At the junction of SNARE and SM protein function

Visualization of ER-to-Golgi trafficking of procollagen X

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix of animals, and 28 types of collagen have been reported in humans. We previously analyzed the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi transport of fibril-forming type III collagen (Hirata et al., 2022) and network-forming type IV collagen (Matsui et al., 2020), both of which have long collagenous triple-helical regions. To understand the ER-to-Golgi trafficking of various types of collagens, we analyzed the transport of short-chain type X collagen in this study. We fused cysteine-free GFP to the N-telopeptide region of procollagen X (GFP-COL10A1), as employed in our previous analysis of procollagens III and IV, and analyzed its transport by live-cell imaging. Procollagen X was transported to the Golgi apparatus via vesicular and tubular carriers containing ERGIC53 and RAB1B, similar to those used for procollagen III. Carriers containing procollagen X probably used the same transport processes as those containing conventional cargoes such as α1-antitrypsin. SAR1, TANGO1, SLY1/SCFD1, and BET3/TRAPPC3 were required for trafficking of procollagen X, which are different from the factors required for trafficking of procollagens III (SAR1, TANGO1, and CUL3) and IV (SAR1 and SLY1/SCFD1). These findings reveal that accommodation of various types of collagens with different shapes into carriers may require fine-tuning of the ER-to-Golgi transport machinery.Key words: collagen, GFP-procollagen X, ER-to-Golgi trafficking, export from ER, TANGO1.

Identification of potential drug targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by Mendelian randomization analysis based on brain and plasma proteomics

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a fatal neurodegenerative disease currently lacks effective therapeutic agents. Thus, finding new therapeutic targets to drive disease treatment is necessary. In this study, we utilized brain and plasma proteins as genetic instruments obtained from genome-wide association studies to conduct a Mendelian randomization analysis to identify potential drug targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Additionally, we validated our results externally using other datasets. We also used Bayesian co-localization analysis and phenotype scanning. Furthermore, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network to elucidate potential correlations between the identified proteins and existing targets. Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that elevated levels of ANO5 (OR = 1.30; 95 % CI, 1.14-1.49; P = 1.52E-04), SCFD1 (OR = 3.82; 95 % CI, 2.39-6.10; P = 2.19E-08), and SIGLEC9 (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.07; P = 4.71E-05) are associated with an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, with external validation supporting these findings. Co-localization analysis confirmed that ANO5, SCFD1, and SIGLEC9 (coloc.abf-PPH4 = 0.848, 0.984, and 0.945, respectively) shared the same variant with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, further substantiating potential role of these proteins as a therapeutic target. There are interactive relationships between the potential proteins and existing targets of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Our findings suggested that elevated levels of ANO5, SCFD1, and SIGLEC9 are connected with an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and might be promising therapeutic targets. However, further exploration is necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms involved.

SM protein Sly1 and a SNARE Habc domain promote membrane fusion through multiple mechanisms

SM proteins including Sly1 are essential cofactors of SNARE-mediated membrane fusion. Using SNARE and Sly1 mutants and chemically defined in vitro assays, we separate and assess proposed mechanisms through which Sly1 augments fusion: (i) opening the closed conformation of the Qa-SNARE Sed5; (ii) close-range tethering of vesicles to target organelles, mediated by the Sly1-specific regulatory loop; and (iii) nucleation of productive trans-SNARE complexes. We show that all three mechanisms are important and operate in parallel, and that close-range tethering promotes trans-complex assembly when cis-SNARE assembly is a competing process. Further, we demonstrate that the autoinhibitory N-terminal Habc domain of Sed5 has at least two positive activities: it is needed for correct Sed5 localization, and it directly promotes Sly1-dependent fusion. "Split Sed5," with Habc presented solely as a soluble fragment, can function both in vitro and in vivo. Habc appears to facilitate events leading to lipid mixing rather than promoting opening or stability of the fusion pore.

SNARE chaperone Sly1 directly mediates close-range vesicle tethering

The essential Golgi protein Sly1 is a member of the Sec1/mammalian Unc-18 (SM) family of SNARE chaperones. Sly1 was originally identified through remarkable gain-of-function alleles that bypass requirements for diverse vesicle tethering factors. Employing genetic analyses and chemically defined reconstitutions of ER-Golgi fusion, we discovered that a loop conserved among Sly1 family members is not only autoinhibitory but also acts as a positive effector. An amphipathic lipid packing sensor (ALPS)-like helix within the loop directly binds high-curvature membranes. Membrane binding is required for relief of Sly1 autoinhibition and also allows Sly1 to directly tether incoming vesicles to the Qa-SNARE on the target organelle. The SLY1-20 mutation bypasses requirements for diverse tethering factors but loses this ability if the tethering activity is impaired. We propose that long-range tethers, including Golgins and multisubunit tethering complexes, hand off vesicles to Sly1, which then tethers at close range to initiate trans-SNARE complex assembly and fusion in the early secretory pathway.

Munc18c accelerates SNARE-dependent membrane fusion in the presence of regulatory proteins α-SNAP and NSF

Intracellular vesicle fusion is driven by the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and their cofactors, including Sec1/Munc18 (SM), α-SNAP, and NSF. α-SNAP and NSF play multiple layers of regulatory roles in the SNARE assembly, disassembling the cis-SNARE complex and the prefusion SNARE complex. How SM proteins coupled with NSF and α-SNAP regulate SNARE-dependent membrane fusion remains incompletely understood. Munc18c, an SM protein involved in the exocytosis of the glucose transporter GLUT4, binds and activates target (t-) SNAREs to accelerate the fusion reaction through a SNARE-like peptide (SLP). Here, using an in vitro reconstituted system, we discovered that α-SNAP blocks the GLUT4 SNAREs-mediated membrane fusion. Munc18c interacts with t-SNAREs to displace α-SNAP, which overcomes the fusion inhibition. Furthermore, Munc18c shields the trans-SNARE complex from NSF/α-SNAP-mediated disassembly and accelerates SNARE-dependent fusion kinetics in the presence of NSF and α-SNAP. The SLP in domain 3a is indispensable in Munc18c-assisted resistance to NSF and α-SNAP. Together, our findings demonstrate that Munc18c protects the prefusion SNARE complex from α-SNAP and NSF, promoting SNARE-dependent membrane fusion through its SLP.

KCNH6 channel promotes insulin exocytosis via interaction with Munc18-1 independent of electrophysiological processes

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic islet β-cells primarily relies on electrophysiological processes. Previous research highlighted the regulatory role of KCNH6, a member of the Kv channel family, in governing GSIS through its influence on β-cell electrophysiology. In this study, we unveil a novel facet of KCNH6's function concerning insulin granule exocytosis, independent of its conventional electrical role. Young mice with β-cell-specific KCNH6 knockout (βKO) exhibited impaired glucose tolerance and reduced insulin secretion, a phenomenon not explained by electrophysiological processes alone. Consistently, islets from KCNH6-βKO mice exhibited reduced insulin secretion, conversely, the overexpression of KCNH6 in murine pancreatic islets significantly enhanced insulin release. Moreover, insulin granules lacking KCNH6 demonstrated compromised docking capabilities and a reduced fusion response upon glucose stimulation. Crucially, our investigation unveiled a significant interaction between KCNH6 and the SNARE protein regulator, Munc18-1, a key mediator of insulin granule exocytosis. These findings underscore the critical role of KCNH6 in the regulation of insulin secretion through its interaction with Munc18-1, providing a promising and novel avenue for enhancing our understanding of the Kv channel in diabetes mechanisms.

Characterization of a loss-of-function NSF attachment protein beta mutation in monozygotic triplets affected with epilepsy and autism using cortical neurons from proband-derived and CRISPR-corrected induced pluripotent stem cell lines

We investigated whether a homozygous recessive genetic variant of NSF attachment protein beta (NAPB) gene inherited by monozygotic triplets contributed to their phenotype of early-onset epilepsy and autism. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines were generated from all three probands and both parents. The NAPB genetic variation was corrected in iPSC lines from two probands by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Cortical neurons were produced by directed, in vitro differentiation from all iPSC lines. These cell line-derived neurons enabled us to determine that the genetic variation in the probands causes exon skipping and complete absence of NAPB protein. Electrophysiological and transcriptomic comparisons of cortical neurons derived from parents and probands cell lines indicate that loss of NAPB function contributes to alterations in neuronal functions and likely contributed to the impaired neurodevelopment of the triplets.

Differential Expression of Proteins Associated with Bipolar Disorder as Identified Using the PeptideShaker Software

The prevalence of bipolar disorder (BD) in modern society is growing rapidly, but due to the lack of paraclinical criteria, its differential diagnosis with other mental disorders is somewhat challenging. In this regard, the relevance of proteomic studies is increasing due to the development of methods for processing large data arrays; this contributes to the discovery of protein patterns of pathological processes and the creation of new methods of diagnosis and treatment. It seems promising to search for proteins involved in the pathogenesis of BD in an easily accessible material-blood serum. Sera from BD patients and healthy individuals were purified via affinity chromatography to isolate 14 major proteins and separated using 1D SDS-PAGE. After trypsinolysis, the proteins in the samples were identified via HPLC/mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric data were processed using the OMSSA and X!Tandem search algorithms using the UniProtKB database, and the results were analyzed using PeptideShaker. Differences in proteomes were assessed via an unlabeled NSAF-based analysis using a two-tailed Bonferroni-adjusted t-test. When comparing the blood serum proteomes of BD patients and healthy individuals, 10 proteins showed significant differences in NSAF values. Of these, four proteins were predominantly present in BD patients with the maximum NSAF value: 14-3-3 protein zeta/delta; ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 7; transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3; and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9 protein. Further exploration of the role of these proteins in BD is warranted; conducting such studies will help develop new paraclinical criteria and discover new targets for BD drug therapy.

Endocytic pathways of pathogenic protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases

Endocytosis is the fundamental uptake process through which cells internalize extracellular materials and species. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by a progressive accumulation of intrinsically disordered protein species, leading to neuronal death. Misfolding in many proteins leads to various NDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other disorders. Despite the significance of disordered protein species in neurodegeneration, their spread between cells and the cellular uptake of extracellular species is not entirely understood. This review discusses the major internalization mechanisms of the different conformer species of these proteins and their endocytic mechanisms. We briefly introduce the broad types of endocytic mechanisms found in cells and then summarize what is known about the endocytosis of monomeric, oligomeric and aggregated conformations of tau, Aβ, α-Syn, Huntingtin, Prions, SOD1, TDP-43 and other proteins associated with neurodegeneration. We also highlight the key players involved in internalizing these disordered proteins and the several techniques and approaches to identify their endocytic mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the obstacles involved in studying the endocytosis of these protein species and the need to develop better techniques to elucidate the uptake mechanisms of a particular disordered protein species.

Loss of Sec-1 Family Domain-Containing 1 (scfd1) Causes Severe Cardiac Defects and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Zebrafish

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common heart muscle disorder that frequently leads to heart failure, arrhythmias, and death. While DCM is often heritable, disease-causing mutations are identified in only ~30% of cases. In a forward genetic mutagenesis screen, we identified a novel zebrafish mutant, heart and head (hahvcc43), characterized by early-onset cardiomyopathy and craniofacial defects. Linkage analysis and next-generation sequencing identified a nonsense variant in the highly conserved scfd1 gene, also known as sly1, that encodes sec1 family domain-containing 1. Sec1/Munc18 proteins, such as Scfd1, are involved in membrane fusion regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi transport. CRISPR/Cas9-engineered scfd1vcc44 null mutants showed severe cardiac and craniofacial defects and embryonic lethality that recapitulated the phenotype of hahvcc43 mutants. Electron micrographs of scfd1-depleted cardiomyocytes showed reduced myofibril width and sarcomere density, as well as reticular network disorganization and fragmentation of Golgi stacks. Furthermore, quantitative PCR analysis showed upregulation of ER stress response and apoptosis markers. Both heterozygous hahvcc43 mutants and scfd1vcc44 mutants survived to adulthood, showing chamber dilation and reduced ventricular contraction. Collectively, our data implicate scfd1 loss-of-function as the genetic defect at the hahvcc43 locus and provide new insights into the role of scfd1 in cardiac development and function.

SEC1A and SEC6 synergistically regulate pollen tube polar growth

Pollen tube polar growth is a key physiological activity for angiosperms to complete double fertilization, which is highly dependent on the transport of polar substances mediated by secretory vesicles. The exocyst and Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins are involved in the regulation of the tethering and fusion of vesicles and plasma membranes, but the molecular mechanism by which they regulate pollen tube polar growth is still unclear. In this study, we found that loss of function of SEC1A, a member of the SM protein family in Arabidopsis thaliana, resulted in reducing pollen tube growth and a significant increase in pollen tube width. SEC1A was diffusely distributed in the pollen tube cytoplasm, and was more concentrated at the tip of the pollen tube. Through co-immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry screening, protein interaction analysis and in vivo microscopy, we found that SEC1A interacted with the exocyst subunit SEC6, and they mutually affected the distribution and secretion rate at the tip of the pollen tube. Meanwhile, the functional loss of SEC1A and SEC6 significantly affected the distribution of the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complex member SYP125 at the tip of the pollen tube, and led to the disorder of pollen tube cell wall components. Genetic analysis revealed that the pollen tube-related phenotype of the sec1a sec6 double mutant was significantly enhanced compared with their respective single mutants. Therefore, we speculated that SEC1A and SEC6 cooperatively regulate the fusion of secretory vesicles and plasma membranes in pollen tubes, thereby affecting the length and the width of pollen tubes.

VPS45 is required for both diffuse and tip growth of Arabidopsis thaliana cells

INTRODUCTION

VPS45 belongs to the Sec1/Munc18 family of proteins, which interact with and regulate Qa-SNARE function during membrane fusion. We have shown previously that Arabidopsis thaliana VPS45 interacts with the SYP61/SYP41/VTI12 SNARE complex, which locates on the trans-Golgi network (TGN). It is required for SYP41 stability, and it functions in cargo trafficking to the vacuole and in cell expansion. It is also required for correct auxin distribution during gravitropism and lateral root growth.

RESULTS

As vps45 knockout mutation is lethal in Arabidopsis, we identified a mutant, vps45-3, with a point mutation in the VPS45 gene causing a serine 284-to-phenylalanine substitution. The VPS45-3 protein is stable and maintains interaction with SYP61 and SYP41. However, vps45-3 plants display severe growth defects with significantly reduced organ and cell size, similar to vps45 RNAi transgenic lines that have reduced VPS45 protein levels. Root hair and pollen tube elongation, both processes of tip growth, are highly compromised in vps45-3. Mutant root hairs are shorter and thicker than those of wild-type plants, and are wavy. These root hairs have vacuolar defects, containing many small vacuoles, compared with WT root hairs with a single large vacuole occupying much of the cell volume. Pollen tubes were also significantly shorter in vps45-3 compared to WT.

DISCUSSION

We thus show that VPS45 is essential for proper tip growth and propose that the observed vacuolar defects lead to loss of the turgor pressure needed for tip growth.

Rab GTPases, tethers, and SNAREs work together to regulate Arabidopsis cell plate formation

Cell plates are transient structures formed by the fusion of vesicles at the center of the dividing plane; furthermore, these are precursors to new cell walls and are essential for cytokinesis. Cell plate formation requires a highly coordinated process of cytoskeletal rearrangement, vesicle accumulation and fusion, and membrane maturation. Tethering factors have been shown to interact with the Ras superfamily of small GTP binding proteins (Rab GTPases) and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), which are essential for cell plate formation during cytokinesis and are fundamental for maintaining normal plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis thaliana, members of the Rab GTPases, tethers, and SNAREs are localized in cell plates, and mutations in the genes encoding these proteins result in typical cytokinesis-defective phenotypes, such as the formation of abnormal cell plates, multinucleated cells, and incomplete cell walls. This review highlights recent findings on vesicle trafficking during cell plate formation mediated by Rab GTPases, tethers, and SNAREs.

Assembly-promoting protein Munc18c stimulates SNARE-dependent membrane fusion through its SNARE-like peptide

Intracellular vesicle fusion requires the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and their cognate Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins. How SM proteins act in concert with trans-SNARE complexes to promote membrane fusion remains incompletely understood. Munc18c, a broadly distributed SM protein, selectively regulates multiple exocytotic pathways, including GLUT4 exocytosis. Here, using an in vitro reconstituted system, we discovered a SNARE-like peptide (SLP), conserved in Munc18-1 of synaptic exocytosis, is crucial to the stimulatory activity of Munc18c in vesicle fusion. The direct stimulation of the SNARE-mediated fusion reaction by SLP further supported the essential role of this fragment. Interestingly, we found SLP strongly accelerates the membrane fusion rate when anchored to the target membrane but not the vesicle membrane, suggesting it primarily interacts with t-SNAREs in cis to drive fusion. Furthermore, we determined the SLP fragment is competitive with the full-length Munc18c protein and specific to the cognate v-SNARE isoforms, supporting how it could resemble Munc18c’s activity in membrane fusion. Together, our findings demonstrate that Munc18c facilitates SNARE-dependent membrane fusion through SLP, revealing that the t-SNARE-SLP binding mode might be a conserved mechanism for the stimulatory function of SM proteins in vesicle fusion.

On the difficulties of characterizing weak protein interactions that are critical for neurotransmitter release

The mechanism of neurotransmitter release has been extensively characterized, showing that vesicle fusion is mediated by the SNARE complex formed by syntaxin-1, SNAP-25 and synaptobrevin. This complex is disassembled by N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and SNAPs to recycle the SNAREs, whereas Munc18-1 and Munc13s organize SNARE complex assembly in an NSF-SNAP-resistant manner. Synaptotagmin-1 acts as the Ca²⁺ sensor that triggers exocytosis in a tight interplay with the SNAREs and complexins. Here, we review technical aspects associated with investigation of protein interactions underlying these steps, which is hindered because the release machinery is assembled between two membranes and is highly dynamic. Moreover, weak interactions, which are difficult to characterize, play key roles in neurotransmitter release, for instance by lowering energy barriers that need to be overcome in this highly regulated process. We illustrate the crucial role that structural biology has played in uncovering mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release, but also discuss the importance of considering the limitations of the techniques used, including lessons learned from research in our lab and others. In particular, we emphasize: (a) the promiscuity of some protein sequences, including membrane-binding regions that can mediate irrelevant interactions with proteins in the absence of their native targets; (b) the need to ensure that weak interactions observed in crystal structures are biologically relevant; and (c) the limitations of isothermal titration calorimetry to analyze weak interactions. Finally, we stress that even studies that required re-interpretation often helped to move the field forward by improving our understanding of the system and providing testable hypotheses.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neurotransmitter Release

Major recent advances and previous data have led to a plausible model of how key proteins mediate neurotransmitter release. In this model, the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) proteins syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin form tight complexes that bring the membranes together and are crucial for membrane fusion. NSF and SNAPs disassemble SNARE complexes and ensure that fusion occurs through an exquisitely regulated pathway that starts with Munc18-1 bound to a closed conformation of syntaxin-1. Munc18-1 also binds to synaptobrevin, forming a template to assemble the SNARE complex when Munc13-1 opens syntaxin-1 while bridging the vesicle and plasma membranes. Synaptotagmin-1 and complexin bind to partially assembled SNARE complexes, likely stabilizing them and preventing fusion until Ca²⁺ binding to synaptotagmin-1 causes dissociation from the SNARE complex and induces interactions with phospholipids that help trigger release. Although fundamental questions remain about the mechanism of membrane fusion, these advances provide a framework to investigate the mechanisms underlying presynaptic plasticity.

Lack of an association between SCFD1 rs10139154 polymorphism and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Through a genome‑wide association study (GWAS), the Sec1 family domain‑containing protein 1 (SCFD1) rs10139154 variant at 14q12 has emerged as a risk factor gene for ALS. Moreover, it has been reported to influence the age at onset (AAO) of patients with ALS. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of the SCFD1 rs10139154 polymorphism with the risk of developing ALS. For this purpose, 155 patients with sporadic ALS and 155 healthy controls were genotyped for the SCFD1 rs10139154. The effect of the SCFD1 rs10139154 polymorphism was then examined on the following parameters: i) The risk of developing ALS; ii) the AAO of ALS; iii) the site of ALS onset (patients with bulbar onset ALS vs. healthy controls; and patients with limb onset ALS vs. healthy controls); and iv) the AAO of ALS onset with subgroup analyses based on the site of onset (bulbar and limb, crude and adjusted for sex). The analysis of all the outcomes was performed assuming five genetic models. Crude and adjusted analyses were applied. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05. The results revealed no association between SCFD1 rs10139154 and any of the examined phenotypes in any of the models examined. On the whole, based on the findings of the present study, SCFD1 rs10139154 does not appear to play a determining role in the risk of developing ALS.

Hypothesis Relating the Structure, Biochemistry and Function of Active Zone Material Macromolecules at a Neuromuscular Junction

This report integrates knowledge of in situ macromolecular structures and synaptic protein biochemistry to propose a unified hypothesis for the regulation of certain vesicle trafficking events (i.e., docking, priming, Ca²⁺-triggering, and membrane fusion) that lead to neurotransmitter secretion from specialized “active zones” of presynaptic axon terminals. Advancements in electron tomography, to image tissue sections in 3D at nanometer scale resolution, have led to structural characterizations of a network of different classes of macromolecules at the active zone, called “Active Zone Material’. At frog neuromuscular junctions, the classes of Active Zone Material macromolecules “top-masts”, “booms”, “spars”, “ribs” and “pins” direct synaptic vesicle docking while “pins”, “ribs” and “pegs” regulate priming to influence Ca²⁺-triggering and membrane fusion. Other classes, “beams”, “steps”, “masts”, and “synaptic vesicle luminal filaments’ likely help organize and maintain the structural integrity of active zones. Extensive studies on the biochemistry that regulates secretion have led to comprehensive characterizations of the many conserved proteins universally involved in these trafficking events. Here, a hypothesis including a partial proteomic atlas of Active Zone Material is presented which considers the common roles, binding partners, physical features/structure, and relative positioning in the axon terminal of both the proteins and classes of macromolecules involved in the vesicle trafficking events. The hypothesis designates voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels and Ca²⁺-gated K⁺ channels to ribs and pegs that are connected to macromolecules that span the presynaptic membrane at the active zone. SNARE proteins (Syntaxin, SNAP25, and Synaptobrevin), SNARE-interacting proteins Synaptotagmin, Munc13, Munc18, Complexin, and NSF are designated to ribs and/or pins. Rab3A and Rabphillin-3A are designated to top-masts and/or booms and/or spars. RIM, Bassoon, and Piccolo are designated to beams, steps, masts, ribs, spars, booms, and top-masts. Spectrin is designated to beams. Lastly, the luminal portions of SV2 are thought to form the bulk of the observed synaptic vesicle luminal filaments. The goal here is to help direct future studies that aim to bridge Active Zone Material structure, biochemistry, and function to ultimately determine how it regulates the trafficking events in vivo that lead to neurotransmitter secretion.

Efficacy of levetiracetam in STXBP1 encephalopathy with different phenotypic and genetic spectra

OBJECTIVE

Syntaxin binding protein 1 (STXBP1) plays an important role in the release of synaptic vesicles. STXBP1-related encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction caused by STXBP1 variation. Levetiracetam (LEV) exerts antiepileptic effects by binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A). This study aimed to analyze the prognosis of LEV treatment of STXBP1 encephalopathy (STXBP1-E) and the correlation among genotype, phenotype, and LEV efficacy.

METHODS

Patients with pathogenic STXBP1 variants were collected from multiple centers, and their clinical history, video electroencephalogram (vEEG) characteristics, imaging examination data, and anti-seizure medication (ASM) history were systematically analyzed. The ASMs related to the prognosis were explored.

RESULTS

Forty patients with STXBP1-E were enrolled in this study. The detailed ASM usage of 37 patients was recorded without intervening in ASM selection. At the endpoint of six months treatment, the results of Fisher's exact test showed that in all ASMs, LEV affected the prognosis of patients with STXBP1-E. LEV was effective in improving the partial remission rate but did not achieve seizure freedom. However, LEV monotherapy could achieve seizure freedom in patients with other early-onset epileptic and encephalopathy. For refractory West syndrome (WS) or Ohtahara syndrome (OS), LEV combined with other ASMs could improve the seizure remission rate.

CONCLUSION

LEV increased the seizure reduction rate and improved the vEEG characteristics in patients with STXBP1-E, but not seizure freedom. LEV combined with other ASMs could increase the seizure reduction rate, especially for refractory WS or OS. Thus, LEV could be considered after identifying the pathogenicity of STXBP1 variants.

mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of VAMP8 and SCFD1 regulates autophagosome maturation

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1) has been shown to regulate autophagy at different steps. However, how mTORC1 regulates the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive protein receptor (SNARE) complex remains elusive. Here we show that mTORC1 inhibits formation of the SNARE complex (STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8) by phosphorylating VAMP8, thereby blocking autophagosome-lysosome fusion. A VAMP8 phosphorylation mimic mutant is unable to promote autophagosome-lysosome fusion in vitro. Furthermore, we identify SCFD1, a Sec1/Munc18-like protein, that localizes to the autolysosome and is required for SNARE complex formation and autophagosome-lysosome fusion. VAMP8 promotes SCFD1 recruitment to autolysosomes when dephosphorylated. Consistently, phosphorylated VAMP8 or SCFD1 depletion inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and expression of phosphomimic VAMP8 leads to increased lipid droplet accumulation when expressed in mouse liver. Thus, our study supports that mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation of VAMP8 blocks SCFD1 recruitment, thereby inhibiting STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8 complex formation and autophagosome-lysosome fusion.

Autophagy relies on coordinated fusion of organelle membranes, although the interplay between the regulatory machinery is not well studied. Here, the authors show that SNARE complex formation is inhibited by mTORC1 phosphorylation of VAMP8, which prevents autophagosome-lysosome fusion.

The Protein Phosphatase PP2A Plays Multiple Roles in Plant Development by Regulation of Vesicle Traffic-Facts and Questions

The protein phosphatase PP2A is essential for the control of integrated eukaryotic cell functioning. Several cellular and developmental events, e.g., plant growth regulator (PGR) mediated signaling pathways are regulated by reversible phosphorylation of vesicle traffic proteins. Reviewing present knowledge on the relevant role of PP2A is timely. We discuss three aspects: (1) PP2A regulates microtubule-mediated vesicle delivery during cell plate assembly. PP2A dephosphorylates members of the microtubule associated protein family MAP65, promoting their binding to microtubules. Regulation of phosphatase activity leads to changes in microtubule organization, which affects vesicle traffic towards cell plate and vesicle fusion to build the new cell wall between dividing cells. (2) PP2A-mediated inhibition of target of rapamycin complex (TORC) dependent signaling pathways contributes to autophagy and this has possible connections to the brassinosteroid signaling pathway. (3) Transcytosis of vesicles transporting PIN auxin efflux carriers. PP2A regulates vesicle localization and recycling of PINs related to GNOM (a GTP-GDP exchange factor) mediated pathways. The proper intracellular traffic of PINs is essential for auxin distribution in the plant body, thus in whole plant development. Overall, PP2A has essential roles in membrane interactions of plant cell and it is crucial for plant development and stress responses.

The Interaction of Munc18-1 Helix 11 and 12 with the Central Region of the VAMP2 SNARE Motif Is Essential for SNARE Templating and Synaptic Transmission

Sec1/Munc18 proteins play a key role in initiating the assembly of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes, the molecular fusion machinery. Employing comparative structure modeling, site specific crosslinking by single amino acid substitutions with the photoactivatable unnatural amino acid p-Benzoyl-phenylalanine (Bpa) and reconstituted vesicle docking/fusion assays, we mapped the binding interface between Munc18-1 and the neuronal v-SNARE VAMP2 with single amino acid resolution. Our results show that helices 11 and 12 of domain 3a in Munc18-1 interact with the VAMP2 SNARE motif covering the region from layers -4 to +5. Residue Q301 in helix 11 plays a pivotal role in VAMP2 binding and template complex formation. A VAMP2 binding deficient mutant, Munc18-1 Q301D, does not stimulate lipid mixing in a reconstituted fusion assay. The neuronal SNARE-organizer Munc13-1, which also binds VAMP2, does not bypass the requirement for the Munc18-1·VAMP2 interaction. Importantly, Munc18-1 Q301D expression in Munc18-1 deficient neurons severely reduces synaptic transmission, demonstrating the physiological significance of the Munc18-1·VAMP2 interaction.

STXBP2-R190C Variant in a Patient With Neonatal Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and G6PD Deficiency Reveals a Critical Role of STXBP2 Domain 2 on Granule Exocytosis

Neonatal hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a medical emergency that can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Often these patients present with familial HLH (f-HLH), which is caused by gene mutations interfering with the cytolytic pathway of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells. Here we describe a male newborn who met the HLH diagnostic criteria, presented with profound cholestasis, and carried a maternally inherited heterozygous mutation in syntaxin-binding protein-2 [STXBP2, c.568C>T (p.Arg190Cys)] in addition to a severe pathogenic variant in glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD, hemizygous c.1153T>C (Cys385Arg)]. Although mutations in STXBP2 gene are associated with f-HLH type 5, the clinical and biological relevance of the p.Arg190Cys mutation identified in this patient was uncertain. To assess its role in disease pathogenesis, we performed functional assays and biochemical and microscopic studies. We found that p.Arg190Cys mutation did not alter the expression or subcellular localization of STXBP2 or STX11, neither impaired the STXBP2/STX11 interaction. In contrast, forced expression of the mutated protein into normal CTLs strongly inhibited degranulation and reduced the cytolytic activity outcompeting the effect of endogenous wild-type STXBP2. Interestingly, arginine 190 is located in a structurally conserved region of STXBP2 where other f-HLH-5 mutations have been identified. Collectively, data strongly suggest that STXBP2-R190C is a deleterious variant that may act in a dominant-negative manner by probably stabilizing non-productive interactions between STXBP2/STX11 complex and other still unknown factors such as the membrane surface or Munc13-4 protein and thus impairing the release of cytolytic granules. In addition to the contribution of STXBP2-R190C to f-HLH, the accompanied G6PD mutation may have compounded the clinical symptoms; however, the extent by which G6PD deficiency has contributed to HLH in our patient remains unclear.

Roles of Mso1 and the SM protein Sec1 in efficient vesicle fusion during fission yeast cytokinesis

Membrane trafficking during cytokinesis is essential for the delivery of membrane lipids and cargoes to the division site. However, the molecular mechanisms are still incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of uncharacterized fission yeast proteins Mso1 and Sec1 in membrane trafficking during cytokinesis. Fission yeast Mso1 shares homology with budding yeast Mso1 and human Mint1, proteins that interact with Sec1/Munc18 family proteins during vesicle fusion. Sec1/Munc18 proteins and their interactors are important regulators of SNARE complex formation during vesicle fusion. The roles of these proteins in vesicle trafficking during cytokinesis have been barely studied. Here, we show that fission yeast Mso1 is also a Sec1-binding protein and Mso1 and Sec1 localize to the division site interdependently during cytokinesis. The loss of Sec1 localization in mso1Δ cells results in a decrease in vesicle fusion and cytokinesis defects such as slow ring constriction, defective ring disassembly, and delayed plasma membrane closure. We also find that Mso1 and Sec1 may have functions independent of the exocyst tethering complex on the plasma membrane at the division site. Together, Mso1 and Sec1 play essential roles in regulating vesicle fusion and cargo delivery at the division site during cytokinesis.

SNAREs, tethers and SM proteins: how to overcome the final barriers to membrane fusion?

Physiological membrane vesicles are built to separate reaction spaces in a stable manner, even when they accidentally collide or are kept in apposition by spatial constraints in the cell. This requires a natural resistance to fusion and mixing of their content, which originates from substantial energetic barriers to membrane fusion [1]. To facilitate intracellular membrane fusion reactions in a controlled manner, proteinaceous fusion machineries have evolved. An important open question is whether protein fusion machineries actively pull the fusion reaction over the present free energy barriers, or whether they rather catalyze fusion by lowering those barriers. At first sight, fusion proteins such as SNARE complexes and viral fusion proteins appear to act as nano-machines, which mechanically transduce force to the membranes and thereby overcome the free energy barriers [2,3]. Whether fusion proteins additionally alter the free energy landscape of the fusion reaction via catalytic roles is less obvious. This is a question that we shall discuss in this review, with particular focus on the influence of the eukaryotic SNARE-dependent fusion machinery on the final step of the reaction, the formation and expansion of the fusion pore.

Characteristics of SNARE proteins are defined by distinctive properties of SNARE motifs

BACKGROUND

Syntaxin-1A and Sso1 are syntaxin family SNARE proteins engaged in synaptic vesicle fusion and yeast exocytosis. The syntaxin-1A SNARE motif can form a fusogenic SNARE complex with Sso1 partners. However, a chimera in which the SNARE motif in syntaxin-1A is introduced into Sso1 was not functional in yeast because the chimera is retained in the ER. Through the analysis of the transport defect of Sso1/syntaxin-1A chimeric SNAREs, we found that their SNARE motifs have distinctive properties.

METHODS

Sso1, syntaxin-1A, and Sso1/syntaxin-1A chimeric SNAREs were expressed in yeast cells and their localization and interaction with other SNAREs are analyzed.

RESULTS

SNARE proteins containing the syntaxin-1A SNARE motif exhibit a transport defect because they form a cis-SNARE complex in the ER. Ectopic SNARE complex formation can be prevented in syntaxin-1A by binding to a Sec1/Munc-18-like (SM) protein. In contrast, the SNARE motif of Sso1 does not form an ectopic SNARE complex. Additionally, we found that the SNARE motif in syntaxin-1A, but not that in Sso1, self-interacts, even when it is in the inactive form and bound to the SM protein.

CONCLUSIONS

The SNARE motif in syntaxin-1A, but not in Sso1, likely forms ectopic SNARE complex. Because of this property, the SM protein is necessary for syntaxin-1A to prevent its promiscuous assembly and to promote its export from the ER.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Properties of SNARE motifs affect characteristics of SNARE proteins. The regulatory mechanisms of SNARE proteins are, in part, designed to handle such properties.

Exogenous carbon monoxide suppresses LPS-Induced platelet SNAREs complex assembly and α-granule exocytosis via integrin αIIbβ3-Mediated PKCθ/Munc18a pathway

Activation of coagulation occurs in sepsis and contributes to the development of thrombosis. Platelet α-granule exocytosis plays an important role in septic coagulation abnormalities. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of exogenous carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide-releasing molecules II (CORM-2)-liberated CO, on suppressing platelet α-granule exocytosis in sepsis. It was shown that CORM-2 weakened α-granule membrane fusion with platelet plasma membrane and attenuated α-granule contents exocytosis in LPS-Induced platelet. Further studies revealed that CORM-2 suppressed the expression of integrin α_IIbβ₃ in platelets stimulated by LPS. This was accompanied by a decrease in production and phosphorylation of PKCθ and Munc18a, SNARE complex assembly and subsequently platelet α-granule exocytosis. Taken together, we suggested that the potential mechanism of suppressive effect of CORM-2 on LPS-induced platelet SNAREs complex assembly and α-Granule Exocytosis might involve integrin α_IIbβ₃-mediated PKCθ/Munc18a pathway activation.

Resolving kinetic intermediates during the regulated assembly and disassembly of fusion pores

The opening of a fusion pore during exocytosis creates the first aqueous connection between the lumen of a vesicle and the extracellular space. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) mediate the formation of these dynamic structures, and their kinetic transitions are tightly regulated by accessory proteins at the synapse. Here, we utilize two single molecule approaches, nanodisc-based planar bilayer electrophysiology and single-molecule FRET, to address the relationship between SNARE complex assembly and rapid (micro-millisecond) fusion pore transitions, and to define the role of accessory proteins. Synaptotagmin (syt) 1, a major Ca²⁺-sensor for synaptic vesicle exocytosis, drove the formation of an intermediate: committed trans-SNARE complexes that form large, stable pores. Once open, these pores could only be closed by the action of the ATPase, NSF. Time-resolved measurements revealed that NSF-mediated pore closure occurred via a complex ‘stuttering’ mechanism. This simplified system thus reveals the dynamic formation and dissolution of fusion pores.

SNAREs mediate the formation of a fusion pore during exocytosis which connects the lumen of a vesicle with the extracellular space. Here, authors use single molecule approaches to define the role of synaptotagmin 1 and NSF in synaptic pore formation and dissolution.

SNARE Complex-Associated Proteins and Alcohol

Alcohol addiction causes major health problems throughout the world, causing numerous deaths and incurring a huge economic burden to society. To develop an intervention for alcohol addiction, it is necessary to identify molecular target(s) of alcohol and associated molecular mechanisms of alcohol action. The functions of many central and peripheral synapses are impacted by low concentrations of ethanol (EtOH). While the postsynaptic targets and mechanisms are studied extensively, there are limited studies on the presynaptic targets and mechanisms. This article is an endeavor in this direction, focusing on the effect of EtOH on the presynaptic proteins associated with the neurotransmitter release machinery. Studies on the effects of EtOH at the levels of gene, protein, and behavior are highlighted in this article.

New factors for protein transport identified by a genome-wide CRISPRi screen in mammalian cells

Protein and membrane trafficking pathways are critical for cell and tissue homeostasis. Traditional genetic and biochemical approaches have shed light on basic principles underlying these processes. However, the list of factors required for secretory pathway function remains incomplete, and mechanisms involved in their adaptation poorly understood. Here, we present a powerful strategy based on a pooled genome-wide CRISPRi screen that allowed the identification of new factors involved in protein transport. Two newly identified factors, TTC17 and CCDC157, localized along the secretory pathway and were found to interact with resident proteins of ER-Golgi membranes. In addition, we uncovered that upon TTC17 knockdown, the polarized organization of Golgi cisternae was altered, creating glycosylation defects, and that CCDC157 is an important factor for the fusion of transport carriers to Golgi membranes. In conclusion, our work identified and characterized new actors in the mechanisms of protein transport and secretion and opens stimulating perspectives for the use of our platform in physiological and pathological contexts.

Stx5-Mediated ER-Golgi Transport in Mammals and Yeast

The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) syntaxin 5 (Stx5) in mammals and its ortholog Sed5p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae mediate anterograde and retrograde endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi trafficking. Stx5 and Sed5p are structurally highly conserved and are both regulated by interactions with other ER-Golgi SNARE proteins, the Sec1/Munc18-like protein Scfd1/Sly1p and the membrane tethering complexes COG, p115, and GM130. Despite these similarities, yeast Sed5p and mammalian Stx5 are differently recruited to COPII-coated vesicles, and Stx5 interacts with the microtubular cytoskeleton, whereas Sed5p does not. In this review, we argue that these different Stx5 interactions contribute to structural differences in ER-Golgi transport between mammalian and yeast cells. Insight into the function of Stx5 is important given its essential role in the secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells and its involvement in infections and neurodegenerative diseases.

The multi-functional SNARE protein Ykt6 in autophagosomal fusion processes

Autophagy is a degradative pathway in which cytosolic material is enwrapped within double membrane vesicles, so-called autophagosomes, and delivered to lytic organelles. SNARE (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins are key to drive membrane fusion of the autophagosome and the lytic organelles, called lysosomes in higher eukaryotes or vacuoles in plants and yeast. Therefore, the identification of functional SNARE complexes is central for understanding fusion processes and their regulation. The SNARE proteins Syntaxin 17, SNAP29 and Vamp7/VAMP8 are responsible for the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes in higher eukaryotes. Recent studies reported that the R-SNARE Ykt6 is an additional SNARE protein involved in autophagosome-lytic organelle fusion in yeast, Drosophila, and mammals. These current findings point to an evolutionarily conserved role of Ykt6 in autophagosome-related fusion events. Here, we briefly summarize the principal mechanisms of autophagosome-lytic organelle fusion, with a special focus on Ykt6 to highlight some intrinsic features of this unusual SNARE protein.

Functional Reconstitution of Intracellular Vesicle Fusion Using Purified SNAREs and Sec1/Munc18 (SM) Proteins

The fusion of intracellular vesicles with target membranes is mediated by two classes of conserved molecules-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAP receptors or SNAREs) and Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins. A conserved function of SM proteins is to recognize their cognate trans-SNARE complexes and accelerate fusion kinetics. Here, we describe a physiologically relevant reconstitution system in which macromolecular crowding agents are included to recapitulate the crowded intracellular environment. Through this system, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which SNAREs and SM proteins drive vesicle fusion.

Endocytic trafficking factor VPS45 is essential for spatial regulation of lens fiber differentiation in zebrafish

In vertebrate lens, lens epithelial cells cover the anterior half of the lens fiber core. Lens epithelial cells proliferate, move posteriorly and start to differentiate into lens fiber cells at the lens equator. Although FGF signaling promotes this equatorial commencement of lens fiber differentiation, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we show that lens epithelial cells abnormally enter lens fiber differentiation without passing through the equator in zebrafish vps45 mutants. VPS45 belongs to the Sec1/Munc18-like protein family and promotes endosome trafficking, which differentially modulates signal transduction. Ectopic lens fiber differentiation in vps45 mutants does not depend on FGF, but is mediated through activation of TGFβ signaling and inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling. Thus, VPS45 normally suppresses lens fiber differentiation in the anterior region of lens epithelium by modulating TGFβ and canonical Wnt signaling pathways. These data indicate a novel role of endosome trafficking to ensure equator-dependent commencement of lens fiber differentiation.

Summary: The endocytic regulator VPS45 suppresses FGF-independent lens fiber differentiation and ensures the spatial pattern of lens development.

Beneficial Effect of a Selective Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist in the APPswe/PS1dE9 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Consumption of caffeine, a non-selective adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR) antagonist, reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mitigates both amyloid and Tau lesions in transgenic mouse models of the disease. While short-term treatment with A_2AR antagonists have been shown to alleviate cognitive deficits in mouse models of amyloidogenesis, impact of a chronic and long-term treatment on the development of amyloid burden, associated neuroinflammation and memory deficits has never been assessed. In the present study, we have evaluated the effect of a 6-month treatment of APPsw/PS1dE9 mice with the potent and selective A_2AR antagonist MSX-3 from 3 to 9-10 months of age. At completion of the treatment, we found that the MSX-3 treatment prevented the development of memory deficits in APP/PS1dE9 mice, without significantly altering hippocampal and cortical gene expressions. Interestingly, MSX-3 treatment led to a significant decrease of Aβ1-42 levels in the cortex of APP/PS1dE9 animals, while Aβ1-40 increased, thereby strongly affecting the Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 ratio. Together, these data support the idea that A_2AR blockade is of therapeutic value for AD.

Mechanism of neurotransmitter release coming into focus

Research for three decades and major recent advances have provided crucial insights into how neurotransmitters are released by Ca²⁺ -triggered synaptic vesicle exocytosis, leading to reconstitution of basic steps that underlie Ca²⁺ -dependent membrane fusion and yielding a model that assigns defined functions for central components of the release machinery. The soluble N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin-2 form a tight SNARE complex that brings the vesicle and plasma membranes together and is key for membrane fusion. N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and soluble NSF attachment proteins (SNAPs) disassemble the SNARE complex to recycle the SNAREs for another round of fusion. Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 orchestrate SNARE complex formation in an NSF-SNAP-resistant manner by a mechanism whereby Munc18-1 binds to synaptobrevin and to a self-inhibited "closed" conformation of syntaxin-1, thus forming a template to assemble the SNARE complex, and Munc13-1 facilitates assembly by bridging the vesicle and plasma membranes and catalyzing opening of syntaxin-1. Synaptotagmin-1 functions as the major Ca²⁺ sensor that triggers release by binding to membrane phospholipids and to the SNAREs, in a tight interplay with complexins that accelerates membrane fusion. Many of these proteins act as both inhibitors and activators of exocytosis, which is critical for the exquisite regulation of neurotransmitter release. It is still unclear how the actions of these various proteins and multiple other components that control release are integrated and, in particular, how they induce membrane fusion, but it can be expected that these fundamental questions can be answered in the near future, building on the extensive knowledge already available.

Identification of STXBP2 as a novel susceptibility locus for myocardial infarction in Japanese individuals by an exome-wide association study

We performed exome-wide association studies to identify genetic variants—in particular, low-frequency variants with a large effect size—that confer susceptibility to coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction in Japanese. The exome-wide association studies were performed with 12,698 individuals (3488 subjects with coronary artery disease including 2438 with myocardial infarction, 9210 controls) and with the use of the Illumina HumanExome-12 DNA Analysis or Infinium Exome-24 BeadChip. The relation of allele frequencies for 41,339 single nucleotide polymorphisms that passed quality control to coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction was examined with Fisher's exact test. The exome-wide association study for coronary artery disease revealed that 126 single nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly (P <1.21 × 10⁻⁶) associated with this condition. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex, and the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia showed that six of these polymorphisms were related (P < 0.01) to coronary artery disease, but none was significantly (P < 9.92 × 10⁻⁵) associated with this condition. The exome-wide association study for myocardial infarction revealed that 114 single nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly (P <1.21 × 10⁻⁶) associated with this condition. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for covariates revealed that nine of these polymorphisms were related (P < 0.01) to myocardial infarction. Among these nine polymorphisms, rs188212047 [G/T (L212F)] of STXBP2 was significantly (dominant model; P = 4.84 × 10⁻⁸; odds ratio, 2.94) associated with myocardial infarction. STXBP2 may thus be a novel susceptibility locus for myocardial infarction in Japanese.

SNARE phosphorylation: a control mechanism for insulin-stimulated glucose transport and other regulated exocytic events

Trafficking within eukaryotic cells is a complex and highly regulated process; events such as recycling of plasma membrane receptors, formation of multivesicular bodies, regulated release of hormones and delivery of proteins to membranes all require directionality and specificity. The underpinning processes, including cargo selection, membrane fusion, trafficking flow and timing, are controlled by a variety of molecular mechanisms and engage multiple families of lipids and proteins. Here, we will focus on control of trafficking processes via the action of the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) family of proteins, in particular their regulation by phosphorylation. We will describe how these proteins are controlled in a range of regulated trafficking events, with particular emphasis on the insulin-stimulated delivery of glucose transporters to the surface of adipose and muscle cells. Here, we focus on a few examples of SNARE phosphorylation which exemplify distinct ways in which SNARE machinery phosphorylation may regulate membrane fusion.

A tethering complex drives the terminal stage of SNARE-dependent membrane fusion

Membrane fusion in eukaryotic cells mediates the biogenesis of organelles, vesicular traffic between them, and exo- and endocytosis of important signalling molecules, such as hormones and neurotransmitters. Distinct tasks in intracellular membrane fusion have been assigned to conserved protein systems. Tethering proteins mediate the initial recognition and attachment of membranes, whereas SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) protein complexes are considered as the core fusion engine. SNARE complexes provide mechanical energy to distort membranes and drive them through a hemifusion intermediate towards the formation of a fusion pore. This last step is highly energy-demanding. Here we combine the in vivo and in vitro fusion of yeast vacuoles with molecular simulations to show that tethering proteins are critical for overcoming the final energy barrier to fusion pore formation. SNAREs alone drive vacuoles only into the hemifused state. Tethering proteins greatly increase the volume of SNARE complexes and deform the site of hemifusion, which lowers the energy barrier for pore opening and provides the driving force. Thereby, tethering proteins assume a crucial mechanical role in the terminal stage of membrane fusion that is likely to be conserved at multiple steps of vesicular traffic. We therefore propose that SNAREs and tethering proteins should be considered as a single, non-dissociable device that drives fusion. The core fusion machinery may then be larger and more complex than previously thought.

Evidence for a conserved inhibitory binding mode between the membrane fusion assembly factors Munc18 and syntaxin in animals

The membrane fusion necessary for vesicle trafficking is driven by the assembly of heterologous SNARE proteins orchestrated by the binding of Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins to specific syntaxin SNARE proteins. However, the precise mode of interaction between SM proteins and SNAREs is debated, as contrasting binding modes have been found for different members of the SM protein family, including the three vertebrate Munc18 isoforms. While different binding modes could be necessary, given their roles in different secretory processes in different tissues, the structural similarity of the three isoforms makes this divergence perplexing. Although the neuronal isoform Munc18a is well-established to bind tightly to both the closed conformation and the N-peptide of syntaxin 1a, thereby inhibiting SNARE complex formation, Munc18b and -c, which have a more widespread distribution, are reported to mainly interact with the N-peptide of their partnering syntaxins and are thought to instead promote SNARE complex formation. We have reinvestigated the interaction between Munc18c and syntaxin 4 (Syx4). Using isothermal titration calorimetry, we found that Munc18c, like Munc18a, binds to both the closed conformation and the N-peptide of Syx4. Furthermore, using a novel kinetic approach, we found that Munc18c, like Munc18a, slows down SNARE complex formation through high-affinity binding to syntaxin. This strongly suggests that secretory Munc18s in general control the accessibility of the bound syntaxin, probably preparing it for SNARE complex assembly.

Munc18a clusters SNARE-bearing liposomes prior to trans-SNARE zippering

Sec1-Munc18 (SM) proteins co-operate with SNAREs {SNAP [soluble NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor) attachment protein] receptors} to mediate membrane fusion in eukaryotic cells. Studies of Munc18a/Munc18-1/Stxbp1 in neurotransmission suggest that SM proteins accelerate fusion kinetics primarily by activating the partially zippered trans-SNARE complex. However, accumulating evidence has argued for additional roles for SM proteins in earlier steps in the fusion cascade. Here, we investigate the function of Munc18a in reconstituted exocytic reactions mediated by neuronal and non-neuronal SNAREs. We show that Munc18a plays a direct role in promoting proteoliposome clustering, underlying vesicle docking during exocytosis. In the three different fusion reactions examined, Munc18a-dependent clustering requires an intact N-terminal peptide (N-peptide) motif in syntaxin that mediates the binary interaction between syntaxin and Munc18a. Importantly, clustering is preserved under inhibitory conditions that abolish both trans-SNARE complex formation and lipid mixing, indicating that Munc18a promotes membrane clustering in a step that is independent of trans-SNARE zippering and activation.

Sec17 (α-SNAP) and an SM-tethering complex regulate the outcome of SNARE zippering in vitro and in vivo

Zippering of SNARE complexes spanning docked membranes is essential for most intracellular fusion events. Here, we explore how SNARE regulators operate on discrete zippering states. The formation of a metastable trans-complex, catalyzed by HOPS and its SM subunit Vps33, is followed by subsequent zippering transitions that increase the probability of fusion. Operating independently of Sec18 (NSF) catalysis, Sec17 (α-SNAP) either inhibits or stimulates SNARE-mediated fusion. If HOPS or Vps33 are absent, Sec17 inhibits fusion at an early stage. Thus, Vps33/HOPS promotes productive SNARE assembly in the presence of otherwise inhibitory Sec17. Once SNAREs are partially zipped, Sec17 promotes fusion in either the presence or absence of HOPS, but with faster kinetics when HOPS is absent, suggesting that ejection of the SM is a rate-limiting step.

Interaction of Munc18c and syntaxin4 facilitates invadopodium formation and extracellular matrix invasion of tumor cells

Tumor cell invasion involves targeted localization of proteins required for interactions with the extracellular matrix and for proteolysis. The localization of many proteins during these cell-extracellular matrix interactions relies on membrane trafficking mediated in part by SNAREs. The SNARE protein syntaxin4 (Stx4) is involved in the formation of invasive structures called invadopodia; however, it is unclear how Stx4 function is regulated during tumor cell invasion. Munc18c is known to regulate Stx4 activity, and here we show that Munc18c is required for Stx4-mediated invadopodium formation and cell invasion. Biochemical and microscopic analyses revealed a physical association between Munc18c and Stx4, which was enhanced during invadopodium formation, and that a reduction in Munc18c expression decreases invadopodium formation. We also found that an N-terminal Stx4-derived peptide associates with Munc18c and inhibits endogenous interactions of Stx4 with synaptosome-associated protein 23 (SNAP23) and vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2). Furthermore, expression of the Stx4 N-terminal peptide decreased invadopodium formation and cell invasion in vitro Of note, cells expressing the Stx4 N-terminal peptide exhibited impaired trafficking of membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and EGF receptor (EGFR) to the cell surface during invadopodium formation. Our findings implicate Munc18c as a regulator of Stx4-mediated trafficking of MT1-MMP and EGFR, advancing our understanding of the role of SNARE function in the localization of proteins that drive tumor cell invasion.

Protein structure and phenotypic analysis of pathogenic and population missense variants in STXBP1

Background

Syntaxin‐binding protein 1, encoded by STXBP1, is highly expressed in the brain and involved in fusing synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane. Studies have shown that pathogenic loss‐of‐function variants in this gene result in various types of epilepsies, mostly beginning early in life. We were interested to model pathogenic missense variants on the protein structure to investigate the mechanism of pathogenicity and genotype–phenotype correlations.

Methods

We report 11 patients with pathogenic de novo mutations in STXBP1 identified in the first 4293 trios of the Deciphering Developmental Disorder (DDD) study, including six missense variants. We analyzed the structural locations of the pathogenic missense variants from this study and the literature, as well as population missense variants extracted from Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC).

Results

Pathogenic variants are significantly more likely to occur at highly conserved locations than population variants, and be buried inside the protein domain. Pathogenic mutations are also more likely to destabilize the domain structure compared with population variants, increasing the proportion of (partially) unfolded domains that are prone to aggregation or degradation. We were unable to detect any genotype–phenotype correlation, but unlike previously reported cases, most of the DDD patients with STXBP1 pathogenic variants did not present with very early‐onset or severe epilepsy and encephalopathy, though all have developmental delay with intellectual disability and most display behavioral problems and suffered seizures in later childhood.

Conclusion

Variants across STXBP1 that cause loss of function can result in severe intellectual disability with or without seizures, consistent with a haploinsufficiency mechanism. Pathogenic missense mutations act through destabilization of the protein domain, making it prone to aggregation or degradation. The presence or absence of early seizures may reflect ascertainment bias in the literature as well as the broad recruitment strategy of the DDD study.

Autosomal Recessive Keratoderma-Ichthyosis-Deafness (ARKID) Syndrome Is Caused by VPS33B Mutations Affecting Rab Protein Interaction and Collagen Modification

In this paper, we report three patients with severe palmoplantar keratoderma associated with ichthyosis and sensorineural deafness. Biallelic mutations were found in VPS33B, encoding VPS33B, a Sec1/Munc18 family protein that interacts with Rab11a and Rab25 proteins and is involved in trafficking of the collagen-modifying enzyme LH3. Two patients were homozygous for the missense variant p.Gly131Glu, whereas one patient was compound heterozygous for p.Gly131Glu and the splice site mutation c.240-1G>C, previously reported in patients with arthrogryposis renal dysfunction and cholestasis syndrome. We demonstrated the pathogenicity of variant p.Gly131Glu by assessing the interactions of the mutant VPS33B construct and its ability to traffic LH3. Compared with wild-type VPS33B, the p.Gly131Glu mutant VPS33B had reduced coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization with Rab11a and Rab25 and did not rescue LH3 trafficking. Confirming the cell-based experiments, we found deficient LH3-specific collagen lysine modifications in patients' urine and skin fibroblasts. Additionally, the epidermal ultrastructure of the p.Gly131Glu patients mirrored defects in tamoxifen-inducible VPS33B-deficient Vps33bfl/fl-ERT2 mice. Both patients and murine models revealed an impaired epidermal structure, ascribed to aberrant secretion of lamellar bodies, which are essential for epidermal barrier formation. Our results demonstrate that p.Gly131Glu mutant VPS33B causes an autosomal recessive keratoderma-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome.