Characterization of lysosomes isolated from Dictyostelium discoideum by magnetic fractionation

Lysosomal TBK1 responds to amino acid availability to relieve Rab7-dependent mTORC1 inhibition

Lysosomes play a pivotal role in coordinating macromolecule degradation and regulating cell growth and metabolism. Despite substantial progress in identifying lysosomal signaling proteins, understanding the pathways that synchronize lysosome functions with changing cellular demands remains incomplete. This study uncovers a role for TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), well known for its role in innate immunity and organelle quality control, in modulating lysosomal responsiveness to nutrients. Specifically, we identify a pool of TBK1 that is recruited to lysosomes in response to elevated amino acid levels. This lysosomal TBK1 phosphorylates Rab7 on serine 72. This is critical for alleviating Rab7-mediated inhibition of amino acid-dependent mTORC1 activation. Furthermore, a TBK1 mutant (E696K) associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia constitutively accumulates at lysosomes, resulting in elevated Rab7 phosphorylation and increased mTORC1 activation. This data establishes the lysosome as a site of amino acid regulated TBK1 signaling that is crucial for efficient mTORC1 activation. This lysosomal pool of TBK1 has broader implications for lysosome homeostasis, and its dysregulation could contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS-FTD.

Lysosome damage triggers acute formation of ER to lysosomes membrane tethers mediated by the bridge-like lipid transport protein VPS13C

Based on genetic studies, lysosome dysfunction is thought to play a pathogenetic role in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we show that VPS13C, a bridge-like lipid transport protein and a PD gene, is a sensor of lysosome stress/damage. Upon lysosome membrane perturbation, VPS13C rapidly relocates from the cytosol to the surface of lysosomes where it tethers their membranes to the ER. This recruitment depends on Rab7 and requires release of a brake, most likely an intramolecular interaction within VPS13C, which hinders access of its VAB domain to lysosome-bound Rab7. While another PD protein, LRRK2, is also recruited to stressed/damaged lysosomes, its recruitment occurs at much later stages and by different mechanisms. Given the putative role of VPS13 proteins in bulk lipid transport, these findings suggest lipid delivery to lysosomes by VPS13C is part of an early response to lysosome damage.

Lysosomal TBK1 Responds to Amino Acid Availability to Relieve Rab7-Dependent mTORC1 Inhibition

Lysosomes play a pivotal role in coordinating macromolecule degradation and regulating cell growth and metabolism. Despite substantial progress in identifying lysosomal signaling proteins, understanding the pathways that synchronize lysosome functions with changing cellular demands remains incomplete. This study uncovers a role for TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), well known for its role in innate immunity and organelle quality control, in modulating lysosomal responsiveness to nutrients. Specifically, we identify a pool of TBK1 that is recruited to lysosomes in response to elevated amino acid levels. At lysosomes, this TBK1 phosphorylates Rab7 on serine 72. This is critical for alleviating Rab7-mediated inhibition of amino acid-dependent mTORC1 activation. Furthermore, a TBK1 mutant (E696K) associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia constitutively accumulates at lysosomes, resulting in elevated Rab7 phosphorylation and increased mTORC1 activation. This data establishes the lysosome as a site of amino acid regulated TBK1 signaling that is crucial for efficient mTORC1 activation. This lysosomal pool of TBK1 has broader implications for lysosome homeostasis, and its dysregulation could contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS-FTD.

Life in the lumen: The multivesicular endosome

The late endosomes/endo‐lysosomes of vertebrates contain an atypical phospholipid, lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA) (also termed bis[monoacylglycero]phosphate [BMP]), which is not detected elsewhere in the cell. LBPA is abundant in the membrane system present in the lumen of this compartment, including intralumenal vesicles (ILVs). In this review, the current knowledge on LBPA and LBPA‐containing membranes will be summarized, and their role in the control of endosomal cholesterol will be outlined. Some speculations will also be made on how this system may be overwhelmed in the cholesterol storage disorder Niemann‐Pick C. Then, the roles of intralumenal membranes in endo‐lysosomal dynamics and functions will be discussed in broader terms. Likewise, the mechanisms that drive the biogenesis of intralumenal membranes, including ESCRTs, will also be discussed, as well as their diverse composition and fate, including degradation in lysosomes and secretion as exosomes. This review will also discuss how intralumenal membranes are hijacked by pathogenic agents during intoxication and infection, and what is the biochemical composition and function of the intra‐endosomal lumenal milieu. Finally, this review will allude to the size limitations imposed on intralumenal vesicle functions and speculate on the possible role of LBPA as calcium chelator in the acidic calcium stores of endo‐lysosomes.

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate, an important actor in the host endocytic machinery hijacked by SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses

Viruses, including the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, redirect infected cell metabolism to their own purposes. After binding to its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the cell surface, the SARS-CoV-2 is taken up by receptor-mediated endocytosis ending in the acidic endolysosomal compartment. The virus hijacks the endosomal machinery leading to fusion of viral and endosomal membranes and release of the viral RNA into the cytosol. This mini-review specifically highlights the membrane lipid organization of the endosomal system focusing on the unconventional and late endosome/lysosome-specific phospholipid, bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP). BMP is enriched in alveolar macrophages of lung, one of the target tissue of SARS-CoV-2. This review details the BMP structure, its unsaturated fatty acid composition and fusogenic properties that are essential for the highly dynamic formation of the intraluminal vesicles inside the endosomes. Interestingly, BMP is necessary for infection and replication of enveloped RNA virus such as SARS-CoV-1 and Dengue virus. We also emphasize the role of BMP in lipid sorting and degradation, especially cholesterol transport in cooperation with Niemann Pick type C proteins (NPC 1 and 2) and with some oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP)-related proteins (ORPs) as well as in sphingolipid degradation. Interestingly, numerous virus infection required NPC1 as well as ORPs along the endocytic pathway. Furthermore, BMP content is increased during pathological endosomal lipid accumulation in various lysosomal storage disorders. This is particularly important knowing the high percentage of patients with metabolic disorders among the SARS-CoV-2 infected patients presenting severe forms of COVID-19.

Magnetic Patterning of Vorticella convallaria in a Microfluidic Device

We describe an inexpensive magnetic cell patterning method as a tool for protozoologists. The ciliate Vorticella convallaria is useful for various biofluidics applications. Here, we show that V. convallaria will ingest metal beads and that permanent magnets can be used to pattern cells in Petri dishes or a microfluidic device. Patterning is reversibly achieved by placing magnets at the point of desired cell attachment. Analogous magnetic manipulation could be performed using other phagocytic cells.

Secretion and function of Cln5 during the early stages of Dictyostelium development

Mutations in CLN5 cause neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), a currently untreatable neurodegenerative disorder commonly known as Batten disease. Several genetic models have been generated to study the function of CLN5, but one limitation has been the lack of a homolog in lower eukaryotic model systems. Our previous work revealed a homolog of CLN5 in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. We used a Cln5-GFP fusion protein to show that the protein is secreted and functions as a glycoside hydrolase in Dictyostelium. Importantly, we also revealed this to be the molecular function of human CLN5. In this study, we generated an antibody against Cln5 to show that the endogenous protein is secreted during the early stages of Dictyostelium development. Like human CLN5, the Dictyostelium homolog is glycosylated and requires this post-translational modification for secretion. Cln5 secretion bypasses the Golgi complex, and instead, occurs via an unconventional pathway linked to autophagy. Interestingly, we observed co-localization of Cln5 and GFP-Cln3 as well as increased secretion of Cln5 and Cln5-GFP in cln3- cells. Loss of Cln5 causes defects in adhesion and chemotaxis, which intriguingly, has also been reported for Dictyostelium cells lacking Cln3. Finally, autofluorescence was detected in cln5- cells, which is consistent with observations in mammalian systems. Together, our data support a function for Cln5 during the early stages of multicellular development, provide further evidence for the molecular networking of NCL proteins, and provide insight into the mechanisms that may underlie CLN5 function in humans.

WDR41 supports lysosomal response to changes in amino acid availability

C9orf72 mutations are a major cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. The C9orf72 protein undergoes regulated recruitment to lysosomes and has been broadly implicated in control of lysosome homeostasis. However, although evidence strongly supports an important function for C9orf72 at lysosomes, little is known about the lysosome recruitment mechanism. In this study, we identify an essential role for WDR41, a prominent C9orf72 interacting protein, in C9orf72 lysosome recruitment. Analysis of human WDR41 knockout cells revealed that WDR41 is required for localization of the protein complex containing C9orf72 and SMCR8 to lysosomes. Such lysosome localization increases in response to amino acid starvation but is not dependent on either mTORC1 inhibition or autophagy induction. Furthermore, WDR41 itself exhibits a parallel pattern of regulated association with lysosomes. This WDR41-dependent recruitment of C9orf72 to lysosomes is critical for the ability of lysosomes to support mTORC1 signaling as constitutive targeting of C9orf72 to lysosomes relieves the requirement for WDR41 in mTORC1 activation. Collectively, this study reveals an essential role for WDR41 in supporting the regulated binding of C9orf72 to lysosomes and solidifies the requirement for a larger C9orf72 containing protein complex in coordinating lysosomal responses to changes in amino acid availability.

The Effect of Overexpressed DdRabS on Development, Cell Death, Vesicular Trafficking, and the Secretion of Lysosomal Glycosidase Enzymes

Rab GTPases are essential regulators of many cellular processes and play an important role in downstream signaling vital to proper cell function. We sought to elucidate the role of novel D. discoideum GTPase RabS. Cell lines over-expressing DdRabS and expressing DdRabS N137I (dominant negative (DN)) proteins were generated, and it was determined that DdRabS localized to endosomes, ER-Golgi membranes, and the contractile vacuole system. It appeared to function in vesicular trafficking, and the secretion of lysosomal enzymes. Interestingly, microscopic analysis of GFP-tagged DdRabS (DN) cells showed differential localization to lysosomes and endosomes compared to GFP-tagged DdRabS overexpressing cells. Both cell lines over-secreted lysosomal glycosidase enzymes, especially β-glucosidase. Furthermore, DdRabS overexpressing cells were defective in aggregation due to decreased cell–cell cohesion and sensitivity to cAMP, leading to abnormal chemotactic migration, the inability to complete development, and increased induced cell death. These data support a role for DdRabS in trafficking along the vesicular and biosynthetic pathways. We hypothesize that overexpression of DdRabS may interfere with GTP activation of related proteins essential for normal development resulting in a cascade of defects throughout these processes.

Organellar Omics-A Reviving Strategy to Untangle the Biomolecular Complexity of the Cell

A eukaryotic cell encompasses many membrane-enclosed organelles, each of these holding several types of biomolecules that exhibit tremendous diversity in terms of their localization and expression. Despite the development of increasingly sensitive analytical tools, the enormous biomolecular complexity that exists within a cell cannot yet be fully resolved as low abundant molecules often remain unrecognized. Moreover, a drawback of whole cell analysis is that it does not provide spatial information and therefore it is not capable of assigning distinct biomolecules to specific compartments or analyzing changes in the composition of these compartments. Reduction of the biomolecular complexity of a sample helps to identify low abundant molecules, but such a reductionist approach requires methods that enable proper isolation and purification of individual cellular organelles. Decades of research have led to the development of a plethora of isolation methods for a broad range of subcellular organelles; yet, in particular, intrinsically dynamic compartments belonging to the endocytic machinery, including the plasma membrane, remain difficult to isolate in a sufficiently pure fraction. In this review, we discuss various methods that are commonly used to isolate subcellular organelles from cells and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.

Evolution of Cell-Autonomous Effector Mechanisms in Macrophages versus Non-Immune Cells

Specialized adaptations for killing microbes are synonymous with phagocytic cells including macrophages, monocytes, inflammatory neutrophils, and eosinophils. Recent genome sequencing of extant species, however, reveals that analogous antimicrobial machineries exist in certain non-immune cells and also within species that ostensibly lack a well-defined immune system. Here we probe the evolutionary record for clues about the ancient and diverse phylogenetic origins of macrophage killing mechanisms and how some of their properties are shared with cells outside the traditional bounds of immunity in higher vertebrates such as mammals.

Isolation of F. novicida-Containing Phagosome from Infected Human Monocyte Derived Macrophages

Francisella is a gram-negative bacterial pathogen, which causes tularemia in humans and animals. A crucial step of Francisella infection is its invasion of macrophage cells. Biogenesis of the Francisella-containing phagosome (FCP) is arrested for ~15 min at the endosomal stage, followed by gradual bacterial escape into the cytosol, where the microbe proliferates. The crucial step in pathogenesis of tularemia is short and transient presence of the bacterium within phagosome. Isolation of FCPs for further studies has been challenging due to the short period of time of bacterial residence in it and the characteristics of the FCP. Here, we will for the first time present the method for isolation of the FCPs from infected human monocytes-derived macrophages (hMDMs). For elimination of lysosomal compartment these organelles were pre-loaded with dextran coated colloidal iron particles prior infection and eliminated by magnetic separation of the post-nuclear supernatant (PNS). We encountered the challenge that mitochondria has similar density to the FCP. To separate the FCP in the PNS from mitochondria, we utilized iodophenylnitrophenyltetrazolium, which is converted by the mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase into formazan, leading to increased density of the mitochondria and allowing separation by the discontinuous sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. The purity of the FCP preparation and its acquisition of early endosomal markers was confirmed by Western blots, confocal and transmission electron microscopy. Our strategy to isolate highly pure FCPs from macrophages should facilitate studies on the FCP and its biogenesis.

A novel approach to analyze lysosomal dysfunctions through subcellular proteomics and lipidomics: the case of NPC1 deficiency

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have mainly been used as cellular carriers for genes and therapeutic products, while their use in subcellular organelle isolation remains underexploited. We engineered SPIONs targeting distinct subcellular compartments. Dimercaptosuccinic acid-coated SPIONs are internalized and accumulate in late endosomes/lysosomes, while aminolipid-SPIONs reside at the plasma membrane. These features allowed us to establish standardized magnetic isolation procedures for these membrane compartments with a yield and purity permitting proteomic and lipidomic profiling. We validated our approach by comparing the biomolecular compositions of lysosomes and plasma membranes isolated from wild-type and Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) deficient cells. While the accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids is seen as a primary hallmark of NPC1 deficiency, our lipidomics analysis revealed the buildup of several species of glycerophospholipids and other storage lipids in selectively late endosomes/lysosomes of NPC1-KO cells. While the plasma membrane proteome remained largely invariable, we observed pronounced alterations in several proteins linked to autophagy and lysosomal catabolism reflecting vesicular transport obstruction and defective lysosomal turnover resulting from NPC1 deficiency. Thus the use of SPIONs provides a major advancement in fingerprinting subcellular compartments, with an increased potential to identify disease-related alterations in their biomolecular compositions.

Identification of Sidt2 as a lysosomal cation-conducting protein

A screen to identify lysosomal-expressed ion channels led to the discovery of the human Sidt2 protein. Sidt2 is expressed within lysosomal organelles but as a result of heterologous overexpression the protein is also detectable within the plasma membrane of human embryonic kidney cells. The overexpressed protein leads to cell depolarization upon sodium addition. Accordingly in whole-cell patch clamp experiments a spontaneous noninactivating monovalent cation current can be detected in Sidt2-overexpressing cells. Strong overexpression of Sidt2 in HEK293 cells is attended by a significant reduction/loss of detectable lysosomes, indicating that the overexpressed protein leads to lysosomal dysfunction, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Sidt2 is located on chromosome 11q23, a locus repeatedly found by chromosomal mapping of Alzheimer's disease-related genes.

Purification of Lysosomes Using Supraparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs)

Lysosomes can be rapidly isolated from tissue culture cells using supraparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIONs). In this protocol, colloidal iron dextran (FeDex) particles, a type of SPION, are taken up by cultured mouse macrophage cells via the endocytic pathway. The SPIONs accumulate in lysosomes, the end point of the endocytic pathway, permitting the lysosomes to be isolated magnetically. The purified lysosomes are suitable for in vitro fusion assays or for proteomic analysis.

Identification of the phospholipid lysobisphosphatidic acid in the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica: An active molecule in endocytosis

Phospholipids are essential for vesicle fusion and fission and both are fundamental events for Entamoeba histolytica phagocytosis. Our aim was to identify the lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA) in trophozoites and investigate its cellular fate during endocytosis. LBPA was detected by TLC in a 0.5 R_f spot of total lipids, which co-migrated with the LBPA standard. The 6C4 antibody, against LBPA recognized phospholipids extracted from this spot. Reverse phase LC-ESI-MS and MS/MS mass spectrometry revealed six LBPA species of m/z 772.58–802.68. LBPA was associated to pinosomes and phagosomes. Intriguingly, during pinocytosis, whole cell fluorescence quantification showed that LBPA dropped 84% after 15 min incubation with FITC-Dextran, and after 60 min, it increased at levels close to steady state conditions. Similarly, during erythrophagocytosis, after 15 min, LBPA also dropped in 36% and increased after 60 and 90 min. EhRab7A protein appeared in some vesicles with LBPA in steady state conditions, but after phagocytosis co-localization of both molecules increased and in late phases of erythrophagocytosis they were found in huge phagosomes or multivesicular bodies with many intraluminal vacuoles, and surrounding ingested erythrocytes and phagosomes. The 6C4 and anti-EhADH (EhADH is an ALIX family protein) antibodies and Lysotracker merged in about 50% of the vesicles in steady state conditions and throughout phagocytosis. LBPA and EhADH were also inside huge phagosomes. These results demonstrated that E. histolytica LBPA is associated to pinosomes and phagosomes during endocytosis and suggested differences of LBPA requirements during pinocytosis and phagocytosis.

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LBPA is identified for the first time in the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica.

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LBPA is found in pinosomes and in 10–20 µm diameter phagosomes or multivesicular bodies.

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LBPA appeared associated with EhRab7A protein, a late endosomes marker.

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LBPA interacts with EhADH (an ALIX family protein) during phagocytosis.

A rapid method for the preparation of ultrapure, functional lysosomes using functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Lysosomes are an emerging and increasingly important cellular organelle. With every passing year, more novel proteins and key cellular functions are associated with lysosomes. Despite this, the methodologies for their purification have largely remained unchanged since the days of their discovery. With little advancement in this area, it is no surprise that analysis of lysosomal function has been somewhat stymied, largely in part by the change in buoyant densities that occur under conditions where lysosomes accumulate macromolecules. Such phenotypes are often associated with the lysosomal storage diseases but are increasingly being observed under conditions where lysosomal proteins or, in some cases, cellular functions associated with lysosomal proteins are being manipulated. These altered lysosomes poise a problem to the classical methods to purify lysosomes that are reliant largely on their correct sedimentation by density gradient centrifugation. Building upon a technique developed by others to purify lysosomes magnetically, we have developed a unique assay using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to purify high yields of ultrapure functional lysosomes from multiple cell types including the lysosomal storage disorders. Here we describe this method in detail, including the rationale behind using SPIONs, the potential pitfalls that can be avoided and the potential functional assays these lysosomes can be used for. Finally we also summarize the other methodologies and the exact reasons why magnetic purification of lysosomes is now the method of choice for lysosomal researchers.

Loss of Cln3 function in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum causes pleiotropic effects that are rescued by human CLN3

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are a group of inherited, severe neurodegenerative disorders also known as Batten disease. Juvenile NCL (JNCL) is caused by recessive loss-of-function mutations in CLN3, which encodes a transmembrane protein that regulates endocytic pathway trafficking, though its primary function is not yet known. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is increasingly utilized for neurological disease research and is particularly suited for investigation of protein function in trafficking. Therefore, here we establish new overexpression and knockout Dictyostelium cell lines for JNCL research. Dictyostelium Cln3 fused to GFP localized to the contractile vacuole system and to compartments of the endocytic pathway. cln3⁻ cells displayed increased rates of proliferation and an associated reduction in the extracellular levels and cleavage of the autocrine proliferation repressor, AprA. Mid- and late development of cln3⁻ cells was precocious and cln3⁻ slugs displayed increased migration. Expression of either Dictyostelium Cln3 or human CLN3 in cln3⁻ cells suppressed the precocious development and aberrant slug migration, which were also suppressed by calcium chelation. Taken together, our results show that Cln3 is a pleiotropic protein that negatively regulates proliferation and development in Dictyostelium. This new model system, which allows for the study of Cln3 function in both single cells and a multicellular organism, together with the observation that expression of human CLN3 restores abnormalities in Dictyostelium cln3⁻ cells, strongly supports the use of this new model for JNCL research.

Vesicular Trafficking Defects, Developmental Abnormalities, and Alterations in the Cellular Death Process Occur in Cell Lines that Over-Express Dictyostelium GTPase, Rab2, and Rab2 Mutants

Small molecular weight GTPase Rab2 has been shown to be a resident of pre-Golgi intermediates and required for protein transport from the ER to the Golgi complex, however, the function of Rab2 in Dictyostelium has yet to be fully characterized. Using cell lines that over-express DdRab2, as well as cell lines over-expressing constitutively active (CA), and dominant negative (DN) forms of the GTPase, we report a functional role in vesicular transport specifically phagocytosis, and endocytosis. Furthermore, Rab2 like other GTPases cycles between an active GTP-bound and an inactive GDP-bound state. We found that this GTP/GDP cycle for DdRab2 is crucial for normal Dictyostelium development and cell-cell adhesion. Similar to Rab5 and Rab7 in C. elegans, we found that DdRab2 plays a role in programmed cell death, possibly in the phagocytic removal of apoptotic corpses.

Polyketide synthase (PKS) reduces fusion of Legionella pneumophila-containing vacuoles with lysosomes and contributes to bacterial competitiveness during infection

L. pneumophila-containing vacuoles (LCVs) exclude endocytic and lysosomal markers in human macrophages and protozoa. We screened a L. pneumophila mini-Tn10 transposon library for mutants, which fail to inhibit the fusion of LCVs with lysosomes by loading of the lysosomal compartment with colloidal iron dextran, mechanical lysis of infected host cells, and magnetic isolation of LCVs that have fused with lysosomes. In silico analysis of the mutated genes, D. discoideum plaque assays and infection assays in protozoa and U937 macrophage-like cells identified well established as well as novel putative L. pneumophila virulence factors. Promising candidates were further analyzed for their co-localization with lysosomes in host cells using fluorescence microscopy. This approach corroborated that the O-methyltransferase, PilY1, TPR-containing protein and polyketide synthase (PKS) of L. pneumophila interfere with lysosomal degradation. Competitive infections in protozoa and macrophages revealed that the identified PKS contributes to the biological fitness of pneumophila strains and may explain their prevalence in the epidemiology of Legionnaires' disease.

Monitoring subcellular biotransformation of N-L-leucyldoxorubicin by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography coupled to laser-induced fluorescence detection

Development of prodrugs is a promising alternative to address cytotoxicity and nonspecificity of common anticancer agents. N-L-leucyldoxorubicin (LeuDox) is a prodrug that is biotransformed to the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) in the extracellular space; however, its biotransformation may also occur intracellularly in endocytic organelles. Such organelle-specific biotransformation is yet to be determined. In this study, magnetically enriched endocytic organelle fractions from human uterine sarcoma cells were treated with LeuDox. Micellar electrokinetic chromatography with laser-induced fluorescence detection (MEKC-LIF) was used to determine that 10% of LeuDox was biotransformed to Dox, accounting for ~43% of the biotransformation occurring in the post-nuclear fraction. This finding suggests that endocytic organelles also participate in the intracellular biotransformation of LeuDox to Dox.

Campylobacter jejuni actively invades the amoeba Acanthamoeba polyphaga and survives within non digestive vacuoles

The Gram-negative bacterium Campylobacter jejuni is able to enter, survive and multiply within the free living amoeba Acanthamoeba polyphaga, but the molecular mechanisms behind these events are still unclear. We have studied the uptake and intracellular trafficking of viable and heat killed bacterial cells of the C. jejuni strain 81–176 in A. polyphaga. We found that viable bacteria associated with a substantially higher proportion of Acanthamoeba trophozoites than heat killed bacteria. Furthermore, the kinetics of internalization, the total number of internalized bacteria as well as the intracellular localization of internalized C. jejuni were dramatically influenced by bacterial viability. Viable bacteria were internalized at a high rate already after 1 h of co-incubation and were observed in small vacuoles tightly surrounding the bacteria. In contrast, internalization of heat killed C. jejuni was low at early time points and did not peak until 96 h. These cells were gathered in large spacious vacuoles that were part of the degradative pathway as determined by the uptake of fluorescently labeled dextran. The amount of heat killed bacteria internalized by A. polyphaga did never reach the maximal amount of internalized viable bacteria. These results suggest that the uptake and intracellular survival of C. jejuni in A. polyphaga is bacterially induced.

Lipid composition of multilamellar bodies secreted by Dictyostelium discoideum reveals their amoebal origin

When they are fed with bacteria, Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae produce and secrete multilamellar bodies (MLBs), which are composed of membranous material. It has been proposed that MLBs are a waste disposal system that allows D. discoideum to eliminate undigested bacterial remains. However, the real function of MLBs remains unknown. Determination of the biochemical composition of MLBs, especially lipids, represents a way to gain information about the role of these structures. To allow these analyses, a protocol involving various centrifugation procedures has been developed to purify secreted MLBs from amoeba-bacterium cocultures. The purity of the MLB preparation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and by immunofluorescence using H36, an antibody that binds to MLBs. The lipid and fatty acid compositions of pure MLBs were then analyzed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively, and compared to those of amoebae as well as bacteria used as a food source. While the bacteria were devoid of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), these two polar lipid species were major classes of lipids in MLBs and amoebae. Similarly, the fatty acid composition of MLBs and amoebae was characterized by the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, while cyclic fatty acids were found only in bacteria. These results strongly suggest that the lipids constituting the MLBs originate from the amoebal metabolism rather than from undigested bacterial membranes. This opens the possibility that MLBs, instead of being a waste disposal system, have unsuspected roles in D. discoideum physiology.

Isolation of pathogen-containing vacuoles

Dictyostelium discoideum cells are "professional phagocytes," as they ingest a large variety of bacteria, yeast, and inert particles. Several bacterial pathogens are able to survive intracellularly within specialized vacuoles of D. discoideum by interfering with host signaling pathways. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these evolutionary conserved processes we have established a method for the isolation of pathogen-containing vacuoles (PCVs). The isolation protocol describes the infection of D. discoideum cells with the intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila, loading of the lysosomal compartment with colloidal iron, mechanical lysis of host cells, iodophenylnitrophenyltetrazolium (INT) heavy labeling of mitochondria, removal of nucleic acid by Benzonase treatment, separation of nuclei by low-speed centrifugation, and the magnetic removal of lysosomes. The subcellular fractionation in a discontinuous sucrose density OptiPrep gradient allows the separation of mitochondria and to prepare PCVs with high purity. The proteins isolated from PCVs have been successfully subjected to mass spectrometry and allowed to analyze pathogen-directed maturation processes of vacuoles. The method can also be applied for subsequent protein modification analyses and lipidome comparisons.

An Acanthamoeba castellanii metacaspase associates with the contractile vacuole and functions in osmoregulation

Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living protozoan. Some strains are opportunistic pathogens. A type-I metacaspase was identified in A. castellanii (Acmcp) and was shown to be expressed through the encystation process. The model organism, Dictyostelium discoideum, has been used here as a model for studying these caspase-like proteins. Separate cell lines expressing a GFP-tagged version of the full length Acmcp protein, as well as a deletion proline region mutant of Acmcp protein (GFP-Acmcp-dpr), have been introduced into D. discoideum. Both mutants affect the cellular metabolism, characterized by an increase in the growth rate. Microscopic imaging revealed an association between Acmcp and the contractile vacuole system in D. discoideum. The treatment of cells with selected inhibitors in different environments added additional support to these findings. This evidence shows that Acmcp plays an important role in contractile vacuole regulation and mediated membrane trafficking in D. discoideum. Additionally, the severe defect in contractile vacuole function in GFP-Acmcp-dpr mutant cells suggests that the proline-rich region in Acmcp has an essential role in binding this protein with other partners to maintain this process. Furthermore, Yeast two-hybrid system identified there are weak interactions of the Dictyostelium contractile vacuolar proteins, including Calmodulin, RabD, Rab11 and vacuolar proton ATPase, with Acmcp protein. Taken together, our findings suggest that A. castellanii metacaspase associate with the contractile vacuole and have an essential role in cell osmoregulation, which contributes to its attractiveness as a possible target for treatment therapies against A. castellanii infection.

Investigating the macropinocytic proteome of Dictyostelium amoebae by high-resolution mass spectrometry

The cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum is a soil-living eukaryote, which feeds on microorganisms engulfed by phagocytosis. Axenic laboratory strains have been produced that are able to use liquid growth medium internalized by macropinocytosis as the source of food. To better define the macropinocytosis process, we established the inventory of proteins associated with this pathway using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Using a magnetic purification procedure and high-performance LC-MS/MS proteome analysis, a list of 2108 non-redundant proteins was established, of which 24% featured membrane-spanning domains. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that the most abundant proteins were linked to signaling, vesicular trafficking and the cytoskeleton. The present repertoire validates our purification method and paves the way for a future proteomics approach to study the dynamics of macropinocytosis.

Individual organelle pH determinations of magnetically enriched endocytic organelles via laser-induced fluorescence detection

The analysis of biotransformations that occur in lysosomes and other endocytic organelles is critical to studies on intracellular degradation, nutrient recycling, and lysosomal storage disorders. Such analyses require bioactive organelle preparations that are devoid of other contaminating organelles. Commonly used differential centrifugation techniques produce impure fractions and may not be compatible with microscale separation platforms. Density gradient centrifugation procedures reduce the level of impurities but may compromise bioactivity. Here we report on simple magnetic setup and a procedure that produce highly enriched bioactive organelles based on their magnetic capture as they traveled through open tubes. Following capture, in-line laser-induced fluorecence detection (LIF) determined for the first time the pH of each magnetically retained individual endocytic organelle. Unlike bulk measurements, this method was suitable to describe the distributions of pH values in endocytic organelles from L6 rat myoblasts treated with dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (for magnetic retention) and fluorescein/TMRM-conjugated dextran (for pH measurements by LIF). Their individual pH values ranged from 4 to 6, which is typical of bioactive endocytic organelles. These analytical procedures are of high relevance to evaluate lysosomal-related degradation pathways in aging, storage disorders, and drug development.

Thiazolidinediones induce Rab7-RILP-MAPK-dependent juxtanuclear lysosome aggregation and reduce tumor cell invasion

Acidic extracellular pH (pHe) has been shown to stimulate peripheral lysosome trafficking, resulting in cathepsin B secretion and tumor invasion. In addition, inhibitors of sodium-proton exchangers (NHE) such as EIPA, cariporide and s3226, as well as the non-specific NHE inhibitor, troglitazone (Tro), blocked these changes. In this paper, we report a differential ability of the thiazolidinedione (TZD) family of compounds to induce a time-dependent retrograde aggregation of lysosomes over the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) in tumor cells exposed to acidic pHe. This trafficking event depended on microtubules and the MAP-Kinase pathway, but was independent of Rho GTPase activity. Expression of shRNA implicated Rab7 in this process, and subcellular fractionation revealed that levels of Rab7, RILP and Erk1/2 were increased on lysosomes purified from cells treated with Tro. In addition, DN-RILP overexpression studies indicated that this Rab7 effector also played a role in TZD-induced retrograde trafficking. Tro was able to prevent acidic pHe-induced cell invasion. Finally, DU145 prostate tumor cells stably over-expressing WT-RILP, a condition where lysosomes aggregate to the MTOC in the absence of Tro, did not invade in response to acidic pHe, suggesting that the regulation of lysosome trafficking is an inherently important aspect of tumor cell invasion.

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate, a peculiar phospholipid to control the fate of cholesterol: Implications in pathology

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) is a structural isomer of phosphatidylglycerol that exhibits an unusual sn1:sn1' stereoconfiguration, based on the position of the phosphate moiety on its two glycerol units. Early works have underlined the high concentration of BMP in the lysosomal compartment, especially during some lysosomal storage disorders and drug-induced phospholipidosis. Despite numerous studies, both biosynthetic and degradative pathways of BMP remained not completely elucidated. More recently, BMP has been localized in the internal membranes of late endosomes where it forms specialized lipid domains. Its involvement in both dynamics and lipid/protein sorting functions of late endosomes has started to be documented, especially in the control of cellular cholesterol distribution. BMP also plays an important role in the late endosomal/lysosomal degradative pathway. Another peculiarity of BMP is to be naturally enriched in docosahexaenoic acid and/or to specifically incorporate this fatty acid compared to other polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may confer specific biophysical and functional properties to this phospholipid. This review summarizes and updates our knowledge on BMP with an emphasis on its possible implication in human health and diseases, especially in relation to cholesterol homeostasis.

Membrane permeabilization by trypanosome lytic factor, a cytolytic human high density lipoprotein

Trypanosome lytic factor (TLF) is a subclass of human high density lipoprotein (HDL) that mediates an innate immune killing of certain mammalian trypanosomes, most notably Trypanosoma brucei brucei, the causative agent of a wasting disease in cattle. Mechanistically, killing is initiated in the lysosome of the target trypanosome where the acidic pH facilitates a membrane-disrupting activity by TLF. Here we utilize a model liposome system to characterize the membrane binding and permeabilizing activity of TLF and its protein constituents, haptoglobin-related protein (Hpr), apolipoprotein L-1 (apoL-1), and apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1). We show that TLF efficiently binds and permeabilizes unilamellar liposomes at lysosomal pH, whereas non-lytic human HDL exhibits inefficient permeabilizing activity. Purified, delipidated Hpr and apoL-1 both efficiently permeabilize lipid bilayers at low pH. Trypanosome lytic factor, apoL-1, and apoA-1 exhibit specificity for anionic membranes, whereas Hpr permeabilizes both anionic and zwitterionic membranes. Analysis of the relative particle sizes of susceptible liposomes reveals distinctly different membrane-active behavior for native TLF and the delipidated protein components. We propose that lysosomal membrane damage in TLF-susceptible trypanosomes is initiated by the stable association of the TLF particle with the lysosomal membrane and that this is a property unique to this subclass of human HDL.

Phagocytosis and host-pathogen interactions in Dictyostelium with a look at macrophages

Research into phagocytosis and host-pathogen interactions in the lower eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum has flourished in recent years. This chapter presents a glimpse of where this research stands, with emphasis on the cell biology of the phagocytic process and on the wealth of molecular genetic data that have been gathered. The basic mechanistic machinery and most of the underlying genes appear to be evolutionarily conserved, reflecting the fact that phagocytosis arose as an efficient way to ingest food in single protozoan cells devoid of a rigid cell wall. In spite of some differences, the signal transduction pathways regulating phagosome biogenesis are also emerging as ultimately similar between Dictyostelium and macrophages. Both cell types are hosts for many pathogenic invasive bacteria, which exploit phagocytosis to grow intracellularly. We present an overwiew, based on the analysis of mutants, on how Dictyostelium contributes as a genetic model system to decipher the complexity of host-pathogen interactions.

A vesicle surface tyrosine kinase regulates phagosome maturation

Phagocytosis is crucial for host defense against microbial pathogens and for obtaining nutrients in Dictyostelium discoideum. Phagocytosed particles are delivered via a complex route from phagosomes to lysosomes for degradation, but the molecular mechanisms involved in the phagosome maturation process are not well understood. Here, we identify a novel vesicle-associated receptor tyrosine kinase-like protein, VSK3, in D. discoideum. We demonstrate how VSK3 is involved in phagosome maturation. VSK3 resides on the membrane of late endosomes/lysosomes with its C-terminal kinase domain facing the cytoplasm. Inactivation of VSK3 by gene disruption reduces the rate of phagocytosis in cells, which is rescued by re-expression of VSK3. We found that the in vivo function of VSK3 depends on the presence of the kinase domain and vesicle localization. Furthermore, VSK3 is not essential for engulfment, but instead, is required for the fusion of phagosomes with late endosomes/lysosomes. Our findings suggest that localized tyrosine kinase signaling on the surface of endosome/lysosomes represents a control mechanism for phagosome maturation.

Pyrimethamine as a potential pharmacological chaperone for late-onset forms of GM2 gangliosidosis

Late-onset GM2 gangliosidosis is composed of two related, autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative diseases, both resulting from deficiency of lysosomal, heterodimeric beta-hexosaminidase A (Hex A, alphabeta). Pharmacological chaperones (PC) are small molecules that can stabilize the conformation of a mutant protein, allowing it to pass the quality control system of the endoplasmic reticulum. To date all successful PCs have also been competitive inhibitors. Screening for Hex A inhibitors in a library of 1040 Food Drug Administration-approved compounds identified pyrimethamine (PYR (2,4-diamino 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-ethylpyrimidine)) as the most potent inhibitor. Cell lines from 10 late-onset Tay-Sachs (11 alpha-mutations, 2 novel) and 7 Sandhoff (9 beta-mutations, 4 novel) disease patients, were cultured with PYR at concentrations corresponding to therapeutic doses. Cells carrying the most common late-onset mutation, alphaG269S, showed significant increases in residual Hex A activity, as did all 7 of the beta-mutants tested. Cells responding to PC treatment included those carrying mutants resulting in reduced Hex heat stability and partial splice junction mutations of the inherently less stable alpha-subunit. PYR, which binds to the active site in domain II, was able to function as PC even to domain I beta-mutants. We concluded that PYR functions as a mutation-specific PC, variably enhancing residual lysosomal Hex A levels in late-onset GM2 gangliosidosis patient cells.

Identification and characterization of a lysosomal membrane protein of Dictyostelium discoideum with monoclonal antibodies

Lysosomes are responsible for the degradation of macromolecules derived from the cell exterior by endocytosis, or from within the cell by autophagy. While our knowledge of the biosynthesis and targeting of lysosomal hydrolases is considerable, much less is known about the lysosomal membrane itself. To identify the lysosomal membrane proteins that mediate these functions, we have isolated lysosomes from amebae and injected them into mice to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). We produced nine MAbs against Dictyostelium lysosomes from the batches of fused cells. Among them, three MAbs were specific to lysosomal membrane and gave a strong signal, and thus used in this study. The MAbs specifically reacted with a single protein band of 27 kd and stained a lysosome-like structure by immunofluorescence microscopy. To identify the antigen that the MAbs recognize, we processed differential centrifugation with whole-cell extract of Dictyostelium and traced p27 protein by activity assay of organelle marker enzyme. We showed that p27 is one component of the lysosomal system on the basis of comigration with a lysosomal marker enzyme. We also demonstrated that the 27-kd lysosomal protein is a tightly bound integral membrane protein by using a phase separation method of Triton X-114.

NPC1 late endosomes contain elevated levels of non-esterified ('free') fatty acids and an abnormally glycosylated form of the NPC2 protein

NPC (Niemann-Pick type C) disease is a rare lipidosis characterized by the accumulation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-derived non-esterified cholesterol in the E/L (endosomal/lysosomal) system. The gene products that are responsible for the two NPC complementation groups are distinct and dissimilar, yet their cellular and disease phenotypes are virtually indistinguishable. To investigate the relationship between NPC1 and NPC2 and their potential role in NPC disease pathogenesis, we have developed a method for the rapid and efficient isolation of late endocytic vesicles from mouse liver by magnetic chromatography. Late endosomes from Wt (wild-type) and NPC1 mice were found to differ not only in their cholesterol and sphingomyelin content, as expected, but also in their non-esterified ('free') fatty acid content, with NPC1 vesicles showing an approx. 7-fold increase in non-esterified fatty acid levels compared with Wt vesicles. Furthermore, we show that the NPC2 protein is in an incompletely deglycosylated form in NPC1 late endosomes by a mechanism that is specific to the NPC2 protein and not a global aberration of protein glycosylation/deglycosylation or trafficking, since NPC2 secreted from NPC1 cells is indistinguishable from that secreted from Wt cells. Also, a greater proportion of the normally soluble cellular NPC2 protein partitions with detergent-insoluble late endosomal internal membrane domains in NPC1 vesicles. In addition, we show that, although a small amount of the NPC2 protein associates with these membranes in Wt vesicles, this localization becomes much more pronounced in NPC1 vesicles. These results suggest that the function of the NPC2 protein may be compromised as well in NPC1 endosomes, which might explain the paradoxical phenotypic similarities of the two NPC disease complementation groups.

Cyclase-Associated Protein is Essential for the Functioning of the Endo-Lysosomal System and Provides a Link to the Actin Cytoskeleton

Data from mutant analysis in yeast and Dictyostelium indicate a role for the cyclase-associated protein (CAP) in endocytosis and vesicle transport. We have used genetic and biochemical approaches to identify novel interacting partners of Dictyostelium CAP to help explain its molecular interactions in these processes. Cyclase-associated protein associates and interacts with subunits of the highly conserved vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) and co-localizes to some extent with the V-ATPase. Furthermore, CAP is essential for maintaining the structural organization, integrity and functioning of the endo-lysosomal system, as distribution and morphology of V-ATPase- and Nramp1-decorated membranes were disturbed in a CAP mutant (CAP bsr) accompanied by an increased endosomal pH. Moreover, concanamycin A (CMA), a specific inhibitor of the V-ATPase, had a more severe effect on CAP bsr than on wild-type cells, and the mutant did not show adaptation to the drug. Also, the distribution of green fluorescent protein-CAP was affected upon CMA treatment in the wildtype and recovered after adaptation. Distribution of the V-ATPase in CAP bsr was drastically altered upon hypo-osmotic shock, and growth was slower and reached lower saturation densities in the mutant under hyper-osmotic conditions. Taken together, our data unravel a link of CAP with the actin cytoskeleton and endocytosis and suggest that CAP is an essential component of the endo-lysosomal system in Dictyostelium.

Unusual trafficking pattern of Bartonella henselae -containing vacuoles in macrophages and endothelial cells

Bartonella henselae, the agent of cat-scratch disease and vasculoproliferative disorders in humans, is a fastidious facultative intracellular pathogen, whose interaction with macrophages and endothelial cells (ECs) is crucial in the pathogenesis of these diseases. However, little is known about the subcellular compartment in which B. henselae resides. Two hours after infection of murine macrophages and human ECs, the majority of B. henselae-containing vacuoles (BCVs) lack typical endocytic marker proteins, fail to acidify, and do not fuse with lysosomes, suggesting that B. henselae resides in a non-endocytic compartment. In contrast to human umbilical vein endothelial cells, bacterial death and lysosomal fusion with BCVs is apparent in J774A.1 macrophages at 24 h. This phenomenon of delayed lysosomal fusion requires bacterial viability, and is confined to the BCV itself. Using magnetic selection, we enriched for transposon-mutagenized B. henselae trapped in lysosomes of macrophages 2 h after infection. Genes affected appear to be relevant to the intracellular lifestyle in macrophages and ECs and include some previously implicated in Bartonella pathogenicity. We conclude that B. henselae has a specific capacity to actively avoid the host endocytic pathway after entry of macrophages and ECs, from within a specialized non-endocytic membrane-bound vacuole.

Osmoregulation and contractile vacuoles of protozoa

Protozoa living in fresh water are subjected to a hypotonic environment. Water flows across their plasma membrane since their cytosol is always hypertonic to the environment. Many wall-less protozoa have an organelle, the contractile vacuole complex (CVC), that collects and expels excess water. Recent progress shows that most, if not all, CVCs are composed of a two-compartment system encircled by two differentiated membranes. One membrane, which is often divided into numerous vesicles and tubules, contains many proton-translocating V-ATPase enzymes that provide an electrochemical gradient of protons and which fuses only with the membrane of the second compartment. The membrane of the second compartment lacks V-ATPase holoenzymes, expands into a reservoir for fluid storage, and is capable of fusing with the plasma membrane. It is this second compartment that periodically undergoes rounding ("contraction"), setting the stage for fluid expulsion. Rounding is accompanied by increased membrane tension. We review the current state of knowledge on osmolarity, ion concentrations, membrane permeability, and electrophysiological parameters of cells and their contractile vacuoles, where these criteria are helpful to our understanding of the function of the CVC. Effects of environmental stresses on the CVC function are also summarized. Finally, other functions suggested for CVCs based on molecular and physiological studies are reviewed.

The transcytosis of divalent metal transporter 1 and apo-transferrin during iron uptake in intestinal epithelium

Caco-2 cells grown in bicameral chambers are a model system to study intestinal iron absorption. Caco-2 cells exhibit constitutive transport of iron from the apical (luminal) chamber to the basal (serosal) chamber that is enhanced by apo-transferrin in the basal chamber, with the apo-transferrin undergoing endocytosis to the apical portion of the cell. With the addition of iron to the apical surface, divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) on the brush-border membrane (BBM) undergoes endocytosis. These findings suggest that in Caco-2 cells DMT1 and apo-transferrin may cooperate in iron transport through transcytosis. To prove this hypothesis, we determined by confocal microscopy that, after addition of iron to the apical chamber, DMT1 from the BBM and Texas red apo-transferrin from the basal chamber colocalized in a perinuclear compartment. Colocalization was also observed by isolating endosomes from Caco-2 cells after ingestion of ultra-small paramagnetic particles from either the basal or apical chamber. The isolated endosomes contained both transferrin and DMT1 independent of the chamber from which the paramagnetic particles were endocytosed. These findings suggest that iron transport across intestinal epithelia may be mediated by transcytosis.

Dynamics of the vacuolar H+-ATPase in the contractile vacuole complex and the endosomal pathway ofDictyosteliumcells

The vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multi-subunit enzyme that plays important roles in eukaryotic cells. In Dictyostelium, it is found primarily in membranes of the contractile vacuole complex, where it energizes fluid accumulation by this osmoregulatory organelle and also in membranes of endolysosomes, where it serves to acidify the endosomal lumen. In the present study, a fusion was created between vatM, the gene encoding the 100 kDa transmembrane subunit of the V-ATPase, and the gene encoding Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). When expressed in Dictyostelium cells, this fusion protein, VatM-GFP, was correctly targeted to contractile vacuole and endolysosomal membranes and was competent to direct assembly of the V-ATPase enzyme complex. Protease treatment of isolated endosomes indicated that the GFP moiety, located on the C-terminus of VatM, was exposed to the cytoplasmic side of the endosomal membrane rather than to the lumenal side. VatM-GFP labeling of the contractile vacuole complex revealed clearly the dynamics of this pleiomorphic vesiculotubular organelle. VatM-GFP labeling of endosomes allowed direct visualization of the trafficking of vacuolar proton pumps in this pathway, which appeared to be entirely independent from the contractile vacuole membrane system. In cells whose endosomes were pre-labeled with TRITC-dextran and then fed yeast particles,VatM-GFP was delivered to newly formed yeast phagosomes with the same time course as TRITC-dextran, consistent with transfer via a direct fusion of endosomes with phagosomes. Several minutes were required before the intensity of the VatM-GFP labeling of new phagosomes reached the level observed in older phagosomes, suggesting that this fusion process was progressive and continuous. VatM-GFP was retrieved from the phagosome membrane prior to exocytosis of the indigestible remnants of the yeast particle. These data suggest that vacuolar proton pumps are recycled by fusion of advanced with newly formed endosomes.

Altered expression of the 100 kDa subunit of the Dictyosteliumvacuolar proton pump impairs enzyme assembly, endocytic function and cytosolic pH regulation

The vacuolar proton pump (V-ATPase) appears to be essential for viability of Dictyostelium cells. To investigate the function of VatM, the 100 kDa transmembrane V-ATPase subunit, we altered its level. By means of homologous recombination, the promoter for the chromosomal vatM gene was replaced with the promoter for the act6 gene, yielding the mutant strain VatMpr. The act6 promoter is much more active in cells growing axenically than on bacteria. Thus, transformants were selected under axenic growth conditions, then shifted to bacteria to determine the consequences of reduced vatM expression. When VatMpr cells were grown on bacteria,the level of the 100 kDa V-ATPase subunit dropped, cell growth slowed, and the A subunit, a component of the peripheral catalytic domain of the V-ATPase,became mislocalized. These defects were complemented by transformation of the mutant cells with a plasmid expressing vatM under the control of its own promoter. Although the principal locus of vacuolar proton pumps in Dictyostelium is membranes of the contractile vacuole system, mutant cells did not manifest osmoregulatory defects. However, bacterially grown VatMpr cells did exhibit substantially reduced rates of phagocytosis and a prolonged endosomal transit time. In addition, mutant cells manifested alterations in the dynamic regulation of cytosolic pH that are characteristic of normal cells grown in acid media, which suggested that the V-ATPase also plays a role in cytosolic pH regulation.

Rab7 regulates phagosome maturation in Dictyostelium

A Dictyostelium Rab7 homolog has been demonstrated to regulate fluid-phase influx, efflux, retention of lysosomal hydrolases and phagocytosis. Since Rab7 function appeared to be required for efficient phagocytosis, we sought to further characterize the role of Rab7 in phagosomal maturation. Expression of GFP-Rab7 resulted in labeling of both early and late phagosomes containing yeast, but not forming phagocytic cups. In order to determine if Rab7 played a role in regulating membrane traffic between the endo/lysosomal system and maturing phagosomes, latex bead containing (LBC) phagosomes were purified from wild-type cells at various times after internalization. Glycosidases, cysteine proteinases, Rab7 and lysosomally associated membrane proteins were delivered rapidly to nascent phagosomes in control cells. LBC phagosomes isolated from cells overexpressing dominant negative (DN) Rab7 contained very low levels of LmpA (lysosomal integral membrane protein) and α-mannosidase was not detectable. Interestingly, cysteine proteinases were delivered to phagosomes as apparent pro-forms in cells overexpressing DN Rab7. Despite these defects, phagosomes in cells overexpressing DN Rab7 matured to form multi-particle spacious phagosomes, except that these phagosomes remained significantly more acidic than control phagosomes. These results suggested that Rab7 regulates both an early and late steps of phagosomal maturation, similar to its role in the endo/lysosomal system.

A syntaxin 7 homologue is present in Dictyostelium discoideum endosomes and controls their homotypic fusion

Endo-phagocytic activity is prominent in Dictyostelium discoideum and makes it a good model organism to study the molecular organization of membrane traffic in this pathway. We have identified a syntaxin 7 homologue (26% identity and 54% similarity to human syntaxin 7) in Dictyostelium cDNA and genomic data banks. In addition to the Habc and H3 helices and the C-terminal transmembrane domain characteristic of syntaxins, this protein contains a repetitive N-terminal extension of 68 amino acids. We first showed that Dictyostelium syntaxin 7 was able to form a complex with N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein and alpha- and gamma-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein. Its intracellular localization was then studied by cell fractionation techniques and magnetic purification of the endocytic compartments. Most of D. discoideum syntaxin 7 is contained in endosomes. Finally, an in vitro endosome homotypic fusion assay (Laurent, O., Bruckert, F., Adessi, C., and Satre, M. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 793-799) was used to study a possible role for syntaxin 7 in this process. Purified anti-syntaxin 7 antibodies and a recombinant soluble fragment of syntaxin 7 both strongly inhibited fusion activity, indicating that this protein was necessary for endosome-endosome fusion. These results demonstrate the importance of this syntaxin 7 homologue in the early phases of Dictyostelium endo-phagocytic pathway.

A myosin I is involved in membrane recycling from early endosomes

Geometry-based mechanisms have been proposed to account for the sorting of membranes and fluid phase in the endocytic pathway, yet little is known about the involvement of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton. Here, we demonstrate that Dictyostelium discoideum myosin IB functions in the recycling of plasma membrane components from endosomes back to the cell surface. Cells lacking MyoB (myoA(-)/B(-), and myoB(-) cells) and wild-type cells treated with the myosin inhibitor butanedione monoxime accumulated a plasma membrane marker and biotinylated surface proteins on intracellular endocytic vacuoles. An assay based on reversible biotinylation of plasma membrane proteins demonstrated that recycling of membrane components is severely impaired in myoA/B null cells. In addition, MyoB was specifically found on magnetically purified early pinosomes. Using a rapid-freezing cryoelectron microscopy method, we observed an increased number of small vesicles tethered to relatively early endocytic vacuoles in myoA(-)/B(-) cells, but not to later endosomes and lysosomes. This accumulation of vesicles suggests that the defects in membrane recycling result from a disordered morphology of the sorting compartment.