Brefeldin A revealing the fundamental principles governing membrane dynamics and protein transport

2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol Reduces Beta-Amyloid Production and Secretion by Regulating ADAM10 and Intracellular Trafficking in Cellular and Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease

There is currently no effective treatment against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although many strategies have been applied to reduce beta-amyloid (Aβ) levels. Here, we investigated 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) effects on Aβ levels and mechanisms of action. DAPG was the most effective phloroglucinol derivative for reducing Aβ levels, without being toxic, in various models including HEK293 cells overexpressing Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) (293sw), primary astrocytes isolated from APPsw/PS1dE9 transgenic mice, and after intrahippocampal injection of DAPG in APPsw/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. DAPG-mediated Aβ reduction was associated with increased soluble APPα (sAPPα) levels mediated by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) but not ADAM17. ADAM10 inhibition in DAPG-treated cells prevented the effects on sAPPα but only partly on intracellular and secreted Aβ. To identify regulators of sAPPα and Aβ secretion, various inhibitors of intracellular trafficking were administered with DAPG. Brefeldin A (BFA) reversed DAPG-mediated changes in Aβ secretion in 293sw cells, whereas golgicide A (GCA) and BFA were effective in primary astrocytes, indicating a cell type-specific regulation of the trafficking. Moreover, GCA or BFA effects on sAPPα, but not Aβ, levels in primary astrocytes resembled those of ADAM10 inhibition, indicating at least partly independent trafficking pathways for sAPPα and Aβ. In conclusion, DAPG might be a promising drug candidate against AD regulating ADAM10 and intracellular trafficking, but optimizing DAPG ability to cross the BBB will be needed.

Cell3: a new vision for study of the endomembrane system in mammalian cells

The endomembrane system of mammalian cells provides massive capacity for the segregation of biochemical reactions into discrete locations. The individual organelles of the endomembrane system also require the ability to precisely transport material between these compartments in order to maintain cell homeostasis; this process is termed membrane traffic. For several decades, researchers have been systematically identifying and dissecting the molecular machinery that governs membrane trafficking pathways, with the overwhelming majority of these studies being carried out in cultured cells growing as monolayers. In recent years, a number of methodological innovations have provided the opportunity for cultured cells to be grown as 3-dimensional (3D) assemblies, for example as spheroids and organoids. These structures have the potential to better replicate the cellular environment found in tissues and present an exciting new opportunity for the study of cell function. In this mini-review, we summarize the main methods used to generate 3D cell models and highlight emerging studies that have started to use these models to study basic cellular processes. We also describe a number of pieces of work that potentially provide the basis for adaptation for deeper study of how membrane traffic is coordinated in multicellular assemblies. Finally, we comment on some of the technological challenges that still need to be overcome if 3D cell biology is to become a mainstream tool toward deepening our understanding of the endomembrane system in mammalian cells.

Biomolecular Functionalization of a Nanomaterial To Control Stability and Retention within Live Cells

Noncovalent hybrids of single-stranded DNA and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have demonstrated applications in biomedical imaging and sensing due to their enhanced biocompatibility and photostable, environmentally responsive near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence. The fundamental properties of such DNA-SWCNTs have been studied to determine the correlative relationships between oligonucleotide sequence and length, SWCNT species, and the physical attributes of the resultant hybrids. However, intracellular environments introduce harsh conditions that can change the physical identities of the hybrid nanomaterials, thus altering their intrinsic optical properties. Here, through visible and NIR fluorescence imaging in addition to confocal Raman microscopy, we show that the oligonucleotide length controls the relative uptake, intracellular optical stability, and retention of DNA-SWCNTs in mammalian cells. Although the absolute NIR fluorescence intensity of DNA-SWCNTs in murine macrophages increases with increasing oligonucleotide length (from 12 to 60 nucleotides), we found that shorter oligonucleotide DNA-SWCNTs undergo a greater magnitude of spectral shift and are more rapidly internalized and expelled from the cell after 24 h. Furthermore, by labeling the DNA with a fluorophore that dequenches upon removal from the SWCNT surface, we found that shorter oligonucleotide strands are displaced from the SWCNT within the cell, altering the physical identity and changing the fate of the internalized nanomaterial. Finally, through a pharmacological inhibition study, we identified the mechanism of SWCNT expulsion from the cells as lysosomal exocytosis. These findings provide a fundamental understanding of the interactions between SWCNTs and live cells as well as evidence suggesting the ability to control the biological fate of the nanomaterials merely by varying the type of DNA wrapping.

Family-wide Analysis of the Inhibition of Arf Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors with Small Molecules: Evidence of Unique Inhibitory Profiles

Arf GTPases and their guanine nucleotide exchange factors (ArfGEFs) are major regulators of membrane traffic and organelle structure in cells. They are associated with a variety of diseases and are thus attractive therapeutic targets for inhibition by small molecules. Several inhibitors of unrelated chemical structures have been discovered, which have shown their potential in dissecting molecular pathways and blocking disease-related functions. However, their specificity across the ArfGEF family has remained elusive. Importantly, inhibitory responses in the context of membranes, which are critical determinants of Arf and ArfGEF cellular functions, have not been investigated. Here, we compare the efficiency and specificity of four structurally distinct ArfGEF inhibitors, Brefeldin A, SecinH3, M-COPA, and NAV-2729, toward six ArfGEFs (human ARNO, EFA6, BIG1, and BRAG2 and Legionella and Rickettsia RalF). Inhibition was assessed by fluorescence kinetics using pure proteins, and its modulation by membranes was determined with lipidated GTPases in the presence of liposomes. Our analysis shows that despite the intra-ArfGEF family resemblance, each inhibitor has a specific inhibitory profile. Notably, M-COPA is a potent pan-ArfGEF inhibitor, and NAV-2729 inhibits all GEFs, the strongest effects being against BRAG2 and Arf1. Furthermore, the presence of the membrane-binding domain in Legionella RalF reveals a strong inhibitory effect of BFA that is not measured on its GEF domain alone. This study demonstrates the value of family-wide assays with incorporation of membranes, and it should enable accurate dissection of Arf pathways by these inhibitors to best guide their use and development as therapeutic agents.

COPI-mediated retrieval of SCAP is crucial for regulating lipogenesis under basal and sterol-deficient conditions

Retrograde trafficking from the Golgi complex to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through COPI-coated vesicles has been implicated in lipid homeostasis. Here, we find that a block in COPI-dependent retrograde trafficking promotes processing and nuclear translocation of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs), and upregulates the expression of downstream genes that are involved in lipid biosynthesis. This elevation in SREBP processing and activation is not caused by mislocalization of S1P or S2P (also known as MBTPS1 and MBTPS2, respectively), two Golgi-resident endoproteases that are involved in SREBP processing, but instead by increased Golgi residence of SREBPs, leading to their increased susceptibility to processing by the endoproteases. Analyses using a processing-defective SREBP mutant suggest that a fraction of SREBP molecules undergo basal cycling between the ER and Golgi in complex with SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP). Furthermore, we show that SCAP alone is retrieved from the Golgi and moves to the ER after processing of SREBP under sterol-deficient conditions. Thus, our observations indicate that COPI-mediated retrograde trafficking is crucial for preventing unnecessary SREBP activation, by retrieving the small amounts of SCAP-SREBP complex that escape from the sterol-regulated ER retention machinery, as well as for the reuse of SCAP.

Pharmacological inhibitors of exocytosis and endocytosis: novel bullets for old targets

Pharmacological inhibitors of vesicle trafficking possess great promise as valuable analytical tools for the study of a variety of biological processes and as potential therapeutic agents to fight microbial infections and cancer. However, many commonly used trafficking inhibitors are characterized by poor selectivity that diminishes their use in solving basic problems of cell biology or drug development. Recent high-throughput chemical screens intensified the search for novel modulators of vesicle trafficking, and successfully identified a number of small molecules that inhibit exocytosis and endocytosis in different types of mammalian cells. This chapter provides a systematic overview of recently discovered inhibitors of vesicle trafficking. It describes cellular effects and mechanisms of action of novel inhibitors of exocytosis and endocytosis. Furthermore, it pays special attention to the selectivity and possible off-target effects of these inhibitors.

N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein α (αSNAP) regulates matrix adhesion and integrin processing in human epithelial cells

Integrin-based adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in controlling differentiation, survival, and motility of epithelial cells. Cells attach to the ECM via dynamic structures called focal adhesions (FA). FA undergo constant remodeling mediated by vesicle trafficking and fusion. A soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein α (αSNAP) is an essential mediator of membrane fusion; however, its roles in regulating ECM adhesion and cell motility remain unexplored. In this study, we found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of αSNAP induced detachment of intestinal epithelial cells, whereas overexpression of αSNAP increased ECM adhesion and inhibited cell invasion. Loss of αSNAP impaired Golgi-dependent glycosylation and trafficking of β1 integrin and decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin resulting in FA disassembly. These effects of αSNAP depletion on ECM adhesion were independent of apoptosis and NSF. In agreement with our previous reports that Golgi fragmentation mediates cellular effects of αSNAP knockdown, we found that either pharmacologic or genetic disruption of the Golgi recapitulated all the effects of αSNAP depletion on ECM adhesion. Furthermore, our data implicates β1 integrin, FAK, and paxillin in mediating the observed pro-adhesive effects of αSNAP. These results reveal novel roles for αSNAP in regulating ECM adhesion and motility of epithelial cells.

The Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi induces inflammation and apoptosis in cells from dorsal root ganglia

Background

Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, affects both the peripheral and the central nervous systems. Radiculitis or nerve root inflammation, which can cause pain, sensory loss, and weakness, is the most common manifestation of peripheral LNB in humans. We previously reported that rhesus monkeys infected with B. burgdorferi develop radiculitis as well as inflammation in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), with elevated levels of neuronal and satellite glial cell apoptosis in the DRG. We hypothesized that B. burgdorferi induces inflammatory mediators in glial and neuronal cells and that this inflammatory milieu precipitates glial and neuronal apoptosis.

Methods

To model peripheral neuropathy in LNB we incubated normal rhesus DRG tissue explants with live B. burgdorferi ex vivo and identified immune mediators, producer cells, and verified the presence of B. burgdorferi in tissue sections by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. We also set up primary cultures of DRG cells from normal adult rhesus macaques and incubated the cultures with live B. burgdorferi. Culture supernatants were subjected to multiplex ELISA to detect immune mediators, while the cells were evaluated for apoptosis by the in situ TUNEL assay. A role for inflammation in mediating apoptosis was assessed by evaluating the above phenomena in the presence and absence of various concentrations of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. As Schwann cells ensheath the dorsal roots of the DRG, we evaluated the potential of live B. burgdorferi to induce inflammatory mediators in human Schwann cell (HSC) cultures.

Results

Rhesus DRG tissue explants exposed to live B. burgdorferi showed localization of CCL2 and IL-6 in sensory neurons, satellite glial cells and Schwann cells while IL-8 was seen in satellite glial cells and Schwann cells. Live B. burgdorferi induced elevated levels of IL-6, IL-8 and CCL2 in HSC and DRG cultures and apoptosis of sensory neurons. Dexamethasone reduced the levels of immune mediators and neuronal apoptosis in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion

In this model, B. burgdorferi induced an inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis of DRG. These pathophysiological processes could contribute to peripheral neuropathy in LNB.

Rab6a/a' are important Golgi regulators of pro-inflammatory TNF secretion in macrophages

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to elicit innate immune responses. Secretion of these cytokines is also a major contributing factor in chronic inflammatory disease. In previous studies we have begun to elucidate the pathways and molecules that mediate the intracellular trafficking and secretion of TNF. Rab6a and Rab6a' (collectively Rab6) are trans-Golgi-localized GTPases known for roles in maintaining Golgi structure and Golgi-associated trafficking. We found that induction of TNF secretion by LPS promoted the selective increase of Rab6 expression. Depletion of Rab6 (via siRNA and shRNA) resulted in reorganization of the Golgi ribbon into more compact structures that at the resolution of electron microcopy consisted of elongated Golgi stacks that likely arose from fusion of smaller Golgi elements. Concomitantly, the delivery of TNF to the cell surface and subsequent release into the media was reduced. Dominant negative mutants of Rab6 had similar effects in disrupting TNF secretion. In live cells, Rab6-GFP were localized on trans-Golgi network (TGN)-derived tubular carriers demarked by the golgin p230. Rab6 depletion and inactive mutants altered carrier egress and partially reduced p230 membrane association. Our results show that Rab6 acts on TNF trafficking at the level of TGN exit in tubular carriers and our findings suggest Rab6 may stabilize p230 on the tubules to facilitate TNF transport. Both Rab6 isoforms are needed in macrophages for Golgi stack organization and for the efficient post-Golgi transport of TNF. This work provides new insights into Rab6 function and into the role of the Golgi complex in cytokine secretion in inflammatory macrophages.

Loss of a membrane trafficking protein αSNAP induces non-canonical autophagy in human epithelia

Autophagy is a catabolic process that sequesters intracellular proteins and organelles within membrane vesicles called autophagosomes with their subsequent delivery to lyzosomes for degradation. This process involves multiple fusions of autophagosomal membranes with different vesicular compartments; however, the role of vesicle fusion in autophagosomal biogenesis remains poorly understood. This study addresses the role of a key vesicle fusion regulator, soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein α (αSNAP), in autophagy. Small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation of αSNAP expression in cultured epithelial cells stimulated the autophagic flux, which was manifested by increased conjugation of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) and accumulation of LC3-positive autophagosomes. This enhanced autophagy developed via a non-canonical mechanism that did not require beclin1-p150-dependent nucleation, but involved Atg5 and Atg7-mediated elongation of autophagosomal membranes. Induction of autophagy in αSNAP-depleted cells was accompanied by decreased mTOR signaling but appeared to be independent of αSNAP-binding partners, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor and BNIP1. Loss of αSNAP caused fragmentation of the Golgi and downregulation of the Golgi-specific GTP exchange factors, GBF1, BIG1 and BIG2. Pharmacological disruption of the Golgi and genetic inhibition of GBF1 recreated the effects of αSNAP depletion on the autophagic flux. Our study revealed a novel role for αSNAP as a negative regulator of autophagy that acts by enhancing mTOR signaling and regulating the integrity of the Golgi complex.

A membrane fusion protein αSNAP is a novel regulator of epithelial apical junctions

Tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) are key determinants of the structure and permeability of epithelial barriers. Although exocytic delivery to the cell surface is crucial for junctional assembly, little is known about the mechanisms controlling TJ and AJ exocytosis. This study was aimed at investigating whether a key mediator of exocytosis, soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein alpha (αSNAP), regulates epithelial junctions. αSNAP was enriched at apical junctions in SK-CO15 and T84 colonic epithelial cells and in normal human intestinal mucosa. siRNA-mediated knockdown of αSNAP inhibited AJ/TJ assembly and establishment of the paracellular barrier in SK-CO15 cells, which was accompanied by a significant down-regulation of p120-catenin and E-cadherin expression. A selective depletion of p120 catenin effectively disrupted AJ and TJ structure and compromised the epithelial barrier. However, overexpression of p120 catenin did not rescue the defects of junctional structure and permeability caused by αSNAP knockdown thereby suggesting the involvement of additional mechanisms. Such mechanisms did not depend on NSF functions or induction of cell death, but were associated with disruption of the Golgi complex and down-regulation of a Golgi-associated guanidine nucleotide exchange factor, GBF1. These findings suggest novel roles for αSNAP in promoting the formation of epithelial AJs and TJs by controlling Golgi-dependent expression and trafficking of junctional proteins.

Live-cell assays to identify regulators of ER-to-Golgi trafficking

We applied fluorescence microscopy-based quantitative assays to living cells to identify regulators of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi trafficking and/or Golgi complex maintenance. We first validated an automated procedure to identify factors which influence Golgi-to-ER relocalization of GalT-CFP (β1,4-galactosyltransferase I-cyan fluorescent protein) after brefeldin A (BFA) addition and/or wash-out. We then tested 14 proteins that localize to the ER and/or Golgi complex when overexpressed for a role in ER-to-Golgi trafficking. Nine of them interfered with the rate of BFA-induced redistribution of GalT-CFP from the Golgi complex to the ER, six of them interfered with GalT-CFP redistribution from the ER to a juxtanuclear region (i.e. the Golgi complex) after BFA wash-out and six of them were positive effectors in both assays. Notably, our live-cell approach captures regulator function in ER-to-Golgi trafficking, which was missed in previous fixed cell assays, as well as assigns putative roles for other less characterized proteins. Moreover, we show that our assays can be extended to RNAi and chemical screens.

Loss of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein α (αSNAP) induces epithelial cell apoptosis via down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression and disruption of the Golgi

Intracellular trafficking represents a key mechanism that regulates cell fate by participating in either prodeath or prosurvival signaling. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein α (αSNAP) is a well known component of vesicle trafficking machinery that mediates intermembrane fusion. αSNAP increases cell resistance to cytotoxic stimuli, although mechanisms of its prosurvival function are poorly understood. In this study, we found that either siRNA-mediated knockdown of αSNAP or expression of its dominant negative mutant induced epithelial cell apoptosis. Apoptosis was not caused by activation of the major prodeath regulators Bax and p53 and was independent of a key αSNAP binding partner, NSF. Instead, death of αSNAP-depleted cells was accompanied by down-regulation of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein; it was mimicked by inhibition and attenuated by overexpression of Bcl-2. Knockdown of αSNAP resulted in impairment of Golgi to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) trafficking and fragmentation of the Golgi. Moreover, pharmacological disruption of ER-Golgi transport by brefeldin A and eeyarestatin 1 or siRNA-mediated depletion of an ER/Golgi-associated p97 ATPase recapitulated the effects of αSNAP inhibition by decreasing Bcl-2 level and triggering apoptosis. These results reveal a novel role for αSNAP in promoting epithelial cell survival by unique mechanisms involving regulation of Bcl-2 expression and Golgi biogenesis.

MCP-3/CCL7 production by astrocytes: implications for SIV neuroinvasion and AIDS encephalitis

Monocyte/macrophages and activated lymphocytes traffic through normal brain, and this trafficking is increased in inflammatory conditions such as HIV encephalitis (HIVE). HIVE is characterized in part by perivascular accumulations of macrophages. The earliest events in this process are poorly understood and difficult or impossible to address in humans. The SIV-infected macaque model of neuroAIDS has demonstrated migration of monocytes into the brain early in disease, coincident with peak SIV viremia. The chemotactic signals that initiate the increased emigration of mononuclear cells into the CNS have not been described. Here, we describe astrocytes as a primary source of chemokines to facilitate basal levels of monocyte trafficking to CNS and that increased chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7 (CCL7) production may be responsible for initiating the increased trafficking in neuroAIDS. We have previously published complementary in vivo work demonstrating the presence of monocyte chemoattractant protein 3 (MCP-3)/CCL7 within the brain of SIV-infected macaques. Here, we demonstrate that MCP-3/CCL7 is a significant chemokine produced by astrocytes, that basal monocyte migration may be facilitated by astrocyte-derived CCL7, that production of CCL7 is rapidly increased by TNF-α and thus likely plays a critical role in initiating neuroinvasion by SIV/HIV.

Arfaptins are localized to the trans-Golgi by interaction with Arl1, but not Arfs

Arfaptins (arfaptin-1 and arfaptin-2/POR1) were originally identified as binding partners of the Arf small GTPases. Both proteins contain a BAR (Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs) domain, which participates in membrane deformation. Here we show that arfaptins associate with trans-Golgi membranes. Unexpectedly, Arl1 (Arf-like 1), but not Arfs, determines the trans-Golgi association of arfaptins. We also demonstrate that arfaptins interact with Arl1 through their BAR domain-containing region and compete for Arl1 binding with golgin-97 and golgin-245/p230, both of which also bind to Arl1 through their GRIP (golgin-97/RanBP2/Imh1p/p230) domains. However, arfaptins and these golgins show only limited colocalization at the trans-Golgi. Time-lapse imaging of cells overexpressing fluorescent protein-tagged arfaptins and golgin-97 reveals that arfaptins, but not golgin-97, are included in vesicular and tubular structures emanating from the Golgi region. These observations indicate that arfaptins are recruited onto trans-Golgi membranes by interacting with Arl1, and capable of inducing membrane deformation via their BAR domains.

Control of somatostatin (SS) secretion by CCK-1 and CCK-2 receptors' occupation in RIN-14B cells, a rat pancreatic islet cell line

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the role played by cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors' occupation in the control of somatostatin (SS) secretion in RIN-14B cells.

METHODS

The presence of the CCK receptors 1 and 2 was confirmed by immunofluorescence, and SS secretion was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

By immunofluorescence, 95% of the cell population was composed of SS cells bearing both CCK-R subtypes with 5% of beta cells (data not shown). Cerulein (Cae), a CCK-1R agonist, and pentagastrin, a CCK-2R agonist, dose-dependently increased SS release, 3-fold at 1 mumol/L Cae, 2.5-fold at 10 mumol/L pentagastrin, with occupation of both CCKRs confirmed by L-364,178 and L-365,260 inhibition of CCK receptors 1 and 2. The occupation of high-affinity CCK-1R by Cae was confirmed on SS release with JMV-180, a high-affinity CCK-1R agonist, and absence of SS release inhibition at high Cae concentration occupying the low-affinity CCK-1R. These cells release more than 60% of their SS content by constitutive secretion, confirmed by cycloheximide and brefeldin inhibiting SS synthesis and intracellular trafficking, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both CCKR subtypes occupy RIN-14B cells and initiate SS secretion through constitutive secretion controlled at SS synthesis level. Somatostatin secretion via the CCK-1R occupation mobilizes its high-affinity sites.

Interaction of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi with brain parenchyma elicits inflammatory mediators from glial cells as well as glial and neuronal apoptosis

Lyme neuroborreliosis, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, often manifests by causing neurocognitive deficits. As a possible mechanism for Lyme neuroborreliosis, we hypothesized that B. burgdorferi induces the production of inflammatory mediators in the central nervous system with concomitant neuronal and/or glial apoptosis. To test our hypothesis, we constructed an ex vivo model that consisted of freshly collected slices from brain cortex of a rhesus macaque and allowed live B. burgdorferi to penetrate the tissue. Numerous transcripts of genes that regulate inflammation as well as oligodendrocyte and neuronal apoptosis were significantly altered as assessed by DNA microarray analysis. Transcription level increases of 7.43-fold (P = 0.005) for the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha and 2.31-fold (P = 0.016) for the chemokine interleukin (IL)-8 were also detected by real-time-polymerase chain reaction array analysis. The immune mediators IL-6, IL-8, IL-1beta, COX-2, and CXCL13 were visualized in glial cells in situ by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. Concomitantly, significant proportions of both oligodendrocytes and neurons undergoing apoptosis were present in spirochete-stimulated tissues. IL-6 production by astrocytes in addition to oligodendrocyte apoptosis were also detected, albeit at lower levels, in rhesus macaques that had received in vivo intraparenchymal stereotaxic inoculations of live B. burgdorferi. These results provide proof of concept for our hypothesis that B. burgdorferi produces inflammatory mediators in the central nervous system, accompanied by glial and neuronal apoptosis.

An Arf1 GTPase mutant with different responses to GEF inhibitors

Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) stimulate the activation of small GTP-binding proteins (GTPases). Establishing their specificity is a challenging issue, in which chemical genetics are rapidly gaining interest. We report a mutation in the Arf1 GTPase, K38A, which differentially alters its sensitivity to GEF inhibitors. The mutation renders Arf1 insensitive to LM11, a GEF inhibitor that we previously discovered by structure-based screening. In contrast, full inhibition by the natural compound Brefeldin A (BFA) is retained. We show that the mutation is otherwise silent towards the biochemical and cellular properties of Arf1, notably its binding to effectors as measured by a novel GEF-protection assay. This is thus the first GTPase mutant with different responses to two classes of inhibitors, and a novel tool to analyze Arf and ArfGEF specificity and functions in vitro and in cells.

Redundant roles of BIG2 and BIG1, guanine-nucleotide exchange factors for ADP-ribosylation factors in membrane traffic between the trans-Golgi network and endosomes

BIG2 and BIG1 are closely related guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) and are involved in the regulation of membrane traffic through activating ARFs and recruiting coat protein complexes, such as the COPI complex and the AP-1 clathrin adaptor complex. Although both ARF-GEFs are associated mainly with the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and BIG2 is also associated with recycling endosomes, it is unclear whether BIG2 and BIG1 share some roles in membrane traffic. We here show that knockdown of both BIG2 and BIG1 by RNAi causes mislocalization of a subset of proteins associated with the TGN and recycling endosomes and blocks retrograde transport of furin from late endosomes to the TGN. Similar mislocalization and protein transport block, including furin, were observed in cells depleted of AP-1. Taken together with previous reports, these observations indicate that BIG2 and BIG1 play redundant roles in trafficking between the TGN and endosomes that involves the AP-1 complex.

In vitro assays to characterize inhibitors of the activation of small G proteins by their guanine nucleotide exchange factors

Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are essential regulators of the spatiotemporal conditions of small GTP-binding protein (SMG) activation. Their cellular activities combine the biochemical stimulation of GDP/GTP exchange, which leads to the active conformation of the SMG, to the detection of upstream signals and, in some cases, interaction with downstream effectors. Inhibition of GEF activities by small molecules has become recently a very active field, both for understanding biology with the tools of chemistry and because GEFs are emerging as therapeutic targets. The natural compound brefeldin A (BFA) was the first inhibitor of a GEF to be characterized, and several inhibitors of SMG activation have since been discovered using a variety of screening methods. An essential step toward their use in basic research or as leads in therapeutics is the characterization of their mechanism of inhibition. GEFs function according to a multistep mechanism, involving transient ternary (nucleotide-bound) and binary (nucleotide-free) intermediates. This mechanism thereby offers many opportunities for blockage, but a thorough analysis is necessary to define the inhibition mechanism and the steps of the reaction that are affected by the inhibitor. Here, based on the case study of how BFA inhibits the activation of Arf activation by Sec7 domains, we describe a flowchart of assays to decipher the mechanism of inhibitors of the activation of SMGs by their GEFs.

Astrocytes refill intracellular Ca2+ stores in the absence of cytoplasmic [Ca2+] elevation: a functional rather than a structural ability

Capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE) is a phenomenon triggered by depletion of Ca(2+) content in intracellular stores (ICS). Data about this phenomenon in astrocytes are limited. We analyzed CCE in astrocytes by means of fura-2 based digital imaging. We found that in astrocytes CCE is not associated with an increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), although ICS are efficiently refilled. We used Mn(2+), thapsigargin and prolonged ATP exposure to show that CCE is not associated with cytosolic diffusion of Ca(2+) entering astrocytes. Our data suggest that the ion is being quickly sequestered in the ICS by the smooth endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATP-ase (SERCA). Several experiments were carried out with the goal of failing the efficient uptake in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In fact, inhibition of SERCA activity, increased extracellular [Ca(2+)](i) or pharmacologic potentiation of CCE all caused [Ca(2+)](i) elevation during CCE, suggesting that the control of this phenomenon could have physiologic and pathological relevance. The molecular components involved in CCE have been proposed to be organized in a multi-molecular complex tethered by cytoskeleton components and arranged via a secretion coupling model. We show here that the efficient routing of Ca(2+) into the ICS in astrocytes is not affected by disruption of cytoskeleton organization or Golgi's function, but it is instead linked to the high efficiency of SERCA. We conclude that depleted ICS in astrocytes are efficiently refilled by CCE activation, although Ca(2+) influx is not accompanied by elevation of [Ca(2+)](i). This ability seems to be functional rather than structural in nature.

Targeting Protein Stability with a Small Molecule

Both genetic approaches and small-molecule inhibitors can be used to perturb protein function. Banaszynski et al. (2006) now describe a strategy to regulate the stability of a target protein, in which specificity is provided by a genetically encoded tag and temporal control is imparted by a small molecule.

Actin dynamics at the Golgi complex in mammalian cells

Secretion and endocytosis are highly dynamic processes that are sensitive to external stimuli. Thus, in multicellular organisms, different cell types utilize specialised pathways of intracellular membrane traffic to facilitate specific physiological functions. In addition to the complex internal molecular factors that govern sorting functions and fission or fusion of transport carriers, the actin cytoskeleton plays an important role in both the endocytic and secretory pathways. The interaction between the actin cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking is not restricted to transport processes: it also appears to be directly involved in the biogenesis of Golgi-derived transport carriers (budding and fission processes) and in the maintenance of the unique flat shape of Golgi cisternae.

Dual specificity of the interfacial inhibitor brefeldin a for arf proteins and sec7 domains

Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which activate small GTP-binding proteins (SMG) by stimulating their GDP/GTP exchange, are emerging as candidate targets for the inhibition of cellular pathways involved in diseases. However, their specific inhibition by competitive inhibitors is challenging, because GEF and SMG families comprise highly similar members. Nature shows us an alternative strategy called interfacial inhibition, exemplified by Brefeldin A (BFA). BFA inhibits the activation of Arf1 by its GEFs in vivo by stabilizing an abortive complex between Arf-GDP and the catalytic Sec7 domain of some of its GEFs. Here we characterize the specificity of BFA toward wild-type (ARNO and BIG1) and mutant Sec7 domains and toward class I, II, and III Arfs. We find that BFA sensitivity of the exchange reaction depends on the nature of both the Sec7 domain and the Arf protein. A single Phe/Tyr substitution is sufficient to achieve BFA sensitivity of the Sec7 domain, which is supported by our characterization of brefeldin C (BFC), a BFA analog that cannot interact with the Tyr residue, and by free energy computations. We further show that Arf1 and Arf5, but not Arf6, are BFA-sensitive, despite their having every BFA-interacting residue in common. Analysis of Arf6 mutants points to the dynamics of the interswitch, which is involved in membrane-to-nucleotide signal propagation, as contributing to, although not sufficient for, BFA sensitivity. Altogether, our results reveal the Tyr/Phe substitution as a novel tool for monitoring BFA sensitivity of cellular ArfGEFs and document the exquisite and dual specificity that can be achieved by an interfacial inhibitor.

Arf, Sec7 and Brefeldin A: a model towards the therapeutic inhibition of guanine nucleotide-exchange factors

GEFs (guanine nucleotide-exchange factors), which stimulate GDP dissociation from small G-proteins, are pivotal regulators of signalling pathways activated by small G-proteins. In the case of Arf proteins, which are major regulators of membrane traffic in the cell and have recently been found to be involved in an increasing number of human diseases, GDP/GTP exchange is stimulated by GEFs that carry a catalytic Sec7 domain. Recent structural results captured snapshots of the exchange reaction, revealing that Sec7 domains secure Arf-GDP to membranes before nucleotide exchange takes place, taking advantage of a built-in structural device in Arf proteins that couples their affinity for membranes to the nature of the bound nucleotide. One of the Arf-Sec7 intermediates was trapped by BFA (Brefeldin A), an uncompetitive inhibitor of Arf activation that has been instrumental in deciphering the molecular principles of membrane traffic at the Golgi. BFA targets a low-affinity Arf-Sec7 intermediate of the exchange reaction. It binds at the Arf-GDP/Sec7 interface, thus freezing the complex in an abortive conformation that cannot proceed to nucleotide dissociation. In the cell, this results in the specific inhibition of Arf1 by a subset of its GEFs, and the efficient and reversible block of membrane traffic at the Golgi. The mechanism of BFA leads to the concept of 'interfacial inhibition', in which a protein-protein interaction of therapeutic interest is stabilized, rather than impaired, by a drug. Up-regulated activity of small G-proteins is involved in various human diseases, making their GEFs attractive candidates to interrupt specifically the corresponding signalling pathway. Interfacial inhibitors are proposed as an alternative to competitive inhibitors that may be explored for their inhibition.

The role of ARF1 and rab GTPases in polarization of the Golgi stack

The organization and sorting of proteins within the Golgi stack to establish and maintain its cis to trans polarization remains an enigma. The function of Golgi compartments involves coat assemblages that facilitate vesicle traffic, Rab-tether-SNAP receptor (SNARE) machineries that dictate membrane identity, as well as matrix components that maintain structure. We have investigated how the Golgi complex achieves compartmentalization in response to a key component of the coat complex I (COPI) coat assembly pathway, the ARF1 GTPase, in relationship to GTPases-regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit (Sar1) and targeting fusion (Rab1). Following collapse of the Golgi into the ER in response to inhibition of activation of ARF1 by Brefeldin A, we found that Sar1- and Rab1-dependent Golgi reformation took place at multiple peripheral and perinuclear ER exit sites. These rapidly converged into immature Golgi that appeared as onion-like structures composed of multiple concentrically arrayed cisternae of mixed enzyme composition. During clustering to the perinuclear region, Golgi enzymes were sorted to achieve the degree of polarization within the stack found in mature Golgi. Surprisingly, we found that sorting of Golgi enzymes into their subcompartments was insensitive to the dominant negative GTP-restricted ARF1 mutant, a potent inhibitor of COPI coat disassembly and vesicular traffic. We suggest that a COPI-independent, Rab-dependent mechanism is involved in the rapid reorganization of resident enzymes within the Golgi stack following synchronized release from the ER, suggesting an important role for Rab hubs in directing Golgi polarization.

H-Ras dynamically interacts with recycling endosomes in CHO-K1 cells: involvement of Rab5 and Rab11 in the trafficking of H-Ras to this pericentriolar endocytic compartment

H-, N-, and K-Ras are isoforms of Ras proteins, which undergo different lipid modifications at the C terminus. These post-translational events make possible the association of Ras proteins both with the inner plasma membrane and to the cytosolic surface of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, which is also required for the proper function of these proteins. To better characterize the intracellular distribution and sorting of Ras proteins, constructs were engineered to express the C-terminal domain of H- and K-Ras fused to variants of green fluorescent protein. Using confocal microscopy, we found in CHO-K1 cells that H-Ras, which is palmitoylated and farnesylated, localized at the recycling endosome in addition to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. In contrast, K-Ras, which is farnesylated and nonpalmitoylated, mainly localized at the plasma membrane. Moreover, we demonstrate that sorting signals of H- and K-Ras are contained within the C-terminal domain of these proteins and that palmitoylation on this region of H-Ras might operate as a dominant sorting signal for proper subcellular localization of this protein in CHO-K1 cells. Using selective photobleaching techniques, we demonstrate the dynamic nature of H-Ras trafficking to the recycling endosome from plasma membrane. We also provide evidence that Rab5 and Rab11 activities are required for proper delivery of H-Ras to the endocytic recycling compartment. Using a chimera containing the Ras binding domain of c-Raf-1 fused to a fluorescent protein, we found that a pool of GTP-bound H-Ras localized on membranes from Rab11-positive recycling endosome after serum stimulation. These results suggest that H-Ras present in membranes of the recycling endosome might be activating signal cascades essential for the dynamic and function of the organelle.

pH-dependent intraluminal organization of mucin granules in live human mucous/goblet cells

To study the mechanism of gel-forming mucin packaging within mucin granules, we generated human mucous/goblet cells stably expressing a recombinant MUC5AC domain fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP). The fusion protein, named SHGFP-MUC5AC/CK, accumulated in the granules together with native MUC5AC. Inhibition of protein synthesis or disorganization of the Golgi complex did not result in diminished intragranular SHGFP-MUC5AC/CK signals, consistent with long-term storage of the fusion protein. However, SHGFP-MUC5AC/CK was rapidly discharged from the granules upon incubation of the cells with ATP, an established mucin secretagogue. Several criteria indicated that SHGFP-MUC5AC/CK was not covalently linked to endogenous MUC5AC. Analysis of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching suggested that the intragranular SHGFP-MUC5AC/CK mobile fraction and mobility were significantly lower than in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. Incubation of the cells with bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar H+-ATPase, did not alter the fusion protein mobility, although it significantly increased (approximately 20%) the intragranular SHGFP-MUC5AC/CK mobile fraction. In addition, the granules in bafilomycin-incubated cells typically exhibited a heterogeneous intraluminal distribution of the fluorescent fusion protein. These results are consistent with a model of mucin granule intraluminal organization with two phases: a mobile phase in which secretory proteins diffuse as in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen but at a lower rate and an immobile phase or matrix in which proteins are immobilized by noncovalent pH-dependent interactions. An intraluminal acidic pH, maintained by the vacuolar H+-ATPase, is one of the critical factors for secretory protein binding to the immobile phase and also for its organization.

GP73 and liver disease: a (Golgi) complex enigma

Newly synthesized proteins in the lumen and the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum are transported to the Golgi apparatus, where posttranslational modification of proteins and lipids occurs, commonly by the addition of carbohydrate residues. The Golgi apparatus is also the major sorting center of the cell; proteins proceed from this organelle to lysosomes, secretory granules, or the plasma membrane, according to signals encoded within their amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures. A growing number of resident membrane proteins have been identified in the last few years, but the function of many of these proteins remains poorly characterized to date. In this issue, as a continuation of their previous studies, Fimmel and colleagues report that GP73 protein is overexpressed in a variety of acute and chronic liver diseases. In contrast to their previous studies, they show expression of GP73 in sinusoidal lining cells, and suggest that activated stellate cells may be a potential source of this protein. In the current study, the authors do not provide any new insight on the function and role of this protein in liver disease. The widespread expression of this protein in many diverse acute and chronic conditions suggests that the measurement of this protein is unlikely to be very useful for etiological diagnosis or staging, but it may prove to be a marker of liver disease. However, a better understanding of the role of this protein may provide more insights into the pathogenesis of liver injury and progression.

Activation of H-Ras in the endoplasmic reticulum by the RasGRF family guanine nucleotide exchange factors

Recent findings indicate that in addition to its location in the peripheral plasma membrane, H-Ras is found in endomembranes like the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex. In these locations H-Ras is functional and can efficiently engage downstream effectors, but little is known about how its activation is regulated in these environments. Here we show that the RasGRF family exchange factors, both endogenous and ectopically expressed, are present in the endoplasmic reticulum but not in the Golgi complex. With the aid of H-Ras constructs specifically tethered to the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi complex, we demonstrate that RasGRF1 and RasGRF2 can activate plasma membrane and reticular, but not Golgi-associated, H-Ras. We also show that RasGRF DH domain is required for the activation of H-Ras in the endoplasmic reticulum but not in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, we demonstrate that RasGRF mediation favors the activation of reticular H-Ras by lysophosphatidic acid treatment whereas plasma membrane H-Ras is made more responsive to stimulation by ionomycin. Overall, our results provide the initial insights into the regulation of H-Ras activation in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Structural snapshots of the mechanism and inhibition of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor

Small GTP-binding (G) proteins are activated by GDP/GTP nucleotide exchange stimulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Nucleotide dissociation from small G protein-GEF complexes involves transient GDP-bound intermediates whose structures have never been described. In the case of Arf proteins, small G proteins that regulate membrane traffic in eukaryotic cells, such intermediates can be trapped either by the natural inhibitor brefeldin A or by charge reversal at the catalytic glutamate of the Sec7 domain of their GEFs. Here we report the crystal structures of these intermediates that show that membrane recruitment of Arf and nucleotide dissociation are separate reactions stimulated by Sec7. The reactions proceed through sequential rotations of the Arf.GDP core towards the Sec7 catalytic site, and are blocked by interfacial binding of brefeldin A and unproductive stabilization of GDP by charge reversal. The structural characteristics of the reaction and its modes of inhibition reveal unexplored ways in which to inhibit the activation of small G proteins.

Islet cell autoantigen of 69 kDa is an arfaptin-related protein associated with the Golgi complex of insulinoma INS-1 cells

Islet cell autoantigen of 69 kDa (ICA69) is a cytosolic protein of still unknown function. Involvement of ICA69 in neurosecretion has been suggested by the impairment of acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions upon mutation of its homologue gene ric-19 in C. elegans. In this study, we have further investigated the localization of ICA69 in neurons and insulinoma INS-1 cells. ICA69 was enriched in the perinuclear region, whereas it did not co-localize with markers of synaptic vesicles/synaptic-like microvesicles. Confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation in INS-1 cells showed co-localization of ICA69 with markers of the Golgi complex and, to a minor extent, with immature insulin-containing secretory granules. The association of ICA69 with these organelles was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. Virtually no ICA69 immunogold labeling was observed on secretory granules near the plasma membrane, suggesting that ICA69 dissociates from secretory granule membranes during their maturation. In silico sequence and structural analyses revealed that the N-terminal region of ICA69 is similar to the region of arfaptins that interacts with ARF1, a small GTPase involved in vesicle budding at the Golgi complex and immature secretory granules. ICA69 is therefore a novel arfaptin-related protein that is likely to play a role in membrane trafficking at the Golgi complex and immature secretory granules in neurosecretory cells.

Analysis of P-glycoprotein-mediated membrane transport in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using the UIC2 shift assay

BACKGROUND

During transport-associated adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis, P-glycoprotein (Pgp) undergoes conformation transitions detected by UIC2, a functional anti-Pgp monoclonal antibody. A newly developed UIC2 shift assay is based on increased UIC2 reactivity in the presence of Pgp substrates. All peripheral blood leukocytes express low Pgp levels. The existing antibody-based detection methods are limited in their sensitivity and require additional techniques to simultaneously analyze Pgp expression and efflux, making it difficult to ascertain the physiologic role of Pgp-mediated transport.

METHODS

We validated the UIC2 shift assay against UIC2 immunostaining and DiOC(2) efflux. The UIC2 shift assay was then used to characterize Pgp functional expression and its physiologic substrates in peripheral blood leukocytes.

RESULTS

A strong correlation was observed between the UIC2 shift assay versus immunostaining and dye efflux tests. The UIC2 shift assay showed improved sensitivity (compared with conventional UIC2 staining) and allowed for simultaneous detection of Pgp expression and function. Using this assay, we identified several new Pgp substrates, including monensin and retinol, and confirmed that interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma can be transported by Pgp.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings validate the use of the UIC2 shift assay in MDR1 detection and support the idea that Pgp plays a physiologic role in immunoregulation.

Exo1: a new chemical inhibitor of the exocytic pathway

A phenotypic screen was used to search for drug-like molecules that can interfere with specific steps in membrane traffic. 2-(4-Fluorobenzoylamino)-benzoic acid methyl ester (Exo1), identified in this screen, induces a rapid collapse of the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum, thus acutely inhibiting the traffic emanating from the endoplasmic reticulum. Like Brefeldin A (BFA), Exo1 induces the rapid release of ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) 1 from Golgi membranes but has less effect on the organization of the trans-Golgi network. Our data indicate that Exo1 acts by a different mechanism from BFA. Unlike BFA, Exo1 does not induce the ADP-ribosylation of CtBP/Bars50 and does not interfere with the activity of guanine nucleotide exchange factors specific for Golgi-based ARFs. Thus, Exo1 allows the fatty acid exchange activity of Bars50 to be distinguished from ARF1 activity in the control of Golgi tubulation.

The membrane-tethering protein p115 interacts with GBF1, an ARF guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor

The membrane-transport factor p115 interacts with diverse components of the membrane-transport machinery. It binds two Golgi matrix proteins, a Rab GTPase, and various members of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family. Here, we describe a novel interaction between p115 and Golgi-specific brefeldin-A-resistant factor 1 (GBF1), a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor for ADP ribosylation factor (ARF). GBF1 was identified in a yeast two-hybrid screen, using full-length p115 as bait. The interaction was confirmed biochemically, using in vitro and in vivo assays. The interacting domains were mapped to the proline-rich region of GBF1 and the head region of p115. These proteins colocalize extensively in the Golgi and in peripheral vesicular tubular clusters. Mutagenesis analysis indicates that the interaction is not required for targeting GBF1 or p115 to membranes. Expression of the p115-binding (pro-rich) region of GBF1 leads to Golgi disruption, indicating that the interaction between p115 and GBF1 is functionally relevant.

The Structure and Function of GGAs, the Traffic Controllers at the TGN Sorting Crossroads

GGAs (Golgi-localizing, gamma-adaptin ear homology domain, ARF-binding proteins) are a family of monomeric clathrin adaptor proteins that are conserved from yeasts to humans. Data published during the past four years have provided detailed pictures of the localization, domain organization and structure-function relationships of GGAs. GGAs possess four conserved functional domains, each of which interacts with cargo proteins including mannose 6-phosphate receptors, the small GTPase ARF, clathrin, or accessory proteins including Rabaptin-5 and gamma-synergin. Together with or independent of the adaptor protein complex AP-1, GGAs regulate selective transport of cargo proteins, such as mannose 6-phosphate receptors, from the trans-Golgi network to endosomes mediated by clathrin-coated vesicles.

Visualization of vacuoles in Aspergillus oryzae by expression of CPY-EGFP

Vacuolar carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) from Aspergillus nidulans was used to construct a CPY-EGFP fusion protein and expressed in A. oryzae to study vacuolar morphology and functions in A. oryzae. While the fluorescence of EGFP was barely detectable in A. oryzae expressing CPY-EGFP grown under normal conditions at pH 5-6, the increase in pH of the growth medium towards alkalinity restored the fluorescence. In accordance with such an observation, the fluorescence of CPY-EGFP fusion protein in cell extract decreased in acidic pH condition, concomitant with lowered content of EGFP detected in A. oryzae grown under acidic pH conditions. The pH sensitivity of EGFP fluorescence and enhanced degradation of proteins in vacuoles under acidic pH conditions are thus proposed to result in the reduction of fluorescence in A. oryzae. Further, visualization of vacuoles revealed the presence of peculiar ring- or tube-like structures as distinct from normal spherical-shaped vacuoles.

Brefeldin A-induced prosomatostatin N-glycosylation in AtT20 cells

Prosomatostatin, the precursor of the hormone somatostatin, harbors an N-glycosylation site in its prodomain that has never been shown to be modified by the N-oligosaccharyl transferase (OST) of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The addition of Brefeldin A (BFA) to prosomatostatin transfected AtT20 cells leads to a quantitative glycosylation of the prohormone. Upon removal of the BFA the glycosylated hormone precursor is not deglycosylated, and is secreted after maturation of its oligosaccharide chain in the late secretory pathway. In addition, a significant proportion of the glycosylated hormone precursor remains in the cell. Since BFA is known to induce an effective collapse of the Golgi complex into the ER, the hypothesis that a prolonged exposure to the ER glycosylation machinery is responsible for the glycosylation was tested. No N-glycosylation was detected using a coupled in vitro transcription-translation system in the presence of canine pancreatic microsomes, indicating that rapid transit through the ER does not explain the lack of glycosylation observed in vivo in the absence of BFA. These observations show that co-translational glycosylation by OST becomes possible due to a still unidentified modification in the luminal environment brought about by the coalescence of the Golgi into the ER caused by BFA.

Using small molecules to study big questions in cellular microbiology

High-throughput screening of small molecules is used extensively in pharmaceutical settings for the purpose of drug discovery. In the case of antimicrobials, this involves the identification of small molecules that are significantly more toxic to the microbe than to the host. Only a small percentage of the small molecules identified in these screens have been studied in sufficient detail to explain the molecular basis of their antimicrobial effect. Rarer still are small molecule screens undertaken with the explicit goal of learning more about the biology of a particular microbe or the mechanism of its interaction with its host. Recent technological advances in small molecule synthesis and high-throughput screening have made such mechanism-directed small molecule approaches a powerful and accessible experimental option. In this article, we provide an overview of the methods and technical requirements and we discuss the potential of small molecule approaches to address important and often otherwise experimentally intractable problems in cellular microbiology.

GGA proteins associate with Golgi membranes through interaction between their GGAH domains and ADP-ribosylation factors

ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) are a family of small GTPases that are involved in various aspects of membrane trafficking events. These include ARF1-ARF6, which are divided into three classes on the basis of similarity in the primary structure: Class I, ARF1-ARF3; Class II, ARF4 and ARF5; and Class III, ARF6. Previous studies identified a novel family of potential ARF effectors, termed GGA1-GGA3, which interact specifically with GTP-bound ARF1 and ARF3 and are localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) or its related compartment(s) (GGA is an abbreviation for Golgi-localizing, gamma-adaptin ear homology domain, ARF-binding protein). In the present study we have shown that ARF proteins belonging to the three classes, ARF1, ARF5 and ARF6, can interact with all GGA proteins in a yeast two-hybrid assay, in vitro and in vivo. Segmentation of GGA proteins and isolation of GGA mutants defective in ARF binding have revealed that a limited region within the GGA homology domain, which is conserved in the GGA family, is essential for ARF binding. Expression in cells of GTPase-restricted mutants of ARF1 and ARF5 blocks dissociation of GGA proteins from membranes induced by brefeldin A. However, neither of the ARF mutants recruits GGA mutants defective in ARF binding. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that at least ARF1 (Class I) and ARF5 (Class II) in their GTP-bound state cause recruitment of GGA proteins on to TGN membranes. In contrast, on the basis of similar experiments, ARF6 (Class III) may be involved in recruitment of GGA proteins to other compartments, possibly early endosomes.

GBF1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for ADP-ribosylation factors, is localized to the cis-Golgi and involved in membrane association of the COPI coat

Formation of coated carrier vesicles, such as COPI-coated vesicles from the cis-Golgi, is triggered by membrane binding of the GTP-bound form of ADP-ribosylation factors. This process is blocked by brefeldin A, which is an inhibitor of guanine nucleotide exchange factors for ADP-ribosylation factor. GBF1 is one of the guanine nucleotide-exchange factors for ADP-ribosylation factor and is localized in the Golgi region. In the present study, we have determined the detailed subcellular localization of GBF1. Immunofluorescence microscopy of cells treated with nocodazole or incubated at 15 degrees C has suggested that GBF1 behaves similarly to proteins recycling between the cis-Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum. Immunoelectron microscopy has revealed that GBF1 localizes primarily to vesicular and tubular structures apposed to the cis-face of Golgi stacks and minor fractions to the Golgi stacks. GBF1 overexpressed in cells causes recruitment of class I and class II ADP-ribosylation factors onto Golgi membranes. Furthermore, overexpressed GBF1 antagonizes various effects of brefeldin A, such as inhibition of membrane recruitment of ADP-ribosylation factors and the COPI coat, and redistribution of Golgi-resident and itinerant proteins. These observations indicate that GBF1 is involved in the formation of COPI-coated vesicles from the cis-Golgi or the pre-Golgi intermediate compartment through activating ADP-ribosylation factors.

Dominant-negative mutant of BIG2, an ARF-guanine nucleotide exchange factor, specifically affects membrane trafficking from the trans-Golgi network through inhibiting membrane association of AP-1 and GGA coat proteins

BIG2 is one of the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family of small GTPases, which regulate membrane association of COPI and AP-1 coat protein complexes and GGA proteins. Brefeldin A (BFA), an ARF-GEF inhibitor, causes redistribution of the coat proteins from membranes to the cytoplasm and membrane tubulation of the Golgi complex and the trans-Golgi network (TGN). We have recently shown that BIG2 overexpression blocks BFA-induced redistribution of the AP-1 complex but not TGN membrane tubulation. In the present study, we constructed a dominant-negative BIG2 mutant and found that when expressed in cells it induced redistribution of AP-1 and GGA1 and membrane tubulation of the TGN. By contrast, the mutant did not induce COPI redistribution or Golgi membrane tubulation. These observations indicate that BIG2 is involved in trafficking from the TGN by regulating membrane association of AP-1 and GGA through activating ARF.

Overexpression of an ADP-ribosylation factor-guanine nucleotide exchange factor, BIG2, uncouples brefeldin A-induced adaptor protein-1 coat dissociation and membrane tubulation

BIG2 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family of small GTPases, which regulate membrane association of COPI and adaptor protein (AP)-1 coat protein complexes. A fungal metabolite, brefeldin A (BFA), inhibits ARF-GEFs and leads to redistribution of coat proteins from membranes to the cytoplasm and membrane tubulation of the Golgi complex and the trans-Golgi network (TGN). To investigate the function of BIG2, we examined the effects of BIG2-overexpression on the BFA-induced redistribution of ARF, coat proteins, and organelle markers. The BIG2 overexpression blocked BFA-induced redistribution from membranes of ARF1 and the AP-1 complex but not that of the COPI complex. These observations indicate that BIG2 is implicated in membrane association of AP-1, but not that of COPI, through activating ARF. Furthermore, not only BIG2 but also ARF1 and AP-1 were found as queues of spherical swellings along the BFA-induced membrane tubules emanating from the TGN. These observations indicate that BFA-induced AP-1 dissociation from TGN membranes and tubulation of TGN membranes are not coupled events and suggest that a BFA target other than ARF-GEFs exists in the cell.

Maturation of barley cysteine endopeptidase expressed in Trichoderma reesei is distorted by incomplete processing

Maturation of barley cysteine endopeptidase B (EPB) in Trichoderma reesei was studied with metabolic in hibitors, Western blotting, and immuno microscopy. The inactive 42-kDa recombinant EPB proprotein, first detected in apical cells, was sequentially processed in a time-dependent manner to a secreted polypeptide of 38.5 kDa, and thereafter, to polypeptides of 37.5, 35.5, and 32 kDa exhibiting enzyme activity both in the hyphae and culture medium. The sizes of the different forms of recombinant EPB were in accordance with molecular masses calculated from the deduced amino acid sequence, assuming cleavage at four putative Kex2p sites present in the 42-kDa proprotein. Both the liquid and the zymogram in-gel activity assays indicated that the 32-kDa enzyme produced in T. reesei in vivo was 2 kDa larger and four times less active than the endogenous EPB. Brefeldin A treatment prevented the last Kex2p processing step of EPB from a 35.5- to a 32-kDa protein. This coincided with a significant increase in the immuno-gold label for EPB and in modified Golgi-like bodies, which suggests that the processing step probably took place in medial Golgi. A 30.5-kDa EPB polypeptide was observed when glycosylation was inhibited by tunicamycin (TM) or when deglycosylation was carried out enzymatically. Deglycosylation increased the enzyme activity twofold, which was also indicated by an increased fluorescence by TM treatment in the zymogram in-gel activity assay. Simultaneous incubation with TM and monensin produced a peptide of 31.5 kDa. Therefore, monensin may inhibit the final processing step of an unglycosylated EPB by an unknown protease in the fungus. In any case, the final recombinant EPB product in Trichoderma differs from the mature endogenous 30-kDa enzyme produced in barley.

The calcium-binding protein p54/NEFA is a novel luminal resident of medial Golgi cisternae that traffics independently of mannosidase II

A new Golgi resident, p54, has been demonstrated in several eukaryotic species and in multiple organs. Based on Triton X-114 partition, carbonate extraction and trypsin protection assays, p54 behaved as an extrinsic membrane protein, facing the luminal compartment. p54 was purified by two-dimensional electrophoresis and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry as NEFA, a calcium-binding protein (Barnikol-Watanabe et al., 1994, Biol. Chem. Hoppe Seyler, 375, 497-512). By immunofluorescence, p54/NEFA essentially colocalized with the medial Golgi marker mannosidase II, and did not overlap with the cis-Golgi marker p58, nor with the trans-Golgi network (TGN) marker TGN38. By immuno-electron microscopy, p54/NEFA localized in the medial cisternae and in Golgi-associated vesicles. p54/NEFA remained associated with mannosidase II despite Golgi disruption by nocodazole, caffeine, or, to some extent, potassium depletion (a new procedure to induce Golgi disassembly), but the two markers rapidly dissociated upon brefeldin A treatment and at metaphase, and reassociated upon drug removal and at the end of anaphase. Since p54/NEFA is a peripheral luminal membrane constituent, its distinct trafficking from the transmembrane marker mannosidase II suggests a novel Golgi retention mechanism, by strong association of this soluble protein with another integral transmembrane resident.