An autonomous signal for basolateral sorting in the cytoplasmic domain of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor

Self-organization of apical membrane protein sorting in epithelial cells

Polarized epithelial cells are characterized by the asymmetric distribution of proteins between apical and basolateral domains of the plasma membrane. This asymmetry is highly conserved and is fundamental to epithelial cell physiology, development, and homeostasis. How proteins are segregated for apical or basolateral delivery, a process known as sorting, has been the subject of considerable investigation for decades. Despite these efforts, the rules guiding apical sorting are poorly understood and remain controversial. Here, we consider mechanisms of apical membrane protein sorting and argue that they are largely driven by self-organization and biophysical principles. The preponderance of data to date is consistent with the idea that apical sorting is not ruled by a dedicated protein-based sorting machinery and relies instead on the concerted effects of oligomerization, phase separation of lipids and proteins in membranes, and pH-dependent glycan interactions.

Trafficking Ion Transporters to the Apical Membrane of Polarized Intestinal Enterocytes

Epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract require distinct apical and basolateral domains to function properly. Trafficking and insertion of enzymes and transporters into the apical brush border of intestinal epithelial cells is essential for effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. Specific critical ion transporters are delivered to the apical brush border to facilitate fluid and electrolyte uptake. Maintenance of these apical transporters requires both targeted delivery and regulated membrane recycling. Examination of altered apical trafficking in patients with Microvillus Inclusion disease caused by inactivating mutations in MYO5B has led to insights into the regulation of apical trafficking by elements of the apical recycling system. Modeling of MYO5B loss in cell culture and animal models has led to recognition of Rab11a and Rab8a as critical regulators of apical brush border function. All of these studies show the importance of apical membrane trafficking dynamics in maintenance of polarized epithelial cell function.

Adaptor proteins involved in polarized sorting

Polarized cells such as epithelial cells and neurons exhibit different plasma membrane domains with distinct protein compositions. Recent studies have shown that sorting of transmembrane proteins to the basolateral domain of epithelial cells and the somatodendritic domain of neurons is mediated by recognition of signals in the cytosolic domains of the proteins by adaptors. These adaptors are components of protein coats associated with the trans-Golgi network and/or recycling endosomes. The clathrin-associated adaptor protein 1 (AP-1) complex plays a preeminent role in this process, although other adaptors and coat proteins, such as AP-4, ARH, Numb, exomer, and retromer, have also been implicated.

Hepatocyte polarity

Hepatocytes, like other epithelia, are situated at the interface between the organism's exterior and the underlying internal milieu and organize the vectorial exchange of macromolecules between these two spaces. To mediate this function, epithelial cells, including hepatocytes, are polarized with distinct luminal domains that are separated by tight junctions from lateral domains engaged in cell-cell adhesion and from basal domains that interact with the underlying extracellular matrix. Despite these universal principles, hepatocytes distinguish themselves from other nonstriated epithelia by their multipolar organization. Each hepatocyte participates in multiple, narrow lumina, the bile canaliculi, and has multiple basal surfaces that face the endothelial lining. Hepatocytes also differ in the mechanism of luminal protein trafficking from other epithelia studied. They lack polarized protein secretion to the luminal domain and target single-spanning and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored bile canalicular membrane proteins via transcytosis from the basolateral domain. We compare this unique hepatic polarity phenotype with that of the more common columnar epithelial organization and review our current knowledge of the signaling mechanisms and the organization of polarized protein trafficking that govern the establishment and maintenance of hepatic polarity. The serine/threonine kinase LKB1, which is activated by the bile acid taurocholate and, in turn, activates adenosine monophosphate kinase-related kinases including AMPK1/2 and Par1 paralogues has emerged as a key determinant of hepatic polarity. We propose that the absence of a hepatocyte basal lamina and differences in cell-cell adhesion signaling that determine the positioning of tight junctions are two crucial determinants for the distinct hepatic and columnar polarity phenotypes.

Phosphorylation-dependent trafficking of plasma membrane proteins in animal and plant cells

In both unicellular and multicellular organisms, transmembrane (TM) proteins are sorted to and retained at specific membrane domains by endomembrane trafficking mechanisms that recognize sorting signals in the these proteins. The trafficking and distribution of plasma membrane (PM)-localized TM proteins (PM proteins), especially of those PM proteins that show an asymmetric distribution over the PM, has received much attention, as their proper PM localization is crucial for elementary signaling and transport processes, and defects in their localization often lead to severe disease symptoms or developmental defects. The subcellular localization of PM proteins is dynamically regulated by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination. These modificaitons mostly occur on sorting signals that are located in the larger cytosolic domains of the cargo proteins. Here we review the effects of phosphorylation of PM proteins on their trafficking, and present the key examples from the animal field that have been subject to studies for already several decades, such as that of aquaporin 2 and the epidermal growth factor receptor. Our knowledge on cargo trafficking in plants is largely based on studies of the family of PIN FORMED (PIN) carriers that mediate the efflux of the plant hormone auxin. We will review what is known on the subcellular distribution and trafficking of PIN proteins, with a focus on how this is modulated by phosphorylation, and identify and discuss analogies and differences in trafficking with the well-studied animal examples.

E-cadherin polarity is determined by a multifunction motif mediating lateral membrane retention through ankyrin-G and apical-lateral transcytosis through clathrin

We report a highly conserved motif in the E-cadherin juxtamembrane domain that determines apical-lateral polarity by conferring both restricted mobility at the lateral membrane and transcytosis of apically mis-sorted protein to the lateral membrane. Mutations causing either increased lateral membrane mobility or loss of apical-lateral transcytosis result in partial mis-sorting of E-cadherin in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. However, loss of both activities results in complete loss of polarity. We present evidence that residues required for restricted mobility mediate retention at the lateral membrane through interaction with ankyrin-G, whereas dileucine residues conferring apical-lateral transcytosis act through a clathrin-dependent process and function in an editing pathway. Ankyrin-G interaction with E-cadherin is abolished by the same mutations resulting in increased E-cadherin mobility. Clathrin heavy chain knockdown and dileucine mutation of E-cadherin both cause the same partial loss of polarity of E-cadherin. Moreover, clathrin knockdown causes no further change in polarity of E-cadherin with dileucine mutation but does completely randomize E-cadherin mutants lacking ankyrin-binding. Dileucine mutation, but not loss of ankyrin binding, prevented transcytosis of apically mis-sorted E-cadherin to the lateral membrane. Finally, neurofascin, which binds ankyrin but lacks dileucine residues, exhibited partial apical-lateral polarity that was abolished by mutation of its ankyrin-binding site but was not affected by clathrin knockdown. The polarity motif thus integrates complementary activities of lateral membrane retention through ankyrin-G and apical-lateral transcytosis of mis-localized protein through clathrin. Together, the combination of retention and editing function to ensure a high fidelity steady state localization of E-cadherin at the lateral membrane.

Basolateral EGF receptor sorting regulated by functionally distinct mechanisms in renal epithelial cells

Proliferation of epithelial tissues is controlled by polarized distribution of signaling receptors including the EGF receptor (EGFR). In kidney, EGFRs are segregated from soluble ligands present in apical fluid of nephrons by selective targeting to basolateral membranes. We have shown previously that the epithelial-specific clathrin adaptor AP1B mediates basolateral EGFR sorting in established epithelia. Here we show that protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent phosphorylation of Thr654 regulates EGFR polarity as epithelial cells form new cell-cell junctional complexes. The AP1B-dependent pathway does not override a PKC-resistant T654A mutation, and conversely AP1B-defective EGFRs sort basolaterally by a PKC-dependent mechanism, in polarizing cells. Surprisingly, EGFR mutations that interfere with these different sorting pathways also produce very distinct phenotypes in three-dimensional organotypic cultures. Thus EGFRs execute different functions depending on the basolateral sorting route. Many renal disorders have defects in cell polarity and the notion that apically mislocalized EGFRs promote proliferation is still an attractive model to explain many aspects of polycystic kidney disease. Our data suggest EGFR also integrates various aspects of polarity by switching between different basolateral sorting programs in developing epithelial cells. Fundamental knowledge of basic mechanisms governing EGFR sorting therefore provides new insights into pathogenesis and advances drug discovery for these renal disorders.

Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor

The surface of mucosal sites, such as the intestinal tract, are covered by epithelial cells. To protect the intestinal environment from invading pathogens and maintain homeostasis, the human body developed an exquisite acquired immune system, referred to as the mucosal immune system, in which epithelial cells and lymphocytes function cooperatively. The main player in this immune system is the polymeric immunoglobulins (pIgs), in particular dimeric IgA (dIgA). To exert its protective effect, dIgA produced in the lamina propria must be transported to the intestinal lumen across epithelial cells. This process is called transcytosis and is mediated by polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), which is exclusively produced by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). DIgA is captured by pIgR on the basolateral surface of IECs and transcytosed to the opposite side of IECs. The dIgA-pIgR complex is expressed on the apical surface of IECs and proteolytically cleaved to generate secretory IgA (SIgA). This review describes the current understanding and recent progress in this research field.

Enhancement of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor transcytosis by biparatopic VHH

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) ensures the transport of dimeric immunoglobulin A (dIgA) and pentameric immunoglobulin M (pIgM) across epithelia to the mucosal layer of for example the intestines and the lungs via transcytosis. Per day the human pIgR mediates the excretion of 2 to 5 grams of dIgA into the mucosa of luminal organs. This system could prove useful for therapies aiming at excretion of compounds into the mucosa. Here we investigated the use of the variable domain of camelid derived heavy chain only antibodies, also known as VHHs or Nanobodies®, targeting the human pIgR, as a transport system across epithelial cells. We show that VHHs directed against the human pIgR are able to bind the receptor with high affinity (∼1 nM) and that they compete with the natural ligand, dIgA. In a transcytosis assay both native and phage-bound VHH were only able to get across polarized MDCK cells that express the human pIgR gene in a basolateral to apical fashion. Indicating that the VHHs are able to translocate across epithelia and to take along large particles of cargo. Furthermore, by making multivalent VHHs we were able to enhance the transport of the compounds both in a MDCK-hpIgR and Caco-2 cell system, probably by inducing receptor clustering. These results show that VHHs can be used as a carrier system to exploit the human pIgR transcytotic system and that multivalent compounds are able to significantly enhance the transport across epithelial monolayers.

Agonists that increase [Ca²⁺](i) halt the movement of acidic cytoplasmic vesicles in MDCK cells

Translocation of vesicles within the cytoplasm is essential to normal cell function. The vesicles are typically transported along the microtubules to their destination. The aim of this study was to characterize the vesicular movement in resting and stimulated renal epithelial cells. MDCK cells loaded with either quinacrine or acridine orange, dyes taken up by acidic vesicles, were observed at 37°C in semiopen perfusion chambers. Time-lapse series were analyzed by Imaris software. Our data revealed vigorous movement of stained vesicles in resting MDCK cells. These movements seem to require intact microtubules because nocodazole leads to a considerable reduction of the vesicular movements. Interestingly, we found that extracellular ATP caused the vesicular movement to cease. This observation was obvious in time lapse. Similarly, other stimuli known to increase the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺](i)) in MDCK cells (increment in the fluid flow rate or arginine vasopressin) also reduced the vesicular movement. These findings were quantified by analysis of single vesicular movement patterns. In this way, ATP was found to reduce the lateral displacement of the total population of vesicles by 40%. Because all these perturbations increase [Ca²⁺](i), we speculated that this increase in [Ca²⁺](i) was responsible for the vesicle arrest. Therefore, we tested the effect of the Ca²⁺ ionophore, ionomycin (1 μM), which in the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺ resulted in a considerable and sustained reduction of vesicular movement amounting to a 58% decrease in average lateral vesicular displacement. Our data suggest that vesicles transported on microtubules are paused when subjected to high intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations. This may provide an additional explanation for the cytotoxic effect of high [Ca²⁺](i).

MAL2 selectively regulates polymeric IgA receptor delivery from the Golgi to the plasma membrane in WIF-B cells

Myelin and lymphocyte protein 2 (MAL2) has been identified as a hepatic transcytotic regulator that mediates delivery from basolateral endosomes to the subapical compartment (SAC). However, overexpression of polymeric immunoglobulin A-receptor (pIgA-R) in polarized, hepatic WIF-B cells led to the dramatic redistribution of MAL2 into the Golgi and all the transcytotic intermediates occupied by the receptor. Although overexpressed hemagglutinin and dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPPIV) distributed to the same compartments, MAL2 distributions did not change indicating the effect is selective. Cycloheximide treatment led to decreased pIgA-R and MAL2 intracellular staining, first in the Golgi then the SAC, suggesting they were apically delivered and that MAL2 was mediating the process. This was tested in Clone 9 cells (that lack endogenous MAL2). When expressed alone, pIgA-R was restricted to the Golgi whereas when coexpressed with MAL2, it distributed to the surface, was internalized and delivered to MAL2-positive puncta. In contrast, DPPIV distributions were independent of MAL2. Surface delivery of newly synthesized pIgA-R, but not DPPIV, was enhanced greater than ninefold by MAL2 coexpression. In WIF-B cells where MAL2 expression was knocked down, pIgA-R, but not DPPIV, was retained in the Golgi and its basolateral delivery was impaired. Thus, in addition to its role in transcytosis, MAL2 also regulates pIgA-R delivery from the Golgi to the plasma membrane.

Identification of a cytoplasmic signal for apical transcytosis

Polarized epithelial cells contain apical and basolateral surfaces with distinct protein compositions. To establish and maintain this asymmetry, newly made plasma membrane proteins are sorted in the trans Golgi network for delivery to apical or basolateral surfaces. Signals for basolateral sorting are generally located in the cytoplasmic domain of the protein, whereas signals for apical sorting can be in any part of the protein and can depend on N-linked glycosylation of the protein. Signals for constitutive transcytosis to the apical surface have not been reported. In this study, we used the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), which is biosynthetically delivered to the basolateral surface. There the pIgR can bind a ligand and, with or without bound ligand, the pIgR can then be transcytosed to the apical surface. We found that the glycosylation of the pIgR did not affect the biosynthetic transport of the pIgR. However, glycosylation had an effect on pIgR apical transcytosis. Importantly, analysis of the cytoplasmic tail of the pIgR suggested that a short peptide segment was sufficient to transcytose the pIgR or a neutral reporter from the basolateral to the apical surface. This apical transcytosis sorting signal was not involved in polarized biosynthetic traffic of the pIgR.

Polarized traffic of LRP1 involves AP1B and SNX17 operating on Y-dependent sorting motifs in different pathways

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is an endocytic recycling receptor with two cytoplasmic tyrosine-based basolateral sorting signals. Here we show that during biosynthetic trafficking LRP1 uses AP1B adaptor complex to move from a post-TGN recycling endosome (RE) to the basolateral membrane. Then it recycles basolaterally from the basolateral sorting endosome (BSE) involving recognition by sorting nexin 17 (SNX17). In the biosynthetic pathway, Y(29) but not N(26) from a proximal NPXY directs LRP1 basolateral sorting from the TGN. A N(26)A mutant revealed that this NPXY motif recognized by SNX17 is required for the receptor's exit from BSE. An endocytic Y(63)ATL(66) motif also functions in basolateral recycling, in concert with an additional endocytic motif (LL(86,87)), by preventing LRP1 entry into the transcytotic apical pathway. All this sorting information operates similarly in hippocampal neurons to mediate LRP1 somatodendritic distribution regardless of the absence of AP1B in neurons. LRP1 basolateral distribution results then from spatially and temporally segregation steps mediated by recognition of distinct tyrosine-based motifs. We also demonstrate a novel function of SNX17 in basolateral/somatodendritic recycling from a different compartment than AP1B endosomes.

Distinct v-SNAREs regulate direct and indirect apical delivery in polarized epithelial cells

SNARE [soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor] proteins control the membrane-fusion events of eukaryotic membrane-trafficking pathways. Specific vesicular and target SNAREs operate in specific trafficking routes, but the degree of specificity of SNARE functions is still elusive. Apical fusion requires the polarized distribution at the apical surface of the t-SNARE syntaxin 3, and several v-SNAREs including TI-VAMP and VAMP8 operate at the apical plasma membrane in polarized epithelial cells. It is not known, however, whether specific v-SNAREs are involved in direct and indirect routes to the apical surface. Here, we used RNAi to assess the role of two tetanus-neurotoxin-insensitive v-SNAREs, TI-VAMP/VAMP7 and VAMP8, in the sorting of raft- and non-raft-associated apical markers that follow either a direct or a transcytotic delivery, respectively, in FRT or Caco2 cells. We show that TI-VAMP mediates the direct apical delivery of both raft- and non-raft-associated proteins. By contrast, sorting by means of the transcytotic pathway is not affected by TI-VAMP knockdown but does appear to be regulated by VAMP8. Together with the specific role of VAMP3 in basolateral transport, our results demonstrate a high degree of specificity in v-SNARE function in polarized cells.

Exogenous MAL reroutes selected hepatic apical proteins into the direct pathway in WIF-B cells

Unlike simple epithelial cells that directly target newly synthesized glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored and single transmembrane domain (TMD) proteins from the trans-Golgi network to the apical membrane, hepatocytes use an indirect pathway: proteins are delivered to the basolateral domain and then selectively internalized and transcytosed to the apical plasma membrane. Myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) and MAL2 have been identified as regulators of direct and indirect apical delivery, respectively. Hepatocytes lack endogenous MAL consistent with the absence of direct apical targeting. Does MAL expression reroute hepatic apical residents into the direct pathway? We found that MAL expression in WIF-B cells induced the formation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipid-enriched Golgi domains that contained GPI-anchored and single TMD apical proteins; polymeric IgA receptor (pIgA-R), polytopic apical, and basolateral resident distributions were excluded. Basolateral delivery of newly synthesized apical residents was decreased in MAL-expressing cells concomitant with increased apical delivery; pIgA-R and basolateral resident delivery was unchanged. These data suggest that MAL rerouted selected hepatic apical proteins into the direct pathway.

Cholesterol-sensitive modulation of transcytosis

Cholesterol-rich membrane domains (e.g., lipid rafts) are thought to act as molecular sorting machines, capable of coordinating the organization of signal transduction pathways within limited regions of the plasma membrane and organelles. The significance of these domains in polarized postendocytic sorting is currently not understood. We show that dimeric IgA stimulates the incorporation of its receptor into cholesterol-sensitive detergent-resistant membranes confined to the basolateral surface/basolateral endosomes. A fraction of human transferrin receptor was also found in basolateral detergent-resistant membranes. Disrupting these membrane domains by cholesterol depletion (using methyl-beta-cyclodextrin) before ligand-receptor internalization caused depolarization of traffic from endosomes, suggesting that cholesterol in basolateral lipid rafts plays a role in polarized sorting after endocytosis. In contrast, cholesterol depletion performed after ligand internalization stimulated cargo transcytosis. It also stimulated caveolin-1 phosphorylation on tyrosine 14 and the appearance of the activated protein in dimeric IgA-containing apical organelles. We propose that cholesterol depletion stimulates the coupling of transcytotic and caveolin-1 signaling pathways, consequently prompting the membranes to shuttle from endosomes to the plasma membrane. This process may represent a unique compensatory mechanism required to maintain cholesterol balance on the cell surface of polarized epithelia.

Apical Sorting by Galectin-3-Dependent Glycoprotein Clustering

Epithelial cells are characterized by their polarized organization based on an apical membrane that is separated from the basolateral membrane domain by tight junctions. Maintenance of this morphology is guaranteed by highly specific sorting machinery that separates lipids and proteins into different carrier populations for the apical or basolateral cell surface. Lipid-raft-independent apical carrier vesicles harbour the beta-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-3, which interacts directly with apical cargo in a glycan-dependent manner. These glycoproteins are mistargeted to the basolateral membrane in galectin-3-depleted cells, dedicating a central role to this lectin in raft-independent sorting as apical receptor. Here, we demonstrate that high-molecular-weight clusters are exclusively formed in the presence of galectin-3. Their stability is sensitive to increased carbohydrate concentrations, and cluster formation as well as apical sorting are perturbed in glycosylation-deficient Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) II cells. Together, our data suggest that glycoprotein cross-linking by galectin-3 is required for apical sorting of non-raft-associated cargo.

AP1B sorts basolateral proteins in recycling and biosynthetic routes of MDCK cells

The epithelial-specific adaptor AP1B sorts basolateral proteins, but the trafficking routes where it performs its sorting role remain controversial. Here, we used an RNAi approach to knock down the medium subunit of AP1B (mu1B) in the prototype epithelial cell line Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK). Mu1B-knocked down MDCK cells displayed loss of polarity of several endogenous and exogenous basolateral markers transduced via adenovirus vectors, but exhibited normal polarity of apical markers. We chose two well characterized basolateral protein markers, the transferrin receptor (TfR) and the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein, to study the sorting role of AP1B. A surface-capture assay introduced here showed that mu1B-knocked down MDCK cells plated on filters at confluency and cultured for 4.5 d, sorted TfR correctly in the biosynthetic route but incorrectly in the recycling route. In contrast, these same cells missorted vesicular stomatitis virus G apically in the biosynthetic route. Strikingly, recently confluent MDCK cells (1-3 d) displayed AP1B-dependence in the biosynthetic route of TfR, which decreased with additional days in culture. Sucrose density gradient analysis detected AP1B predominantly in TfR-rich endosomal fractions in MDCK cells confluent for 1 and 4 d. Our results are consistent with the following model: AP1B sorts basolateral proteins in both biosynthetic and recycling routes of MDCK cells, as a result of its predominant functional localization in recycling endosomes, which constitute a post-Golgi station in the biosynthetic route of some plasma membrane proteins. TfR utilizes a direct route from Golgi to basolateral membrane that is established as the epithelial monolayer matures.

Structural insights into antibody-mediated mucosal immunity

The mucosal regions of the body are responsible for defense against environmental pathogens. Particularly in the lumen of the gut, antibody-mediated immune responses are critical for preventing invasion by pathogens. In this chapter, we review structural studies that have illuminated various aspects of mucosal immunity. Crystal structures of IgA1-Fc and IgA-binding fragments of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor and Fc alphaRI, combined with models of intact IgA and IgM from solution scattering studies, reveal potential mechanisms for immune exclusion and induction of inflammatory responses. Other recent structures yield insights into bacterial mechanisms for evasion of the host immune response.

Identification of a novel apical sorting motif and mechanism of targeting of the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Previous studies have shown that the M2 receptor is localized at steady state to the apical domain in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells. In this study, we identify the molecular determinants governing the localization and the route of apical delivery of the M2 receptor. First, by confocal analysis of a transiently transfected glycosylation mutant in which the three putative glycosylation sites were mutated, we determined that N-glycans are not necessary for the apical targeting of the M2 receptor. Next, using a chimeric receptor strategy, we found that two independent sequences within the M2 third intracellular loop can confer apical targeting to the basolaterally targeted M4 receptor, Val270-Lys280 and Lys280-Ser350. Experiments using Triton X-100 extraction followed by OptiPrep density gradient centrifugation and cholera toxin beta-subunit-induced patching demonstrate that apical targeting is not because of association with lipid rafts. 35S-Metabolic labeling experiments with domain-specific surface biotinylation as well as immunocytochemical analysis of the time course of surface appearance of newly transfected confluent MDCK cells expressing FLAG-M2-GFP demonstrate that the M2 receptor achieves its apical localization after first appearing on the basolateral domain. Domain-specific application of tannic acid of newly transfected cells indicates that initial basolateral plasma membrane expression is required for subsequent apical localization. This is the first demonstration that a G-protein-coupled receptor achieves its apical localization in MDCK cells via transcytosis.

An extracellular loop of the human non-gastric H,K-ATPase alpha-subunit is involved in apical plasma membrane polarization

The human non-gastric H,K-ATPase, ATP1AL1, belongs to the gene family of P-type ATPases. Consistent with their physiological roles in ion transport, members of this group, including the Na,KATPase and the gastric and non-gastric H,K-ATPases, are differentially polarized to either the basolateral or apical plasma membrane in epithelial cells. However, their polarized distribution is highly complex and depends on specific sorting signals or motifs which are recognized by the subcellular targeting machinery. For the gastric H,K-ATPase it has been suggested that the 4(th) transmembrane spanning domain (TM4) and its flanking regions induce conformational sorting motifs which direct the ion pump exclusively to the epithelial apical membrane. Here, we show in transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells that the related non-gastric H,KATPase, ATP1AL1, does contain similar sorting motifs in close proximity to TM4. A short extracellular loop between TM3 and TM4 is critical for this pump's apical delivery. A single point mutation in the corresponding region redirects ATP1AL1 to the basolateral membrane. In conclusion, our work provides further evidence that the cellular distribution of P-type ATPases is determined by conformational sorting motifs.

Deglycosylation of Na+/K+-ATPase causes the basolateral protein to undergo apical targeting in polarized hepatic cells

Polarized epithelia, such as hepatocytes, target their integral membrane proteins to specific apical or basolateral membrane domains during or after biogenesis. The roles played by protein glycosylation in this sorting process remain controversial. We report here that deglycosylation treatments in well-polarized hepatic cells by deglycosylation drugs, or by site-directed mutagenesis of the N-linked-glycosylation residues, all cause the Na+/K+-ATPase beta-subunit to traffic from the native basolateral to the apical/canalicular domain. Deglycosylated beta-subunits are still able to bind and therefore transport the catalytic alpha-subunits to the aberrant apical location. Such apical targeting is mediated via the indirect transcytosis pathway. Cells containing apical Na+/K+-ATPase appear to be defective in maintaining the ionic gradient across the plasma membrane and in executing hepatic activities that are dependent upon the ionic homeostasis such as canalicular excretion.

In vitro refolding of recombinant human free secretory component using equilibrium gradient dialysis

Human secretory component (SC) is associated with secretory immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) and serves to protect the immunoglobulin in the harsh mucosal environment. SC is derived from the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) which transports polymeric immunoglobulins across epithelial cells into secretions. In this present study, we describe the first cloning, expression, in vitro refolding and purification of a free form of human secretory component (rSC) containing the five functional ligand binding domains using Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Free rSC was refolded from inclusion bodies by equilibrium dialysis after purification by nickel affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions. Refolded rSC was purified by gel filtration chromatography. Surface plasmon resonance and dot blot association analysis have shown that purified rSC binds IgM with a physiological equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 4.6x10(-8) M and shares structural similarity to native SC. This provides an important step in the elucidation of the structure of this immunologically important receptor.

Transcytosis of NgCAM in epithelial cells reflects differential signal recognition on the endocytic and secretory pathways

NgCAM is a cell adhesion molecule that is largely axonal in neurons and apical in epithelia. In Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, NgCAM is targeted to the apical surface by transcytosis, being first inserted into the basolateral domain from which it is internalized and transported to the apical domain. Initial basolateral transport is mediated by a sequence motif (Y₃₃RSL) decoded by the AP-1B clathrin adaptor complex. This motif is a substrate in vitro for tyrosine phosphorylation by p60src, a modification that disrupts NgCAM's ability to interact with clathrin adaptors. Based on the behavior of various NgCAM mutants, it appears that after arrival at the basolateral surface, the AP-1B interaction site is silenced by phosphorylation of Tyr₃₃. This slows endocytosis and inhibits basolateral recycling from endosomes, resulting in NgCAM transcytosis due to a cryptic apical targeting signal in its extracellular domain. Thus, transcytosis of NgCAM and perhaps other membrane proteins may reflect the spatial regulation of recognition by adaptors such as AP-1B.

Protein sorting in the Golgi complex: Shifting paradigms

The paradigms for transport along the biosynthetic route have changed dramatically over the past 15 years. Unlike the situation 15 years ago, the current paradigm involves sorting signals practically at every step of the pathway. In particular, at the exit from the Golgi complex, apical, basolateral and lysosomal targeting signals result in the generation of a variety of routes. Furthermore, it is now quite clear that not all sorting in the biosynthetic route occurs in the Golgi complex or the Trans Golgi Network (TGN). Sorting may occur distally to the Golgi, in recycling endosomes or in budded tubulosaccular structures, or it may occur proximally to the Golgi complex, at the exit from the ER. Several adaptors are candidates to sort apical and basolateral proteins but only AP1B and AP4 are currently involved. Progress is fast and future work should elucidate many of the open questions.

Alpha-kinase 1, a new component in apical protein transport

A key aspect in the structure of epithelial cells is the maintenance of a polarized organization based on a highly specific sorting machinery for cargo destined for the apical or the basolateral membrane domain at the exit site of the trans-Golgi network. We could recently identify two distinct post-trans-Golgi network vesicle populations that travel along separate routes to the plasma membrane, a lipid raft-dependent and a lipid raft-independent pathway. A new component of raft-carrying apical vesicles is alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1), which was identified in immunoisolated vesicles carrying raft-associated sucrase-isomaltase (SI). This kinase was absent from vesicles carrying raft-non-associated lactase-phlorizin hydrolase. The expression of ALPK1 increases by the time of epithelial cell differentiation, whereas the intracellular localization of ALPK1 on apical transport vesicles was confirmed by confocal analysis. A phosphorylation assay on isolated SI-carrying vesicles revealed the phosphorylation of a protein band of about 105 kDa, which could be identified as the motor protein myosin I. Finally, a specific reduction of ALPK1-expression by RNA interference results in a significant decrease in the apical delivery of SI. Taken together, our data suggest that the phosphorylation of myosin I by ALPK1 is an essential process in the apical trafficking of raft-associated SI.

Organization of vesicular trafficking in epithelia

Experiments using mammalian epithelial cell lines have elucidated biosynthetic and recycling pathways for apical and basolateral plasma-membrane proteins, and have identified components that guide apical and basolateral proteins along these pathways. These components include apical and basolateral sorting signals, adaptors for basolateral signals, and docking and fusion proteins for vesicular trafficking. Recent live-cell-imaging studies provide a real-time view of sorting processes in epithelial cells, including key roles for actin, microtubules and motors in the organization of post-Golgi trafficking.

Molecular mechanisms of membrane polarity in renal epithelial cells

Exciting discoveries in the last decade have cast light onto the fundamental mechanisms that underlie polarized trafficking in epithelial cells. It is now clear that epithelial cell membrane asymmetry is achieved by a combination of intracellular sorting operations, vectorial delivery mechanisms and plasmalemma-specific fusion and retention processes. Several well-defined signals that specify polarized segregation, sorting, or retention processes have, now, been described in a number of proteins. The intracellular machineries that decode and act on these signals are beginning to be described. In addition, the nature of the molecules that associate with intracellular trafficking vesicles to coordinate polarized delivery, tethering, docking, and fusion are also becoming understood. Combined with direct visualization of polarized sorting processes with new technologies in live-cell fluorescent microscopy, new and surprising insights into these once-elusive trafficking processes are emerging. Here we provide a review of these recent advances within an historically relevant context.

Multiple cleavage sites for polymeric immunoglobulin receptor

Human polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) was expressed in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells using a recombinant vaccinia virus transfection system. Cleavage of pIgR on the cell surface was partially inhibited by the proteinase inhibitor, leupeptin. We addressed the question whether some particular regions of pIgR could affect the efficient cleavage of this molecule, with the following results: (1) a mutant lacking the entire cytoplasmic region resulted in release of secretory component (SC) into the culture supernatant much faster than wild-type; (2) a pIgR mutant lacking the entire extracellular domain 6, the region containing the susceptible cleavage sites, could be cleaved and released as a mutant SC. The transport kinetics of this mutant between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi or Golgi and the cell surface was equivalent to wild-type pIgR. Our results indicate that although the main cleavage site is in domain 6, at least one other cleavage site may exist.

Features of influenza HA required for apical sorting differ from those required for association with DRMs or MAL

The influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) is sorted to the apical membrane in polarized epithelial cells and associates with detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs). By systematic mutagenesis of the transmembrane residues, we show that hemagglutinin requires 10 contiguous transmembrane amino acids to enter detergent-resistant membranes and that the surface of the trimeric hemagglutinin transmembrane domain facing the lipid environment as well as that facing the interior of the trimer is important for stable association with detergent-resistant membranes. However, association with detergent-resistant membranes was not required for apical sorting. MAL/VIP17 is a protein that is required for apical transport and a small fraction of hemagglutinin co-precipitates with MAL. Mutations that prevented HA from being isolated in detergent-resistant membranes decreased co-precipitation with MAL. The hemagglutinin and MAL that co-precipitated were contained in a detergent-resistant vesicle. However, most of the co-precipitation of newly synthesized hemagglutinin with MAL occurred only after the majority of hemagglutinin reached the cell surface. Both the timing and the limited extent of co-precipitation suggest that the majority of vesicles containing hemagglutinin and MAL are not the detergent-resistant membrane transport intermediates carrying hemagglutinin from the TGN to the apical surface.

Bidirectional transepithelial IgG transport by a strongly polarized basolateral membrane Fcgamma-receptor

The human MHC class I-related neonatal Fc receptor, hFcRn, mediates bidirectional transport of IgG across mucosal barriers. Here, we find that at steady state hFcRn distributes predominantly to an apical intracellular compartment and almost exclusively to the basolateral cell surface of polarized epithelial cells. It moves only transiently to the apical membrane. Ligand binding does not redistribute the steady state location of the receptor. Removal of the cytoplasmic tail that contains di-leucine and tryptophan-based endocytosis motifs or incubation at low temperature (18 degrees C) redistributes the receptor apically. The rates of endocytosis of the full-length hFcRn from the apical or basolateral membrane domains, however, are equal. Thus, the strong cell surface polarity displayed by hFcRn results from dominant basolateral sorting by motifs in the cytoplasmic tail that nonetheless allows for a cycle of bidirectional transcytosis.

Delivery of raft-associated, GPI-anchored proteins to the apical surface of polarized MDCK cells by a transcytotic pathway

Epithelial cell polarity depends on mechanisms for targeting proteins to different plasma membrane domains. Here, we dissect the pathway for apical delivery of several raft-associated, glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins in polarized MDCK cells using live-cell imaging and selective inhibition of apical or basolateral exocytosis. Rather than trafficking directly from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the apical plasma membrane as previously thought, the GPI-anchored proteins followed an indirect, transcytotic route. They first exited the TGN in membrane-bound carriers that also contained basolateral cargo, although the two cargoes were laterally segregated. The carriers were then targeted to and fused with a zone of lateral plasma membrane adjacent to tight junctions that is known to contain the exocyst. Thereafter, the GPI-anchored proteins, but not basolateral cargo, were rapidly internalized, together with endocytic tracer, into clathrin-free transport intermediates that transcytosed to the apical plasma membrane. Thus, apical sorting of these GPI-anchored proteins occurs at the plasma membrane, rather than at the TGN.

Transport protein trafficking in polarized cells

In order to carry out their physiological functions, ion transport proteins must be targeted to the appropriate domains of cell membranes. Regulation of ion transport activity frequently involves the tightly controlled delivery of intracellular populations of transport proteins to the plasma membrane or the endocytic retrieval of transport proteins from the cell surface. Transport proteins carry signals embedded within their structures that specify their subcellular distributions and endow them with the capacity to participate in regulated membrane trafficking processes. Recently, a great deal has been learned about the biochemical nature of these signals, as well as about the cellular machinery that interprets them and acts upon their messages.

Inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis: effects on glycosphingolipid-GPI-anchored protein microdomains

The idea that the transport and sorting of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins depends on their interaction with glycosphingolipids was first proposed five or six years ago. Until recently, only circumstantial evidence was available to support this suggestion. During the past year, compelling support for this hypothesis has been provided by observations that inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis reduces the rate of transport of GPI-anchored proteins in yeast, and abolishes the polarized sorting of a GPI-anchored protein in epithelia.

Reversed polarized delivery of an aquaporin-2 mutant causes dominant nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Vasopressin regulates body water conservation by redistributing aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels from intracellular vesicles to the apical surface of renal collecting ducts, resulting in water reabsorption from urine. Mutations in AQP2 cause autosomal nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a disease characterized by the inability to concentrate urine. Here, we report a frame-shift mutation in AQP2 causing dominant NDI. This AQP2 mutant is a functional water channel when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. However, expressed in polarized renal cells, it is misrouted to the basolateral instead of apical plasma membrane. Additionally, this mutant forms heterotetramers with wild-type AQP2 and redirects this complex to the basolateral surface. The frame shift induces a change in the COOH terminus of AQP2, creating both a leucine- and a tyrosine-based motif, which cause the reversed sorting of AQP2. Our data reveal a novel cellular phenotype in dominant NDI and show that dominance of basolateral sorting motifs in a mutant subunit can be the molecular basis for disease.

Annexin II Is Required for Apical Transport in Polarized Epithelial Cells

The sorting of apical proteins comprises an initial recognition step in the trans Golgi network and a final partitioning of the apical pool of proteins into at least two different types of vesicular carriers. One criteria of these carriers is the association or non-association of the protein content with lipid rafts. We have previously characterized a population containing the raft-associated sucrase-isomaltase-carrying vesicles (SAVs) and another one, the non-raft-associated lactase-phlorizin hydrolase-carrrying vesicles (LAVs) that are targeted separately to the apical membrane. Here, we demonstrate biochemically and by employing confocal laser microscopy that the annexin II-S100A10 complex is a component of SAVs and is absent from LAVs. The unequivocal role of annexin II in the apical targeting of SI is clearly demonstrated when down-regulation of this protein by annexin II-specific small interfering RNA drastically decreases the apical delivery of SI in the epithelial cell line Madin-Darby canine kidney. The annexin II-S100A10 complex plays therefore a crucial role in routing SAVs to the apical membrane of epithelial cells.

Carboxy terminus of glucose transporter 3 contains an apical membrane targeting domain

We previously demonstrated that distinct facilitative glucose transporter isoforms display differential sorting in polarized epithelial cells. In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, glucose transporter 1 and 2 (GLUT1 and GLUT2) are localized to the basolateral cell surface whereas GLUTs 3 and 5 are targeted to the apical membrane. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying this asymmetric distribution, we analyzed the targeting of chimeric glucose transporter proteins in MDCK cells. Replacement of the carboxy-terminal cytosolic tail of GLUT1, GLUT2, or GLUT4 with that from GLUT3 resulted in apical targeting. Conversely, a GLUT3 chimera containing the cytosolic carboxy terminus of GLUT2 was sorted to the basolateral membrane. These findings are not attributable to the presence of a basolateral signal in the tails of GLUTs 1, 2, and 4 because the basolateral targeting of GLUT1 was retained in a GLUT1 chimera containing the carboxy terminus of GLUT5. In addition, we were unable to demonstrate the presence of an autonomous basolateral sorting signal in the GLUT1 tail using the low-density lipoprotein receptor as a reporter. By examining the targeting of a series of more defined GLUT1/3 chimeras, we found evidence of an apical targeting signal involving residues 473-484 (DRSGKDGVMEMN) in the carboxy tail. We conclude that the targeting of GLUT3 to the apical cell surface in MDCK cells is regulated by a unique cytosolic sorting motif.

Transcytosis: crossing cellular barriers

Transcytosis, the vesicular transport of macromolecules from one side of a cell to the other, is a strategy used by multicellular organisms to selectively move material between two environments without altering the unique compositions of those environments. In this review, we summarize our knowledge of the different cell types using transcytosis in vivo, the variety of cargo moved, and the diverse pathways for delivering that cargo. We evaluate in vitro models that are currently being used to study transcytosis. Caveolae-mediated transcytosis by endothelial cells that line the microvasculature and carry circulating plasma proteins to the interstitium is explained in more detail, as is clathrin-mediated transcytosis of IgA by epithelial cells of the digestive tract. The molecular basis of vesicle traffic is discussed, with emphasis on the gaps and uncertainties in our understanding of the molecules and mechanisms that regulate transcytosis. In our view there is still much to be learned about this fundamental process.

Basolateral sorting of transforming growth factor-alpha precursor in polarized epithelial cells: characterization of cytoplasmic domain determinants

In polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, newly synthesized transforming growth factor-alpha precursor (proTGFalpha) is directly sorted to the basolateral cell surface where it is sequentially cleaved and released into the basolateral conditioned medium (Dempsey, P.J., Coffey, R.J., J. Biol. Chem. 269 (1994) 16878-16889). In the present study, the role of the proTGFalpha cytoplasmic domain in basolateral sorting has been investigated using deletional and site-directed mutagenesis, as well as chimeric analyses of different TGFalpha constructs stably expressed in MDCK cells. The loss of polarized secretion of a proTGFalpha secretory mutant (TGFsec88) indicated that the proTGFalpha transmembrane and/or cytoplasmic domains contain essential basolateral sorting information. Using reporter chimeras with two apically sorted membrane proteins, p75 neurotrophin growth factor receptor and placental alkaline phosphatase, we show that the proTGFalpha cytoplasmic domain contains dominant basolateral sorting information. Analysis of proTGFalpha cytoplasmic domain truncation and internal deletion mutants, together with site-directed mutagenesis studies within the full-length proTGFalpha cytoplasmic domain, revealed redundant basolateral sorting motifs. Importantly, the C-terminal type I PDZ-binding motif was not required for basolateral sorting as determined by the integrity of basolateral sorting in deletion mutants lacking this motif. ProTGFalpha basolateral sorting may have important consequences for ligand presentation and spatial compartmentalization of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling networks in polarized epithelial cells.