The membrane domain of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase confers endoplasmic reticulum localization and sterol-regulated degradation onto beta-galactosidase

Direct binding to sterols accelerates endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of HMG CoA reductase

The maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for normal function at both the cellular and organismal levels. Two integral membrane proteins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and Scap, are key targets of a complex feedback regulatory system that operates to ensure cholesterol homeostasis. HMGCR catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the transformation of the 2-carbon precursor acetate to 27-carbon cholesterol. Scap mediates proteolytic activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), a membrane-bound transcription factor that controls expression of genes involved in the synthesis and uptake of cholesterol. Sterol accumulation triggers binding of HMGCR to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized Insig proteins, leading to the enzyme's ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Sterols also induce binding of Insigs to Scap, which leads to sequestration of Scap and its bound SREBP-2 in the ER, thereby preventing proteolytic activation of SREBP-2 in the Golgi. The oxygenated cholesterol derivative 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) and the methylated cholesterol synthesis intermediate 24,25-dihydrolanosterol (DHL) differentially modulate HMGCR and Scap. While both sterols promote binding of HMGCR to Insigs for ubiquitination and subsequent ERAD, only 25HC inhibits the Scap-mediated proteolytic activation of SREBP-2. We showed previously that 1,1-bisphosphonate esters mimic DHL, accelerating ERAD of HMGCR while sparing SREBP-2 activation. Building on these results, our current studies reveal specific, Insig-independent photoaffinity labeling of HMGCR by photoactivatable derivatives of the 1,1-bisphosphonate ester SRP-3042 and 25HC. These findings disclose a direct sterol binding mechanism as the trigger that initiates the HMGCR ERAD pathway, providing valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms that govern cholesterol homeostasis.

Fine-tuning of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate esters that potently induce degradation of HMG-CoA reductase

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, and competitive inhibitors targeting the catalytic domain of this enzyme, so-called statins, are widely used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. The membrane domain mediates the sterol-accelerated degradation, a post-translational negative feedback mechanism, and small molecules triggering such degradation have been studied as an alternative therapeutic option. Such strategies are expected to provide benefits over catalytic site inhibitors, as the inhibition leads to transcriptional and post-translational upregulation of the enzyme, necessitating a higher dose of the inhibitors and concomitantly increasing the risk of serious adverse effects, including myopathies. Through our previous study on SR12813, a synthetic small molecule that induces degradation of HMG-CoA reductase, we identified a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate ester SRP3042 as a highly potent HMG-CoA reductase degrader. Here, we performed a systematic structure-activity relationship study to optimize its activity and physicochemical properties, specifically focusing on the reduction of lipophilicity. Mono-fluorination of tert-butyl groups on the molecules was found to increase the HMG-CoA reductase degradation activity while reducing lipophilicity, suggesting the mono-fluorination of saturated alkyl groups as a useful strategy to balance potency and lipophilicity of the lead compounds.

Synthesis, function, and regulation of sterol and nonsterol isoprenoids

Cholesterol, the bulk end-product of the mevalonate pathway, is a key component of cellular membranes and lipoproteins that transport lipids throughout the body. It is also a precursor of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. In addition to cholesterol, the mevalonate pathway yields a variety of nonsterol isoprenoids that are essential to cell survival. Flux through the mevalonate pathway is tightly controlled to ensure cells continuously synthesize nonsterol isoprenoids but avoid overproducing cholesterol and other sterols. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase (HMGCR), the rate limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, is the focus of a complex feedback regulatory system governed by sterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. This review highlights transcriptional and post-translational regulation of HMGCR. Transcriptional regulation of HMGCR is mediated by the Scap-SREBP pathway. Post-translational control is initiated by the intracellular accumulation of sterols, which causes HMGCR to become ubiquitinated and subjected to proteasome-mediated ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Sterols also cause a subfraction of HMGCR molecules to bind the vitamin K₂ synthetic enzyme, UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein-1 (UBIAD1). This binding inhibits ERAD of HMGCR, which allows cells to continuously synthesize nonsterol isoprenoids such as geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), even when sterols are abundant. Recent studies reveal that UBIAD1 is a GGPP sensor, dissociating from HMGCR when GGPP thresholds are met to allow maximal ERAD. Animal studies using genetically manipulated mice disclose the physiological significance of the HMGCR regulatory system and we describe how dysregulation of these pathways contributes to disease.

Enhancement of Squalene Production by Constitutive Expression of the 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase in Aurantiochytrium sp. 18W-13a

Squalene has a wide range of applications in the industry sectors of dietary supplements, cosmetics, immunization, and pharmaceuticals. Yet, suitable organisms as the source of squalene are limited. It is reported that the thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium sp. strain 18W-13a can accumulate high content of squalene. However, squalene production in this organism is fluctuated under various conditions and is not yet optimized for commercialization. In this organism, the mevalonate pathway supplies isopentenyl pyrophosphate, the initial substrate for squalene production. In this pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is the rate-limiting enzyme. We found that the HMGR activity had a strong positive correlation with the squalene contents in the strain. We constitutively expressed the HMGR in this organism and found that the transformant showed increased and stable production of squalene as well as carotenoids and biomass. These results clearly indicated that the HMGR expression is the bottleneck of squalene synthesis in Aurantiochytrium sp.

Regulated degradation of HMG CoA reductase requires conformational changes in sterol-sensing domain

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis and target of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Accumulation of sterols in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes accelerates degradation of HMGCR, slowing the synthesis of cholesterol. Degradation of HMGCR is inhibited by its binding to UBIAD1 (UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein-1). This inhibition contributes to statin-induced accumulation of HMGCR, which limits their cholesterol-lowering effects. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the HMGCR-UBIAD1 complex, which is maintained by interactions between transmembrane helix (TM) 7 of HMGCR and TMs 2-4 of UBIAD1. Disrupting this interface by mutagenesis prevents complex formation, enhancing HMGCR degradation. TMs 2-6 of HMGCR contain a 170-amino acid sterol sensing domain (SSD), which exists in two conformations-one of which is essential for degradation. Thus, our data supports a model that rearrangement of the TMs in the SSD permits recruitment of proteins that initate HMGCR degradation, a key reaction in the regulatory system that governs cholesterol synthesis.

Posttranslational Regulation of HMG CoA Reductase, the Rate-Limiting Enzyme in Synthesis of Cholesterol

The polytopic, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase produces mevalonate, the key intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol and many nonsterol isoprenoids including geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp). Transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational feedback mechanisms converge on this reductase to ensure cells maintain a sufficient supply of essential nonsterol isoprenoids but avoid overaccumulation of cholesterol and other sterols. The focus of this review is mechanisms for the posttranslational regulation of HMG CoA reductase, which include sterol-accelerated ubiquitination and ER-associated degradation (ERAD) that is augmented by GGpp. We discuss how GGpp-induced ER-to-Golgi trafficking of the vitamin K₂ synthetic enzyme UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein-1 (UBIAD1) modulates HMG CoA reductase ERAD to balance the synthesis of sterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. We also summarize the characterization of genetically manipulated mice, which established that sterol-accelerated, UBIAD1-modulated ERAD plays a major role in regulation of HMG CoA reductase and cholesterol metabolism in vivo.

Post-translational control of the long and winding road to cholesterol

The synthesis of cholesterol requires more than 20 enzymes, many of which are intricately regulated. Post-translational control of these enzymes provides a rapid means for modifying flux through the pathway. So far, several enzymes have been shown to be rapidly degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in response to cholesterol and other sterol intermediates. Additionally, several enzymes have their activity altered through phosphorylation mechanisms. Most work has focused on the two rate-limiting enzymes: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase and squalene monooxygenase. Here, we review current literature in the area to define some common themes in the regulation of the entire cholesterol synthesis pathway. We highlight the rich variety of inputs controlling each enzyme, discuss the interplay that exists between regulatory mechanisms, and summarize findings that reveal an intricately coordinated network of regulation along the cholesterol synthesis pathway. We provide a roadmap for future research into the post-translational control of cholesterol synthesis, and no doubt the road ahead will reveal further twists and turns for this fascinating pathway crucial for human health and disease.

Underlying mechanisms for sterol-induced ubiquitination and ER-associated degradation of HMG CoA reductase

Accelerated ubiquitination and subsequent endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) constitute one of several mechanisms for feedback control of HMG CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in synthesis of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. This ERAD is initiated by the accumulation of certain sterols in ER membranes, which trigger binding of reductase to ER membrane proteins called Insigs. Insig-associated ubiquitin ligases facilitate ubiquitination of reductase, marking the enzyme for extraction across the ER membrane through a reaction that is augmented by nonsterol isoprenoids. Once extracted, ubiquitinated reductase becomes dislocated into the cytosol for degradation by 26S proteasomes. In this review, we will highlight several advances in the understanding of reductase ERAD, which includes the discovery for a role of the vitamin K₂ synthetic enzyme UBIAD1 in the reaction and demonstration that sterol-accelerated ERAD significantly contributes to feedback regulation of reductase and cholesterol metabolism in livers of whole animals.

The evolving role of ubiquitin modification in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) serves as a warehouse for factors that augment and control the biogenesis of nascent proteins entering the secretory pathway. In turn, this compartment also harbors the machinery that responds to the presence of misfolded proteins by targeting them for proteolysis via a process known as ER-associated degradation (ERAD). During ERAD, substrates are selected, modified with ubiquitin, removed from the ER, and then degraded by the cytoplasmic 26S proteasome. While integral membrane proteins can directly access the ubiquitination machinery that resides in the cytoplasm or on the cytoplasmic face of the ER membrane, soluble ERAD substrates within the lumen must be retrotranslocated from this compartment. In either case, nearly all ERAD substrates are tagged with a polyubiquitin chain, a modification that represents a commitment step to degrade aberrant proteins. However, increasing evidence indicates that the polyubiquitin chain on ERAD substrates can be further modified, serves to recruit ERAD-requiring factors, and may regulate the ERAD machinery. Amino acid side chains other than lysine on ERAD substrates can also be modified with ubiquitin, and post-translational modifications that affect substrate ubiquitination have been observed. Here, we summarize these data and provide an overview of questions driving this field of research.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation and Lipid Homeostasis

The endoplasmic reticulum is the port of entry for proteins into the secretory pathway and the site of synthesis for several important lipids, including cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and phospholipids. Protein production within the endoplasmic reticulum is tightly regulated by a cohort of resident machinery that coordinates the folding, modification, and deployment of secreted and integral membrane proteins. Proteins failing to attain their native conformation are degraded through the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway via a series of tightly coupled steps: substrate recognition, dislocation, and ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal destruction. The same ERAD machinery also controls the flux through various metabolic pathways by coupling the turnover of metabolic enzymes to the levels of key metabolites. We review the current understanding and biological significance of ERAD-mediated regulation of lipid metabolism in mammalian cells.

The prenyltransferase UBIAD1 is the target of geranylgeraniol in degradation of HMG CoA reductase

Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD) is an autosomal dominant disorder in humans characterized by abnormal accumulation of cholesterol in the cornea. SCD-associated mutations have been identified in the gene encoding UBIAD1, a prenyltransferase that synthesizes vitamin K₂. Here, we show that sterols stimulate binding of UBIAD1 to the cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme HMG CoA reductase, which is subject to sterol-accelerated, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation augmented by the nonsterol isoprenoid geranylgeraniol through an unknown mechanism. Geranylgeraniol inhibits binding of UBIAD1 to reductase, allowing its degradation and promoting transport of UBIAD1 from the ER to the Golgi. CRISPR-CAS9-mediated knockout of UBIAD1 relieves the geranylgeraniol requirement for reductase degradation. SCD-associated mutations in UBIAD1 block its displacement from reductase in the presence of geranylgeraniol, thereby preventing degradation of reductase. The current results identify UBIAD1 as the elusive target of geranylgeraniol in reductase degradation, the inhibition of which may contribute to accumulation of cholesterol in SCD.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05560.001

People with a rare genetic disorder called ‘Schnyder corneal dystrophy’ gradually lose their vision, because their corneas become increasingly cloudy. This cloudiness is caused by a build-up of excessive amounts of cholesterol, and the disorder itself is caused by mutations in a gene that encodes a protein called UBIAD1. Researchers have previously discovered that the UBIAD1 protein is involved in making vitamin K₂, but it is not clear how this protein also helps to control cholesterol levels in the cornea.

An enzyme called HMG CoA reductase makes a molecule that is used to make cholesterol and many other similar sterol molecules. A ‘feedback loop’ operates in cells to control the amount of the reductase and prevent cholesterol from becoming too high or too low. Sterol molecules, together with another molecule called geranylgeraniol, participate in this feedback loop by promoting the destruction of the reductase enzyme. Here, Schumacher et al. reveal a link between UBIAD1 and the reductase that may explain how UBIAD1 contributes to the production of excess cholesterol in patients with Schnyder corneal dystrophy.

The experiments show that, in the presence of sterol molecules, UBIAD1 can bind to HMG CoA reductase to protect the reductase from being destroyed by other proteins. Geranylgeraniol—which stops the UBIAD1 protein from binding to the enzyme—is required to completely destroy the reductase enzyme. However, when UBIAD1 is missing, the reductase enzyme is destroyed even in the absence of geranylgeraniol.

Furthermore, the experiments show that the genetic mutations linked to Schnyder corneal dystrophy lead to the production of versions of the UBIAD1 protein that bind to the reductase enzyme even when geranylgeraniol molecules are present. This prevents the normal breakdown of the reductase enzyme, which could lead to the build up of cholesterol in the cornea of individuals with the disorder.

Schumacher et al.'s findings show that the UBIAD1 protein helps to control the levels of cholesterol in cells by protecting the HMG CoA reductase enzyme from destruction. These findings may aid the development of new therapies to lower cholesterol levels in cells, which may help patients with Schnyder's corneal dystrophy and other conditions caused by high cholesterol levels.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05560.002

Molecular cloning, tissue expression and protein structure prediction of the porcine 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) gene

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. Its activity is regulated via a negative feedback mechanism through sterols and non-sterol metabolites derived from mevalonate, the product of the reaction catalyzed by reductase. Here, we cloned a full-length transcript of porcine HMGR by RT-PCR and RACE. The porcine HMGR cDNA (2864 bp,GenBank accession no. DQ432054) contains a 2658 bp open reading frame and shares 91% identify with those of human and cattle, and 85%, 85% and 84% identify with the HMGR coding sequences of Norway rat, golden hamster, and house mouse, respectively. The deduced porcine HMGR protein consists of 885 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 97.15 kDa(GenBank accession no. ABD96089). The amino acid sequence similarities correspond to 95%, 95%, 92%, 92% and 92% when compared with human, cattle, Norway rat, golden hamster and house mouse sequences, respectively. The structure and function of HMGR deduced protein product were predicted by bioinformatic approaches. HMGR-specific transcripts were found in 15 different tissues from pig by RT-PCR and Real-time PCR. The relative expression level of HMGR was high in liver, heart, kidney, bladder and subcutaneous fat, medium in lung, uterus and large intestine, and low in cerebrum, spleen, spinal cord, stomach, ovary, longissimus muscle, and small intestine. The SNPs analysis of HMGR showed that there were five SNPS and three of them are synonymous mutations and the other two are missense mutations. Taken together, our data may lay a ground for further investigation of HMGR's functions and regulatory mechanisms in swine.

Metabolically regulated endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase: evidence for requirement of a geranylgeranylated protein

In mammalian cells, the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the mevalonate pathway, is ubiquitylated and degraded by the 26 S proteasome when mevalonate-derived metabolites accumulate, representing a case of metabolically regulated endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). Here, we studied which mevalonate-derived metabolites signal for HMGR degradation and the ERAD step(s) in which these metabolites are required. In HMGR-deficient UT-2 cells that stably express HMGal, a chimeric protein between β-galactosidase and the membrane region of HMGR, which is necessary and sufficient for the regulated ERAD, we tested inhibitors specific to different steps in the mevalonate pathway. We found that metabolites downstream of farnesyl pyrophosphate but upstream to lanosterol were highly effective in initiating ubiquitylation, dislocation, and degradation of HMGal. Similar results were observed for endogenous HMGR in cells that express this protein. Ubiquitylation, dislocation, and proteasomal degradation of HMGal were severely hampered when production of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate was inhibited. Importantly, inhibition of protein geranylgeranylation markedly attenuated ubiquitylation and dislocation, implicating for the first time a geranylgeranylated protein(s) in the metabolically regulated ERAD of HMGR.

Regulation of HMG-CoA reductase in mammals and yeast

HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR), a highly conserved, membrane-bound enzyme, catalyzes a rate-limiting step in sterol and isoprenoid biosynthesis and is the primary target of hypocholesterolemic drug therapy. HMGR activity is tightly regulated to ensure maintenance of lipid homeostasis, disruption of which is a major cause of human morbidity and mortality. HMGR regulation takes place at the levels of transcription, translation, post-translational modification and degradation. In this review, we discuss regulation of mammalian, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe HMGR and highlight recent advances in the field. We find that the general features of HMGR regulation, including a requirement for the HMGR-binding protein Insig, are remarkably conserved between mammals and ascomycetous fungi, including S. cerevisiae and S. pombe. However the specific details by which this regulation occurs differ in surprising ways, revealing the broad evolutionary themes underlying both HMGR regulation and Insig function.

Identification of luminal Loop 1 of Scap protein as the sterol sensor that maintains cholesterol homeostasis

Cellular cholesterol homeostasis is maintained by Scap, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein with eight transmembrane helices. In cholesterol-depleted cells, Scap transports sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) to the Golgi, where the active fragment of SREBP is liberated by proteases so that it can activate genes for cholesterol synthesis. When ER cholesterol increases, Scap binds cholesterol, and this changes the conformation of cytosolic Loop 6, which contains the binding site for COPII proteins. The altered conformation precludes COPII binding, abrogating movement to the Golgi. Consequently, cholesterol synthesis declines. Here, we identify the cholesterol-binding site on Scap as Loop 1, a 245-amino acid sequence that projects into the ER lumen. Recombinant Loop 1 binds sterols with a specificity identical to that of the entire Scap membrane domain. When tyrosine 234 in Loop 1 is mutated to alanine, Loop 6 assumes the cholesterol-bound conformation, even in sterol-depleted cells. As a result, full-length Scap(Y234A) cannot mediate SREBP processing in transfected cells. These results indicate that luminal Loop 1 of Scap controls the conformation of cytosolic Loop 6, thereby determining whether cells produce cholesterol.

Control of cholesterol synthesis through regulated ER-associated degradation of HMG CoA reductase

Multiple mechanisms for feedback control of cholesterol synthesis converge on the rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. This complex feedback regulatory system is mediated by sterol and nonsterol metabolites of mevalonate, the immediate product of reductase activity. One mechanism for feedback control of reductase involves rapid degradation of the enzyme from membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This degradation results from the accumulation of sterols in ER membranes, which triggers binding of reductase to ER membrane proteins called Insig-1 and Insig-2. Insig binding leads to the recruitment of a membrane-associated ubiquitin ligase called gp78 that initiates ubiquitination of reductase. Ubiquitinated reductase then becomes extracted from ER membranes and is delivered to cytosolic 26S proteasomes through an unknown mechanism that is mediated by the gp78-associated ATPase Valosin-containing protein/p97 and appears to be augmented by nonsterol isoprenoids. Here, we will highlight several advances that have led to the current view of mechanisms for sterol-accelerated, ER-associated degradation of reductase. In addition, we will discuss potential mechanisms for other aspects of the pathway such as selection of reductase for gp78-mediated ubiquitination, extraction of the ubiquitinated enzyme from ER membranes, and the contribution of Insig-mediated degradation to overall regulation of reductase in whole animals.

Sterol-protein interactions in cholesterol and bile acid synthesis

Cholesterol and other cholesterol related metabolites, oxysterols, and bile acids, establish specific interactions with enzymes and other proteins involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, triggering a variety of biological responses. The substrate-enzyme binding represents the best-characterized type of complementary interaction between proteins and small molecules. Key enzymes in the pathway that converts cholesterol to bile acids belong to the cytochrome P450 superfamily. In contrast to the majority of P450 enzymes, those acting on cholesterol and related metabolites exhibit higher stringency with respect to substrate molecules. This stringency, coupled with the specificity of the reactions, dictates the chemical features of intermediate metabolites (oxysterols) and end products (bile acids). Both oxysterols and bile acids have emerged in recent years as new signalling molecules due to their ability to interact and activate nuclear receptors, and consequently to regulate the transcription of genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis and metabolism, but also in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Interestingly, other proteins function as bile acid or sterol receptors. New findings indicate that bile acids also interact with a membrane G protein-coupled receptor, triggering a signalling cascade that ultimately promote energy expenditure. On the other end, cholesterol and side chain oxysterols establish specific interactions with different proteins residing in the endoplasmic reticulum that result in controlled protein degradation and/or trafficking to the Golgi and the nucleus. These regulatory pathways converge and contribute to adapt cholesterol uptake and synthesis to the cellular needs.

Insig-mediated, sterol-accelerated degradation of the membrane domain of hamster 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase in insect cells

Sterol-accelerated degradation of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase is one of several mechanisms through which cholesterol synthesis is controlled in mammalian cells. This degradation results from sterol-induced binding of the membrane domain of reductase to endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins called Insig-1 and Insig-2, which are carriers of a ubiquitin ligase called gp78. The ensuing gp78-mediated ubiquitination of reductase is a prerequisite for its rapid, 26 S proteasome-mediated degradation from endoplasmic reticulum membranes, a reaction that slows a rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. Here, we report that the membrane domain of hamster reductase is subject to sterol-accelerated degradation in Drosophila S2 cells, but only when mammalian Insig-1 or Insig-2 are co-expressed. This degradation mimics the reaction that occurs in mammalian cells with regard to its absolute requirement for the action of Insigs, sensitivity to proteasome inhibition, augmentation by nonsterol isoprenoids, and sterol specificity. RNA interference studies reveal that this degradation requires the Drosophila Hrd1 ubiquitin ligase and several other proteins, including a putative substrate selector, which associate with the enzyme in yeast and mammalian systems. These studies define Insigs as the minimal requirement for sterol-accelerated degradation of the membrane domain of reductase in Drosophila S2 cells.

Dislocation of HMG-CoA reductase and Insig-1, two polytopic endoplasmic reticulum proteins, en route to proteasomal degradation

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) glycoprotein HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in sterols biosynthesis. Mammalian HMGR is ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteasome when sterols accumulate in cells, representing the best example for metabolically controlled ER-associated degradation (ERAD). This regulated degradation involves the short-lived ER protein Insig-1. Here, we investigated the dislocation of these ERAD substrates to the cytosol en route to proteasomal degradation. We show that the tagged HMGR membrane region, HMG(350)-HA, the endogenous HMGR, and Insig-1-Myc, all polytopic membrane proteins, dislocate to the cytosol as intact full-length polypeptides. Dislocation of HMG(350)-HA and Insig-1-Myc requires metabolic energy and involves the AAA-ATPase p97/VCP. Sterols stimulate HMG(350)-HA and HMGR release to the cytosol concurrent with removal of their N-glycan by cytosolic peptide:N-glycanase. Sterols neither accelerate dislocation nor stimulate deglycosylation of ubiquitination-defective HMG(350)-HA((K89 + 248R)) mutant. Dislocation of HMG(350)-HA depends on Insig-1-Myc, whose dislocation and degradation are sterol independent. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate sterol-stimulated association between HMG(350)-HA and Insig-1-Myc. Sterols do not enhance binding to Insig-1-Myc of HMG(350)-HA mutated in its sterol-sensing domain or of HMG(350)-HA((K89 + 248R)). Wild-type HMG(350)-HA and Insig-1-Myc coimmunoprecipitate from the soluble fraction only when both proteins were coexpressed in the same cell, indicating their encounter before or during dislocation, raising the possibility that they are dislocated as a tightly bound complex.

Cholesterol feedback: from Schoenheimer's bottle to Scap's MELADL

Cholesterol biosynthesis is among the most intensely regulated processes in biology. Synthetic rates vary over hundreds of fold depending on the availability of an external source of cholesterol. Studies of this feedback regulatory process have a rich history. The field began 75 years ago when Rudolf Schoenheimer measured cholesterol balance in mice in a bottle. He found that cholesterol feeding led to decreased cholesterol synthesis, thereby introducing the general phenomenon by which end products of biosynthetic pathways inhibit their own synthesis. Recently, cholesterol feedback has been explained at a molecular level with the discovery of membrane-bound transcription factors called sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), and an appreciation of the sterol-sensing role of their partner, an escort protein called Scap. The key element in Scap is a hexapeptide sequence designated MELADL (rhymes with bottle). Thus, over 75 years, Schoenheimer's bottle led to Scap's MELADL. In addition to their basic importance in membrane biology, these studies have implications for the regulation of plasma cholesterol levels and consequently for the development of atherosclerotic plaques, myocardial infarctions, and strokes. In this article we review the major milestones in the cholesterol feedback story.

Diversity of degradation signals in the ubiquitin-proteasome system

The ubiquitin-proteasome system degrades an enormous variety of proteins that contain specific degradation signals, or 'degrons'. Besides the degradation of regulatory proteins, almost every protein suffers from sporadic biosynthetic errors or misfolding. Such aberrant proteins can be recognized and rapidly degraded by cells. Structural and functional data on a handful of degrons allow several generalizations regarding their mechanism of action. We focus on different strategies of degron recognition by the ubiquitin system, and contrast regulatory degrons that are subject to signalling-dependent modification with those that are controlled by protein folding or assembly, as frequently occurs during protein quality control.

Feedback regulation of cholesterol synthesis: sterol-accelerated ubiquitination and degradation of HMG CoA reductase

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase produces mevalonate, an important intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol and essential nonsterol isoprenoids. The reductase is subject to an exorbitant amount of feedback control through multiple mechanisms that are mediated by sterol and nonsterol end-products of mevalonate metabolism. Here, I will discuss recent advances that shed light on one mechanism for control of reductase, which involves rapid degradation of the enzyme. Accumulation of certain sterols triggers binding of reductase to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane proteins called Insig-1 and Insig-2. Reductase-Insig binding results in recruitment of a membrane-associated ubiquitin ligase called gp78, which initiates ubiquitination of reductase. This ubiquitination is an obligatory reaction for recognition and degradation of reductase from ER membranes by cytosolic 26S proteasomes. Thus, sterol-accelerated degradation of reductase represents an example of how a general cellular process (ER-associated degradation) is used to control an important metabolic pathway (cholesterol synthesis).

Ufd1 is a cofactor of gp78 and plays a key role in cholesterol metabolism by regulating the stability of HMG-CoA reductase

The membrane-anchored ubiquitin ligase gp78 promotes degradation of misfolded endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins and sterol-regulated degradation of HMG-CoA reductase. It was known previously that Ufd1 plays a critical role in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) together with Npl4 and VCP. The VCP-Ufd1-Npl4 complex recognizes polyubiquitin chains and transfers the ubiquitinated proteins to the proteasome. Here we show that Ufd1 directly interacts with gp78 and functions as a cofactor. Ufd1 enhances the E3 activity of gp78, accelerates the ubiquitination and degradation of reductase, and eventually promotes receptor-mediated uptake of low-density lipoprotein. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the monoubiquitin-binding site in Ufd1 is required for the enhancement of gp78 activity and that the polyubiquitin-binding site in Ufd1 is critical for a postubiquitination step in ERAD. In summary, our study identifies Ufd1 as a cofactor of gp78, reveals an unappreciated function of Ufd1 in the ubiquitination reaction during ERAD, and illustrates that Ufd1 plays a critical role in cholesterol metabolism.

Protein sensors for membrane sterols

Cholesterol is an essential component of animal cell membranes, and its concentration is tightly controlled by a feedback system that operates at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Here, we discuss recent advances that explain how cells employ an ensemble of membrane-embedded proteins to monitor sterol concentrations and adjust sterol synthesis and uptake.

Degradation of HMG-CoA reductase in rat liver is cholesterol and ubiquitin independent

In contrast with the accelerated degradation observed in tumor cells in response to sterols, hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase turnover in whole animals was not increased by dietary cholesterol. Furthermore, treating rats with lovastatin to lower hepatic cholesterol levels did not decrease the rate of degradation. The half-life remained in the 6 h range. Co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that the amount of ubiquitin associated with the reductase was entirely dependent upon the amount of microsomal protein subjected to immunoprecipitation. The results indicate that in liver, neither the rate of reductase protein degradation nor the ubiquitin-proteasome system appear to play roles in mediating changes in HMG-CoA reductase protein levels in response to dietary cholesterol.

Differential regulation of endoplasmic reticulum structure through VAP-Nir protein interaction

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exhibits a characteristic tubular structure that is dynamically rearranged in response to specific physiological demands. However, the mechanisms by which the ER maintains its characteristic structure are largely unknown. Here we show that the integral ER-membrane protein VAP-B causes a striking rearrangement of the ER through interaction with the Nir2 and Nir3 proteins. We provide evidence that Nir (Nir1, Nir2, and Nir3)-VAP-B interactions are mediated through the conserved FFAT (two phenylalanines (FF) in acidic tract) motif present in Nir proteins. However, each interaction affects the structural integrity of the ER differently. Whereas the Nir2-VAP-B interaction induces the formation of stacked ER membrane arrays, the Nir3-VAP-B interaction leads to a gross remodeling of the ER and the bundling of thick microtubules along the altered ER membranes. In contrast, the Nir1-VAP-B interaction has no apparent effect on ER structure. We also show that the Nir2-VAP-B interaction attenuates protein export from the ER. These results demonstrate new mechanisms for the regulation of ER structure, all of which are mediated through interaction with an identical integral ER-membrane protein.

Isolation of Mutant Cells Lacking Insig-1 through Selection with SR-12813, an Agent That Stimulates Degradation of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase

Insig-1 and Insig-2 are membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum that regulate lipid metabolism by the following two actions: 1) sterol-induced binding to 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, an action that leads to ubiquitination and degradation of the enzyme; and 2) sterol-induced binding to SREBP cleavage-activating protein, an action that blocks the proteolytic processing of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), membrane-bound transcription factors that enhance the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. Here we report the isolation of a new mutant line of Chinese hamster ovary cells, designated SRD-14, in which Insig-1 mRNA and protein are not produced due to a partial deletion of the INSIG-1 gene. The SRD-14 cells were produced by gamma-irradiation, followed by selection with the 1,1-bisphosphonate ester SR-12813, which mimics sterols in accelerating reductase degradation but does not block SREBP processing. SRD-14 cells fail to respond to sterols by promoting reductase ubiquitination and degradation. The rate at which sterols suppress SREBP processing is significantly slower in SRD-14 cells than wild type CHO-7 cells. Sterol regulation of reductase degradation and SREBP processing is restored when SRD-14 cells are transfected with expression plasmids encoding either Insig-1 or Insig-2. These results provide formal genetic proof for the essential role of Insig-1 in feedback control of lipid synthesis in cultured cells.

Regulation and degradation of HMGCo-A reductase

The enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) controls the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis are critical health risk factors. One way of controlling these risk factors is to manipulate regulation as well as degradation of HMGR. At present, a class of compounds called statins, which are HMGR inhibitors, are used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. However, statins suffer major setbacks as their use produces more adverse reactions than the desirable one of inhibiting the enzyme. Genetically engineered forms of HMGR are also studied in primitive life forms like bacteria, but detailed investigation of this enzyme in human systems is certainly required. Extensive studies have been made on the regulatory aspects of this enzyme, but no breakthrough is conspicuous in the clinical background to find an alternative treatment for hypercholesterolemia. The immediate need is to find an alternate way of regulating degradation of the enzyme. This review presents the importance of regulation and degradation of the HMGR enzyme in different systems to gain possible insight into alternative schemes for regulating this enzyme and, if these exist, the feasibility of extending them same to studies in mammalian systems. A high degree of similarity exists between mammalian and yeast HMGR. Detailed studies reported on the regulation and degradation of the yeast enzyme also throw more light on the mammalian system, leading to a better understanding of ways of controlling hypercholesterolemia.

Ubiquitin is conjugated by membrane ubiquitin ligase to three sites, including the N terminus, in transmembrane region of mammalian 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase: implications for sterol-regulated enzyme degradation

The stability of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) glycoprotein 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), the key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, is negatively regulated by sterols. HMGR is anchored in the ER via its N-terminal region, which spans the membrane eight times and contains a sterol-sensing domain. We have previously established that degradation of mammalian HMGR is mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (Ravid, T., Doolman, R., Avner, R., Harats, D., and Roitelman, J. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 35840-35847). Here we expressed in HEK-293 cells an HA-tagged-truncated version of HMGR that encompasses all eight transmembrane spans (350 N-terminal residues). Similar to endogenous HMGR, degradation of this HMG(350)-3HA protein was accelerated by sterols, validating it as a model to study HMGR turnover. The degradation of HMG(240)-3HA, which lacks the last two transmembrane spans yet retains an intact sterol-sensing domain, was no longer accelerated by sterols. Using HMG(350)-3HA, we demonstrate that transmembrane region of HMGR is ubiquitinated in a sterol-regulated fashion. Through site-directed Lys --> Arg mutagenesis, we pinpoint Lys(248) and Lys(89) as the internal lysines for ubiquitin attachment, with Lys(248) serving as the major acceptor site for polyubiquitination. Moreover, the data indicate that the N terminus is also ubiquitinated. The degradation rates of the Lys --> Arg mutants correlates with their level of ubiquitination. Notably, lysine-less HMG(350)-3HA is degraded faster than wild-type protein, suggesting that lysines other than Lys(89) and Lys(248) attenuate ubiquitination at the latter residues. The ATP-dependent ubiquitination of HMGR in isolated microsomes requires E1 as the sole cytosolic protein, indicating that ER-bound E2 and E3 enzymes catalyze this modification. Polyubiquitination of HMGR is correlated with its extraction from the ER membrane, a process likely to be assisted by cytosolic p97/VCP/Cdc48p-Ufd1-Npl4 complex, as only ubiquitinated HMGR pulls down p97.

Sterol-mediated regulation of hormone-sensitive lipase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

We previously reported that intracellular free cholesterol at physiological concentrations regulates the activity of neutral cholesterol esterase (N-CEase) in macrophages. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether the regulation of N-CEase by cholesterol is generally observed in other types of cells such as adipocytes with high activity of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), the same gene product as N-CEase. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured with and without cholesterol (1-30 microg/mL) or 25-hydroxycholesterol (0.1-10 microg/mL), and changes in the N-CEase activity, expression of HSL mRNA, and protein were examined. Incubation (24 h) of cells with cholesterol did not change N-CEase activity, but incubation with 25-hydroxycholesterol decreased the activity in a concentration-dependent manner by 24 (24 h) and 54% (36 h). Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR indicated that 25-hydroxycholesterol (10 microg/mL) did not influence expression of HSL mRNA. However, Western blot analysis showed that this sterol reduced HSL protein by 72 (24 h) and by 93% (36 h), respectively. It was concluded that sterol-mediated regulation of HSL/N-CEase occurs not only in macrophages but also in adipocytes, and regulation appears to occur not at a transcriptional level but by a post-transcriptional process. Sterol-mediated proteolysis may be involved in the loss of HSL protein.

Ubiquitination of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase in permeabilized cells mediated by cytosolic E1 and a putative membrane-bound ubiquitin ligase

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, catalyzes the production of mevalonate, a rate-controlling step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Excess sterols promote ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of reductase as part of a negative feedback regulatory mechanism. To characterize the process in more detail, we here report the development of a permeabilized cell system that supports reductase ubiquitination stimulated by the addition of sterols in vitro. Sterol-dependent ubiquitination of reductase in permeabilized cells is dependent upon exogenous cytosol, ATP, and either Insig-1 or Insig-2, two membrane-bound ER proteins shown previously to mediate sterol regulation of reductase degradation in intact cells. Oxysterols, but not cholesterol, promote reductase ubiquitination under our conditions. Finally, we show that ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1) can efficiently replace cytosol to ubiquitinate reductase in response to sterol treatment, suggesting that other molecules required for ubiquitination of reductase, such as the ubiquitin-conjugating and -ligating enzymes (E2 and E3), are localized to ER membranes.

Expression of the sarco/endoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase, SERCA1a, in fibroblasts induces the formation of organelle membrane arrays

Members of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) family are transmembrane proteins that are essential for the function of intracellular Ca(2+) storage organelles. We found that overexpression of avian muscle SERCA1a in transfected mouse fibroblasts led to the appearance of tubular membrane bundles that we termed plaques. These structures were generated in transfected cells when SERCA1a protein expression approached the endogenous level measured in chicken skeletal muscle. Plaque membranes had associated ribosomes and contained endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins. Endogenous ER protein levels were not elevated in SERCA1a-expressing cells, indicating that plaques were not generalized proliferations of ER but rather a reorganization of existing organelle membrane. Plaque formation also was observed in cells expressing a green fluorescent protein-SERCA1a fusion protein (GFP-SERCA1a). GFP-SERCA1a molecules displayed extensive lateral mobility between plaques, suggesting the presence of membrane continuities between these structures. Plaques were induced in cells expressing cDNA encoding a catalytically silent SERCA1a mutant indicating that ER redistribution was driven by a structural feature of the enzyme. SERCA1a-induced plaque formation shares some characteristics of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) biogenesis during muscle differentiation, and high-level SERCA1a expression in vivo may contribute to the formation of SR from ER during embryonic myogenesis.

Apomine, a novel hypocholesterolemic agent, accelerates degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and stimulates low density lipoprotein receptor activity

Apomine, a novel 1,1-bisphosphonate ester, has been shown to lower plasma cholesterol concentration in several species. Here we show that Apomine reduced the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), the rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, both in rat liver and in cultured cells. Apomine resembles sterols such as 25-hydroxycholesterol in its ability to potently accelerate the rate of HMGR degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, a process that depends on the transmembrane domain of the enzyme. The similarity between Apomine and sterols in promoting rapid HMGR degradation extends to its acute requirements for ongoing protein synthesis and mevalonate-derived non-sterol product(s) as a co-regulator. Yet, at suboptimal concentrations, sterols potentiated the effect of Apomine in stimulating HMGR degradation, indicating that these agents act via distinct modes. Furthermore, unlike sterols, Apomine inhibited the activity of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase in intact cells but not in cell-free extracts. Apomine stimulated the cleavage of the precursor of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-2 and increased the activity of low density lipoprotein receptor pathway. This Apomine-enhanced activation of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-2 was prevented by sterols or mevalonate. Taken together, our results provide a molecular mechanism for the hypocholesterolemic activity of Apomine.

Insig-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of mammalian 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase stimulated by sterols and geranylgeraniol

The endoplasmic reticulum enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase produces mevalonate, which is converted to sterols and to other products, including geranylgeraniol groups attached to proteins. The enzyme is known to be ubiquitinated and rapidly degraded when sterols and nonsterol end products of mevalonate metabolism accumulate in cells. Here, we use RNA interference to show that sterol-accelerated ubiquitination of reductase requires Insig-1 and Insig-2, membrane-bound proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum that were shown previously to accelerate degradation of reductase when overexpressed by transfection. Alanine substitution experiments reveal that binding of reductase to Insigs and subsequent ubiquitination require the tetrapeptide sequence YIYF in the second membrane-spanning helix of reductase. The YIYF peptide is also found in the sterol-sensing domain of SCAP, another protein that binds to Insigs in a sterol-stimulated fashion. When lysine 248 of reductase is substituted with arginine, Insig binding persists, but the reductase is no longer ubiquitinated and degradation is markedly slowed. Lysine 248 is predicted to lie immediately adjacent to a membrane-spanning helix, suggesting that a membrane-bound ubiquitin transferase is responsible. Finally, we show that Insig-dependent, sterol-stimulated degradation of reductase is further accelerated when cells are also supplied with the 20-carbon isoprenoid geranylgeraniol, but not the 15-carbon farnesol, raising the possibility that the nonsterol potentiator of reductase regulation is a geranylgeranylated protein.

The inhibition of degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase by sterol regulatory element binding protein cleavage-activating protein requires four phenylalanine residues in span 6 of HMG-CoA reductase transmembrane domain

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. This endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein contains a cytosolic catalytic domain and a transmembrane domain with eight membrane spans that are necessary for sterol-accelerated degradation. Competition experiments showed that wild-type transmembrane domains of HMGR and sterol regulatory element binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) blocked sterol-accelerated degradation of intact HMGR and HMGal, a model protein containing the membrane domain of HMGR linked to Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase. However, mutant transmembrane domains of HMGR and SCAP whose sterol-sensing functions were abolished did not inhibit sterol-accelerated degradation of HMGR and HMGal. In addition, our mutagenesis studies on HMGal indicated that four Phe residues conserved in span 6 of HMGR and the sterol-sensing domains of other sterol-related proteins are required for the regulated degradation of HMGR. These results suggest that HMGR and SCAP compete for binding to a sterol-regulated regulator protein, and this binding may need the four Phe residues.

Accelerated degradation of HMG CoA reductase mediated by binding of insig-1 to its sterol-sensing domain

Sterols accelerate degradation of the ER enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMG CoA reductase), which catalyzes a rate-controlling step in cholesterol biosynthesis. This degradation contributes to feedback inhibition of synthesis of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. Here, we show that degradation of HMG CoA reductase is accelerated by the sterol-induced binding of its sterol-sensing domain to the ER protein insig-1. Accelerated degradation is inhibited by overexpression of the sterol-sensing domain of SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), suggesting that both proteins bind to the same site on insig-1. Whereas insig-1 binding to SCAP leads to ER retention, insig-1 binding to HMG CoA reductase leads to accelerated degradation that is blocked by proteasome inhibitors. Insig-1 appears to play an essential role in the sterol-mediated trafficking of two proteins with sterol-sensing domains, HMG CoA reductase and SCAP.

The hypocholesterolemic agent LY295427 reverses suppression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein processing mediated by oxysterols

The sterol LY295427 reduces plasma cholesterol levels in animals by increasing the expression of hepatic low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. Here we trace the hypocholesterolemic activity of LY295427 to an ability to reverse oxysterol-mediated suppression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) processing. Micromolar concentrations of LY295427 induced the metabolism of LDL in oxysterol-treated cultured cells and inhibited the stimulation of cholesteryl ester synthesis mediated by oxysterols. cDNA microarray and RNA blotting experiments revealed that LY295427 increased levels of the LDL receptor mRNA and those of other SREBP target genes. The compound stimulated the accumulation of SREBPs in the nuclei of cells grown in the presence of oxysterols within 4-6 h of addition to the medium. Induction required components of the normal SREBP-processing pathway, including the SREBP cleavage-activating protein and the Site 1 protease. LY295427 overcame the suppression of SREBP processing mediated by several oxysterols but not by LDL-derived cholesterol. We conclude that LY295427 achieves a therapeutically desirable end point by an unique mechanism of action.

An oxysterol-derived positive signal for 3-hydroxy- 3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase degradation in yeast

Sterol synthesis by the mevalonate pathway is modulated, in part, through feedback-regulated degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR). In mammals, both a non-sterol isoprenoid signal derived from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) and a sterol-derived signal appear to act together to positively regulate the rate of HMGR degradation. Although the nature and number of sterol-derived signals are not clear, there is growing evidence that oxysterols can serve in this capacity. In yeast, a similar non-sterol isoprenoid signal generated from FPP acts to positively regulate HMGR degradation, but the existence of any sterol-derived signal has thus far not been revealed. We now demonstrate, through the use of genetic and pharmacological manipulation of oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase, that an oxysterol-derived signal positively regulated HMGR degradation in yeast. The oxysterol-derived signal acted by specifically modulating HMGR stability, not endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation in general. Direct biochemical labeling of mevalonate pathway products confirmed that oxysterols were produced endogenously in yeast and that their levels varied appropriately in response to genetic or pharmacological manipulations that altered HMGR stability. Genetic manipulation of oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase did result in the buildup of detectable levels of 24,25-oxidolanosterol by gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, and NMR analyses, whereas no detectable amounts were observed in wild-type cells or cells with squalene epoxidase down-regulated. In contrast to mammalian cells, the yeast oxysterol-derived signal was not required for HMGR degradation in yeast. Rather, the function of this second signal was to enhance the ability of the FPP-derived signal to promote HMGR degradation. Thus, although differences do exist, both yeast and mammalian cells employ a similar strategy of multi-input regulation of HMGR degradation.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Is Sterol-Dependently Cleaved by Cathepsin L-Type Cysteine Protease in the Isolated Endoplasmic Reticulum

We have recently shown that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, is degraded in ER membranes prepared from sterol pretreated cells and that such degradation is catalyzed by a cysteine protease within the reductase membrane domain. The use of various protease inhibitors suggested that degradation of HMG-CoA reductase in vitro is catalyzed by a cathepsin L-type cysteine protease. Purified ER contains E-64-sensitive cathepsin L activity whose inhibitor sensitivity was well matched to that of HMG-CoA reductase degradation in vitro. CLIK-148 (cathepsin L inhibitor) inhibited degradation of HMG-CoA reductase in vitro. Purified cathepsin L also efficiently cleaved HMG-CoA reductase in isolated ER preparations. To determine whether a cathepsin L-type cysteine protease is involved in sterol-regulated degradation of HMG-CoA reductase in vivo, we examined the effect of E-64d, a membrane-permeable cysteine protease inhibitor, in living cells. While lactacystin, a proteasome-specific inhibitor, inhibited sterol-dependent degradation of HMG-CoA reductase, E-64d failed to do so. In contrast, degradation of HMG-CoA reductase in sonicated cells was inhibited by E-64d, CLIK-148, and leupeptin but not by lactacystin. Our results indicate that HMG-CoA reductase is degraded by the proteasome under normal conditions in living cells and that it is cleaved by cathepsin L leaked from lysosomes during preparation of the ER, thus clarifying the apparently paradoxical in vivo and in vitro results. Cathepsin L-dependent proteolysis was observed to occur preferentially in sterol-pretreated cells, suggesting that sterol treatment results in conformational changes in HMG-CoA reductase that make it more susceptible to such cleavage.

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway mediates the regulated degradation of mammalian 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), the key regulatory enzyme in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, is rapidly degraded in mammalian cells supplemented with sterols or MVA. This accelerated turnover was blocked by N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal (ALLN), MG-132, and lactacystin, and to a lesser extent by N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-methional (ALLM), indicating the involvement of the 26 S proteasome. Proteasome inhibition led to enhanced accumulation of high molecular weight polyubiquitin conjugates of HMGR and of HMGal, a chimera between the membrane domain of HMGR and beta-galactosidase. Importantly, increased amounts of polyubiquitinated HMGR and HMGal were observed upon treating cells with sterols or MVA. Cycloheximide inhibited the sterol-stimulated degradation of HMGR concomitantly with a marked reduction in polyubiquitination of the enzyme. Inhibition of squalene synthase with zaragozic acid blocked the MVA- but not sterol-stimulated ubiquitination and degradation of HMGR. Thus, similar to yeast, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is involved in the metabolically regulated turnover of mammalian HMGR. Yet, the data indicate divergence between yeast and mammals and suggest distinct roles for sterol and nonsterol metabolic signals in the regulated ubiquitination and degradation of mammalian HMGR.

The making and breaking of the endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a dynamic organelle central to many essential cellular functions. It is an important calcium store, which functions in cellular signal transduction cascades. It is also the site of entry for secreted proteins into the secretory pathway. Lumenal enzymes will fold and glycosylate these proteins, and if a protein is destined to be secreted, it will be packaged into membrane vesicles that bud off from the ER. The ER is also the site where most cellular lipids are synthesized. It is contiguous with the nuclear envelope, which serves as a diffusion barrier to control entry into and out of the nucleus. In the life cycle of a cell, the ER is in a constant flux of membrane traffic. What maintains the ER in the shape of an intact reticulum among this constant flux of material? We discuss the mechanisms that contribute to the biogenesis of the ER, the maintenance of the organelle, as well as processes that give the ER its characteristic shape and pattern of inheritance.

Mutational analysis of the karmellae-inducing signal in Hmg1p, a yeast HMG-CoA reductase isozyme

In response to elevated levels of HMG-CoA reductase, an integral endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, cells assemble novel ER arrays. These membranes provide useful models for exploration of ER structure and function, as well as general features of membrane biogenesis and turnover. Yeast express two functional HMG-CoA reductase isozymes, Hmg1p and Hmg2p, each of which induces morphologically different ER arrays. Hmg1p induces stacks of paired nuclear-associated membranes called karmellae. In contrast, Hmg2p induces peripheral ER membrane arrays and short nuclear-associated membrane stacks. In spite of their ability to induce different cellular responses, both Hmg1p and Hmg2p have similar structures, including a polytopic membrane domain containing eight predicted transmembrane helices. By examining a series of recombinant HMG-CoA reductase proteins, our laboratory previously demonstrated that the last ER-lumenal loop (Loop G) of the Hmg1p membrane domain contains a signal needed for proper karmellae assembly. Our goal was to examine the primary sequence requirements within Loop G that were critical for proper function of this signal. To this end, we randomly mutagenized the Loop G sequence, expressed the mutagenized Hmg1p in yeast, and screened for inability to generate karmellae at wild-type levels. Out of approximately 4000 strains with Loop G mutations, we isolated 57 that were unable to induce wild-type levels of karmellae assembly. Twenty-nine of these mutants contained one or more point mutations in the Loop G sequence, including nine single point mutants, four of which had severe defects in karmellae assembly. Comparison of these mutations to single point mutations that did not affect karmellae assembly did not reveal obvious patterns of sequence requirements. For example, both conservative and non-conservative changes were present in both groups and changes that altered the total charge of the Loop G region were observed in both groups. Our hypothesis is that Loop G serves as a karmellae-inducing signal by mediating protein-protein or protein-lipid interactions and that amino acids revealed by this analysis may be important for maintaining the proper secondary structure needed for these interactions.

Characterization of peroxisomal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in UT2 cells: sterol biosynthesis, phosphorylation, degradation, and statin inhibition

We have previously identified a CHO cell line (UT2 cells) that expresses only one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase protein which is localized exclusively in peroxisomes [Engfelt, H.W., Shackelford, J.E., Aboushadi, N., Jessani, N., Masuda, K., Paton, V.G., Keller, G.A., and Krisans, S.K. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 24579-24587]. In this study, we utilized the UT2 cells to determine the properties of the peroxisomal reductase independent of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) HMG-CoA reductase. We demonstrated major differences between the two proteins. The peroxisomal reductase is not the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis in UT2 cells. The peroxisomal reductase protein is not phosphorylated, and its activity is not altered in the presence of inhibitors of cellular phosphatases. Its rate of degradation is not accelerated in response to mevalonate. Finally, the degradation process is not blocked by N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal (ALLN). Furthermore, the peroxisomal HMG-CoA reductase is significantly more resistant to inhibition by statins. Taken together, the data support the conclusion that the peroxisomal reductase is functionally and structurally different from the ER HMG-CoA reductase.

Oxysterols: modulators of cholesterol metabolism and other processes

Oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol (oxysterols) present a remarkably diverse profile of biological activities, including effects on sphingolipid metabolism, platelet aggregation, apoptosis, and protein prenylation. The most notable oxysterol activities center around the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis, which appears to be controlled in part by a complex series of interactions of oxysterol ligands with various receptors, such as the oxysterol binding protein, the cellular nucleic acid binding protein, the sterol regulatory element binding protein, the LXR nuclear orphan receptors, and the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Identification of the endogenous oxysterol ligands and elucidation of their enzymatic origins are topics of active investigation. Except for 24, 25-epoxysterols, most oxysterols arise from cholesterol by autoxidation or by specific microsomal or mitochondrial oxidations, usually involving cytochrome P-450 species. Oxysterols are variously metabolized to esters, bile acids, steroid hormones, cholesterol, or other sterols through pathways that may differ according to the type of cell and mode of experimentation (in vitro, in vivo, cell culture). Reliable measurements of oxysterol levels and activities are hampered by low physiological concentrations (approximately 0.01-0.1 microM plasma) relative to cholesterol (approximately 5,000 microM) and by the susceptibility of cholesterol to autoxidation, which produces artifactual oxysterols that may also have potent activities. Reports describing the occurrence and levels of oxysterols in plasma, low-density lipoproteins, various tissues, and food products include many unrealistic data resulting from inattention to autoxidation and to limitations of the analytical methodology. Because of the widespread lack of appreciation for the technical difficulties involved in oxysterol research, a rigorous evaluation of the chromatographic and spectroscopic methods used in the isolation, characterization, and quantitation of oxysterols has been included. This review comprises a detailed and critical assessment of current knowledge regarding the formation, occurrence, metabolism, regulatory properties, and other activities of oxysterols in mammalian systems.

A highly conserved signal controls degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in eukaryotes

Sterol synthesis by the mevalonate pathway is modulated, in part, through feedback-regulated degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR). In both mammals and yeast, a non-sterol isoprenoid signal positively regulates the rate of HMGR degradation. To define more precisely the molecule that serves as the source of this signal, we have conducted both pharmacological and genetic manipulations of the mevalonate pathway in yeast. We now demonstrate that farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) is the source of the positive signal for Hmg2p degradation in yeast. This FPP-derived signal does not act by altering the endoplasmic reticulum degradation machinery in general. Rather, the FPP-derived signal specifically modulates Hmg2p stability. In mammalian cells, an FPP-derived molecule also serves as a positive signal for HMGR degradation. Thus, both yeast and mammalian cells employ the same strategy for regulation of HMGR degradation, perhaps by conserved molecular processes.

Impaired regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase degradation in lovastatin-resistant cells

L-90 cells were selected to grow in the presence of serum lipoproteins and 90 microM lovastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR). L-90 cells massively accumulate HMGR, a result of >10-fold amplification of the gene and 40-fold rise in mRNA, and also overexpress other enzymes of the mevalonate pathway. Western blot and promoter-luciferase analyses indicate that transcriptional regulation of sterol-responsive genes by 25-hydroxycholesterol or mevalonate is normal. Yet, none of these genes is regulated by lipoproteins, a result of severe impairment in the low density lipoprotein receptor pathway. Moreover, L-90 cells do not accelerate the degradation of HMGR or transfected HMGal chimera in response to 25-hydroxycholesterol or mevalonate. This aberrant phenotype persists when cells are grown without lovastatin for up to 37 days. The inability to regulate HMGR degradation is not due to its overproduction since in LP-90 cells, which were selected for lovastatin resistance in lipoprotein-deficient serum, HMGR is overexpressed, yet its turnover is regulated normally. Also, the rapid degradation of transfected alpha subunit of T cell receptor is markedly retarded in L-90 cells. These results show that in addition to gene amplification and overexpression of cholesterogenic enzymes, statin resistance can follow loss of regulated HMGR degradation.

The role of the 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase cytosolic domain in karmellae biogenesis

In all cells examined, specific endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane arrays are induced in response to increased levels of the ER membrane protein 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. In yeast, expression of Hmg1p, one of two yeast HMG-CoA reductase isozymes, induces assembly of nuclear-associated ER stacks called karmellae. Understanding the features of HMG-CoA reductase that signal karmellae biogenesis would provide useful insights into the regulation of membrane biogenesis. The HMG-CoA reductase protein consists of two domains, a multitopic membrane domain and a cytosolic catalytic domain. Previous studies had indicated that the HMG-CoA reductase membrane domain was exclusively responsible for generation of ER membrane proliferations. Surprisingly, we discovered that this conclusion was incorrect: sequences at the carboxyl terminus of HMG-CoA reductase can profoundly affect karmellae biogenesis. Specifically, truncations of Hmg1p that removed or shortened the carboxyl terminus were unable to induce karmellae assembly. This result indicated that the membrane domain of Hmg1p was not sufficient to signal for karmellae assembly. Using beta-galactosidase fusions, we demonstrated that the carboxyl terminus was unlikely to simply serve as an oligomerization domain. Our working hypothesis is that a truncated or misfolded cytosolic domain prevents proper signaling for karmellae by interfering with the required tertiary structure of the membrane domain.

Oligomerization state influences the degradation rate of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase

The steady-state level of the resident endoplasmic reticulum protein, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), is regulated, in part, by accelerated degradation in response to excess sterols or mevalonate. Previous studies of a chimeric protein (HM-Gal) composed of the membrane domain of HMGR fused to Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase, as a replacement of the normal HMGR cytosolic domain, have shown that the regulated degradation of this chimeric protein, HM-Gal, is identical to that of HMGR (Chun, K. T., Bar-Nun, S., and Simoni, R. D. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 22004-22010; Skalnik, D. G., Narita, H., Kent, C., and Simoni, R. D. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 6836-6841). Since the cytosolic domain can be replaced with beta-galactosidase without effect on regulated degradation, it has been assumed that the cytosolic domain was not important to this process and also that the membrane domain of HMGR was both necessary and sufficient for regulated degradation. In contrast to our previous results with HM-Gal, we observed in this study that replacement of the cytosolic domain of HMGR with various heterologous proteins can have an effect on the regulated degradation, and the effect correlates with the oligomeric state of the replacement cytosolic protein. Chimeric proteins that are oligomeric in structure are relatively stable, and those that are monomeric are unstable. To test the hypothesis that the oligomeric state of the cytosolic domain of HMGR influences degradation, we use an "inducible" system for altering the oligomeric state of a protein in vivo. Using a chimeric protein that contains the membrane domain of HMGR fused to three copies of FK506-binding protein 12, we were able to induce oligomerization by addition of a "double-headed" FK506-like "dimerizer" drug (AP1510) and to monitor the degradation rate of both the monomeric form and the drug-induced oligomeric form of the protein. We show that this chimeric protein, HM-3FKBP, is unstable in the monomeric state and is stabilized by AP1510-induced oligomerization. We also examined the degradation rate of HMGR as a function of concentrations within the cell. HMGR is a functional dimer; therefore, its oligomeric state and, we predict, its degradation rate should be concentration-dependent. We observed that it is degraded more rapidly at lower concentrations.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase activity in liver of athymic mice with or without an implanted human carcinoma

Hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activities and cholesterol content in the liver of athymic mice either bearing or not an implanted human lung mucoepidormoid carcinoma (HLMC) and in the neoplasic tissue, were analyzed. The properties of the HMG-CoA reductase of HLMC grown in nude mice and those ones found in the liver of these animals, sacrificed either at mid-light or mid-dark, were similar. The hepatic reductase activity was found to be four- to five-fold greater at mid-dark than at mid-light (462 +/- 141 vs. 123 +/- 22 pmol min-1 mg protein-1). Since the Km value was not modified, the mid-dark activity could be due to an increase in the amount of enzyme. In contrast, HLMC reductase activity and cholesterol content showed similar values at mid-light and mid-dark points. HLMC reductase does not appear to have any diurnal variation and the cholesterol synthesis and content seems to be independent of food intake. HLMC-bearing nude mice undergo several alterations in the biosynthesis and homeostasis of cholesterol. Hypocholesterolemia, lower hepatic cholesterol content and higher HMG-CoA reductase activity are characteristic of host mice.