Modeling sphingomyelin synthase 1 driven reaction at the Golgi apparatus can explain data by inclusion of a positive feedback mechanism

Sphingolipid metabolic flow controls phosphoinositide turnover at the trans-Golgi network

Sphingolipids are membrane lipids globally required for eukaryotic life. The sphingolipid content varies among endomembranes with pre- and post-Golgi compartments being poor and rich in sphingolipids, respectively. Due to this different sphingolipid content, pre- and post-Golgi membranes serve different cellular functions. The basis for maintaining distinct subcellular sphingolipid levels in the presence of membrane trafficking and metabolic fluxes is only partially understood. Here, we describe a homeostatic regulatory circuit that controls sphingolipid levels at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Specifically, we show that sphingomyelin production at the TGN triggers a signalling pathway leading to PtdIns(4)P dephosphorylation. Since PtdIns(4)P is required for cholesterol and sphingolipid transport to the trans-Golgi network, PtdIns(4)P consumption interrupts this transport in response to excessive sphingomyelin production. Based on this evidence, we envisage a model where this homeostatic circuit maintains a constant lipid composition in the trans-Golgi network and post-Golgi compartments, thus counteracting fluctuations in the sphingolipid biosynthetic flow.

A computational model of PKD and CERT interactions at the trans-Golgi network of mammalian cells

BACKGROUND

In mammalian cells protein-lipid interactions at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) determine the formation of vesicles, which transfer secretory proteins to the cellular membrane. This process is regulated by a complex molecular network including protein kinase D (PKD), which is directly involved in the fission of transport vesicles, and its interaction with the ceramide transfer protein CERT that transports ceramide from the endoplasmic reticulum to the TGN.

RESULTS

Here we present a novel quantitative kinetic model for the interactions of the key players PKD, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III beta (PI4KIII β) and CERT at the TGN membranes. We use sampling-based Bayesian analysis and perturbation experiments for model calibration and validation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our quantitative predictions of absolute molecular concentrations and reaction fluxes have major biological implications: Model comparison provides evidence that PKD and CERT interact in a cooperative manner to regulate ceramide transfer. Furthermore, we identify active PKD to be the dominant regulator of the network, especially of CERT-mediated ceramide transfer.