The pleckstrin homology domain of oxysterol-binding protein recognises a determinant specific to Golgi membranes

Visualization of cellular phosphoinositide pools with GFP-fused protein-domains

This unit describes the method of following phosphoinositide dynamics in live cells. Inositol phospholipids have emerged as universal signaling molecules present in virtually every membrane of eukaryotic cells. Phosphoinositides are present in only tiny amounts as compared to structural lipids, but they are metabolically very active as they are produced and degraded by the numerous inositide kinase and phosphatase enzymes. Phosphoinositides control the membrane recruitment and activity of many membrane protein signaling complexes in specific membrane compartments, and they have been implicated in the regulation of a variety of signaling and trafficking pathways. It has been a challenge to develop methods that allow detection of phosphoinositides at the single-cell level. The only available technique in live cell applications is based on the use of the same protein domains selected by evolution to recognize cellular phosphoinositides. Some of these isolated protein modules, when fused to fluorescent proteins, can follow dynamic changes in phosphoinositides. While this technique can provide information on phosphoinositide dynamics in live cells with subcellular localization, and it has rapidly gained popularity, it also has several limitations that must be taken into account when interpreting the data. This unit summarizes the design and practical use of these constructs and also reviews important considerations for interpretation of the data obtained by this technique.

OSBP-related protein 2 is a sterol receptor on lipid droplets that regulates the metabolism of neutral lipids

Oxysterol binding protein-related protein 2 (ORP2) is a member of the oxysterol binding protein family, previously shown to bind 25-hydroxycholesterol and implicated in cellular cholesterol metabolism. We show here that ORP2 also binds 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol [22(R)OHC], 7-ketocholesterol, and cholesterol, with 22(R)OHC being the highest affinity ligand of ORP2 (K(d) 1.4 x 10(-8) M). We report the localization of ORP2 on cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) and its function in neutral lipid metabolism using the human A431 cell line as a model. The ORP2 LD association depends on sterol binding: Treatment with 5 microM 22(R)OHC inhibits the LD association, while a mutant defective in sterol binding is constitutively LD bound. Silencing of ORP2 using RNA interference slows down cellular triglyceride hydrolysis. Furthermore, ORP2 silencing increases the amount of [(14)C]cholesteryl esters but only under conditions in which lipogenesis and LD formation are enhanced by treatment with oleic acid. The results identify ORP2 as a sterol receptor present on LD and provide evidence for its role in the regulation of neutral lipid metabolism, possibly as a factor that integrates the cellular metabolism of triglycerides with that of cholesterol.

Imaging phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate dynamics in living plant cells

Polyphosphoinositides represent a minor group of phospholipids, accounting for less than 1% of the total. Despite their low abundance, these molecules have been implicated in various signalling and membrane trafficking events. Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) is the most abundant polyphosphoinositide. (32)Pi-labelling studies have shown that the turnover of PtdIns4P is rapid, but little is known about where in the cell or plant this occurs. Here, we describe the use of a lipid biosensor that monitors PtdIns4P dynamics in living plant cells. The biosensor consists of a fusion between a fluorescent protein and a lipid-binding domain that specifically binds PtdIns4P, i.e. the pleckstrin homology domain of the human protein phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate adaptor protein-1 (FAPP1). YFP-PH(FAPP1) was expressed in four plant systems: transiently in cowpea protoplasts, and stably in tobacco BY-2 cells, Medicago truncatula roots and Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. All systems allowed YFP-PH(FAPP1) expression without detrimental effects. Two distinct fluorescence patterns were observed: labelling of motile punctate structures and the plasma membrane. Co-expression studies with organelle markers revealed strong co-labelling with the Golgi marker STtmd-CFP, but not with the endocytic/pre-vacuolar marker GFP-AtRABF2b. Co-expression with the Ptdins3P biosensor YFP-2 x FYVE revealed totally different localization patterns. During cell division, YFP-PH(FAPP1) showed strong labelling of the cell plate, but PtdIns3P was completely absent from the newly formed cell membrane. In root hairs of M. truncatula and A. thaliana, a clear PtdIns4P gradient was apparent in the plasma membrane, with the highest concentration in the tip. This only occurred in growing root hairs, indicating a role for PtdIns4P in tip growth.

Oxysterol binding protein-related protein-5 is related to invasion and poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer

In previous studies, the gene expression profiles of two hamster pancreatic cancer cells with different potentials for invasion and metastasis were analyzed. In the present study, we identified that one of the genes expressed strongly in the highly metastatic cell line is hamster oxysterol binding protein-related protein (ORP)-5. The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between ORP5 and invasion and poor prognosis of human pancreatic cancer. Invasion assays were carried out in both hamster and human pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing the ORP5 gene with short interfering RNA or inducing its expression by introducing an expression vector. To evaluate the relationship between ORP5 and the characteristics of human pancreatic cancer, 56 pancreatic cancer tissue specimens were analyzed and the ORP5 expression in each pancreatic cancer tissue specimen was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In both the hamster and human pancreatic cancer cells, suppression of ORP5 significantly reduced the invasion rate of the cells and induction of ORP5 significantly enhanced the invasion rate of the cells. In the clinical sample, the median survival times of the patients with ORP5-positive (n = 33) and ORP5-negative (n = 23) cancer were 8.3 and 17.2 months, respectively (P = 0.02). Also, the 1-year survival rates of patients with ORP5-positive and ORP5-negative cancer were 36.4 and 73.9%, respectively (P = 0.005). The ORP5 expression level was related to both invasion and poor prognosis in human pancreatic cancer. These findings suggest that the expression of ORP5 may induce cancer cell invasion, resulting in the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer.

Live cell imaging of phosphoinositides with expressed inositide binding protein domains

Inositol lipids and calcium signaling has been inseparable twins during the 1980s when the molecular details of phospholipase C-mediated generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) and its Ca2+ mobilizing action were discovered. Since then, both the Ca2+ and inositol lipid signaling fields have hugely expanded and the tools allowing dissection of the finest details of their molecular organization also followed closely. Although phosphoinositides regulate many cell functions unrelated to Ca2+ signaling there are still many open questions even in the Ca2+ field that would benefit from single cell monitoring of PtdIns(4,5)P2 or InsP3 changes during agonist stimulation. This chapter is designed to provide practical guidance as well as some theoretical background on measurements of phosphoinositides in live cells using protein domain-GFP chimeras that could be also useful for people working on calcium signaling.

Goodpasture antigen-binding protein and its spliced variant, ceramide transfer protein, have different functions in the modulation of apoptosis during zebrafish development

Human Goodpasture antigen-binding protein (GPBP) is an atypical protein kinase that phosphorylates the Goodpasture auto-antigen, the alpha3 chain of collagen IV. The COL4A3BP gene is alternatively spliced producing two protein isoforms: GPBP and GPBPDelta26. The latter lacks a serine-rich domain composed of 26 amino acid residues. Both isoforms also function as ceramide transfer proteins (CERT). Here, we explored the function of Gpbp and GpbpDelta26/CERT during embryogenesis in zebrafish. We cloned both splice variants of the zebrafish gene and found that they are differentially expressed during development. We used antisense oligonucleotide-mediated loss-of-function and synthetic mRNA-based gain-of-function approaches. Our results show that the loss-of-function phenotype is linked to cell death, evident primarily in the muscle of the somites, extensive loss of myelinated tracks, and brain edema. These results indicate that disruption of the nonvesicular ceramide transport is detrimental to normal embryonic development of somites and brain because of increased apoptosis. Moreover, this phenotype is mediated by Gpbp but not GpbpDelta26/CERT, suggesting that Gpbp is an important factor for normal skeletal muscle and brain development.

Molecular characterization of a novel salt-inducible gene for an OSBP (oxysterol-binding protein)-homologue from soybean

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) and its homologues constitute a protein family in many eukaryotes from yeast to humans, which are involved in cellular lipid metabolism, vesicle transport and signal transduction. In this study, we characterized a novel salt-inducible gene for an OSBP-homologue from soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). The soybean OSBP-homologous gene, denoted as G. max OSBP (GmOSBP), encoded a 789 aa putative protein with two characteristic domains; the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and the ligand-binding (LB) domain, in the N- and C-terminus, respectively. The GmOSBP-PH domain showed localization into/around the nucleus in a transient subcellular localization assay. The phylogenetic relationship of the GmOSBP-LB domain to those in other OSBP-homologues suggested that GmOSBP might bind a lipid molecule(s) different from the ligand-candidates found for the human/yeast OSBP-homologues. The GmOSBP gene was constitutively transcribed in all of the soybean organs examined--root, stem and trifoliate leaf--at low levels and was highly induced in all these organs by high-salt stress (300 mM NaCl). Interestingly, gene expression of GmOSBP was also markedly induced in the senesced soybean cotyledon, which contains high levels of a variety of cellular lipids utilized for energy for germination and as membrane components. Therefore, we suggest that GmOSBP may be involved in some physiological reactions for stress-response and cotyledon senescence in the soybean.

Analysis of phosphoinositide dynamics during phagocytosis using genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors

Phosphoinositide signaling is essential for successful phagocytosis. Phosphoinositides regulate processes such as actin assembly and the recruitment of molecular motors required for ingestion, as well as fusion events required for the maturation of the phagosome. Phosphoinositides not only serve as substrates for the generation of second messengers, but also function to anchor to the membrane cytosolic proteins that contain phosphoinositide-binding motifs. Conventional methods for the detection of phosphoinositides involve their extraction from the cells and separation by chromatographic procedures. These approaches are laborious and expensive and fail to provide spatio-temporal information, which is critical when analyzing localized and transient phenomena like phagocytosis. In this chapter we describe a method to monitor phosphoinositides dynamically by transfection of fluorescently tagged probes (biosensors) into cultured macrophages. These biosensors are based on the fusion of phosphoinositide-binding protein domains with fluorescent proteins. Some specifications for live cell imaging of such phosphoinositide-specific probes are also provided.

Characteristics of oxysterol binding proteins

Protein families characterized by a ligand binding domain related to that of oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) have been identified in eukaryotic species from yeast to humans. These proteins, designated OSBP-related (ORP) or OSBP-like (OSBPL) proteins, have been implicated in various cellular functions. However, the detailed mechanisms of their action have remained elusive. Data from our and other laboratories suggest that binding of sterol ligands may be a unifying theme. Work with Saccharomyces cerevisiae ORPs suggests a function of these proteins in the nonvesicular intracellular transport of sterols, in secretory vesicle transport from the Golgi complex, and in the establishment of cell polarity. Mammals have more ORP genes, and differential splicing substantially increases the complexity of the encoded protein family. Functional studies on mammalian ORPs point in different directions: integration of sterol and sphingomyelin metabolism, sterol transport, regulation of neutral lipid metabolism, control of the microtubule-dependent motility of endosomes/lysosomes, and regulation of signaling cascades. We envision that during evolution, the functions of ORPs have diverged from an ancestral one in sterol transport, to meet the increasing demand of the regulatory potential in multicellular organisms. Our working hypothesis is that mammalian ORPs mainly act as sterol sensors that relay information to a spectrum of different cellular processes.

Structural and membrane binding analysis of the Phox homology domain of Bem1p: basis of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate specificity

Phox homology (PX) domains, which have been identified in a variety of proteins involved in cell signaling and membrane trafficking, have been shown to interact with phosphoinositides (PIs) with different affinities and specificities. To elucidate the structural origin of the diverse PI specificity of PX domains, we determined the crystal structure of the PX domain from Bem1p that has been reported to bind phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns(4)P). We also measured the membrane binding properties of the PX domain and its mutants by surface plasmon resonance and monolayer techniques and calculated the electrostatic potentials for the PX domain in the absence and presence of bound PtdIns(4)P. The Bem1p PX domain contains a signature PI-binding site optimized for PtdIns(4)P binding and also harbors basic and hydrophobic residues on the membrane-binding surface. The membrane binding of the Bem1p PX domain is initiated by nonspecific electrostatic interactions between the cationic membrane-binding surface of the domain and anionic membrane surfaces, followed by the membrane penetration of hydrophobic residues. Unlike other PX domains, the Bem1p PX domain has high intrinsic membrane penetrating activity in the absence of PtdIns(4)P, suggesting that the partial membrane penetration may occur before specific PtdIns(4)P binding and last after the removal of PtdIns(4)P under certain conditions. This structural and functional study of the PtdIns(4)P-binding Bem1p PX domain provides new insight into the diverse PI specificities and membrane-binding mechanisms of PX domains.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III-beta is required for Golgi maintenance and cytokinesis in Trypanosoma brucei

The parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei contains two type III phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases (alpha and beta). We have cloned the gene encoding the T. brucei type III phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase beta (TbPI4KIII-beta), expressed the protein in COS-7 cells, and confirmed that the protein catalyzes the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol. Depletion of TbPI4KIII-beta in procyclic T. brucei by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in inhibition of cell growth and a distorted cellular morphology. RNAi cells had a distorted Golgi apparatus, and lysosomal and flagellar pocket proteins were mislocalized. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the internal accumulation of a heterogeneous population of vesicles, abnormal positioning of organelles, and a loss of cell polarity. Scanning electron microcopy revealed a twisted phenotype, and dividing cells often exhibited a detached daughter flagellum and lacked a cleavage furrow. Cell cycle analysis confirmed that cells depleted of TbPI4KIII-beta have a postmitotic cytokinesis block that occurs after a single round of mitosis, suggestive of a specific cell cycle block. In summary, TbPI4KIII-beta is an essential protein in procyclic T. brucei, required for maintenance of Golgi structure, protein trafficking, normal cellular shape, and cytokinesis.

Visualization and manipulation of phosphoinositide dynamics in live cells using engineered protein domains

There is hardly a membrane-associated molecular event that is not regulated by phosphoinositides, a minor but critically important class of phospholipids of cellular membranes. The rapid formation, elimination, and conversion of these lipids in specific membrane compartments are ensured by a wealthy number of inositol lipid kinases and phosphatases with unique localization and regulatory properties. The existence of multiple inositol lipid pools have been indicated by metabolic labeling studies, but the level of functional compartmentalization revealed by the identification of numerous protein effectors acted upon by phosphoinositides could not have been foreseen. The changing perception of inositides from just serving as lipid precursors of second messengers to becoming highly dynamic local membrane-bound regulators poses new challenges concerning the detection of their rapid localized changes. Moreover, it is increasingly evident that manipulation of lipids in highly defined compartments would be a highly superior approach to soaking the cells with a particular phosphoinositide when studying the local regulation of the lipid on any effectors. In this review, we will summarize our efforts to improve our tools in studying phosphoinositide dynamics and discuss our views on the values of these methods compared to other options currently used or being explored.

Lipid-transfer proteins in membrane trafficking at the Golgi complex

The Golgi complex (GC) represents the central junction for membrane trafficking. Protein and lipid cargoes continuously move through the GC in both anterograde and retrograde directions, departing to and arriving from diverse destinations within the cell. Nevertheless, the GC is able to maintain its identity and strict compartmentalisation, having a different composition in terms of protein and lipid content compared to other organelles. The discovery of coat protein complexes and the elucidation of their role in sorting cargo proteins into specific transport carriers have provided a partial answer to this phenomenon. However, it is more difficult to understand how relatively small and diffusible molecules like lipids can be concentrated in or excluded from specific subcellular compartments. The discovery of lipid-transfer proteins operating in the secretory pathway and specifically at the GC has shed light on one possible way in which this lipid compartmentalisation can be accomplished. The correct lipid distribution along the secretory pathway is of crucial importance for cargo protein sorting and secretion. This review focuses on what is now known about the putative and effective lipid-transfer proteins at the GC, and on how they affect the function and structure of the GC itself.

The Arl4 Family of Small G Proteins Can Recruit the Cytohesin Arf6 Exchange Factors to the Plasma Membrane

The small GTPase Arf6 regulates endocytosis, actin dynamics, and cell adhesion, and one of its major activators is the exchange factor Arf nucleotide-binding site opener (ARNO), also called cytohesin-2 [1, 2]. ARNO must be recruited from the cytosol to the plasma membrane in order to activate Arf6, and in addition to a Sec7 nucleotide-exchange domain it contains a C-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain that binds phosphoinositides [3, 4]. ARNO and its three relatives, cytohesin-1, Grp1/cytohesin-3, and cytohesin-4, are expressed as two splice variants, with either two or three glycines in a loop in the phosphoinositide-binding pocket of the PH domain [5, 6]. The diglycine form binds PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) with high affinity and mediates recruitment of cytohesins to the plasma membrane in response to insulin and growth factors [7, 8]. However, the triglycine form has only micromolar affinity for both PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) and PtdIns(4,5)P(2), affinities that are insufficient to confer membrane recruitment, raising the question of how the triglycine forms of cytohesins are regulated [5, 9]. Here we show that three related Arf-like GTPases of unknown function, Arl4a, Arl4c, and Arl4d, are able to recruit ARNO and other cytohesins to the plasma membrane by binding to their PH domains irrespective of whether they are in the diglycine or triglycine form. The Arl4 family thus defines a signal-transduction pathway that can mediate the plasma-membrane recruitment of cytohesins independently of a requirement for the generation of PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3).

Identification of OORP-T, a novel oocyte-specific gene encoding a protein with a conserved oxysterol binding protein domain in rainbow trout

Genes specifically expressed in oocytes are important for the development of oocytes and early embryos. By analyzing expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a rainbow trout oocyte cDNA library, we identified a novel EST sequence that does not show homology to any sequences in the GenBank. Analysis of tissue distribution by RT-PCR revealed that this gene was only expressed in unfertilized oocytes. Sequencing of the EST clone identified a cDNA of 3,163 bp. Northern blot analysis showed the novel gene has a single transcript of 3.4 kb. Additional 5' sequence was obtained by 5' RACE, extending the novel cDNA to 3,333 bp. Analysis of the full-length cDNA identified an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 564 amino acids. The novel protein contains a conserved oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) domain at the C terminus that is characteristic of OSBP-related proteins (ORPs) implicated in lipid metabolism. Therefore, we named the novel gene as Oocyte-specific Oxysterol binding protein Related-Protein of Trout (OORP-T). In situ hybridization showed that the OORP-T mRNA appears to be confined to the cytoplasm of vitellogenic oocytes. Transcription of OORP-T appears to start during pre-vitellogenesis and increases steadily, reaching its peak in the late vitellogenic stage. OORP-T transcript is abundantly present in unfertilized eggs but the level drops significantly in day 2 embryos and continues to decline in day 7 embryos after which it remains low. We propose that OORP-T may play an important role in the utilization of yolk-derived lipid products during oocyte development and early stages of embryonic development in rainbow trout.

Sterol transport in yeast and the oxysterol binding protein homologue (OSH) family

Sterols such as cholesterol are a significant component of eukaryotic cellular membranes, and their unique physical properties influence a wide variety of membrane processes. It is known that the concentration of sterol within the membrane varies widely between organelles, and that the cell actively maintains this distribution through various transport processes. Vesicular pathways such as secretion or endocytosis may account for this traffic, but increasing evidence highlights the importance of nonvesicular routes as well. The structure of an oxysterol-binding protein homologue (OSH) in yeast (Osh4p/Kes1p) has recently been solved, identifying it as a sterol binding protein, and there is evidence consistent with the role of a cytoplasmic, nonvesicular sterol transporter. Yeast have seven such proteins, which appear to have distinct but overlapping functions with regard to maintaining intracellular sterol distribution and homeostasis. Control of sterol distribution can have far-reaching effects on membrane-related functions, and Osh proteins have been implicated in a variety of processes such as secretory vesicle budding from the Golgi and establishment of cell polarity. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge regarding this family and its potential functions, placing it in the context of known and hypothesized pathways of sterol transport in yeast.

Synthesis and function of membrane phosphoinositides in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

It is now well appreciated that derivatives of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) are key regulators of many cellular processes in eukaryotes. Of particular interest are phosphoinositides (mono- and polyphosphorylated adducts to the inositol ring in PtdIns), which are located at the cytoplasmic face of cellular membranes. Phosphoinositides serve both a structural and a signaling role via their recruitment of proteins that contain phosphoinositide-binding domains. Phosphoinositides also have a role as precursors of several types of second messengers for certain intracellular signaling pathways. Realization of the importance of phosphoinositides has brought increased attention to characterization of the enzymes that regulate their synthesis, interconversion, and turnover. Here we review the current state of our knowledge about the properties and regulation of the ATP-dependent lipid kinases responsible for synthesis of phosphoinositides and also the additional temporal and spatial controls exerted by the phosphatases and a phospholipase that act on phosphoinositides in yeast.

Characterization of the sterol-binding domain of oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP)-related protein 4 reveals a novel role in vimentin organization

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) and OSBP-related protein 4 (ORP4; also designated OSBP2 and HLM) are implicated in sterol-transport and/or sensing via binding to protein partners. The aggregation of vimentin by an N-terminal-truncated variant of ORP4 (ORP4S), but not full-length ORP4L, suggested a functional interaction with this intermediate filament. Herein, we identify ORP4 domains that interact with vimentin, and determine how sterols and OSBP influence this activity. In CHO cells, ORP4L co-localized with filamentous vimentin but extensive remodeling of vimentin filaments required mutation of a leucine repeat motif (amino acids 361-382) adjacent to the oxysterol-binding domain. Similarly, the absence of the leucine repeat in ORP4S 418-878 resulted in co-localization with aggregated vimentin filaments, suggesting that both the sterol-binding domain and leucine repeat are involved. Transient expression of OSBP leucine repeat mutants also promoted vimentin aggregation by a mechanism involving heterodimerization with ORP4L. Glutathione S-transferase (GST)-ORP4 380-878 bound vimentin, cholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol in vitro. However, sterol-binding or a mutation that ablated sterol-binding did not influence the interaction of GST-ORP4 with vimentin. Thus the sterol-binding domain of ORP4 binds vimentin, cholesterol and oxysterols, and interacts with the filamentous vimentin network.

Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and phosphoinositides

PH (pleckstrin homology) domains represent the 11th most common domain in the human proteome. They are best known for their ability to bind phosphoinositides with high affinity and specificity, although it is now clear that less than 10% of all PH domains share this property. Cases in which PH domains bind specific phosphoinositides with high affinity are restricted to those phosphoinositides that have a pair of adjacent phosphates in their inositol headgroup. Those that do not [PtdIns3P, PtdIns5P and PtdIns(3,5)P2] are instead recognized by distinct classes of domains including FYVE domains, PX (phox homology) domains, PHD (plant homeodomain) fingers and the recently identified PROPPINs (b-propellers that bind polyphosphoinositides). Of the 90% of PH domains that do not bind strongly and specifically to phosphoinositides, few are well understood. One group of PH domains appears to bind both phosphoinositides (with little specificity) and Arf (ADP-ribosylation factor) family small G-proteins, and are targeted to the Golgi apparatus where both phosphoinositides and the relevant Arfs are both present. Here, the PH domains may function as coincidence detectors. A central challenge in understanding the majority of PH domains is to establish whether the very low affinity phosphoinositide binding reported in many cases has any functional relevance. For PH domains from dynamin and from Dbl family proteins, this weak binding does appear to be functionally important, although its precise mechanistic role is unclear. In many other cases, it is quite likely that alternative binding partners are more relevant, and that the observed PH domain homology represents conservation of structural fold rather than function.

Determining selectivity of phosphoinositide-binding domains

The burgeoning of phosphoinositide-binding domains and proteins in cellular signaling and trafficking has drawn laboratories from a wide variety of fields into the study of lipid interactions with peripheral membrane proteins. Many different approaches have been developed to assess phosphoinositide binding, some of which are more problematic than others, and some of which can be quantitated more readily than others. With a focus on the methods used in our laboratory, we describe here the considerations that need to be taken into account when establishing-and quantitating-the specific binding of a protein or domain to phosphoinositides in membranes. We also discuss briefly a few examples in which no clear consensus has yet been reached as to the specificity of a given domain or protein because of discrepancies between different commonly used approaches.

Nonvesicular sterol transport: two protein families and a sterol sensor?

Sterols, essential components of eukaryotic membranes, are actively transported between cellular membranes. Although it is known that both vesicular and non-vesicular means are used to move sterols, the molecules and molecular mechanisms involved have yet to be identified. Recent studies point to a key role for oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) and its related proteins (ORPs) in nonvesicular sterol transport. Here, evidence that OSBP and ORPs are bona fide sterol carriers is discussed. In addition, I hypothesize that ATPases associated with various cellular activities regulate the recycling of soluble lipid carriers and that the Niemann Pick C1 protein facilitates the delivery of sterols from endosomal membranes to ORPs and/or the ensuing membrane dissociation of ORPs.

Oxysterol-binding protein-related protein (ORP) 9 is a PDK-2 substrate and regulates Akt phosphorylation

The oxysterol-binding protein and oxysterol-binding protein-related protein family has been implicated in lipid transport and metabolism, vesicle trafficking and cell signaling. While investigating the phosphorylation of Akt/protein kinase B in stimulated bone marrow-derived mast cells, we observed that a monoclonal antibody directed against phospho-S473 Akt cross-reacted with oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 9 (ORP9). Further analysis revealed that mast cells exclusively express ORP9S, an N-terminal truncated version of full-length ORP9L. A PDK-2 consensus phosphorylation site in ORP9L and OPR9S at S287 (VPEFS(287)Y) was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. In contrast to Akt, increased phosphorylation of ORP9S S287 in stimulated mast cells was independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase but sensitive to inhibition of conventional PKC isotypes. PKC-beta dependence was confirmed by lack of ORP9S phosphorylation at S287 in PKC-beta-deficient, but not PKC-alpha-deficient, mast cells. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation of PKC-beta and ORP9S, and in vitro phosphorylation of ORP9S in this complex, argued for direct phosphorylation of ORP9S by PKC-beta, introducing ORP9S as a novel PKC-beta substrate. Akt was also detected in a PKC-beta/ORP9S immune complex and phosphorylation of Akt on S473 was delayed in PKC-deficient mast cells. In HEK293 cells, RNAi experiments showed that depletion of ORP9L increased Akt S473 phosphorylation 3-fold without affecting T308 phosphorylation in the activation loop. Furthermore, mammalian target of rapamycin was implicated in ORP9L phosphorylation in HEK293 cells. These studies identify ORP9 as a PDK-2 substrate and negative regulator of Akt phosphorylation at the PDK-2 site.

Identification and characterization of PiORP1, a Petunia oxysterol-binding-protein related protein involved in receptor-kinase mediated signaling in pollen, and analysis of the ORP gene family in Arabidopsis

Oxysterol-binding proteins (OSBPs) and oxysterol-binding-protein related proteins (ORPs) are encoded by most eukaryotic genomes examined to date; however, they have not yet been characterized in plants. Here we report the identification and characterization of PiORP1, an ORP of Petunia inflata that interacts with the cytoplasmic kinase domain of a receptor-like kinase, named PRK1, of P. inflata. PiORP1 is phosphorylated by PRK1 in vitro and therefore may be involved in PRK1 signaling during pollen development and growth. RNA gel blot analysis showed that PiORP1 and PRK1 had very similar expression patterns in developing pollen, mature pollen and pollen tubes. GFP fusion proteins of PiORP1 localized in the plasma membrane of pollen tubes at distinct foci and its PH domain alone was sufficient to mediate this localization. The sequence for the oxysterol-binding domain of PiORP1 was used to search the genome of Arabidopsis; 12 ORPs were identified and phylogenetic analysis revealed that they fell into two distinct clades, consistent with the ORPs of other eukaryotes. RT-PCR analysis showed that all 12 Arabidopsis ORPs were expressed; 10 were expressed in most of the tissues examined under normal growth conditions, but only three were expressed in pollen.

The roles of the human lipid-binding proteins ORP9S and ORP10S in vesicular transport

Inactivation of the yeast oxysterol binding protein related protein (ORP) family member Kes1p allows yeast cells to survive in the absence of Sec14p, a phospholipid transfer protein required for cell viability because of the role it plays in transporting vesicles from the Golgi. We expressed human ORP9S and ORP10S in yeast lacking Sec14p and Kes1p function, and found that ORP9S completely complemented Kes1p function, whereas ORP10S possessed only a weak ability to replace Kes1p function. Purified ORP9S protein bound several phosphoinositides, whereas ORP10 bound specifically to phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. The combined evidence demonstrates that only a subset of human ORP proteins can function as negative regulators of Golgi-derived vesicular transport.

Analyzing phosphoinositides and their interacting proteins

Phosphorylated derivatives of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), known as phosphoinositides (PIs), are essential regulators of nuclear functions, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell signaling and membrane trafficking. These lipids are found on the cytosolic face of intracellular membranes but can also be detected in membrane-free regions of the nucleoplasm. Their downstream effectors include several proteins that contain various PI-specific domains. Because impaired PI metabolism is associated with disorders such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and immune dysfunction, there is currently great interest in studying PIs and their metabolic enzymes. Here we describe strategies and techniques for quantitative and qualitative measurement of PIs, for characterization of specific PI-binding proteins and for determination of PI kinase and phosphatase activities in vitro and in vivo.

Identification and assessment of the role of a nominal phospholipid binding region of ORP1S (oxysterol-binding-protein-related protein 1 short) in the regulation of vesicular transport

The ORPs (oxysterol-binding-protein-related proteins) constitute an enigmatic family of intracellular lipid receptors that are related through a shared lipid binding domain. Emerging evidence suggests that ORPs relate lipid metabolism to membrane transport. Current data imply that the yeast ORP Kes1p is a negative regulator of Golgi-derived vesicular transport mediated by the essential phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer protein Sec14p. Inactivation of Kes1p function allows restoration of growth and vesicular transport in cells lacking Sec14p function, and Kes1p function in this regard can be complemented by human ORP1S (ORP1 short). Recent studies have determined that Kes1p and ORP1S both bind phospholipids as ligands. To explore the function of distinct linear segments of ORP1S in phospholipid binding and vesicular transport regulation, we generated a series of 15 open reading frames coding for diagnostic regions within ORP1S. Purified versions of these ORP1S deletion proteins were characterized in vitro, and allowed the identification of a nominal phospholipid binding region. The in vitro analysis was interpreted in the context of in vivo growth and vesicle transport assays for members of the ORP1S deletion set. The results determined that the phospholipid binding domain per se was insufficient for inhibition of vesicular transport by ORP1S, and that transport of carboxypeptidase Y and invertase from the Golgi may be regulated differentially by specific regions of ORP1S/Kes1p.

Nonvesicular sterol movement from plasma membrane to ER requires oxysterol-binding protein-related proteins and phosphoinositides

Sterols are moved between cellular membranes by nonvesicular pathways whose functions are poorly understood. In yeast, one such pathway transfers sterols from the plasma membrane (PM) to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We show that this transport requires oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP)–related proteins (ORPs), which are a large family of conserved lipid-binding proteins. We demonstrate that a representative member of this family, Osh4p/Kes1p, specifically facilitates the nonvesicular transfer of cholesterol and ergosterol between membranes in vitro. In addition, Osh4p transfers sterols more rapidly between membranes containing phosphoinositides (PIPs), suggesting that PIPs regulate sterol transport by ORPs. We confirmed this by showing that PM to ER sterol transport slows dramatically in mutants with conditional defects in PIP biosynthesis. Our findings argue that ORPs move sterols among cellular compartments and that sterol transport and intracellular distribution are regulated by PIPs.

Oxysterol-binding protein and vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein are required for sterol-dependent activation of the ceramide transport protein

Sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol are coregulated metabolically and associate physically in membrane microdomains involved in cargo sorting and signaling. One mechanism for regulation of this metabolic interface involves oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) via high-affinity binding to oxysterol regulators of cholesterol homeostasis and activation of SM synthesis at the Golgi apparatus. Here, we show that OSBP regulation of SM synthesis involves the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi ceramide transport protein (CERT). RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells revealed that OSBP and vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein (VAP) were required for stimulation of CERT-dependent ceramide transport and SM synthesis by 25-hydroxycholesterol and cholesterol depletion in response to cyclodextrin. Additional RNAi experiments in human embryonic kidney 293 cells supported OSBP involvement in oxysterol-activated SM synthesis and also revealed a role for OSBP in basal SM synthesis. Activation of ER-to-Golgi ceramide transport in CHO-K1 cells required interaction of OSBP with the ER and Golgi apparatus, OSBP-dependent Golgi translocation of CERT, and enhanced CERT-VAP interaction. Regulation of CERT by OSBP, sterols, and VAP reveals a novel mechanism for integrating sterol regulatory signals with ceramide transport and SM synthesis in the Golgi apparatus.

Membrane activity of the phospholipase C-delta1 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain

PH-PLCdelta1 [the PH domain (pleckstrin homology domain) of PLCdelta1 (phospholipase C-delta1)] is among the best-characterized phosphoinositide-binding domains. PH-PLCdelta1 binds with high specificity to the headgroup of PtdIns(4,5)P2, but little is known about its interfacial properties. In the present study, we show that PH-PLCdelta1 is also membrane-active and can insert significantly into PtdIns(4,5)P2-containing monolayers at physiological (bilayer-equivalent) surface pressures. However, this membrane activity appears to involve interactions distinct from those that target PH-PLCdelta1 to the PtdIns(4,5)P2 headgroup. Whereas the majority of PtdIns(4,5)P2-bound PH-PLCdelta1 can be displaced by adding excess of soluble headgroup [Ins(1,4,5)P3], membrane activity of PH-PLCdelta1 cannot. PH-PLCdelta1 differs from other phosphoinositide-binding domains in that its membrane insertion does not require that the phosphoinositide-binding site be occupied. Significant monolayer insertion remains when the phosphoinositide-binding site is mutated, and PH-PLCdelta1 can insert into monolayers that contain no PtdIns(4,5)P2 at all. Our results suggest a model in which reversible membrane binding of PH-PLCdelta1, mediated by PtdIns(4,5)P2 or other acidic phospholipids, occurs without membrane insertion. Accumulation of the PH domain at the membrane surface enhances the efficiency of insertion, but does not significantly affect its extent, whereas the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine and cholesterol in the lipid mixture promotes the extent of insertion. This is the first report of membrane activity in an isolated PH domain and has implications for understanding the membrane targeting by this common type of domain.

Overexpression of OSBP-related protein 2 (ORP2) induces changes in cellular cholesterol metabolism and enhances endocytosis

ORP2 [OSBP (oxysterol-binding protein)-related protein 2] belongs to the 12-member mammalian ORP gene/protein family. We characterize in the present study the effects of inducible ORP2 overexpression on cellular cholesterol metabolism in HeLa cells and compare the results with those obtained for CHO cells (Chinese-hamster ovary cells) that express ORP2 constitutively. In both cell systems, the prominent phenotype is enhancement of [14C]cholesterol efflux to all extracellular acceptors, which results in a reduction of cellular free cholesterol. No change was observed in the plasma membrane cholesterol content or distribution between raft and non-raft domains upon ORP2 expression. However, elevated HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA) reductase activity and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptor expression, as well as enhanced transport of newly synthesized cholesterol to a cyclodextrin-accessible pool, suggest that the ORP2 expression stimulates transport of cholesterol out of the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast with ORP2/CHO cells, the inducible ORP2/HeLa cells do not show down-regulation of cholesterol esterification, suggesting that this effect represents an adaptive response to long-term cholesterol depletion in the CHO cell model. Finally, we provide evidence that ORP2 binds PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) and enhances endocytosis, phenomena that are probably interconnected. Our results suggest a function of ORP2 in both cholesterol trafficking and control of endocytic membrane transport.

The oxysterol-binding protein homologue ORP1L interacts with Rab7 and alters functional properties of late endocytic compartments

ORP1L is a member of the human oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) family. ORP1L localizes to late endosomes (LEs)/lysosomes, colocalizing with the GTPases Rab7 and Rab9 and lysosome-associated membrane protein-1. We demonstrate that ORP1L interacts physically with Rab7, preferentially with its GTP-bound form, and provide evidence that ORP1L stabilizes GTP-bound Rab7 on LEs/lysosomes. The Rab7-binding determinant is mapped to the ankyrin repeat (ANK) region of ORP1L. The pleckstrin homology domain (PHD) of ORP1L binds phosphoinositides with low affinity and specificity. ORP1L ANK- and ANK+PHD fragments induce perinuclear clustering of LE/lysosomes. This is dependent on an intact microtubule network and a functional dynein/dynactin motor complex. The dominant inhibitory Rab7 mutant T22N reverses the LE clustering, suggesting that the effect is dependent on active Rab7. Transport of fluorescent dextran to LEs is inhibited by overexpression of ORP1L. Overexpression of ORP1L, and in particular the N-terminal fragments of ORP1L, inhibits vacuolation of LE caused by Helicobacter pylori toxin VacA, a process also involving Rab7. The present study demonstrates that ORP1L binds to Rab7, modifies its functional cycle, and can interfere with LE/lysosome organization and endocytic membrane trafficking. This is the first report of a direct connection between the OSBP-related protein family and the Rab GTPases.

Structural mechanism for sterol sensing and transport by OSBP-related proteins

The oxysterol-binding-protein (OSBP)-related proteins (ORPs) are conserved from yeast to humans, and are implicated in the regulation of sterol homeostasis and in signal transduction pathways. Here we report the structure of the full-length yeast ORP Osh4 (also known as Kes1) at 1.5-1.9 A resolution in complexes with ergosterol, cholesterol, and 7-, 20- and 25-hydroxycholesterol. We find that a single sterol molecule binds within a hydrophobic tunnel in a manner consistent with a transport function for ORPs. The entrance is blocked by a flexible amino-terminal lid and surrounded by basic residues that are critical for Osh4 function. The structure of the open state of a lid-truncated form of Osh4 was determined at 2.5 A resolution. Structural analysis and limited proteolysis show that sterol binding closes the lid and stabilizes a conformation favouring transport across aqueous barriers and signal transmission. The structure of Osh4 in the absence of ligand exposes potential phospholipid-binding sites that are positioned for membrane docking and sterol exchange. On the basis of these observations, we propose a model in which sterol and membrane binding promote reciprocal conformational changes that facilitate a sterol transfer and signalling cycle.

Targeting of OSBP-related protein 3 (ORP3) to endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane is controlled by multiple determinants

The intracellular targeting determinants of oxysterol binding protein (OSBP)-related protein 3 (ORP3) were studied using a series of truncated and point mutated constructs. The pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of ORP3 binds the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) products, PI(3,4)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3. A functional PH domain and flanking sequences are crucial for the plasma membrane (PM) targeting of ORP3. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting of ORP3 is regulated the by a FFAT motif (EFFDAxE), which mediates interaction with VAMP-associated protein (VAP)-A. The targeting function of the FFAT motif dominates over that of the PH domain. In addition, the exon 10/11 region modulates interaction of ORP3 with the ER and the nuclear membrane. Analysis of a chimeric ORP3:OSBP protein suggests that ligand binding by the C-terminal domain of OSBP induces allosteric changes that activate the N-terminal targeting modules of ORP3. Notably, over-expression of ORP3 together with VAP-A induces stacked ER membrane structures also known as organized smooth ER (OSER). Moreover, lipid starvation promotes formation of dilated peripheral ER (DPER) structures dependent on the ORP3 protein. Based on the present data, we introduce a model for the inter-relationships of the functional domains of ORP3 in the membrane targeting of the protein.

Molecular characterization of Osh6p, an oxysterol binding protein homolog in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) and its homologs have been shown to regulate lipid metabolism and vesicular transport. However, the exact molecular function of individual OSBP homologs remains uncharacterized. Here we demonstrate that the yeast OSBP homolog, Osh6p, bound phosphatidic acid and phosphoinositides via its N-terminal half containing the conserved OSBP-related domain (ORD). Using a green fluorescent protein fusion chimera, Osh6p was found to localize to the cytosol and patch-like or punctate structures in the vicinity of the plasma membrane. Further examination by domain mapping demonstrated that the N-terminal half was associated with FM4-64 positive membrane compartments; however, the C-terminal half containing a putative coiled-coil was localized to the nucleoplasm. Functional analysis showed that the deletion of OSH6 led to a significant increase in total cellular ergosterols, whereas OSH6 overexpression caused both a significant decrease in ergosterol levels and resistance to nystatin. Oleate incorporation into sterol esters was affected in OSH6 overexpressing cells. However, Lucifer yellow internalization, and FM4-64 uptake and transport were unaffected in both OSH6 deletion and overexpressing cells. Furthermore, osh6Delta exhibited no defect in carboxypeptidase Y transport and maturation. Lastly, we demonstrated that both the conserved ORD and the putative coiled-coil motif were indispensable for the in vivo function of Osh6p. These data suggest that Osh6p plays a role primarily in regulating cellular sterol metabolism, possibly stero transport.

AAA ATPases regulate membrane association of yeast oxysterol binding proteins and sterol metabolism

The yeast genome encodes seven oxysterol binding protein homologs, Osh1p-Osh7p, which have been implicated in regulating intracellular lipid and vesicular transport. Here, we show that both Osh6p and Osh7p interact with Vps4p, a member of the AAA (ATPases associated with a variety of cellular activities) family. The coiled-coil domain of Osh7p was found to interact with Vps4p in a yeast two-hybrid screen and the interaction between Osh7p and Vps4p appears to be regulated by ergosterol. Deletion of VPS4 induced a dramatic increase in the membrane-associated pools of Osh6p and Osh7p and also caused a decrease in sterol esterification, which was suppressed by overexpression of OSH7. Lastly, overexpression of the coiled-coil domain of Osh7p (Osh7pCC) resulted in a multivesicular body sorting defect, suggesting a dominant negative role of Osh7pCC possibly through inhibiting Vps4p function. Our data suggest that a common mechanism may exist for AAA proteins to regulate the membrane association of yeast OSBP proteins and that these two protein families may function together to control subcellular lipid transport.

Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis by 25-hydroxycholesterol is independent of OSBP

25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is a potent suppressor of cholesterol synthesis gene transcription in cultured cells. A high affinity binding protein for 25-HC, oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP), has been identified from tissue cytosol. OSBP translocates from the cytosol to the Golgi apparatus membranes after addition of 25-HC to cell cultures and is thought to mediate 25-HC action on cholesterol metabolism through association to the Golgi apparatus. However, direct evidence to prove this hypothesis was lacking. In this study, we knocked down expression of OSBP by using duplex siRNAs specific for OSBP to examine the relationship between OSBP and 25-HC-induced inhibition of cholesterol synthesis gene transcription. We found that decreasing OSBP expression by approximately 90% did not affect 25-HC-induced inhibition of transcription of 3-hydoxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and squalene epoxidase to any extent. Exogenous lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), which is known to cause the efflux of cellular cholesterol into the medium and to increase cholesterol synthesis, was found to rescue the 25-HC-induced down-regulation of sterol regulated genes, while LPC did not affect 25-HC-induced association of OSBP with the Golgi apparatus. These results suggest that inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis genes by 25-HC is OSBP-independent.

Golgins and GTPases, giving identity and structure to the Golgi apparatus

In this review we will focus on the recent advances in how coiled-coil proteins of the golgin family give identity and structure to the Golgi apparatus in animal cells. A number of recent studies reveal a common theme for the targeting of golgins containing the ARL-binding GRIP domain, and the related ARF-binding GRAB domain. Similarly, other golgins such as the vesicle tethering factor p115 and Bicaudal-D are targeted by the Rab GTPases, Rab1 and Rab6, respectively. Together golgins and their regulatory GTPases form a complex network, commonly known as the Golgi matrix, which organizes Golgi membranes and regulates membrane trafficking.

Distinct Golgi Populations of Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Regulated by Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinases

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) regulates biosynthetic membrane traffic at multiple steps and differentially affects the surface delivery of apically and basolaterally destined proteins in polarized cells. Two phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases (PI4Ks) have been localized to the Golgi complex in mammalian cells, type III PI4Kbeta (PI4KIIIbeta) and type II PI4Kalpha (PI4KIIalpha). Here we report that PI4KIIIbeta and PI4KIIalpha localize to discrete subcompartments of the Golgi complex in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. PI4KIIIbeta was enriched in early Golgi compartments, whereas PI4KIIalpha colocalized with markers of the trans-Golgi network (TGN). To understand the temporal and spatial control of PI4P generation across the Golgi complex, we quantitated the steady state distribution of a fluorescent PI4P-binding domain relative to cis/medial Golgi and TGN markers in transiently transfected MDCK cells. The density of the signal from this PI4P reporter was roughly 2-fold greater in the early Golgi compartments compared with that of the TGN. Furthermore, this ratio could be modulated in vivo by overexpression of catalytically inactive PI4KIIIbeta and PI4KIIalpha or in vitro by the PI4KIIIbeta inhibitor wortmannin. Our data suggest that both PI4KIIIbeta and PI4KIIalpha contribute to the compartmental regulation of PI4P synthesis within the Golgi complex. We discuss our results with respect to the kinetic effects of modulating PI4K activity on polarized biosynthetic traffic in MDCK cells.

A plasma membrane pool of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate is generated by phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase type-III alpha: studies with the PH domains of the oxysterol binding protein and FAPP1

The PH domains of OSBP and FAPP1 fused to GFP were used to monitor PI(4)P distribution in COS-7 cells during manipulations of PI 4-kinase (PI4K) activities. Both domains were associated with the Golgi and small cytoplasmic vesicles, and a small fraction of OSBP-PH was found at the plasma membrane (PM). Inhibition of type-III PI4Ks with 10 microM wortmannin (Wm) significantly reduced but did not abolish Golgi localization of either PH domains. Downregulation of PI4KIIalpha or PI4KIIIbeta by siRNA reduced the localization of the PH domains to the Golgi and in the former case any remaining Golgi localization was eliminated by Wm treatment. PLC activation by Ca2+ ionophores dissociated the domains from all membranes, but after Ca2+ chelation, they rapidly reassociated with the Golgi, the intracellular vesicles and with the PM. PM association of the domains was significantly higher after the Ca2+ transient and was abolished by Wm pretreatment. PM relocalization was not affected by down-regulation of PI4KIIIbeta or -IIalpha, but was inhibited by down-regulation of PI4KIIIalpha, or by 10 microM PAO, which also inhibits PI4KIIIalpha. Our data suggest that these PH domains detect PI(4)P formation in extra-Golgi compartments under dynamic conditions and that various PI4Ks regulate PI(4)P synthesis in distinct cellular compartments.

Emerging roles of phosphatidylinositol monophosphates in cellular signaling and trafficking

The phosphoinositide metabolism that is highly controlled by a set of kinases, phosphatases and phospholipases leads to the production of several second messengers playing critical roles in intracellular signal transduction mechanisms. Recent discoveries have unraveled unexpected roles for the three phosphatidylinositol monophosphates, PtdIns(3)P, PtdIns(4)P and PtdIns(5)P, that appear now as important lipid messengers able to specifically interact with proteins. The formation of functionally distinct and independently regulated pools of phosphatidylinositol monophosphates probably contributes to the specificity of the interactions with their targets. The relative enrichment of organelles in a particular species of phosphoinositides (i.e. PtdIns(3)P in endosomes, PtdIns(4)P in Golgi and PtdIns(4,5)P2 in plasma membrane) suggests the notion of lipid-defined organelle identity. PtdIns(3)P is now clearly involved in vesicular trafficking by interaction with a set of FYVE domain-containing proteins both in yeast and in mammals. PtdIns(4)P, which until now was only considered as a precursor for PtdIns(4,5)P2, appears as a regulator on its own, by recruiting a set of proteins to the trans-Golgi network. PtdIns(5)P, the most recently discovered inositol lipid, is also emerging as a potentially important signaling molecule.

Oxysterol binding proteins: in more than one place at one time?

Oxysterols are potent signalling lipids that directly bind liver X receptors (LXRs) and a subset of oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) related proteins (ORPs). It is relatively well established that the oxysterol-regulated function of LXRs is to control the expression of genes involved in reverse cholesterol transport, catabolism of cholesterol, and lipogenesis. In contrast, the mechanisms by which oxysterols and ORPs affect cellular lipid metabolism have remained poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the information available on function of the ORPs and compare the two families of proteins binding oxysterol to demonstrate the different responses that similar lipids can elicit within cells. The other focus is on the membrane targeting determinants and the protein interaction partners of ORPs, which provide interesting clues to the mode(s) of ORP action. Specifically, we suggest a model in which a general property of ORPs is to function at membrane contact sites, specialized zones of communication between two different organelles.

Protein–lipid interactions in membrane trafficking at the Golgi complex

The integrated interplay between proteins and lipids drives many key cellular processes, such as signal transduction, cytoskeleton remodelling and membrane trafficking. The last of these, membrane trafficking, has the Golgi complex as its central station. Not only does this organelle orchestrates the biosynthesis, transport and intracellular distribution of many proteins and lipids, but also its own function and structure is dictated by intimate functional and physical relationships between protein-based and lipid-based machineries. These machineries are involved in the control of the fundamental events that govern membrane traffic, such as in the budding, fission and fusion of transport intermediates, in the regulation of the shape and geometry of the Golgi membranes themselves, and, finally, in the generation of "signals" that can have local actions in the secretory system, or that may affect other cellular systems. Lipid-protein interactions rely on the abilities of certain protein domains to recognize specific lipids. These interactions are mediated, in particular, through the headgroups of the phospholipids, although a few of these protein domains are able to specifically interact with the phospholipid acyl chains. Recent evidence also indicates that some proteins and/or protein domains are more sensitive to the physical environment of the membrane bilayer (such as its curvature) than to its chemical composition.

Genetic evidence of a role for membrane lipid composition in the regulation of soluble NEM-sensitive factor receptor function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

SEC9 and SPO20 encode SNARE proteins related to the mammalian SNAP-25 family. Sec9p associates with the SNAREs Sso1/2p and Snc1/2p to promote the fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane. Spo20p functions with the same two partner SNAREs to mediate the fusion of vesicles with the prospore membrane during sporogenesis. A chimeric molecule, in which the helices of Sec9p that bind to Sso1/2p and Snc1/2p are replaced with the homologous regions of Spo20p, will not support vesicle fusion in vegetative cells. The phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate-5-kinase MSS4 was isolated as a high-copy suppressor that permits this chimera to rescue the temperature-sensitive growth of a sec9-4 mutant. Suppression by MSS4 is specific to molecules that contain the Spo20p helical domains. This suppression requires an intact copy of SPO14, encoding phospholipase D. Overexpression of MSS4 leads to a recruitment of the Spo14 protein to the plasma membrane and this may be the basis for MSS4 action. Consistent with this, deletion of KES1, a gene that behaves as a negative regulator of SPO14, also promotes the function of SPO20 in vegetative cells. These results indicate that elevated levels of phosphatidic acid in the membrane may be required specifically for the function of SNARE complexes containing Spo20p.

Multiple Pools of Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Detected Using the Pleckstrin Homology Domain of Osh2p

Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) phosphate (PtdInsP) lipids are used as intracellular signposts for the recruitment and activation of peripheral membrane proteins. Whereas the distribution of most PtdInsPs is restricted to a single organelle, PtdIns(4)P is unique in that it exists in several discrete pools, and so proteins that bind PtdIns(4)P must use extra receptors to achieve a restricted localization. Here we compare the two highly related pleckstrin homology (PH) domains from Osh1p and Osh2p, yeast homologues of oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP), that target membranes using PtdIns(4)P, and in vitro bind both PtdIns(4)P and PtdIns(4,5)P2. We show that Golgi targeting is specified by an additional site on PH(Osh1), which lies on a face of the domain not previously known to interact with receptors. In contrast, PH(Osh2) does not have a demonstrable second site, and targets multiple pools of PtdInsPs, each dependent on a different PtdIns 4-kinase. This lack of a second site in PH(Osh2) allows it to be used as an unbiased reporter for altered distribution of 4-phosphorylated PtdIns. For example, in cells with excess PtdIns(4)P caused by inactivation of the phosphatase Sac1p, PH(Osh2) indicates that PtdIns(4)P accumulates on the plasma membrane, whereas other Golgi-targeted PH domains fail to detect this change.

VAMP-associated protein-A regulates partitioning of oxysterol-binding protein-related protein-9 between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus

We recently showed that oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP), one of twelve related PH domain containing proteins with lipid and sterol binding activity, interacts with VAMP-associated protein (VAP)-A on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In addition to OSBP, seven OSBP-related proteins (ORPs) bind VAP-A via a conserved E-F/Y-F/Y-DA 'FFAT' motif. We focused on this interaction for ORP9, which is expressed as a full-length (ORP9L) or truncated version missing the PH domain (ORP9S). Mutation analysis showed that the interaction required the ORP9 FFAT motif and the N-terminal conserved domain of VAP. Endogenous ORP9L displayed Golgi localization, which was partially mediated by the PH domain based on limited localization of OPR9-PH-GFP with the Golgi apparatus. When inducibly overexpressed, ORP9S and ORP9L colocalized with VAP-A and caused vacuolation of the ER as well as retention of the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment marker ERGIC-53/p58 in the ER. ORP9L mutated in the VAP-A binding domain (ORP9L-FY-->AA) did not localize to the ER but appeared with giantin and Sec31 on large vesicular structures, suggesting the presence of a hybrid Golgi-COPII compartment. Normal Golgi localization was also observed for ORP9L-FY-->AA. Results show that VAP binding and PH domains target ORP9 to the ER and a Golgi-COPII compartment, respectively, and that ORP9L overexpression in these compartments severely perturbed their organization.

Learning the lipid language of plant signalling

Plant cells respond to different biotic and abiotic stresses by producing various uncommon phospholipids that are believed to play key roles in cell signalling. We can predict how they work because animal and yeast proteins have been shown to have specific lipid-binding domains, which act as docking sites. When such proteins are recruited to the membrane locations where these phospholipids are synthesized, the phospholipids activate them directly, by inducing a conformational change, or indirectly, by juxtaposing them with an activator protein. The same lipid-binding domains are present in Arabidopsis proteins. We believe that they represent an untapped well of information about plant lipid signalling.

A role for yeast oxysterol-binding protein homologs in endocytosis and in the maintenance of intracellular sterol-lipid distribution

The seven yeast OSH genes (OSH1-OSH7) encode a family of orthologs of the mammalian oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP). The OSH genes share at least one essential overlapping function, potentially linked to the regulation of secretory trafficking and membrane lipid composition. To investigate the essential roles of the OSH genes, we constructed conditional OSH mutants and analyzed their cellular defects. Elimination of all OSH function altered intracellular sterol-lipid distribution, caused vacuolar fragmentation, and resulted in an accumulation of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm and within vacuolar fragments. Gradual depletion of Osh proteins also caused cell budding defects and abnormal cell wall deposition. In OSH mutant cells endocytosis was severely impaired, but protein transport to the vacuole and the plasma membrane was largely unaffected. Other mutants affecting sterol-lipid function and distribution, namely erg2Delta and arv1Delta, shared similar defects. These findings suggested that OSH genes, through effects on intracellular sterol distribution, establish a plasma membrane lipid composition that promotes endocytosis.