cells. Together, these studies uncover a novel mechanism of EV signaling of fibroblast invasion that may be relevant in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases and cancer.

Gene expression effects of lithium and valproic acid in a serotonergic cell line

Valproic acid (VPA) and lithium are widely used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, the underlying mechanism of action of these drugs is not clearly understood. We used RNA-Seq analysis to examine the global profile of gene expression in a rat serotonergic cell line (RN46A) after exposure to these two mood stabilizer drugs. Numerous genes were differentially regulated in response to VPA (log₂ fold change ≥ 1.0; i.e., odds ratio of ≥2, at false discovery rate <5%), but only two genes ( Dynlrb2 and Cdyl2) showed significant differential regulation after exposure of the cells to lithium, with the same analysis criteria. Both of these genes were also regulated by VPA. Many of the differentially expressed genes had functions of potential relevance to mood disorders or their treatment, such as several serpin family genes (including neuroserpin), Nts (neurotensin), Maob (monoamine oxidase B), and Ap2b1, which is important for synaptic vesicle function. Pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of Gene Ontology terms such as extracellular matrix remodeling, cell adhesion, and chemotaxis. This study in a cell line derived from the raphe nucleus has identified a range of genes and pathways that provide novel insights into potential therapeutic actions of the commonly used mood stabilizer drugs.

3D visualization of extracellular vesicle uptake by endothelial cells

Background

Extracellular vesicles are small vesicles that contain cytoplasmic and membrane components from their paternal cells. They enter target cells through uptake to transfer their biological cargo. In this study, we investigated the process of endothelial EV internalization and created a 3D visualization of their intracellular distribution.

Methods and results

Two immortalized endothelial cell lines that express h-TERT (human telomerase) were used for EV release: microvascular TIME and macrovascular HUVEC. EVs were isolated from the cell culture medium via differential centrifugation and used for the uptake experiments. The size distribution of the EVs was measured using TRPS technology on a qNano instrument. Internalization of EVs was observed using a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal laser microscope after staining of the EVs with PKH26. EVs were observed intracellularly and distributed in the perinuclear region of the target cells. The distribution patterns were similar in both cell lines.

Conclusion

The perinuclear localization of the internalized EVs shows their biological stability after their uptake to the endothelial cells. The 3D visualization allows the determination of a more accurate location of EVs relative to the donor cell nucleus.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s11658-018-0123-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Exosomes-the enigmatic regulators of bone homeostasis

Exosomes are a heterogeneous group of cell-derived membranous structures, which mediate crosstalk interaction between cells. Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between exosomes and bone homeostasis. It is suggested that bone cells can spontaneously secret exosomes containing proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which then to regulate osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis. However, the network of regulatory activities of exosomes in bone homeostasis as well as their therapeutic potential in bone injury remain largely unknown. This review will detail and discuss the characteristics of exosomes, the regulatory activities of exosomes in bone homeostasis as well as the clinical potential of exosomes in bone injury.

Vesicles known as exosomes may prove to be valuable clinical tools once their function is clarified. Exosomes were discovered in the 1980s but not observed in bone tissue until 2003. Minghao Zheng of the University of Western Australia, together with colleagues elsewhere, has reviewed the biology of exosomes, their role in maintaining bones, and their potential clinical uses. Exosomes carry lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids between cells. They are released by every type of bone cell, with the role of each exosome determined by its specific contents. Exosome-mediated crosstalk is involved in regulating bone remodeling, and exosomes have also been implicated in myelomas. Recent work has shown that exosome treatment can improve fracture healing. The authors conclude that a better understanding of the role of exosomes in bone homeostasis will unlock their significant clinical potential.

[Endosomal control of intracellular signaling]

Membrane receptors control essential processes such as cell growth, adhesion, differentiation and metabolism through the activation of specific signaling pathways. Nowadays, these receptors are not only known to signal from the plasma membrane but also from intracellular compartments. Indeed, after being internalized with their ligands via different endocytic pathways, some membrane receptors can initiate signal only after reaching the sorting endosome where they associate with specific protein partners. This review illustrates how this spatio-temporal regulation of signal transduction can occur, with several examples, including interferon receptors which activate JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The literature presented here explains why this control of signaling pathways occuring at the endosomal level creates a higher degree of tuning for the affected cellular processes.

Immunomodulation by Helminths: Intracellular Pathways and Extracellular Vesicles

Helminth parasites are masters at manipulating host immune responses, using an array of sophisticated mechanisms. One of the major mechanisms enabling helminths to establish chronic infections is the targeting of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) including toll-like receptors, C-type lectin receptors, and the inflammasome. Given the critical role of these receptors and their intracellular pathways in regulating innate inflammatory responses, and also directing adaptive immunity toward Th1 and Th2 responses, recognition of the pathways triggered and/or modulated by helminths and their products will provide detailed insights about how helminths are able to establish an immunoregulatory environment. However, helminths also target PRRs-independent mechanisms (and most likely other yet unknown mechanisms and pathways) underpinning the battery of different molecules helminths produce. Herein, the current knowledge on intracellular pathways in antigen presenting cells activated by helminth-derived biomolecules is reviewed. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of helminth-derived vesicles as a less-appreciated components released during infection, their role in activating these host intracellular pathways, and their implication in the development of new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases and the possibility of designing a new generation of vaccines.

Nanostructures: between natural environment and medical practice

Nanoparticles (NPs) are small structures under 100 nm in dimension. Interrelationships among the morphological parameters and toxicity of NPs have been the focus of several investigations that assessed potential health risk in environmentally-exposed subjects and the realistic uses of NPs in medical practice. In the current review, we provide a summary of the cellular mechanisms of membrane-mediated transport, including old and novel molecules that transport nanostructures across cellular membranes. The effects of geochemical exposure to natural NPs are evaluated through epidemiological data and cancerous pathways activated by Fe2+ NPs. Specifically, we discuss screening for papillary thyroid carcinomas in the inhabitants of the Sicilian volcanic area surrounding Mount Etna to compare the incidence of thyroid carcinoma in this population. Lastly, considering the increased production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), we examine the toxicity and potential use of these engineered NPs in drug delivery of an extensive amount of therapeutic and imaging molecules (theranosis) that can be conjugated to CNTs.

RNA interference screening identifies clathrin-B and cofilin-1 as mediators of MT1-MMP in endometrial cancer

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis. Given their multiple tumor promoting roles, MMPs are promising targets for the treatment of metastatic cancer. Using a siRNA library screen of 140 membrane trafficking genes, we identified 41 genes in HEC-1B and 36 in Ishikawa cancer cells that decreased metalloproteinases activity. The 16 genes common in both cancer cell lines that decreased MMPs activity are involved in cargo sorting, vesicle formation and vesicle recycling. The top two genes clathrin-B and cofilin-1 were chosen for post hoc functional studies. Higher expression of both genes was confirmed in cancer cells and knockdown with respective siRNAs inhibited their invasive potential and matrix metalloproteinases activity. Membrane Type 1- Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a master switch proteinase and regulator of invasion and metastasis. A marked decrease in MT1-MMP expression and activity was seen in clathrin-B and cofilin-1 knockdown cancer cells which was associated with a marked decreased expression of invadopodia formation proteins. Our results suggest that the decreased expression of clathrin-B and cofilin-1 decreases the expression of MT1-MMP and results in attenuation of MT1-MMP at the cell surface, thus inhibiting tumor cell invasion and metastasis.

Exosomes and their implications in central nervous system tumor biology

Exosomes are 20-100 nm cellular derived vesicles that upon discovery, were thought to be a form of cellular recycling of intracellular contents. More recently, these vesicles are under investigation for their purported significant roles in intercellular communication in both healthy and diseased states. Herein, we focus on the secretion of exosomes associated with glioblastoma, as most exosome studies on brain tumors have been performed in this tumor type. However, we included exosomes secreted from other forms of brain tumors for comparison as available. Exosomes contain intracellular content that can be transferred to other cells in the tumor or to cells of the immune system and endothelial cells. These recipient cells may subsequently take on oncogenic properties, including therapeutic resistance, cancer progression, and angiogenesis. Genetic components (DNA, RNA and miRNA) of the cell of origin may be included in the secreted exosomes. The presence of genetic material in the exosomes could serve as a biomarker for mutations in tumors, potentially leading to novel treatment strategies. In the last decade, exosomes have been identified as having a major impact on multiple aspects of medicine and tumor biology, and appear to be primed for a critical position in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Mitotic spindle association of TACC3 requires Aurora-A-dependent stabilization of a cryptic α-helix

Aurora-A regulates the recruitment of TACC3 to the mitotic spindle through a phospho-dependent interaction with clathrin heavy chain (CHC). Here, we describe the structural basis of these interactions, mediated by three motifs in a disordered region of TACC3. A hydrophobic docking motif binds to a previously uncharacterized pocket on Aurora-A that is blocked in most kinases. Abrogation of the docking motif causes a delay in late mitosis, consistent with the cellular distribution of Aurora-A complexes. Phosphorylation of Ser558 engages a conformational switch in a second motif from a disordered state, needed to bind the kinase active site, into a helical conformation. The helix extends into a third, adjacent motif that is recognized by a helical-repeat region of CHC, not a recognized phospho-reader domain. This potentially widespread mechanism of phospho-recognition provides greater flexibility to tune the molecular details of the interaction than canonical recognition motifs that are dominated by phosphate binding.

The Sla1 adaptor-clathrin interaction regulates coat formation and progression of endocytosis

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a fundamental transport pathway that depends on numerous protein-protein interactions. Testing the importance of the adaptor protein-clathrin interaction for coat formation and progression of endocytosis in vivo has been difficult due to experimental constrains. Here, we addressed this question using the yeast clathrin adaptor Sla1, which is unique in showing a cargo endocytosis defect upon substitution of 3 amino acids in its clathrin-binding motif (sla1^AAA ) that disrupt clathrin binding. Live-cell imaging showed an impaired Sla1-clathrin interaction causes reduced clathrin levels but increased Sla1 levels at endocytic sites. Moreover, the rate of Sla1 recruitment was reduced indicating proper dynamics of both clathrin and Sla1 depend on their interaction. sla1^AAA cells showed a delay in progression through the various stages of endocytosis. The Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization machinery was present for significantly longer time before actin polymerization ensued, revealing a link between coat formation and activation of actin polymerization. Ultimately, in sla1^AAA cells a larger than normal actin network was formed, dramatically higher levels of various machinery proteins other than clathrin were recruited, and the membrane profile of endocytic invaginations was longer. Thus, the Sla1-clathrin interaction is important for coat formation, regulation of endocytic progression and membrane bending.

Self-Assembly Mechanism of a Peptide-Based Drug Delivery Vehicle

We report the mechanism of the concentration-dependent self-assembly of a tetrapeptide. Peptide Boc-Trp-Leu-Trp-Leu-OMe self-assembles to form discrete nanospheres at a low concentration. Tryptophan side chains point outwards of the nanospheres while leucine side chains point towards the core of the nanospheres. The nanospheres fuse together to become microspheres with the increase in the peptide concentration. At higher concentrations of the peptide, the microspheres start clustering. This is stabilized by the aromatic interactions between the side chains of the tryptophan residues that cover the outer surface of the peptide microspheres. In addition to behaving like the conventional hollow sphere-based drug delivery vehicles which entraps the drug and performs stimuli-responsive release, this prototype can interact, stabilize, and intercalate hydrophobic dye carboxyfluorescein and anti-cancer drug curcumin even on the surface through aromatic interactions. The dye/drug can be released in acidic pH and in the presence of physiologically relevant ions such as potassium.

Uptake and Intracellular Fate of Engineered Nanoparticles in Mammalian Cells: Capabilities and Limitations of Transmission Electron Microscopy-Polymer-Based Nanoparticles

In order to elucidate mechanisms of nanoparticle (NP)-cell interactions, a detailed knowledge about membrane-particle interactions, intracellular distributions, and nucleus penetration capabilities, etc. becomes indispensable. The utilization of NPs as additives in many consumer products, as well as the increasing interest of tailor-made nanoobjects as novel therapeutic and diagnostic platforms, makes it essential to gain deeper insights about their biological effects. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) represents an outstanding method to study the uptake and intracellular fate of NPs, since this technique provides a resolution far better than the particle size. Additionally, its capability to highlight ultrastructural details of the cellular interior as well as membrane features is unmatched by other approaches. Here, a summary is provided on studies utilizing TEM to investigate the uptake and mode-of-action of tailor-made polymer nanoparticles in mammalian cells. For this purpose, the capabilities as well as limitations of TEM investigations are discussed to provide a detailed overview on uptake studies of common nanoparticle systems supported by TEM investigations. Furthermore, methodologies that can, in particular, address low-contrast materials in electron microscopy, i.e., polymeric and polymer-modified nanoparticles, are highlighted.

Subcellular Organization of GPCR Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise a large and diverse class of signal-transducing receptors that undergo dynamic and isoform-specific membrane trafficking. GPCRs thus have an inherent potential to initiate or regulate signaling reactions from multiple membrane locations. This review discusses emerging insights into the subcellular organization of GPCR function in mammalian cells, focusing on signaling transduced by heterotrimeric G proteins and β-arrestins. We summarize recent evidence indicating that GPCR-mediated activation of G proteins occurs not only from the plasma membrane (PM) but also from endosomes and Golgi membranes and that β-arrestin-dependent signaling can be transduced from the PM by β-arrestin trafficking to clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) after dissociation from a ligand-activated GPCR.

Development of Research into Autophagic Lysosome Reformation

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation process that is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. In recent years, more studies have focused on the late stages of autophagy. Our group discovered and studied the terminal step of autophagy, namely autophagic lysosome reformation (ALR). ALR is the process that regenerates functional lysosomes from autolysosomes, thus maintaining lysosome homeostasis. ALR involves clathrin-mediated membrane budding from autolysosomes, elongation of membrane tubules along microtubules with the pulling force provided by the motor protein KIF5B, proto-lysosome scission by dynamin 2, and finally maturation of proto-lysosomes to functional lysosomes. In this review, we will summarize progress in unveiling the molecular mechanisms underlying ALR and its potential pathophysiological roles.

Weak Molecular Interactions in Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a process by which specific molecules are internalized from the cell periphery for delivery to early endosomes. The key stages in this step-wise process, from the starting point of cargo recognition, to the later stage of assembly of the clathrin coat, are dependent on weak interactions between a large network of proteins. This review discusses the structural and functional data that have improved our knowledge and understanding of the main weak molecular interactions implicated in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, with a particular focus on the two key proteins: AP2 and clathrin.

Recent advances on extracellular vesicles in therapeutic delivery: Challenges, solutions, and opportunities

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are intrinsic mediators of intercellular communication in our body, allowing functional transfer of biomolecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acid) between diverse locations. Such an instrumental role evokes a surge of interest within the drug delivery community in tailoring EVs for therapeutic delivery. These vesicles represent a novel generation of drug delivery systems, providing high delivery efficiency, intrinsic targeting properties, and low immunogenicity. In the recent years, considerable research efforts have been directed toward developing safe and efficient EV-based delivery vehicles. Although EVs are shown to harbor great promise in therapeutic delivery, substantial improvements in exploring standardized isolation techniques with high efficiency and robust yield, scalable production, standard procedures for EV storage, efficient loading methods without damaging EV integrity, understanding their in vivo trafficking, and developing novel EV-based nanocarriers are still required before their clinical transformation. In this review, we seek to summarize the recent advance on harnessing EVs for drug delivery with focus on state-of-the-art solutions for overcoming major challenges.

Ovarian expression and localization of clathrin (Cltc) components in cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki: Evidence for Cltc involvement in endocytosis of vitellogenin during oocyte growth

To evaluate potential involvement of clathrin in endocytosis of vitellogenin (Vtg) by teleost oocytes, cDNAs encoding clathrin heavy chain (cltc) were cloned from ovaries of cutthroat trout. Quantitative PCR revealed three types of cltc (cltc-a1, cltc-a2, cltc-b) to be expressed in 10 different tissues including the ovary. The cltc-a1 alone exhibited a significant decrease in ovarian expression during vitellogenesis; this was correlated with a corresponding decrease in transcripts encoding the major Vtg receptor (Vtgr). No development-related changes in ovarian cltc-a2 or cltc-b transcript levels were observed. In situ hybridization revealed a strong ctlc signal in pre-vitellogenic oocytes, but not in vitellogenic oocytes. Western blotting using a rabbit antiserum (a-Cltc) raised against a recombinant Cltc preparation detected a polypeptide band with an apparent mass of ~170kDa in vitellogenic ovary extracts. Immunohistochemistry using a-Cltc revealed Cltc to be uniformly distributed throughout the ooplasm of perinucleolus stage oocytes, translocated to the periphery of lipid droplet stage oocytes, and localized to the oolemma during vitellogenesis. These patterns of cltc/Cltc distribution and abundance during oogenesis, which are identical to those previously reported for vtgr/Vtgr in this species, constitute the first empirical evidence that cltc-a1/Cltc-a1 is involved in Vtg endocytosis via the Vtgr in teleost fish.

The agglomeration state of nanoparticles can influence the mechanism of their cellular internalisation

Background

Significant progress of nanotechnology, including in particular biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, has resulted in a high number of studies describing the biological effects of nanomaterials. Moreover, a determination of so-called “critical quality attributes”, that is specific physicochemical properties of nanomaterials triggering the observed biological response, has been recognised as crucial for the evaluation and design of novel safe and efficacious therapeutics. In the context of in vitro studies, a thorough physicochemical characterisation of nanoparticles (NPs), also in the biological medium, is necessary to allow a correlation with a cellular response. Following this concept, we examined whether the main and frequently reported characteristics of NPs such as size and the agglomeration state can influence the level and the mechanism of NP cellular internalization.

Results

We employed fluorescently-labelled 30 and 80 nm silicon dioxide NPs, both in agglomerated and non-agglomerated form. Using flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, the inhibitors of endocytosis and gene silencing we determined the most probable routes of cellular uptake for each form of tested silica NPs. We observed differences in cellular uptake depending on the size and the agglomeration state of NPs. Caveolae-mediated endocytosis was implicated particularly in the internalisation of well dispersed silica NPs but with an increase of the agglomeration state of NPs a combination of endocytic pathways with a predominant role of macropinocytosis was noted.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the agglomeration state of NPs is an important factor influencing the level of cell uptake and the mechanism of endocytosis of silica NPs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-017-0281-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Tropomodulin 1 Regulation of Actin Is Required for the Formation of Large Paddle Protrusions Between Mature Lens Fiber Cells

Purpose

To elucidate the proteins required for specialized small interlocking protrusions and large paddle domains at lens fiber cell tricellular junctions (vertices), we developed a novel method to immunostain single lens fibers and studied changes in cell morphology due to loss of tropomodulin 1 (Tmod1), an F-actin pointed end–capping protein.

Methods

We investigated F-actin and F-actin–binding protein localization in interdigitations of Tmod1^+/+ and Tmod1^−/− single mature lens fibers.

Results

F-actin–rich small protrusions and large paddles were present along cell vertices of Tmod1^+/+ mature fibers. In contrast, Tmod1^−/− mature fiber cells lack normal paddle domains, while small protrusions were unaffected. In Tmod1^+/+ mature fibers, Tmod1, β2-spectrin, and α-actinin are localized in large puncta in valleys between paddles; but in Tmod1^−/− mature fibers, β2-spectrin was dispersed while α-actinin was redistributed at the base of small protrusions and rudimentary paddles. Fimbrin and Arp3 (actin-related protein 3) were located in puncta at the base of small protrusions, while N-cadherin and ezrin outlined the cell membrane in both Tmod1^+/+ and Tmod1^−/− mature fibers.

Conclusions

These results suggest that distinct F-actin organizations are present in small protrusions versus large paddles. Formation and/or maintenance of large paddle domains depends on a β2-spectrin–actin network stabilized by Tmod1. α-Actinin–crosslinked F-actin bundles are enhanced in absence of Tmod1, indicating altered cytoskeleton organization. Formation of small protrusions is likely facilitated by Arp3-branched and fimbrin-bundled F-actin networks, which do not depend on Tmod1. This is the first work to reveal the F-actin–associated proteins required for the formation of paddles between lens fibers.

Recent progress in autophagic lysosome reformation

Autophagic lysosome reformation (ALR) is the terminal step of autophagy and is essential for maintaining lysosome homeostasis during autophagy. During ALR, tubules are extruded from autolysosomes, and small vesicles named proto-lysosomes, which are composed of lysosomal membrane components, are generated from these tubules. Eventually, proto-lysosomes mature into functional lysosomes. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in understanding the regulation, mechanisms and physiological functions of ALR.

Delivery of doxorubicin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles into U87 human glioblastoma cells

The paramount problem in the therapy of brain tumors is the inability of most drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier. PLGA nanoparticles overcoated with poloxamer 188 could overcome this problem and enabled a high anti-tumoral effect against the very aggressive intracranial 101.8 glioblastoma in rats that closely resembles human grade IV glioblastomas. The basis for the transport of these particles across the blood-brain barrier appears to be adsorption of blood apolipoproteins (ApoE or ApoA-I) on the nanoparticle surface caused by the poloxamer 188-coating, followed by receptor-mediated transcytosis of the nanoparticles. The objective of the present study is the elucidation of the mechanism by which the poloxamer 188-coated nanoparticles then enter the brain tumor cells. Their intracellular fate, therefore, was investigated using the U87 human glioma cell line. The main mechanism of the PLGA nanoparticle internalization by U87 cells was clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Within 1h free doxorubicin was released from late endosomes and could reach its target site, i.e. the DNA in the nuclei without degradation, whereas the PLGA nanoparticles, which were labeled with Cy5.5, still were observed in the endo-lysosomal compartment. These results demonstrate that the underlying mechanism of action in the brain cells is by diffusive doxorubicin release from the nanoparticles rather than by their intracellular degradation.

Cellular and viral peptides bind multiple sites on the N-terminal domain of clathrin

Short peptide motifs in unstructured regions of clathrin‐adaptor proteins recruit clathrin to membranes to facilitate post‐Golgi membrane transport. Three consensus clathrin‐binding peptide sequences have been identified and structural studies show that each binds distinct sites on the clathrin heavy chain N‐terminal domain (NTD). A fourth binding site for adaptors on NTD has been functionally identified but not structurally characterised. We have solved high resolution structures of NTD bound to peptide motifs from the cellular clathrin adaptors β2 adaptin and amphiphysin plus a putative viral clathrin adaptor, hepatitis D virus large antigen (HDAg‐L). Surprisingly, with each peptide we observe simultaneous peptide binding at multiple sites on NTD and viral peptides binding to the same sites as cellular peptides. Peptides containing clathrin‐box motifs (CBMs) with the consensus sequence LΦxΦ[DE] bind at the ‘arrestin box’ on NTD, between β‐propeller blades 4 and 5, which had previously been thought to bind a distinct consensus sequence. Further, we structurally define the fourth peptide binding site on NTD, which we term the Royle box. In vitro binding assays show that clathrin is more readily captured by cellular CBMs than by HDAg‐L, and site‐directed mutagenesis confirms that multiple binding sites on NTD contribute to efficient capture by CBM peptides.

Clathrin localization and dynamics in Aspergillus nidulans

Cell growth necessitates extensive membrane remodeling events including vesicle fusion or fission, processes that are regulated by coat proteins. The hyphal cells of filamentous fungi concentrate both exocytosis and endocytosis at the apex. This investigation focuses on clathrin in Aspergillus nidulans, with the aim of understanding its role in membrane remodeling in growing hyphae. We examined clathrin heavy chain (ClaH-GFP) which localized to three distinct subcellular structures: late Golgi (trans-Golgi equivalents of filamentous fungi), which are concentrated just behind the hyphal tip but are intermittently present throughout all hyphal cells; the region of concentrated endocytosis just behind the hyphal apex (the "endocytic collar"); and small, rapidly moving puncta that were seen trafficking long distances in nearly all hyphal compartments. ClaH localized to distinct domains on late Golgi, and these clathrin "hubs" dispersed in synchrony after the late Golgi marker PH^OSBP . Although clathrin was essential for growth, ClaH did not colocalize well with the endocytic patch marker fimbrin. Tests of FM4-64 internalization and repression of ClaH corroborated the observation that clathrin does not play an important role in endocytosis in A. nidulans. A minor portion of ClaH puncta exhibited bidirectional movement, likely along microtubules, but were generally distinct from early endosomes.

Image Restoration and Analysis of Influenza Virions Binding to Membrane Receptors Reveal Adhesion-Strengthening Kinetics

With the development of single-particle tracking (SPT) microscopy and host membrane mimics called supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), stochastic virus-membrane binding interactions can be studied in depth while maintaining control over host receptor type and concentration. However, several experimental design challenges and quantitative image analysis limitations prevent the widespread use of this approach. One main challenge of SPT studies is the low signal-to-noise ratio of SPT videos, which is sometimes inevitable due to small particle sizes, low quantum yield of fluorescent dyes, and photobleaching. These situations could render current particle tracking software to yield biased binding kinetic data caused by intermittent tracking error. Hence, we developed an effective image restoration algorithm for SPT applications called STAWASP that reveals particles with a signal-to-noise ratio of 2.2 while preserving particle features. We tested our improvements to the SPT binding assay experiment and imaging procedures by monitoring X31 influenza virus binding to α2,3 sialic acid glycolipids. Our interests lie in how slight changes to the peripheral oligosaccharide structures can affect the binding rate and residence times of viruses. We were able to detect viruses binding weakly to a glycolipid called GM3, which was undetected via assays such as surface plasmon resonance. The binding rate was around 28 folds higher when the virus bound to a different glycolipid called GD1a, which has a sialic acid group extending further away from the bilayer surface than GM3. The improved imaging allowed us to obtain binding residence time distributions that reflect an adhesion-strengthening mechanism via multivalent bonds. We empirically fitted these distributions using a time-dependent unbinding rate parameter, koff, which diverges from standard treatment of koff as a constant. We further explain how to convert these models to fit ensemble-averaged binding data obtained by assays such as surface plasmon resonance.

Utilizing clathrin triskelions as carriers for spatially controlled multi-protein display

The simultaneous and spatially controlled display of different proteins on nanocarriers is a desirable property not often achieved in practice. Here, we report the use of clathrin triskelions as a versatile platform for functional protein display. We hypothesized that site-specific molecular epitope recognition would allow for effective and ordered protein attachment to clathrin triskelions. Clathrin binding peptides (CBPs) were genetically fused to mCherry and green fluorescent protein (GFP), expressed, and loaded onto clathrin triskelions by site-specific binding. Attachment was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance. mCherry fusion proteins modified with various CBPs displayed binding affinities between 470 nM and 287 μM for the clathrin triskelions. Simultaneous attachment of GFP-Wbox and mCherry-Cbox fusion constructs to the clathrin terminal domain was verified by Förster resonance energy transfer. The circulating half-lives, area under the curve, and the terminal half-lives of GFP and mCherry were significantly increased when attached to clathrin triskelions. Clathrin triskelion technology is useful for the development of versatile and multifunctional carriers for spatially controlled protein or peptide display with tremendous potential in nanotechnology, drug delivery, vaccine development, and targeted therapeutic applications.

Conservation and divergence within the clathrin interactome of Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosomatids are parasitic protozoa with a significant burden on human health. African and American trypanosomes are causative agents of Nagana and Chagas disease respectively, and speciated about 300 million years ago. These parasites have highly distinct life cycles, pathologies, transmission strategies and surface proteomes, being dominated by the variant surface glycoprotein (African) or mucins (American) respectively. In African trypanosomes clathrin-mediated trafficking is responsible for endocytosis and post-Golgi transport, with several mechanistic aspects distinct from higher organisms. Using clathrin light chain (TcCLC) and EpsinR (TcEpsinR) as affinity handles, we identified candidate clathrin-associated proteins (CAPs) in Trypanosoma cruzi; the cohort includes orthologs of many proteins known to mediate vesicle trafficking, but significantly not the AP-2 adaptor complex. Several trypanosome-specific proteins common with African trypanosomes, were also identified. Fluorescence microscopy revealed localisations for TcEpsinR, TcCLC and TcCHC at the posterior region of trypomastigote cells, coincident with the flagellar pocket and Golgi apparatus. These data provide the first systematic analysis of clathrin-mediated trafficking in T. cruzi, allowing comparison between protein cohorts and other trypanosomes and also suggest that clathrin trafficking in at least some life stages of T. cruzi may be AP-2-independent.

Extracellular Vesicles Exploit Viral Entry Routes for Cargo Delivery

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as crucial mediators of intercellular communication, being involved in a wide array of key biological processes. Eukaryotic cells, and also bacteria, actively release heterogeneous subtypes of EVs into the extracellular space, where their contents reflect their (sub)cellular origin and the physiologic state of the parent cell. Within the past 20 years, presumed subtypes of EVs have been given a rather confusing diversity of names, including exosomes, microvesicles, ectosomes, microparticles, virosomes, virus-like particles, and oncosomes, and these names are variously defined by biogenesis, physical characteristics, or function. The latter category, functions, in particular the transmission of biological signals between cells in vivo and how EVs control biological processes, has garnered much interest. EVs have pathophysiological properties in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, infectious disease, and cardiovascular disease, highlighting possibilities not only for minimally invasive diagnostic applications but also for therapeutic interventions, like macromolecular drug delivery. Yet, in order to pursue therapies involving EVs and delivering their cargo, a better grasp of EV targeting is needed. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning EV uptake by receptor-ligand interactions with recipient cells, highlighting once again the overlap of EVs and viruses. Despite their highly heterogeneous nature, EVs require common viral entry pathways, and an unanticipated specificity for cargo delivery is being revealed. We discuss the challenges ahead in delineating specific roles for EV-associated ligands and cellular receptors.

HIV-1 Nef hijacks clathrin coats by stabilizing AP-1:Arf1 polygons

The lentiviruses HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) subvert intracellular membrane traffic as part of their replication cycle. The lentiviral Nef protein helps viruses evade innate and adaptive immune defenses by hijacking the adaptor protein 1 (AP-1) and AP-2 clathrin adaptors. We found that HIV-1 Nef and the guanosine triphosphatase Arf1 induced trimerization and activation of AP-1. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the Nef- and Arf1-bound AP-1 trimer in the active and inactive states. A central nucleus of three Arf1 molecules organizes the trimers. We combined the open trimer with a known dimer structure and thus predicted a hexagonal assembly with inner and outer faces that bind the membranes and clathrin, respectively. Hexagons were directly visualized and the model validated by reconstituting clathrin cage assembly. Arf1 and Nef thus play interconnected roles in allosteric activation, cargo recruitment, and coat assembly, revealing an unexpectedly intricate organization of the inner AP-1 layer of the clathrin coat.

The lens actin filament cytoskeleton: Diverse structures for complex functions

The eye lens is a transparent and avascular organ in the front of the eye that is responsible for focusing light onto the retina in order to transmit a clear image. A monolayer of epithelial cells covers the anterior hemisphere of the lens, and the bulk of the lens is made up of elongated and differentiated fiber cells. Lens fiber cells are very long and thin cells that are supported by sophisticated cytoskeletal networks, including actin filaments at cell junctions and the spectrin-actin network of the membrane skeleton. In this review, we highlight the proteins that regulate diverse actin filament networks in the lens and discuss how these actin cytoskeletal structures assemble and function in epithelial and fiber cells. We then discuss methods that have been used to study actin in the lens and unanswered questions that can be addressed with novel techniques.

Disruption of clathrin-dependent trafficking results in the failure of grass carp reovirus cellular entry

Background

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) is responsible for viral hemorrhagic disease in cultured grass carp (Ctenopharyngon idellus). GCRV is a non-enveloped, double-stranded RNA virus in the genus Aquareovirus, of the family Reoviridae, which encodes seven structural proteins (VP1-VP7) and five nonstructural proteins (NS80, NS38, NS31, NS26, and NS16). To date, the mechanism of GCRV entry into CIK Ctenopharyngon idellus kidney (CIK) cells remains poorly understood.

Results

Here, we present a study of the GCRV internalization mechanism in CIK cells. Our results indicated that GCRV infection was inhibited by chlorpromazine, the specific inhibitor for clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Colocalization of GCRV virions with endogenous clathrin was observed during early infection by confocal microscopy. Moreover, GCRV infection of CIK cells depended on acidification of the endosome. This was indicated by significant inhibition of viral infection following prophylactic treatment with the lysosomotropic drugs chloroquine or ammonium chloride. In addition, the disturbance of dynamin activity blocked GCRV entry, which confirmed the dynamin-dependent nature of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that GCRV might enter CIK cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a pH-dependent manner. Additionally, dynamin is critical for efficient viral entry.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-016-0485-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Multifunctionalized iron oxide nanoparticles for selective drug delivery to CD44-positive cancer cells

Nanomedicine nowadays offers novel solutions in cancer therapy and diagnosis by introducing multimodal treatments and imaging tools in one single formulation. Nanoparticles acting as nanocarriers change the solubility, biodistribution and efficiency of therapeutic molecules, reducing their side effects. In order to successfully  apply these novel therapeutic approaches, efforts are focused on the biological functionalization of the nanoparticles to improve the selectivity towards cancer cells. In this work, we present the synthesis and characterization of novel multifunctionalized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with antiCD44 antibody and gemcitabine derivatives, and their application for the selective treatment of CD44-positive cancer cells. The lymphocyte homing receptor CD44 is overexpressed in a large variety of cancer cells, but also in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Therefore, targeting CD44-overexpressing cells is a challenging and promising anticancer strategy. Firstly, we demonstrate the targeting of antiCD44 functionalized MNPs to different CD44-positive cancer cell lines using a CD44-negative non-tumorigenic cell line as a control, and verify the specificity by ultrastructural characterization and downregulation of CD44 expression. Finally, we show the selective drug delivery potential of the MNPs by the killing of CD44-positive cancer cells using a CD44-negative non-tumorigenic cell line as a control. In conclusion, the proposed multifunctionalized MNPs represent an excellent biocompatible nanoplatform for selective CD44-positive cancer therapy in vitro.

VAMP7 regulates constitutive membrane incorporation of the cold-activated channel TRPM8

The cation channel TRPM8 plays a central role in the somatosensory system, as a key sensor of innocuously cold temperatures and cooling agents. Although increased functional expression of TRPM8 has been implicated in various forms of pathological cold hypersensitivity, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that determine TRPM8 abundance at the plasma membrane. Here we demonstrate constitutive transport of TRPM8 towards the plasma membrane in atypical, non-acidic transport vesicles that contain lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), and provide evidence that vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7) mediates fusion of these vesicles with the plasma membrane. In line herewith, VAMP7-deficient mice exhibit reduced functional expression of TRPM8 in sensory neurons and concomitant deficits in cold avoidance and icilin-induced cold hypersensitivity. Our results uncover a cellular pathway that controls functional plasma membrane incorporation of a temperature-sensitive TRP channel, and thus regulates thermosensitivity in vivo.

Long-Peptide Cross-Presentation by Human Dendritic Cells Occurs in Vacuoles by Peptide Exchange on Nascent MHC Class I Molecules

Cross-presentation enables dendritic cells to present on their MHC class I molecules antigenic peptides derived from exogenous material, through a mechanism that remains partly unclear. It is particularly efficient with long peptides, which are used in cancer vaccines. We studied the mechanism of long-peptide cross-presentation using human dendritic cells and specific CTL clones against melanoma Ags gp100 and Melan-A/MART1. We found that cross-presentation of those long peptides does not depend on the proteasome or the transporter associated with Ag processing, and therefore follows a vacuolar pathway. We also observed that it makes use of newly synthesized MHC class I molecules, through peptide exchange in vesicles distinct from the endoplasmic reticulum and classical secretory pathway, in an SEC22b- and CD74-independent manner. Our results indicate a nonclassical secretion pathway followed by nascent HLA-I molecules that are used for cross-presentation of those long melanoma peptides in the vacuolar pathway. Our results may have implications for the development of vaccines based on long peptides.

White spot syndrome virus enters crayfish hematopoietic tissue cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a major pathogen of aquacultured shrimp. However, the mechanism of its entry remains poorly understood. In this study, by analyzing the internalization of WSSV using crayfish hematopoietic tissue (HPT) cells, we showed that WSSV virions were engulfed by cell membrane invaginations sharing the features of clathrin-coated pits and then internalized into coated cytoplasmic vesicles. Further investigation indicated that WSSV internalization was significantly inhibited by chlorpromazine (CPZ) but not genistein. The internalized virions were colocalized with endogenous clathrin as well as transferrin which undergoes clathrin-dependent uptake. Preventing endosome acidification by ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) or chloroquine (CQ) dramatically reduced WSSV entry as well. Moreover, disturbance of dynamin activity or depletion of membrane cholesterol also blocked WSSV uptake. These data indicate that WSSV enters crayfish HPT cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a pH-dependent manner, and membrane cholesterol as well as dynamin is critical for efficient viral entry.

Synaptotagmin's role in neurotransmitter release likely involves Ca(2+)-induced conformational transition

Neuronal exocytosis is mediated by a Ca(2+)-triggered membrane fusion event that joins synaptic vesicles and presynaptic membrane. In this event, synaptotagmin I plays a key role as a Ca(2+) sensor protein that binds to and bends the presynaptic membrane with its C2B domain, and thereby initiates membrane fusion. We report free energy calculations according to which C2B-induced membrane bending is preceded by a Ca(2+)- and membrane-dependent conformational transition. In this transition C2B attaches to the membrane, moves its C-terminal helix from the orientation seen in the available (but membrane-free) crystal/NMR structures as pointing away from the membrane (helix-up), to an orientation pointing toward the membrane (helix-down). In the C2B helix-down state, lipid tails in the proximal membrane bilayer leaflet interact with the moved helix and become disordered, whereas tails in the distal leaflet, to keep in contact with the proximal leaflet, become stretched and ordered. The difference in lipid tail packing between the two leaflets results in an imbalance of pressure across the membrane, and thereby causes membrane bending. The lipid-disordering monitored in the simulations is well suited to facilitate Ca(2+)-triggered membrane fusion.

Determination of cell uptake pathways for tumor inhibitor lysyl oxidase propeptide

The lysyl oxidase propeptide (LOX-PP) is derived from pro-lysyl oxidase (Pro-LOX) by extracellular biosynthetic proteolysis. LOX-PP inhibits breast and prostate cancer xenograft tumor growth and has tumor suppressor activity. Although, several intracellular targets and molecular mechanisms of action of LOX-PP have been identified, LOX-PP uptake pathways have not been reported. Here we demonstrate that the major uptake pathway for recombinant LOX-PP (rLOX-PP) is PI3K-dependent macropinocytosis in PWR-1E, PC3, SCC9, MDA-MB-231 cell lines. A secondary pathway appears to be dynamin- and caveola dependent. The ionic properties of highly basic rLOX-PP provide buffering capacity at both high and low pHs. We suggest that the buffering capacity of rLOX-PP, which serves to limit endosomal acidification, sustains PI3K-dependent macropinocytosis in endosomes which in turn is likely to facilitate LOX-PP endosomal escape into the cytoplasm and its observed interactions with cytoplasmic targets and nuclear uptake.

Transport of the cholera toxin B-subunit from recycling endosomes to the Golgi requires clathrin and AP-1

The retrograde pathway is defined by the transport of proteins and lipids from the plasma membrane through endosomes to the Golgi complex, and is essential for a variety of cellular activities. Recycling endosomes are important sorting stations for some retrograde cargo. SMAP2, a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for Arf1 with a putative clathrin-binding domain, has previously been shown to participate in the retrograde transport of the cholera toxin B-subunit (CTxB) from recycling endosomes. Here, we found that clathrin, a vesicle coat protein, and clathrin adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) were present at recycling endosomes and were needed for the retrograde transport of CTxB from recycling endosomes to the Golgi, but not from the plasma membrane to recycling endosomes. SMAP2 immunoprecipitated clathrin and AP-1 through a putative clathrin-binding domain and a CALM-binding domain, and SMAP2 mutants that did not interact with clathrin or AP-1 could not localize to recycling endosomes. Moreover, knockdown of Arf1 suppressed the retrograde transport of CTxB from recycling endosomes to the Golgi. These findings suggest that retrograde transport is mediated by clathrin-coated vesicles from recycling endosomes and that the role of the coat proteins is in the recruitment of Arf GAP to transport vesicles.

Magnetically Targeted Stem Cell Delivery for Regenerative Medicine

Stem cells play a special role in the body as agents of self-renewal and auto-reparation for tissues and organs. Stem cell therapies represent a promising alternative strategy to regenerate damaged tissue when natural repairing and conventional pharmacological intervention fail to do so. A fundamental impediment for the evolution of stem cell therapies has been the difficulty of effectively targeting administered stem cells to the disease foci. Biocompatible magnetically responsive nanoparticles are being utilized for the targeted delivery of stem cells in order to enhance their retention in the desired treatment site. This noninvasive treatment-localization strategy has shown promising results and has the potential to mitigate the problem of poor long-term stem cell engraftment in a number of organ systems post-delivery. In addition, these same nanoparticles can be used to track and monitor the cells in vivo, using magnetic resonance imaging. In the present review we underline the principles of magnetic targeting for stem cell delivery, with a look at the logic behind magnetic nanoparticle systems, their manufacturing and design variants, and their applications in various pathological models.

RNASEK is required for internalization of diverse acid-dependent viruses

Viruses must gain entry into cells to establish infection. In general, viruses enter either at the plasma membrane or from intracellular endosomal compartments. Viruses that use endosomal pathways are dependent on the cellular factors that control this process; however, these genes have proven to be essential for endogenous cargo uptake, and thus are of limited value for therapeutic intervention. The identification of genes that are selectively required for viral uptake would make appealing drug targets, as their inhibition would block an early step in the life cycle of diverse viruses. At this time, we lack pan-antiviral therapeutics, in part because of our lack of knowledge of such cellular factors. RNAi screening has begun to reveal previously unknown genes that play roles in viral infection. We identified dRNASEK in two genome-wide RNAi screens performed in Drosophila cells against West Nile and Rift Valley Fever viruses. Here we found that ribonuclease kappa (RNASEK) is essential for the infection of human cells by divergent and unrelated positive- and negative-strand-enveloped viruses from the Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, Bunyaviridae, and Orthomyxoviridae families that all enter cells from endosomal compartments. In contrast, RNASEK was dispensable for viruses, including parainfluenza virus 5 and Coxsackie B virus, that enter at the plasma membrane. RNASEK is dispensable for attachment but is required for uptake of these acid-dependent viruses. Furthermore, this requirement appears specific, as general endocytic uptake of transferrin is unaffected in RNASEK-depleted cells. Therefore, RNASEK is a potential host cell Achilles' heel for viral infection.

Endocytic proteins drive vesicle growth via instability in high membrane tension environment

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a key pathway for transporting cargo into cells via membrane vesicles; it plays an integral role in nutrient import, signal transduction, neurotransmission, and cellular entry of pathogens and drug-carrying nanoparticles. Because CME entails substantial local remodeling of the plasma membrane, the presence of membrane tension offers resistance to bending and hence, vesicle formation. Experiments show that in such high-tension conditions, actin dynamics is required to carry out CME successfully. In this study, we build on these pioneering experimental studies to provide fundamental mechanistic insights into the roles of two key endocytic proteins-namely, actin and BAR proteins-in driving vesicle formation in high membrane tension environment. Our study reveals an actin force-induced "snap-through instability" that triggers a rapid shape transition from a shallow invagination to a highly invaginated tubular structure. We show that the association of BAR proteins stabilizes vesicles and induces a milder instability. In addition, we present a rather counterintuitive role of BAR depolymerization in regulating the shape evolution of vesicles. We show that the dissociation of BAR proteins, supported by actin-BAR synergy, leads to considerable elongation and squeezing of vesicles. Going beyond the membrane geometry, we put forth a stress-based perspective for the onset of vesicle scission and predict the shapes and composition of detached vesicles. We present the snap-through transition and the high in-plane stress as possible explanations for the intriguing direct transformation of broad and shallow invaginations into detached vesicles in BAR mutant yeast cells.