A phorbol ester-binding protein is required downstream of Rab5 in endosome fusion

Transport of mannose-6-phosphate receptors from the trans-Golgi network to endosomes requires Rab31

Rab31, a protein that we originally cloned from a rat oligodendrocyte cDNA library, localizes in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and endosomes. However, its function has not yet been established. Here we show the involvement of Rab31 in the transport of mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) from TGN to endosomes. We demonstrate the specific sorting of cation-dependent-MPR (CD-MPR), but not CD63 and vesicular stomatitis virus G (VSVG) protein, to Rab31-containing trans-Golgi network carriers. CD-MPR and Rab31 containing carriers originate from extending TGN tubules that also contain clathrin and GGA1 coats. Expression of constitutively active Rab31 reduced the content of CD-MPR in the TGN relative to that of endosomes, while expression of dominant negative Rab31 triggered reciprocal changes in CD-MPR distribution. Expression of dominant negative Rab31 also inhibited the formation of carriers containing CD-MPR in the TGN, without affecting the exit of VSVG from this compartment. Importantly, siRNA-mediated depletion of endogenous Rab31 caused the collapse of the Golgi apparatus. Our observations demonstrate that Rab31 is required for transport of MPRs from TGN to endosomes and for the Golgi/TGN organization.

Calmodulin modulates hepatic membrane polarity by protein kinase C-sensitive steps in the basolateral endocytic pathway

Membrane polarity is maintained by a complex intermingling of various trafficking pathways, including basolateral and apical endocytosis. The present work was undertaken to better define the role of basolateral endocytic transport in apical membrane homeostasis. When polarized HepG2 hepatoma cells were incubated with calmodulin antagonists, the cells lost their polarity, as reflected by an inhibition of lipid transport of a fluorescent sphingomyelin to the apical membrane and an impediment of its recycling to the basolateral membrane. Instead, an accumulation of the lipid in dilated early endosomal compartments was observed, presumably due to a frustration of vesiculation. Interestingly, lipid transport to the apical pole, lipid recycling to the basolateral membrane and cell polarity were reestablished, while dilated compartments disappeared, when the cells were simultaneously treated with specific inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). Consistently, following activation of PKC, extensive dilation/vacuolation of early sorting endosomes was observed, very similar as seen upon treatment with calmodulin antagonists. Thus, the results indicate that membrane trafficking at early steps of the basolateral endocytic pathway in HepG2 cells is regulated by an intricate interplay between calmodulin and PKC. This interference, although not affecting endocytosis as such, compromises cell polarity by impeding membrane trafficking from early endosomes to the apical membrane.

Phorbol ester promotes endocytosis by activating a factor involved in endosome fusion

Previous studies indicate that a zinc- and phorbol ester-binding factor is necessary for in vitro endosome fusion and for the effect of Rab5 on endosome fusion. Rab5 is a small GTPase that regulates membrane fusion between early endosomes derived from either receptor-mediated endocytosis or fluid-phase endocytosis. In its GTP-bound form, Rab5 promotes endocytosis and enhances fusion among early endosomes. To determine if PMA stimulates endocytosis by activating a factor required for endosome fusion, we overexpressed wild-type Rab5, a dominant negative mutant (Rab5:S34N), and a GTPase deficient mutant (Rab5:Q79L) in BHK-21 cells. The phorbol ester PMA stimulates endocytosis and increases the number and the size of endocytic vesicles, even in the presence of Rab5:S34N. Zinc depletion with N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) and addition of calphostin C (CPC), an inhibitor of PKC that interacts with zinc and phorbol ester binding motifs, inhibited both basal and Rab5-stimulated fluid phase endocytosis. These two reagents also inhibited the size and number of endocytic vesicles promoted by Rab5. These results suggest that PMA stimulates endocytosis by regulating the dynamics of the early endosome compartment.