Sorting nexin 27 interacts with the Cytohesin associated scaffolding protein (CASP) in lymphocytes

HPV-18 E6 enhances the interaction between EMILIN2 and SNX27 to promote WNT signaling

Oncogenic HPV E6 proteins have a PDZ-binding motif (PBM) which plays important roles in both the viral life cycle and tumor development. The PBM confers interaction with a large number of different PDZ domain-containing substrates, one of which is Sorting Nexin 27. This protein is part of the retromer complex and plays an important role in endocytic sorting pathways. It has been shown that at least two SNX27 interacting partners, GLUT1 and TANC2, are aberrantly trafficked due to the E6 PBM-dependent interaction with SNX27. To investigate further which other components of the endocytic trafficking pathway might be affected by the SNX27-HPV E6 interaction, we analyzed the SNX27 proteome interaction profile in a previously described HeLa cell line expressing GFP-SNX27, both in the presence and absence of the HPV-18 E6 oncoprotein. In this study, we identify a novel interacting partner of SNX27, secreted glycoprotein EMILIN2, whose release is blocked by HPV18 E6 in a PBM-dependent manner. Mechanistically, E6 can block EMILIN2 interaction with the WNT1 ligand, thereby enhancing WNT1 signaling and promoting cell proliferation.

IMPORTANCE

This study demonstrates that HPV E6 blocks EMILIN2 inhibition of WNT1 signaling, thereby enhancing cell proliferation in HPV-positive tumor cells. This involves a novel mechanism whereby the E6 PBM actually contributes toward enhancing the interaction between SNX27 and EMILIN2, suggesting that the mode of recognition of SNX27 by E6 and EMILIN2 is different. This is the first example of the E6 PBM altering a PDZ domain-containing protein to enhance potential substrate recognition.

Endosomal Sorting Protein SNX27 and Its Emerging Roles in Human Cancers

SNX27 belongs to the sorting nexin (SNX) family of proteins that play a critical role in protein sorting and trafficking in the endocytosis pathway. This protein family is characterized by the presence of a Phox (PX) domain; however, SNX27 is unique in containing an additional PDZ domain. Recently, SNX27 has gained popularity as an important sorting protein that is associated with the retromer complex and mediates the recycling of internalized proteins from endosomes to the plasma membrane in a PDZ domain-dependent manner. Over 100 cell surface proteins have been identified as binding partners of the SNX27-retromer complex. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms governed by SNX27 in tumorigenesis remains to be poorly understood. Many of its known binding partners include several G-protein coupled receptors, such as β2-andrenergic receptor and parathyroid hormone receptor, are associated with multiple pathways implicated in oncogenic signaling and tumorigenesis. Additionally, SNX27 mediates the recycling of GLUT1 and the activation of mTORC1, both of which can regulate intracellular energy balance and promote cell survival and proliferation under conditions of nutrient deprivation. In this review, we summarize the structure and fundamental roles of SNX proteins, with a focus on SNX27, and provide the current evidence indicating towards the role of SNX27 in human cancers. We also discuss the gap in the field and future direction of SNX27 research. Insights into the emerging roles and mechanism of SNX27 in cancers will provide better development strategies to prevent and treat tumorigenesis.

Physiological and Pathological Roles of the Cytohesin Family in Neurons

The cytohesin proteins, consisting of four closely related members (cytohesins-1, -2, -3, and -4), are a subfamily of the Sec7 domain-containing guanine nucleotide exchange factors for ADP ribosylation factors (Arfs), which are critical regulators of membrane trafficking and actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Recent advances in molecular biological techniques and the development of a specific pharmacological inhibitor for cytohesins, SecinH3, have revealed the functional involvement of the cytohesin-Arf pathway in diverse neuronal functions from the formation of axons and dendrites, axonal pathfinding, and synaptic vesicle recycling, to pathophysiological processes including chronic pain and neurotoxicity induced by proteins related to neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we review the physiological and pathological roles of the cytohesin-Arf pathway in neurons and discuss the future directions of this research field.

Proteomic analysis in primary T cells reveals IL-7 alters T cell receptor thresholding via CYTIP/cytohesin/LFA-1 localisation and activation

The ability of the cellular immune system to discriminate self from foreign antigens depends on the appropriate calibration of the T cell receptor (TCR) signalling threshold. The lymphocyte homeostatic cytokine interleukin 7 (IL-7) is known to affect TCR thresholding, but the molecular mechanism is not fully elucidated. A better understanding of this process is highly relevant in the context of autoimmune disease therapy and cancer immunotherapy. We sought to characterise the early signalling events attributable to IL-7 priming; in particular, the altered phosphorylation of signal transduction proteins and their molecular localisation to the TCR. By integrating high-resolution proximity- phospho-proteomic and imaging approaches using primary T cells, rather than engineered cell lines or an in vitro expanded T cell population, we uncovered transduction events previously not linked to IL-7. We show that IL-7 leads to dephosphorylation of cytohesin interacting protein (CYTIP) at a hitherto undescribed phosphorylation site (pThr280) and alters the co-localisation of cytohesin-1 with the TCR and LFA-1 integrin. These results show that IL-7, acting via CYTIP and cytohesin-1, may impact TCR activation thresholds by enhancing the co-clustering of TCR and LFA-1 integrin.

Toward Understanding the Molecular Role of SNX27/Retromer in Human Health and Disease

Aberrations in membrane trafficking pathways have profound effects in cellular dynamics of cellular sorting processes and can drive severe physiological outcomes. Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) is a metazoan-specific sorting nexin protein from the PX-FERM domain family and is required for endosomal recycling of many important transmembrane receptors. Multiple studies have shown SNX27-mediated recycling requires association with retromer, one of the best-known regulators of endosomal trafficking. SNX27/retromer downregulation is strongly linked to Down's Syndrome (DS) via glutamate receptor dysfunction and to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) through increased intracellular production of amyloid peptides from amyloid precursor protein (APP) breakdown. SNX27 is further linked to addiction via its role in potassium channel trafficking, and its over-expression is linked to tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. Thus, the correct sorting of multiple receptors by SNX27/retromer is vital for normal cellular function to prevent human diseases. The role of SNX27 in regulating cargo recycling from endosomes to the cell surface is firmly established, but how SNX27 assembles with retromer to generate tubulovesicular carriers remains elusive. Whether SNX27/retromer may be a putative therapeutic target to prevent neurodegenerative disease is now an emerging area of study. This review will provide an update on our molecular understanding of endosomal trafficking events mediated by the SNX27/retromer complex on endosomes.

Interplay Between SNX27 and DAG Metabolism in the Control of Trafficking and Signaling at the IS

Recognition of antigens displayed on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell (APC) by T-cell receptors (TCR) of a T lymphocyte leads to the formation of a specialized contact between both cells named the immune synapse (IS). This highly organized structure ensures cell–cell communication and sustained T-cell activation. An essential lipid regulating T-cell activation is diacylglycerol (DAG), which accumulates at the cell–cell interface and mediates recruitment and activation of proteins involved in signaling and polarization. Formation of the IS requires rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, translocation of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) and vesicular compartments, and reorganization of signaling and adhesion molecules within the cell–cell junction. Among the multiple players involved in this polarized intracellular trafficking, we find sorting nexin 27 (SNX27). This protein translocates to the T cell–APC interface upon TCR activation, and it is suggested to facilitate the transport of cargoes toward this structure. Furthermore, its interaction with diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ), a negative regulator of DAG, sustains the precise modulation of this lipid and, thus, facilitates IS organization and signaling. Here, we review the role of SNX27, DAG metabolism, and their interplay in the control of T-cell activation and establishment of the IS.

Papillomaviruses and Endocytic Trafficking

Endocytic trafficking plays a major role in transport of incoming human papillomavirus (HPVs) from plasma membrane to the trans Golgi network (TGN) and ultimately into the nucleus. During this infectious entry, several cellular sorting factors are recruited by the viral capsid protein L2, which plays a critical role in ensuring successful transport of the L2/viral DNA complex to the nucleus. Later in the infection cycle, two viral oncoproteins, E5 and E6, have also been shown to modulate different aspects of endocytic transport pathways. In this review, we highlight how HPV makes use of and perturbs normal endocytic transport pathways, firstly to achieve infectious virus entry, secondly to produce productive infection and the completion of the viral life cycle and, finally, on rare occasions, to bring about the development of malignancy.

Phosphoinositide binding by the SNX27 FERM domain regulates its localization at the immune synapse of activated T-cells

Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) controls the endosomal-to-cell-surface recycling of diverse transmembrane protein cargos. Crucial to this function is the recruitment of SNX27 to endosomes which is mediated by the binding of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) by its phox homology (PX) domain. In T-cells, SNX27 localizes to the immunological synapse in an activation-dependent manner, but the molecular mechanisms underlying SNX27 translocation remain to be clarified. Here, we examined the phosphoinositide-lipid-binding capabilities of full-length SNX27, and discovered a new PtdInsP-binding site within the C-terminal 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain. This binding site showed a clear preference for bi- and tri-phosphorylated phophoinositides, and the interaction was confirmed through biophysical, mutagenesis and modeling approaches. At the immunological synapse of activated T-cells, cell signaling regulates phosphoinositide dynamics, and we find that perturbing phosphoinositide binding by the SNX27 FERM domain alters the SNX27 distribution in both endosomal recycling compartments and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-enriched domains of the plasma membrane during synapse formation. Our results suggest that SNX27 undergoes dynamic partitioning between different membrane domains during immunological synapse assembly, and underscore the contribution of unique lipid interactions for SNX27 orchestration of cargo trafficking.

A Novel PDZ Domain Interaction Mediates the Binding between Human Papillomavirus 16 L2 and Sorting Nexin 27 and Modulates Virion Trafficking

Previous studies have demonstrated an interaction between sorting nexin 17 and the L2 capsid proteins from a variety of papillomavirus types. This interaction is required for late endosomal trafficking of the L2 protein and entry of the L2/DNA complex into the nucleus during infection. Here we show an interaction between papillomavirus L2 proteins and the related PX-FERM family member sorting nexin 27 (SNX27), which is mediated in part by a novel interaction between the PDZ domain of SNX27 and sequences in a central portion of L2. The interaction is direct and, unlike that with SNX17, is variable in strength depending on the papillomavirus type. We show that small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of SNX27 alone leads to a marginal reduction in the efficiency of viral infection but that double knockdown of both sorting nexins results in a striking reduction in infection, greater than that observed for the knockdown of either sorting nexin alone. These results suggest that the HPV L2 proteins can interact through distinct mechanisms with multiple components of the cellular cargo-sorting machinery.

IMPORTANCE

The trafficking of papillomaviruses to the host cell nucleus during their natural infectious life cycle is an incompletely understood process. Studies have suggested that the virus minor capsid protein L2 can interact with the endosomal recycling pathway, in part by association with sorting nexin 17, to ensure that virus DNA bound to L2 is recycled through the trans-Golgi network rather than back to the plasma membrane. In this study, we characterize the interaction between L2 and a second sorting nexin, SNX27, which is also part of the retromer complex. The study furthers our understanding of papillomavirus infection dynamics and provides potential tools for the further dissection of endosomal structure and function.

Sorting Nexin 27 regulates basal and activity-dependent trafficking of AMPARs

Activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength have long been postulated as cellular correlates of learning and memory. Long-term potentiation (LTP), a well characterized form of synaptic plasticity, is often expressed as an increase in the number of postsynaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs). Although the precise molecular mechanisms governing LTP remain elusive, this study identifies one member of the sorting nexin family, Sorting Nexin 27 (SNX27), as a critical component in this process. The ability of sorting nexins to bind specific phospholipids as well as their propensity to form protein-protein complexes, points to a role for these proteins in membrane trafficking and protein sorting. Here, we demonstrate that SNX27 binds to AMPARs, and that this interaction is regulated in an activity-dependent manner. Furthermore, we provide evidence that SNX27 is synaptically enriched and its level of expression regulates targeting of AMPARs to the neuronal surface. Loss of SNX27 abolishes recruitment of surface AMPARs during chemical LTP. Collectively, our data suggest a role for SNX27 in modulating synaptic plasticity through regulated interaction with AMPARs.

Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) associates with zonula occludens-2 (ZO-2) and modulates the epithelial tight junction

Proteins of the SNX (sorting nexin) superfamily are characterized by the presence of a PX (Phox homology) domain and associate with PtdIns3P (phosphatidylinositol-3-monophosphate)-rich regions of the endosomal system. SNX27 is the only sorting nexin that contains a PDZ domain. In the present study, we used a proteomic approach to identify a novel interaction between SNX27 and ZO-2 [zonula occludens-2; also known as TJP2 (tight junction protein 2)], a component of the epithelial tight junction. The SNX27-ZO-2 interaction requires the PDZ domain of SNX27 and the C-terminal PDZ-binding motif of ZO-2. When tight junctions were perturbed by chelation of extracellular Ca2+, ZO-2 transiently localized to SNX27-positive early endosomes. Depletion of SNX27 in mpkCCD (mouse primary kidney cortical collecting duct) cell monolayers resulted in a decrease in the rate of ZO-2, but not ZO-1, mobility at cell-cell contact regions after photobleaching and an increase in junctional permeability to large solutes. The findings of the present study identify an important new SNX27-binding partner and suggest a role for endocytic pathways in the intracellular trafficking of ZO-2 and possibly other tight junction proteins. Our results also indicate a role for SNX27-ZO-2 interactions in tight junction maintenance and function.

Ras-association domain of sorting Nexin 27 is critical for regulating expression of GIRK potassium channels

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels play an important role in regulating neuronal excitability. Sorting nexin 27b (SNX27b), which reduces surface expression of GIRK channels through a PDZ domain interaction, contains a putative Ras-association (RA) domain with unknown function. Deleting the RA domain in SNX27b (SNX27b-ΔRA) prevents the down-regulation of GIRK2c/GIRK3 channels. Similarly, a point mutation (K305A) in the RA domain disrupts regulation of GIRK2c/GIRK3 channels and reduces H-Ras binding in vitro. Finally, the dominant-negative H-Ras (S17N) occludes the SNX27b-dependent decrease in surface expression of GIRK2c/GIRK3 channels. Thus, the presence of a functional RA domain and the interaction with Ras-like G proteins comprise a novel mechanism for modulating SNX27b control of GIRK channel surface expression and cellular excitability.

In human monocyte derived dendritic cells SOCS1 interacting with CYTIP induces the degradation of CYTIP by the proteasome

CYTIP (cytohesin interacting protein) is an intracellular molecule induced in dendritic cells during maturation. CYTIP modulates the binding intensity of the adhesion molecule LFA-1. If dendritic cells are silenced for CYTIP they keep longer contacts with T-cells resulting in a lower T cell stimulation. We identified Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) as a binding partner for CYTIP in human monocyte derived dendritic cells. In Western blot analyses we found that CYTIP expression is down regulated at later time points, starting at about 72 hours after induction of maturation. To investigate a possible role for SOCS-1 in taking CYTIP to the degradation machinery of the cell we measured endogenous CYTIP protein levels in mature dendritic cells transfected with SOCS-1 encoding plasmid in quantitative Western blot analyses. We observed lower amounts of endogenous CYTIP in mature dendritic cells transfected with SOCS-1 encoding plasmid compared with untransfected dendritic cells. Experiments with the proteasome-inhibitor Bortezomib/Velcade® show stable CYTIP expression levels in dendritic cells. In addition, we show that CYTIP in dendritic cells matured for 48 hours is ubiquitinated and thus ready for degradation. We here describe a newly identified binding partner of CYTIP, SOCS-1, and confirm its function in regulating the degradation of CYTIP by the proteasome.

Insights into the PX (phox-homology) domain and SNX (sorting nexin) protein families: structures, functions and roles in disease

The mammalian genome encodes 49 proteins that possess a PX (phox-homology) domain, responsible for membrane attachment to organelles of the secretory and endocytic system via binding of phosphoinositide lipids. The PX domain proteins, most of which are classified as SNXs (sorting nexins), constitute an extremely diverse family of molecules that play varied roles in membrane trafficking, cell signalling, membrane remodelling and organelle motility. In the present review, we present an overview of the family, incorporating recent functional and structural insights, and propose an updated classification of the proteins into distinct subfamilies on the basis of these insights. Almost all PX domain proteins bind PtdIns3P and are recruited to early endosomal membranes. Although other specificities and localizations have been reported for a select few family members, the molecular basis for binding to other lipids is still not clear. The PX domain is also emerging as an important protein–protein interaction domain, binding endocytic and exocytic machinery, transmembrane proteins and many other molecules. A comprehensive survey of the molecular interactions governed by PX proteins highlights the functional diversity of the family as trafficking cargo adaptors and membrane-associated scaffolds regulating cell signalling. Finally, we examine the mounting evidence linking PX proteins to different disorders, in particular focusing on their emerging importance in both pathogen invasion and amyloid production in Alzheimer's disease.

Sorting nexin 27 protein regulates trafficking of a p21-activated kinase (PAK) interacting exchange factor (β-Pix)-G protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein (GIT) complex via a PDZ domain interaction

Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) is a 62-kDa protein localized to early endosomes and known to regulate the intracellular trafficking of ion channels and receptors. In addition to a PX domain, SNX27 is the only sorting family member that contains a PDZ domain. To identify novel SNX27-PDZ binding partners, we performed a proteomic screen in mouse principal kidney cortical collecting duct cells using a GST-SNX27 fusion construct as bait. We found that β-Pix (p21-activated kinase-interactive exchange factor), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rho family of small GTPases known to regulate cell motility directly interacted with SNX27. The association of β-Pix and SNX27 is specific for β-Pix isoforms terminating in the type-1 PDZ binding motif (ETNL). In the same screen we also identified Git1/2 as a potential SNX27 interacting protein. The interaction between SNX27 and Git1/2 is indirect and mediated by β-Pix. Furthermore, we show recruitment of the β-Pix·Git complex to endosomal sites in a SNX27-dependent manner. Finally, migration assays revealed that depletion of SNX27 from HeLa and mouse principal kidney cortical collecting duct cells significantly decreases cell motility. We propose a model by which SNX27 regulates trafficking of β-Pix to focal adhesions and thereby influences cell motility.

PX-FERM proteins: A link between endosomal trafficking and signaling?

Endosomes are the primary organelle where decisions are made as to whether endocytosed proteins will be sorted into degradative trafficking pathways or recycled back to the plasma membrane. This balance between cellular uptake and recycling regulates the plasma membrane composition and is therefore critical for many cellular processes such as nutrient uptake, neuronal transmission and cell migration.1 In addition to its well-known role in membrane trafficking, the endosome is increasingly being recognized as a critical cellular domain for regulated cell signaling. We recently showed that several proteins that regulate endosomal recycling, SNX17, SNX27 and SNX31 are structurally and functionally related.2 These proteins use an unusual FERM domain to bind specific endosomal cargo molecules, and most interestingly, we also found that these proteins use the same FERM domain to associate with the activated Ras small GTPase. Here we speculate on the potential dual role of the PX-FERM proteins in endosomal transport and as scaffolds that may be involved in endosomal Ras signaling processes.

Phox homology band 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin-like proteins function as molecular scaffolds that interact with cargo receptors and Ras GTPases

Following endocytosis, the fates of receptors, channels, and other transmembrane proteins are decided via specific endosomal sorting pathways, including recycling to the cell surface for continued activity. Two distinct phox-homology (PX)-domain-containing proteins, sorting nexin (SNX) 17 and SNX27, are critical regulators of recycling from endosomes to the cell surface. In this study we demonstrate that SNX17, SNX27, and SNX31 all possess a novel 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin (FERM)-like domain. SNX17 has been shown to bind to Asn-Pro-Xaa-Tyr (NPxY) sequences in the cytoplasmic tails of cargo such as LDL receptors and the amyloid precursor protein, and we find that both SNX17 and SNX27 display similar affinities for NPxY sorting motifs, suggesting conserved functions in endosomal recycling. Furthermore, we show for the first time that all three proteins are able to bind the Ras GTPase through their FERM-like domains. These interactions place the PX-FERM-like proteins at a hub of endosomal sorting and signaling processes. Studies of the SNX17 PX domain coupled with cellular localization experiments reveal the mechanistic basis for endosomal localization of the PX-FERM-like proteins, and structures of SNX17 and SNX27 determined by small angle X-ray scattering show that they adopt non-self-assembling, modular structures in solution. In summary, this work defines a novel family of proteins that participate in a network of interactions that will impact on both endosomal protein trafficking and compartment specific Ras signaling cascades.

Mechanism underlying selective regulation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels by the psychostimulant-sensitive sorting nexin 27

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are important gatekeepers of neuronal excitability. The surface expression of neuronal GIRK channels is regulated by the psychostimulant-sensitive sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) protein through a class I (-X-Ser/Thr-X-Φ, where X is any residue and Φ is a hydrophobic amino acid) PDZ-binding interaction. The G protein-insensitive inward rectifier channel (IRK1) contains the same class I PDZ-binding motif but associates with a different synaptic PDZ protein, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). The mechanism by which SNX27 and PSD95 discriminate these channels was previously unclear. Using high-resolution structures coupled with biochemical and functional analyses, we identified key amino acids upstream of the channel's canonical PDZ-binding motif that associate electrostatically with a unique structural pocket in the SNX27-PDZ domain. Changing specific charged residues in the channel's carboxyl terminus or in the PDZ domain converts the selective association and functional regulation by SNX27. Elucidation of this unique interaction site between ion channels and PDZ-containing proteins could provide a therapeutic target for treating brain diseases.

Translocation dynamics of sorting nexin 27 in activated T cells

Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) belongs to the sorting nexin family of proteins, which participate in vesicular and protein trafficking. Similarly to all sorting nexin proteins, SNX27 has a functional PX domain that is important for endosome binding, but it is the only sorting nexin with a PDZ domain. We identified SNX27 as a partner of diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ), a negative regulator of T cell function that metabolises diacylglycerol to yield phosphatidic acid. SNX27 interacts with the DGKζ PDZ-binding motif in early/recycling endosomes in resting T cells; however, the dynamics and mechanisms underlying SNX27 subcellular localisation during T cell activation are unknown. We demonstrate that in T cells that encounter pulsed antigen-presenting cells, SNX27 in transit on early/recycling endosomes polarise to the immunological synapse. A fraction of SNX27 accumulates at the mature immunological synapse in a process that is dependent on vesicular trafficking, binding of the PX domain to phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate and the presence of the PDZ region. Downmodulation of expression of either SNX27 or DGKζ results in enhanced basal and antigen-triggered ERK phosphorylation. These results identify SNX27 as a PDZ-containing component of the T cell immunological synapse, and demonstrate a role for this protein in the regulation of the Ras–ERK pathway, suggesting a functional relationship between SNX27 and DGKζ.

Deficiency of sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) leads to growth retardation and elevated levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2C (NR2C)

Phox (PX) domain-containing sorting nexins (SNXs) are emerging as important regulators of endocytic trafficking. Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) is unique, as it contains a PDZ (Psd-95/Dlg/ZO1) domain. We show here that SNX27 is primarily targeted to the early endosome by interaction of its PX domain with PtdIns(3)P. Although targeted ablation of the SNX27 gene in mice did not significantly affect growth and survival during embryonic development, SNX27 plays an essential role in postnatal growth and survival. N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor 2C (NR2C) was identified as a novel SNX27-interacting protein, and this interaction is mediated by the PDZ domain of SNX27 and the C-terminal PDZ-binding motif of NR2C. Increased NR2C expression levels, together with impaired NR2C endocytosis in SNX27(-/-) neurons, indicate that SNX27 may function to regulate endocytosis and/or endosomal sorting of NR2C. This is consistent with a role of SNX27 as a general regulator for sorting of membrane proteins containing a PDZ-binding motif, and its absence may alter the trafficking of these proteins, leading to growth and survival defects.

Role of Cybr, a cytohesin binder and regulator, in CD4(+) T-cell function and host immunity

Cytohesin binder and regulator (Cybr) is known to regulate leukocyte adhesion and migration. However, its function in T-cells is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of Cybr in CD4(+) T-cell function and host immunity. Cybr inhibited p38 phosphorylation following CD4(+) T-cell stimulation. Since p38 regulates the expression of T-box expressed in T-cells (T-bet) but not GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) in T-cells, Cybr decreased the expression of T-bet and IFN-gamma in CD4(+) T-cells. Moreover, we found that host immunity against Listeria infection and IFN-gamma production in blood were significantly compromised in Cybr-overexpressing transgenic mice. In summary, our data suggest that Cybr represses the expression of T-bet and IFN-gamma via an inhibition of p38 in T-cells and consequently reduces host resistance to bacterial infection in mice.

Cybr, CYTIP or CASP: an attempt to pinpoint a molecule's functions and names

Over the last decade several groups, including ourself, have published a series of findings on a molecule expressed in leukocytes. The molecule was termed Cybr, CYTIP or CASP for its functions and PSCDBP for its binding properties. In this review we attempt to chronicle and combine the findings on the molecule to gain an overview of its features.

Gene duplication in early vertebrates results in tissue-specific subfunctionalized adaptor proteins: CASP and GRASP

CASP and GRASP are small cytoplasmic adaptor proteins that share highly similar protein structures as well as an association with the cytohesin/ARNO family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors within the immune and nervous systems respectively. Each contains an N-terminal PDZ domain, a central coiled-coil motif, and a carboxy-terminal PDZ-binding motif (PDZbm). We set out to further characterize the relationship between CASP and GRASP by comparing both their gene structures and their functional motifs across several vertebrate organisms. CASP and GRASP not only share significant protein structure but also share remarkably similar gene structure, with six of eight exons of equal length and relative position. We report on the addition of a unique amino acid within the coiled-coil motif of CASP proteins in several species. We also examine the Class I PDZbm, which is highly conserved across all classes of vertebrates but shows a functionally relevant mutation in the CASP proteins of several species of fish. Further, we determine the evolutionary relationship of these proteins both by use of phylogenetics and by comparative analysis of the conservation of genes near each locus in various chordates including amphioxus. We conclude that CASP and GRASP are the products of a relatively recent gene duplication event in early vertebrate organisms and that the evolution of the adaptive immune system and complex brain most likely contributed to the apparent subfunctionalization of these proteins into tissue-specific roles.

Polarization of endosomal SNX27 in migrating and tumor-engaged Natural Killer cells

Polarization is a critical mechanism for the proper functioning of many cell types. For lymphocytes, it is essential in a variety of processes, including migration from the blood to other tissue sites and vice versa. In NK cells and CTLs, the cytotoxic granule delivery mechanism requires polarization for granule movement to the immunological synapse (IS), in killing tumor and virus-infected cells. Recently, it has become apparent that endosomes are also involved in the cytotoxic mechanism. Using an in vitro conjugation approach, we show that in NK-92 cells, endosomal Sorting Nexin 27 (SNX27) polarizes to the IS during tumor cell engagement in a distinct compartment adjacent to the cytotoxic granules. We also show that SNX27 polarizes to the apical membrane, opposite the uropod, during NK cell migration. These previously unreported results indicate that SNX27 is a participant in NK cell polarization, as a mediator or target of the mechanism.