Mannose 6-phosphate receptors and their role in targeting proteins to lysosomes

Lysosomal Acid Lipase: From Cellular Lipid Handler to Immunometabolic Target

Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) hydrolyzes cholesteryl esters (CEs) and triglycerides (TGs) to free cholesterol (FC) and free fatty acids (FFAs), which are then used for metabolic purposes in the cell. The process also occurs in immune cells that adapt their metabolic machinery to cope with the different energetic requirements associated with cell activation, proliferation, and polarization. LAL deficiency (LALD) causes severe lipid accumulation and affects the immunometabolic signature in animal models. In humans, LAL deficiency is associated with a peculiar clinical immune phenotype, secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. These observations suggest that LAL might play an important role in cellular immunometabolic modulation, and availability of an effective enzyme replacement strategy makes LAL an attractive target to rewire the metabolic machinery of immune cells beyond its role in controlling cellular lipid metabolism.

Mannose-6-phosphate receptors as a molecular indicator of maturation of epididymal sperm

This review discusses some of the changes in sperm during maturation within the context of current concepts of membrane structure and fertilization. Mammalian sperm are surrounded by a limiting plasma membrane that undergoes remodeling during passage through the epididymis. This process confers on the gamete vigorous motility and the ability to fertilize the egg. The repositioning of some surface proteins may follow redistribution of lipids in the plasmalemma, and thus represent a critical step in the maturation of the gametes. Among the various affected proteins of the sperm plasmalemma, mannose-6-phosphate receptors undergo redistribution as the gametes transit through the epididymal duct. The authors summarize their studies of the redistribution of phosphomannosyl receptors during maturation of sperm and discuss possible roles of these glycoproteins in the fertilizing capability of sperm.

Changes in distribution of phosphomannosyl receptors during maturation of rat spermatozoa

The aim of the present work was to study the distribution of the cation-independent (CI) and cation-dependent (CD) mannose-6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) in spermatozoa obtained from either rete testis or three regions of rat epididymis. We observed that both receptors underwent changes in distribution as spermatozoa passed from rete testis to cauda epididymis. CI-MPR was concentrated in the dorsal region of the head in rete testis sperm and that this labeling extended to the equatorial segment of epididymal spermatozoa. CD-MPR, however, changed from a dorsal distribution in rete testis, caput, and corpus to a double labeling on the dorsal and ventral regions in cauda spermatozoa. The percentages of spermatozoa that showed staining for either CI-MPR or CD-MPR increased from rete testis to epididymis. The observed changes were probably the result of a redistribution during transit rather than an unmasking of receptors. The fluorescence corresponding to CD-MPR and CI-MPR on the dorsal region disappeared when caudal spermatozoa underwent the acrosomal reaction. Receptors were localized on the plasmalemma of spermatozoa, as observed by immunoelectron microscopy. Changes in distribution may be related to a maturation process, which suggests new roles for the phosphomannosyl receptors.

Abnormal lysosomal sorting with an enhanced secretion of cathepsin D precursor molecules bearing monoester phosphate groups

It has been reported that besides defects in the phosphorylation such as in the I-cell disease, a failure in the uncovering of mannose 6-phosphate residues may result in an increase of lysosomal enzyme activities in serum [Alexander et al., Hum. Genet. 73, 53-59 (1986)]. We examined fibroblasts that were derived from the original biopsy, observed an enhanced secretion of lysosomal enzymes including cathepsin D, but found that both the phosphorylation and uncovering of mannose 6-phosphate residues were normal. The enhanced secretion of cathepsin D was characterized by an increase in the secretion of phosphorylated molecules that were sensitive to a treatment with alkaline phosphatase. The enhanced secretion of the phosphatase-sensitive form of procathepsin D was further increased in the presence of antibodies directed to cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptors. In contrast, antibodies specific to cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptors selectively inhibited the secretion of the phosphatase-sensitive procathepsin D molecules. A chromatographic analysis of oligosaccharides from the secreted procathepsin D confirmed that the cells secrete proenzyme molecules rich in oligosaccharides with two uncovered phosphate residues. It is suggested that the enhanced secretion of procathepsin D in the variant fibroblasts results from an abnormal sorting rather than processing of phosphorylated lysosomal enzymes.

Potential role of insulinlike growth factors in fracture healing

Several lines of evidence suggest that the insulinlike growth factors play a role in fracture healing. They promote cell proliferation and matrix synthesis by chondrocytes and osteoblasts, the two cell types largely responsible for the formation of fracture callus. Circulating levels of insulinlike growth factor I and bone mineral density decrease with increasing age, and administration of insulinlike growth factor I increases bone turnover in patients with low bone mineral density. Insulinlike growth factor I may accelerate the normal healing of intramembranous bone defects, inducing the healing of defects that otherwise would not heal. An important role of insulinlike growth factor I is to mediate many of the actions of growth hormone on the skeleton. Considerable effort has been devoted to testing the effect of growth hormone and, thereby, indirectly that of insulinlike growth factor I on fracture healing. These studies have yielded such disparate results that no general conclusions regarding the effect of growth hormone (or of growth hormone dependent insulinlike growth factor I) on fracture healing currently can be drawn. Additional studies are needed to clarify the role of the insulinlike growth factors in the fracture healing process and to determine how their anabolic actions can be enlisted in the clinical enhancement of fracture healing.

alpha-Mannosidase from rat epididymal fluid is a ligand for phosphomannosyl receptors on the sperm surface

This study demonstrates that alpha-mannosidase from rat epididymal fluid is a ligand for phosphomannosyl receptors on the sperm surface. This enzyme was bound to intact epididymal spermatozoa with high affinity and in saturable form, and the binding was inhibited by mannose-6-phosphate but not by phosphorylated derivatives of fructose. Treatment of the enzyme with sodium periodate inhibited the binding of alpha-mannosidase, confirming that a carbohydrate residue is involved in the interaction with spermatozoa. Evidence is also presented that the cation-independent phosphomannosyl receptors are responsible for the interaction with alpha-mannosidase. These findings suggest a new role for extracellular transport mediated by the mannose-6-phosphate receptor.

A membrane protein primarily associated with the lysosomal compartment

A monoclonal antibody designated MBR 39 has been generated against a membrane associated protein found selectively on lysosomes. MBR 39 reacts with the cytosolic face of the lysosome and was used to develop an organelle binding assay which reacted with high density organelles characteristic of lysosomes. These organelles contained lysosomal enzyme markers which included the integral membrane protein acetyl-CoA:alpha-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase and the soluble lysosomal enzyme markers acid phosphatase (mature form), beta-hexosaminidase, arylsulfatase, and alpha-L-iduronidase. Under conditions which disrupt lysosomes the release of the latter soluble lysosomal enzymes was demonstrated from MBR 39 bound organelles. Immunoblots of MBR 39 with purified fibroblast lysosomal membrane, demonstrated reactivity with polypeptides of molecular mass 63 kDa (major species) and 73 kDa (minor species).

Synthetic Utility of Yeast Hexokinase. Substrate Specificity, Cofactor Regeneration, and Product Isolation

Yeast hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1) catalyzes the phosphorylation of pyranose and furanose analogs of glucose at 0.01-125% of the rate of glucose. The enzyme is highly tolerant of structural changes at C-2 and C-3 of glucopyranose and less tolerant of changes at C-1 and C-4. Preparative phosphorylations were performed on compounds having 0.01-100% of the activity of glucose, using phosphoenolpyruvate and pyruvate kinase to regenerate ATP. The effects of inhibition of hexokinase by phosphoenolpyruvate and acetyl phosphate on cofactor regeneration are discussed.

Affinity sites for beta-glucuronidase on the surface of human spermatozoa

Glycosidases secreted by the epididymis become bound to the surface of spermatozoa during their transit through the epididymal duct. They are believed to play a role in mammalian fertilization. In the present report, we demonstrate that beta-glucuronidase binds to the surface of ejaculated human spermatozoa with high affinity and in a saturable manner. The binding is Ca(2+)-independent, inhibited by either mannose-6-phosphate, phosphomannan fragments from the yeast Hansenula holstii and alpha-mannosidase from the Dictyostelium discoideum, suggesting that phosphomannosyl receptors are involved in the recognition of the enzyme. The catalytic site of the enzyme is not involved in the binding. The localization of the beta-glucuronidase binding-sites is restricted to the surface of the sperm head. These results suggest that the spermatozoa could be the target for glycosidases present in the seminal plasma.

Purification and characterization of beta-galactosidase from rat epididymal fluid

Beta-galactosidase from rat epididymal fluid was purified by a combination of chromatographic techniques and precipitation with ammonium sulphate. Specific activity of the enzyme in the final precipitate was 18 times greater than in the original fluid, and it was practically free of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. A single major band was seen when the precipitate was analysed by sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gelectrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The activity of the purified enzyme has an optimum at pH 4.5, and the temperature optimum is around 45 degrees C. The activity was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoic acid and ions such as Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II) and Ag(I). Lactose does not appear to be a substrate for this enzyme.

Coronavirus infection of polarized epithelial cells

Epithelial cells are the first host cells to be infected by incoming c oronaviruses. Recent observations in vitro show that coronaviruses are released from a specific side of these polarized cells, and this polarized release might be important for the spread of the infection in vivo. Mechanisms for the directional sorting of coronaviruses might be similar to those governing the polar release of secretory proteins.

Lysosomal enzyme activity in rat adrenal gland related to the postnatal development

The activity of five acid hydrolases in the adrenal gland at the perinatal stage in adult rats was measured here and changes in alpha-mannosidase and N-acetyl-beta-D- glucosaminidase activity were detected. These enzymes increase after birth reaching a peak between days 4 and 7. Other enzymes such as beta-glucuronidase, arylsulfatase and beta-glucosidase did not significantly change at the ages studied. These data suggest that the enzymatic activity and development of the adrenal gland may be correlated during the first week after birth; this is critical since most of the changes occur in this organ.

Does the overexpression of pro-insulin-like growth factor-II in transfected human embryonic kidney fibroblasts increase the secretion of lysosomal enzymes?

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) and lysosomal enzymes bearing the mannose 6-phosphate (Man6P) recognition marker, bind to two distinct binding sites of the IGF-II/M6P receptor. The two classes of ligands reciprocally modulate the binding of the other class of ligand to the receptor [Kiess, W., Thomas, C. L., Greenstein, L., Lee, L., Sklar, M. M., Rechler, M. M., Sahagian, G. G. & Nissley, S. P. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 4710-4714]. We asked whether or not overexpression of pro-IGF-II by cells in culture leads to missorting of lysosomal enzymes. Human embryonal kidney fibroblasts were transfected with the full-length human IGF-II cDNA or a control cDNA. Solution hybridization/RNase protection experiments using a human IGF-II riboprobe showed that two transfectants expressed large quantities of IGF-II mRNA, whereas the non-transfected cells did not. The analysis of conditioned media revealed that these cells secrete approximately 0.15 micrograms and 1.0 micrograms immunoreactive IGF-II/ml and 22 x 10(6) cells and 24 x 10(6) cells within 24 hours. Immunoreactive IGF-II was shown by Western blotting to represent 17-kDa pro-IGF-II. The amount of the lysosomal enzyme, beta-hexosaminidase, was approximately twofold increased in the conditioned media from pro-IGF-II overexpressing cells compared with control media, as shown by Western-blot analysis and immunoprecipitation of media extracts of metabolically labeled cells. The synthesis rate of beta-hexosaminidase was not affected by pro-IGF-II overexpression. In addition, the basal amount of another newly synthesized lysosomal enzyme, the cathepsin D precursor, was also twofold higher in pro-IGF-II overexpressing cells than in control cells. In contrast, the surface binding and cellular uptake rate of a Man6P-containing neoglycoprotein did not differ between the cell lines. The results indicate that the overexpression of pro-IGF-II doubles the secretion and/or reduces the re-uptake of beta-hexosaminidase and cathepsin D to approximately 20% of the total synthesized enzymes in human embryonal kidney fibroblasts compared to control cells. We hypothesize that, in cells synthesizing high amounts of pro-IGF-II, the growth factor may modulate the targeting of a portion of lysosomal enzymes, mainly by partially enhancing the secretion of newly synthesized enzymes and, in addition, possibly by affecting the re-uptake mechanism.

Phosphomannosyl receptors on the surface of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis of the rat

This study demonstrates that beta-glucuronidase from rat preputial glands binds with high affinity to spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis. The binding was calcium-independent and was inhibited by mannose-6-phosphate, but not by other phosphorylated or non-phosphorylated sugars. Binding was also inhibited by alpha-mannosidase from Dictyostelium discoideum, an enzyme known to have mannose-6-phosphate as the ligand. From solubilized sperm membranes, a protein of > 200 kDa and one of 45 kDa, were absorbed to a column of D. discoideum enzyme and to a phosphomannan column respectively, and eluted with mannose-6-phosphate. According to histochemical observations at the light and the electron microscopic level, gold particles coated with the enzyme became bound to the external surface of the plasmalemma in the acrosomal region of caudal spermatozoa. Similar labelling was observed using gold particles coated with antibodies against the rat 300 kDa phosphomannosyl receptor. The existence of phosphomannosyl receptors on the sperm plasma membrane, and our previous demonstration of the presence of affinity sites for epididymal beta-galactosidase on these gametes which is inhibited by phosphofructosyl derivatives, suggest strongly that maturing spermatozoa could be a target for glycosidases secreted into the lumen of the cauda epididymis, which then become bound to these cells via different ligand-receptor systems.

Entry and release of transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus are restricted to apical surfaces of polarized epithelial cells

The transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) infects the epithelial cells of the intestinal tract of pigs, resulting in a high mortality rate in piglets. This study shows the interaction of TGEV with a porcine epithelial cell line. To determine the site of viral entry, LLC-PK1 cells were grown on permeable filter supports and infected with TGEV from the apical or basolateral side. Initially after plating, the virus was found to enter the cells from both sides. During further development of cell polarity, however, the entry became restricted to the apical membrane. Viral entry could be blocked by a monoclonal antibody to the viral receptor aminopeptidase N. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that this receptor protein was present at both the apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains just after plating of the cells but that it became restricted to the apical plasma membrane during culture. To establish the site of viral release, the viral content of the apical and basolateral media of apically infected LLC-PK1 cells was measured by determining the amount of radioactively labelled viral proteins and infectious viral particles. We found that TGEV was preferentially released from the apical plasma membrane. This conclusion was confirmed by electron microscopy, which demonstrated that newly synthesized viral particles attached to the apical membrane. The results support the idea that the rapid lateral spread of TGEV infection over the intestinal epithelia occurs by the preferential release of virus from infected epithelial cells into the gut lumen followed by efficient infection of nearby cells through the apical domain.

Sorting and processing of secretory proteins

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Affinity sites for N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase on the surface of rat epididymal spermatozoa

The binding of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase from rat epididymal fluid to the surface of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis was measured in the presence of sugars, its phosphorylated derivatives, or after treatment of the cells or the enzyme with agents that alter the integrity of proteins or carbohydrates. The binding was saturable, with a Kd in the nanomolar range, was inhibited with phosphorylated derivates of fructose, and did not depend on Ca2+, showing that it is different from the mannose 6-P-recognizing system existing in other tissues for this and other acid hydrolases. Treatment of the cells with sodium periodate or trypsin inhibited the binding, showing that a glycoprotein of the plasmalemma is involved in the affinity site. Fructose or phosphorylated derivates were not detected in the proteins of the epididymal fluid with HPLC. However, with the method used, the presence of these compounds cannot be ruled out, if among the proteins of the fluid there are only a small number of acid hydrolases containing this sugar.

Ultrastructure of human dermal mast cells in 29 different lysosomal storage diseases

The effect of lysosomal storage diseases on the ultrastructure of human mast cells has not previously been reported. Indeed, there has been little published evidence indicating that mast cells contain typical lysosomes. However, mast cell cytoplasmic granules contain hydrolases similar to those found in lysosomes, but which differ from lysosomal hydrolases in exhibiting optimal activity at higher pH. We therefore examined by transmission electron microscopy the dermal mast cells in 58 biopsies of patients exhibiting 1 of 29 different lysosomal storage diseases. We found mast cells containing abnormal lysosomes in 16 of these disorders. In 6 of these 16 diseases, the mast cells' cytoplasmic granules appeared normal. These observations indicate that human mast cells can contain lysosomes, and provide evidence that the enzymes affected by lysosomal storage diseases are active in mast cells.

Site-directed removal of N-glycosylation sites in the bovine cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor: effects on ligand binding, intracellular targetting and association with binding immunoglobulin protein

The bovine cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CD-MPR) contains five potential N-linked glycosylation sites, four of which are utilized. To evaluate the function of these oligosaccharides, site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate glycosylation-deficient CD-MPR mutants lacking various potential glycosylation sites. The mutants were constructed in both a full-length and a soluble truncated (STOP155 construct) form of the receptor and their properties were examined in transfected COS-1 cells. The results showed that the presence of a single oligosaccharide chain, particularly at position 87, on the CD-MPR significantly enhanced its mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P)-binding ability when compared with non-glycosylated receptors. In addition, the presence of a single oligosaccharide chain at position 87, and to a lesser degree at position 31 or 81, promoted the secretion of the STOP155 CD-MPR. Pulse-labelling of transfected COS-1 cells followed by immunoprecipitation with binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP)-specific and CD-MPR-specific antibodies indicated that BiP associated with the non-glycosylated forms of the receptor but not with the wild-type CD-MPR. Furthermore, the association of the various glycosylation-deficient forms of the CD-MPR with BiP correlated inversely with their ability to bind Man-6-P. From these results we conclude that N-glycosylation of the bovine CD-MPR facilities the folding of the nascent polypeptide chain into a conformation that is conductive for intracellular transport and ligand binding.

The early and late processing of lysosomal enzymes: proteolysis and compartmentation

Lysosomal enzymes are subjected to a number of modifications including carbohydrate restructuring and proteolytic maturation. Some of these reactions support lysosomal targeting, others are necessary for activation or keeping the enzyme inactive before being segregated, while still others may be adventitious. The non-segregated fraction of the enzyme is secreted and can be isolated from the medium. It is considered that the secreted lysosomal enzymes fulfill certain physiological and pathophysiological roles. By comparing the secreted and the intracellular enzymes it is possible to distinguish between the reactions that occur before and after the segregation. In this review the reactions that may influence the segregation are referred to as the early processing and those characteristic for the enzymes isolated from lysosomal compartments as the late processing. The early processing is characterized mainly by modifications of carbohydrate side chains. In the late processing, proteolytic fragmentation represents the most conspicuous changes. The review focuses on the compartmentation of the reactions and the proteolytic fragmentation of lysosomal enzyme precursors. While a plethora of proteolytic reactions are involved, our knowledge of the proteinases responsible for the particular maturation reactions remains very limited. The review points also to work with cells from patients affected with lysosomal storage disorders, which contributed to our understanding of the lysosomal apparatus.

Role of vesicular traffic in the transport of surface transferrin receptor to the Golgi complex in cultured human cells

We have previously shown that transferrin receptor (TfR) recycles from the cell surface through the Golgi complex in K562 human leukemia cells. However, little is known about the transport pathway that carries these receptors to the Golgi complex. To learn more about this transport, we studied the effects of treatments that block specific types of vesicular traffic. K562 cells were cultured in test media and the transport of surface TfR to the Golgi complex was assessed by measuring the entry of asialo-TfR into the sialyltransferase compartment of the Golgi complex. Depletion of cellular potassium, which blocks formation of coated vesicles at the cell surface, stimulated asialo-TfR resialylation by 60% over controls, suggesting that coated vesicle formation is not the rate-limiting step in cell surface-to-Golgi transport. Similarly, culture in sodium-free medium, which blocks transport from endosomes to lysosomes, increased asialo-TfR resialylation by 40%, arguing that lysosomes do not lie on the transport pathway. In contrast, incubation of cells in hypertonic medium, which blocks many vesicular transport steps, inhibited TfR resialylation by 40%, confirming the importance of vesicular traffic in transport of asialo-TfR from the cell surface to the Golgi complex. These results are consistent with two possible pathways for cell surface-to-Golgi transport. Receptor could be transported via an endosomal intermediate, with the rate-limiting step occurring at a post-endosomal site. Alternatively, receptor could be transported directly to the Golgi via a pathway that does not involve endosomes.

Localization of lysosomal antigens in activated T-lymphocytes

The lysosomal compartment has been examined in activated T-lymphocytes by immunogold electron microscopy and subcellular fractionation. Immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of radiolabelled extracts of the T-cells showed that they contained three antigens which are fundamental to normal lysosomal function: a representative lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase, a lysosomal associated membrane protein (LAMP-1), and the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate lysosomal enzyme targeting receptor (MPR). Immunogold labelling showed that beta-glucuronidase was present in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex and Golgi-associated vesicles. The enzyme was also found to accumulate in distinct, non-Golgi organelles in which LAMP-1 was co-localized, probably lysosomes. LAMP-1 was also found in tubular elements of the Golgi and in a complex of vesicles clustered near the nucleus where MPR was also present at high density. Fractionation of homogenates from lymphocytes on Percoll gradients revealed that beta-glucuronidase was distributed throughout the low density region containing rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and plasma membrane components, and the high density region which contained only lysosomal activity. Multiple immunogold electron microscopy of the latter fraction showed the presence of homogenous vesicles which had large amounts of beta-glucuronidase within the lumen, LAMP-1 at the periphery and no MPR. These vesicles were probably mature lysosomes, arising from pre-lysosomal organelles enriched for LAMP-1 and MPR.

Distinct pathways for basolateral targeting of membrane and secretory proteins in polarized epithelial cells

Polarized epithelial cells target distinct sets of membrane and secretory proteins to their apical and basolateral domains. Here we examine whether constitutively secreted and membrane proteins that are bound for the same domain share the same carrier vesicles. To address the issue, differential effects of microtubule depolymerization on basolateral protein targeting in the polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney II cell line were studied. We find that the basolateral insertion of the active, ouabain-binding Na+,K(+)-ATPase and of a set of very late antigen integrins is little affected by microtubule disruption. Under equivalent conditions, the basolateral secretion of the basement membrane protein laminin is strongly suppressed. More specifically, it is demonstrated that microtubules are involved in targeting laminin, but not integrins, from the compartment related to the accumulation of newly synthesized proteins at 20 degrees C (trans-Golgi network) to the basolateral domain. Our study also reveals that laminin associated with basolateral binding sites interacts with those sites only secondarily to secretion. The data provide evidence for a branch in the basolateral targeting pathway, with secreted and membrane proteins loaded into distinct carrier vesicles.

Fine structure of the elasmobranch renal tubule: neck and proximal segments of the little skate

This is the first in a series of studies that examines the renal tubular ultrastructure of elasmobranch fish. Each subdivision of the neck segment and proximal segment of the renal tubule of the little skate (Raja erinacea) has been investigated using electron microscopy of thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. Flagellar cells, characterized by long, wavy, flagellar ribbons, were observed in both nephron segments. They were found predominantly in the first subdivision of the neck segment, which suggests that propulsion of the glomerular filtrate is a primary function of this part of the renal tubule. In the non-flagellar cells of the neck segment (subdivisions I and II), there were bundles of microfilaments, a few apical cell projections, and, in subdivision II, numerous autophagosomes. In the proximal segment, the non-flagellar cells varied in size, being low in subdivision I, cuboidal in II, tall columnar in III, and again low in IV. Apical cell projections were low and scattered in subdivisions I and IV and were highest in III where the basolateral plasma membrane was extremely amplified by cytoplasmic projections. Furthermore, in these cells the mitochondria were numerous with an extensive matrix and short cristae. A network of tubules of the endoplasmic reticulum characterized the apical region of the non-flagellar cells in subdivisions I, II, and IV. In the late part of subdivision II and the early part of III, the cells were characterized by numerous coated pits and vesicles, large subluminal vacuoles, and basally located dense bodies, all of which are structures involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis. Freeze-fracture replicas revealed gap junctions restricted to the cells of the first three subdivisions of the proximal segment. The zonulae occludentes were not different in the neck and proximal segments, being composed of several strands, suggesting a moderately leaky paracellular pathway.

Comparison of cathepsin L synthesized by normal and transformed cells at the gene, message, protein, and oligosaccharide levels

The major excreted protein of transformed mouse fibroblasts (MEP) has recently been identified as the lysosomal cysteine protease, cathepsin L. The synthesis and intracellular trafficking of this protein in mouse fibroblasts are regulated by growth factors and malignant transformation. To further define the basis for this regulation, a cDNA encoding MEP/cathepsin L was isolated from a mouse liver cDNA library and used to compare cathepsin L of normal and Kirsten sarcoma virus-transformed NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Although cathepsin L message levels were elevated 20-fold in the transformed fibroblasts, normal and transformed cells displayed similar cathepsin L genomic DNA digest patterns and gene copy numbers, and cathepsin L mRNA sequences appeared identical by RNase protection analysis. These findings indicate that (i) cathepsin L is synthesized from the same gene in normal and transformed cells and (ii) cathepsin L polypeptides made by these cells are translated with the same primary sequence. Cathepsin L polypeptides synthesized by quiescent, growing, and transformed cells displayed similar isoelectric focusing patterns, suggesting similar post-translational modification. Site-directed mutagenesis of the mouse liver cDNA and expression in COS monkey cells was used to examine the glycosylation of mouse cathepsin L. The results indicated that only one of the two potential N-linked glycosylation sites (the one at Asn221) is glycosylated. Analysis by ion exchange chromatography on QAE-Sephadex, and affinity chromatography on mannose 6-phosphate receptor-Affi-Gel 10, indicated that the cathepsin L oligosaccharide was phosphorylated similarly in normal and transformed cells. Although several phosphorylated oligosaccharide species were observed, the major species contained two phosphomonoester moieties and bound efficiently to the receptor. These findings suggest that cathepsin L made by normal and transformed mouse fibroblasts are identical and substantiate the hypothesis that trafficking of cathepsin L in these cells is regulated by growth-induced changes in the lysosomal protein transport system.

[Principles and clinical significance of insulin-like growth factors/somatomedins]

The Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs) or Somatomedins are polypeptide growth factors which are similar to insulin in respect to their aminoacid sequence, structure and biologic activities. The IGFs bind to high affinity receptors which are present on many cells and in many tissues. In the circulation the IGFs are bound to transport (binding) proteins (IGF-BPs). In this review the physiologic role, the basic chemistry and the gene expression of this family of growth factors is summarized systematically. The pathophysiology of growth disorders, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, liver and kidney disease in relation to the IGFs as well as the therapeutic and diagnostic potentials of these peptides are discussed in detail.

The activation of resting lymphocytes is accompanied by the biogenesis of lysosomal organelles

The degradative activity of lymphocytes plays by important role in a number of essential immune functions. In the present study we have examined how the activation of resting lymphocytes, by the mitogen concanavalin A (Con A), affects three major components of the lysosomal compartment: the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase (Gus); an integral lysosomal membrane protein (LAMP-1); and the mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR) which directs lymphocyte enzyme transport. Resting T cells were found to contain only very low levels of these proteins, but they were actively synthesized by, and far more abundant in, stimulated lymphoblasts. Although the lysosomal antigens did not have a distinct cytoplasmic localization in the resting lymphocytes, in the activated T lymphoblasts they were present in several highly developed intracellular structures, including the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex. Furthermore, in these latter cells Gus was also found to be accumulated within the lumen of large vesicles which we characterized as lysosomes by the presence of LAMP-1 at the periphery and by the absence of MPR. Subcellular fractionation confirmed that these organelles were present in the activated lymphocytes only, and not in the resting T cells. Our results demonstrate that lymphocyte activation is accompanied by the synthesis of the enzymic and structural components of the lysosomal compartment which are sorted and assembled into distinct organelles in the activated cell.

Beta-galactosidase decreases the binding affinity of the insulin-like-growth-factor-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor for insulin-like-growth-factor II

The insulin-like growth-factor-II/mannose-6-phosphate (IGF-II/Man6P) receptor binds two classes of ligands, insulin-like growth factors and lysosomal enzymes. We have examined the ability of the lysosomal enzyme, beta-galactosidase, to modulate the binding of 125I-IGF-II to the receptor. beta-Galactosidase purified from bovine testis was fractionated on a DEAF-Sephacel ion-exchange column. Column fractions were assayed for enzymatic activity and for ability to inhibit the binding of 125I-IGF-II to the IGF-II/Man6P receptor. Enzyme fractions eluting at higher NaCl concentrations which had previously been shown to exhibit greater uptake by cells in culture, exhibited greater potency in inhibiting the binding of 125I-IGF-II to the receptor. A pool of these fractions from the DEAE-Sephacel column inhibited 125I-IGF-II binding to pure receptor by 80% with the concentration required for half-maximal inhibition being 25 nM. The inhibition of binding by beta-galactosidase was completely blocked by simultaneous incubation with Man6P. Inhibition of the enzymatic activity of beta-galactosidase with D-galactonic acid gamma-lactone did not affect the ability of beta-galactosidase to inhibit the binding of 125I-IGF-II to the receptor. Scatchard analysis of IGF-II binding to pure receptor in the presence and absence of beta-galactosidase showed that beta-galactosidase decreased the binding affinity for IGF-II (Kd 0.26 nM versus 1.0 nM in the presence of 57 nM beta-galactosidase). We confirmed the observations of others that Man6P alone actually increases the binding of 125I-IGF-II to the IGF-II/Man6P receptor, but we found that this phenomenon was dependent upon the method of preparation of the IGF-II/Man6P receptor. Microsomal membrane preparations, solubilized membranes, and receptors purified on an IGF-II-Sepharose column all exhibited stimulation of 125I-IGF-II binding by Man6P, whereas receptors purified on lysosomal enzyme affinity columns showed little or no stimulation of 125I-IGF-II binding by Man6P. We conclude that beta-galactosidase decreases the binding affinity of the IGF-II/Man-6-P receptor for IGF-II by binding with high affinity to the Man6P-recognition site.

[Mannose-6-phosphate receptors: their role in the transport of lysosomal proteins]

Targetting of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes to lysosomes requires mannose 6-phosphate receptors. These receptors shuttle between the Golgi apparatus, an organelle of the secretory route, and acidic prelysosomal organelles, which are part of the endocytic route. Vectorial transport of the ligands is ensured by the pH dependence of ligand binding. Ligands are bound at near-neutral pH in the Golgi apparatus and released in the acidic prelysosomal organelles.

Modulation of the transport of a lysosomal enzyme by PDGF

The major excreted protein (MEP) of transformed mouse fibroblasts is the lysosomal protease, cathepsin L. MEP is also secreted by untransformed mouse cells in response to growth factors and tumor promoters, and is thought to play a role in cell growth and transformation. To determine the relationship between MEP synthesis and MEP secretion, we have examined these events in PDGF-treated NIH 3T3 cells. PDGF enhanced MEP synthesis and caused the diversion of MEP from the lysosomal delivery pathway to a secretory pathway. These two effects were found to be regulated independently at various times after growth factor addition. Short PDGF treatments (0.5 or 1 h) resulted in quantitative secretion of MEP although synthesis was near the control level. High levels of both synthesis and secretion occurred between 2 and 14 h of PDGF treatment. Between 18 and 30 h, the amount of secreted MEP returned to the low control level even though synthesis remained elevated. The secretion was specific for MEP; other lysosomal enzymes were not found in the media from PDGF-treated cells. PDGF-induced secretion of MEP was inhibited 84% by cycloheximide, suggesting that protein synthesis is required to elicit this effect. PDGF also caused a time-dependent increase in mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) receptor-mediated endocytosis. These data support a model in which PDGF alters the distribution of Man-6-P receptors such that the Golgi concentration of receptors becomes limiting, thereby causing the selective secretion of the low affinity ligand, MEP.

Ultrastructural distribution of NADPase within the Golgi apparatus and lysosomes of mammalian cells

Cytochemical studies with over 40 different mammalian cell types have indicated that NADPase activity is associated with the Golgi apparatus and/or lysosomes of all cells. In the majority of cases, NADPase is restricted to saccular elements comprising the medial region of the Golgi stack and an occasional lysosome. There is often weak NADPase activity in other Golgi compartments such as the trans Golgi saccules and/or elements of the trans Golgi network. In some cells, however, strong NADPase activity is found within these latter compartments, either exclusively in trans Golgi saccules or elements of the trans Golgi network, or in combination with medial Golgi saccules and each other including (1) medial Golgi saccules + trans Golgi saccules, (2) medial Golgi saccules + trans Golgi saccules + trans Golgi network, or (3) trans Golgi saccules + trans Golgi network. In some rare cases, no NADPase activity is detectable in either Golgi saccules or elements of the trans Golgi network, but it is observed in an occasional lysosome or throughout the lysosomal system of these cells. It is unclear at present if these variations in the distribution of NADPase across the Golgi apparatus, and between the Golgi apparatus and lysosomal system, are due to differences in targeting mechanisms or to the existence of "bottlenecks" in the natural flow of NADPase along the biosynthetic pathway toward lysosomes. While no clear pattern in the association of strong NADPase activity with lysosomes was apparent relative to the ultrastructural distribution of NADPase activity in Golgi saccules or elements of the trans Golgi network, the results of this investigation suggested that cells having NADPase localized predominantly toward the trans aspect of the Golgi apparatus (in trans Golgi saccules or elements of the trans Golgi network or both) have few NADPase-positive lysosomes. The only exception is hepatocytes which were classified as predominantly trans but had noticeable NADPase activity within medial Golgi saccules and elements of the trans Golgi network as well, and highly reactive lysosomes. Other cells showing highly reactive lysosomes including (1) Kupffer cells of liver and those forming the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney, both of which also had strong NADPase activity within medial and trans Golgi saccules and elements of the trans Golgi network, (2) Leydig cells of the testis and interstitial cells of the ovary, which also showed strong NADPase activity within medial Golgi saccules, and (3) macrophages from lung, spleen and testis, and Sertoli cells from the testis all of which showed no Golgi associated NADPase activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Serum factors alter the extent of dephosphorylation of ligands endocytosed via the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor

Mouse L-cells that contain the cation-independent (CI) mannose 6-phosphate (Man 6-P)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II receptor endocytose acid hydrolases and deliver these enzymes to lysosomes. The postendocytic loss of the Man 6-P recognition marker from the cell-associated acid hydrolases was assessed by CI-Man 6-P receptor affinity chromatography. 125I-labeled acid hydrolases internalized by L-cells grown at high density were delivered to lysosomes but were not dephosphorylated. In contrast, the same 125I-labeled hydrolases internalized by L-cells maintained at low density were delivered to lysosomes and were extensively dephosphorylated. The dephosphorylation at low density required 5 h for completion suggesting that the phosphatase responsible for the dephosphorylation is located within the lysosomal compartment. Transition from the high to low density state was rapid and was not inhibited by cycloheximide. Medium substitution experiments indicated that serum factors were necessary to maintain the L-cells in the dephosphorylation-competent (low density) state, and that serum-free conditions led to a dephosphorylation-incompetent (high density) state. Addition of IGF II to cells in serum-free medium allowed acid hydrolases subsequently introduced by endocytosis to be dephosphorylated. The results indicate that the removal of the Man 6-P recognition marker from endocytosed acid hydrolases is regulated by serum factors in the growth medium, including IGF II.

Conformational change of rabbit aminopeptidase N into enterocyte plasma membrane domains analyzed by flow cytometry fluorescence energy transfer

Membrane vesicle preparations are very appropriate material for studying the topology of glycoproteins integrated into specialized plasma membrane domains of polarized cells. Here we show that the flow cytometric measurement of fluorescence energy transfer used previously to study the relationship between surface components of isolated cells can be applied to membrane vesicles. The fluorescein and rhodamine derivatives of a monoclonal antibody (4H7.1) that recognized one common epitope of the rabbit and pig aminopeptidase N were used for probing the oligomerization and conformational states of the enzyme integrated into the brush border and basolateral membrane vesicles prepared from rabbit and pig enterocytes. The high fluorescent energy transfer observed in the case of pig enzyme integrated into both types of vesicles and in the case of the rabbit enzyme integrated into basolateral membrane vesicles agreed very well with the existence of a dimeric organization, which was directly demonstrated by cross-linking experiments. Although with the latter technique we observed that the rabbit aminopeptidase was also dimerized in the brush border membrane, no energy transfer was detected with the corresponding vesicles. This indicates that the relative positions of two associated monomers differ depending on whether the rabbit aminopeptidase is transiently integrated into the basolateral membrane or permanently integrated into the brush border membrane. Cross-linking of aminopeptidases solubilized by detergent and of their ectodomains liberated by trypsin showed that only interactions between anchor domains maintained the dimeric structure of rabbit enzyme whereas interactions between ectodomains also exist in the pig enzyme. This might explain why the noticeable change in the organization of the two ectodomains observed in the case of rabbit aminopeptidase N does not occur in the case of pig enzyme.

Interactions of recombinant and platelet transforming growth factor-beta 1 precursor with the insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor

Recombinant transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 precursor was recently found to contain mannose 6-phosphate (Purchio et al., 1988, J. Biol. Chem. 263, 14211-14215). In the present study, recombinant TGF-beta 1 precursor was shown to bind to the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II/mannose 6-phosphate (man6P) receptor on the plasma membrane of cells since: 1) Insulin, which induces an increase in cell surface IGF-II/man6P receptors on adipocytes, caused a 2.7-fold increase in TGF-beta 1 precursor binding to adipocytes; 2) Chinese hamster ovary cells selected for overexpression of the IGF-II/man6P receptor exhibited an increased binding of TGF-beta 1 precursor in comparison to the parental cells; and 3) the binding of 125I-TGF-beta 1 precursor to these transfected cells and adipocytes was largely inhibited by man6P. After 15 minutes at 37 degrees C, 75% of the recombinant TGF-beta 1 precursor was found to be internalized in the transfected cells. Additional studies with latent TGF-beta 1 isolated from platelets indicated that this material could also bind to the isolated IGF-II/man6P receptor.

Structure of the receptor for insulin-like growth factor II: the puzzle amplified

The insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is a polypeptide hormone with structural homologies to insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). In contrast to these other hormones, the in vivo function of IGF-II is not known. Although IGF-II can stimulate a broad range of biological responses in isolated cells, these responses have usually been found to be mediated by the insulin and IGF-I receptors. Recently, the receptor for IGF-II was found to also be the receptor for mannose-6-phosphate. Since this latter receptor has been implicated in targeting of lysosomal enzymes, the question is now raised of whether the same protein can also mediate metabolic responses to IGF-II.