Conservation and diversity in families of coated vesicle adaptins

Proteomic approach underlying the hippocampal neurodegeneration caused by low doses of methylmercury after long-term exposure in adult rats

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an important toxicant that causes cognitive dysfunctions in humans. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic and biochemical alterations of the hippocampus associated with behavioural consequences of low doses of MeHg in a long-term exposure model, and to realistically mimic in vivo the result of human exposure to this toxicant. Adult Wistar male rats were exposed to a dose of MeHg at 0.04 mg kg-1 day-1 by gavage for 60 days. Total mercury (Hg) content was significantly increased in the hippocampal parenchyma. The increase in the Hg levels was capable of reducing neuron and astrocyte cell density in the CA1, CA3, hilus and dentate gyrus regions, increasing both malondialdehyde and nitrite levels and decreasing antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals. The proteomic analysis detected 1041 proteins with altered expression due to MeHg exposure, including 364 proteins with no expression, 295 proteins with de novo expression and 382 proteins with up- or down-regulated expression. This proteomic approach revealed alterations in pathways related to chemical synapses, metabolism, amino acid transport, cell energy, neurodegenerative processes and myelin maintenance. Therefore, even at low doses of MeHg exposure, it is possible to cause hippocampal damage in adult rats at many organisational levels, triggering oxidative stress and proteome misbalance, featuring a neurodegenerative process and culminating in long- and short-term memory and learning deficits.

Neuronal functions of adaptor complexes involved in protein sorting

Selective transport of transmembrane proteins to different intracellular compartments often involves the recognition of sorting signals in the cytosolic domains of the proteins by components of membrane coats. Some of these coats have as their key components a family of heterotetrameric adaptor protein (AP) complexes named AP-1 through AP-5. AP complexes play important roles in all cells, but their functions are most critical in neurons because of the extreme compartmental complexity of these cells. Accordingly, various diseases caused by mutations in AP subunit genes exhibit a range of neurological abnormalities as their most salient features. In this article, we discuss the properties of the different AP complexes, with a focus on their roles in neuronal physiology and pathology.

A phosphotyrosine switch for cargo sequestration at clathrin-coated buds

The AP-2 clathrin adaptor complex oversees endocytic cargo selection in two parallel but independent manners. First, by physically engaging peptide-based endocytic sorting signals, a subset of clathrin-dependent transmembrane cargo is directly collected into assembling buds. Synchronously, by interacting with an assortment of clathrin-associated sorting proteins (CLASPs) that independently select different integral membrane cargo for inclusion within the incipient bud, AP-2 handles additional cargo capture indirectly. The distal platform subdomain of the AP-2 β2 subunit appendage is a privileged CLASP-binding surface that recognizes a cognate, short α-helical interaction motif. This signal, found in the CLASPs β-arrestin and the autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia (ARH) protein, docks into an elongated groove on the β2 appendage platform. Tyr-888 is a critical constituent of this spatially confined β2 appendage contact interface and is phosphorylated in numerous high-throughput proteomic studies. We find that a phosphomimetic Y888E substitution does not interfere with incorporation of expressed β2-YFP subunit into AP-2 or alter AP-2 deposition at surface clathrin-coated structures. The Y888E mutation does not affect interactions involving the sandwich subdomain of the β2 appendage, indicating that the mutated appendage is folded and operational. However, the Y888E, but not Y888F, switch selectively uncouples interactions with ARH and β-arrestin. Phyogenetic conservation of Tyr-888 suggests that this residue can reversibly control occupancy of the β2 platform-binding site and, hence, cargo sorting.

Disruption of the murine Ap2β1 gene causes nonsyndromic cleft palate

Development of the secondary palate in mammals is a complex process that can be easily perturbed, leading to the common and distressing birth defect cleft palate. Animal models are particularly useful tools for dissecting underlying genetic components of cleft palate. We describe a new cleft palate model resulting from a transgene insertion mutation. Transgene insertional mutagenesis disrupts the genomic organization and expression of the Ap2β1 gene located on chromosome 11. This gene encodes the β2-adaptin subunit of the heterotetrameric adaptor protein 2 complex involved in clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Homozygous cleft palate mutant mice express no Ap2β1 messenger RNA or β2-adaptin protein and die during the perinatal period. Heterozygous mice are phenotypically normal despite expressing diminished β2-adaptin messenger RNA and protein compared with wildtype. Remarkably, the paralogous β1-adaptin subunit of the adaptor protein 1 complex partially substitutes for the missing β2-adaptin in embryonic fibroblasts from homozygous mutant mice, resulting in assembly of reduced levels of an adaptor protein 2 complex bearing β1-adaptin. This variant adaptor protein 2 complex is, therefore, apparently capable of maintaining viability of the homozygous mutant embryos until birth but insufficient to support palatogenesis. Nonsyndromic cleft palate in an animal model is associated with disruption of the Ap2β1 gene.

Expression of a novel beta adaptin subunit mRNA splice variant in human testes

AIM

To identify a novel isoform of adaptin 2 beta subunit (named Ap2beta-NY) and to investigate its relationship with testicular development and spermatogenesis.

METHODS

Using a human testis cDNA microarray, a clone (Ap2beta-NY), which was strongly expressed in adult testes but weakly expressed in embryo testes, was sequenced and analyzed. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the tissue distribution and expression time pattern of Ap2beta-NY were determined.

RESULTS

Ap2beta-NY was identified and has been deposited in the GenBank (AY341427). The expression level of Ap2beta-NY in the adult testis was about 3-fold higher than that in the embryo testis. PCR analysis using multi-tissue cDNA indicated that Ap2beta-NY was highly expressed in the testis, spleen, thymus, prostate, ovary, blood leukocyte and brain, but not in the heart, placenta, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas. In addition, Ap2beta-NY was variably expressed in the testes of patients with spermatogenesis-disturbance and spermatogenesis-arrest but not expressed in those of Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, which implied that, in the testis, Ap2beta-NY was restrictively expressed in germ cells.

CONCLUSION

Ap2beta-NY is an isoform of Ap2beta and may be involved in regulating the process of spermatogenesis and testis development.

Differential modification of phosducin protein in degenerating rd1 retina is associated with constitutively active Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II in rod outer segments

Retinitis pigmentosa comprises a heterogeneous group of incurable progressive blinding diseases with unknown pathogenic mechanisms. The retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mouse is a retinitis pigmentosa model that carries a mutation in a rod photoreceptor-specific phosphodiesterase gene, leading to rapid degeneration of these cells. Elucidation of the molecular differences between rd1 and healthy retinae is crucial for explaining this degeneration and could assist in suggesting novel therapies. Here we used high resolution proteomics to compare the proteomes of the rd1 mouse retina and its congenic, wild-type counterpart at postnatal day 11 when photoreceptor death is profound. Over 3000 protein spots were consistently resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and subjected to a rigorous filtering procedure involving computer-based spot analyses. Five proteins were accepted as being differentially expressed in the rd1 model and subsequently identified by mass spectrometry. The difference in one such protein, phosducin, related to an altered modification pattern in the rd1 retina rather than to changed expression levels. Additional experiments showed phosducin in healthy retinae to be highly phosphorylated in the dark- but not in the light-adapted phase. In contrast, rd1 phosducin was highly phosphorylated irrespective of light status, indicating a dysfunctional rd1 light/dark response. The increased rd1 phosducin phosphorylation coincided with increased activation of calcium/calmodulin-activated protein kinase II, which is known to utilize phosducin as a substrate. Given the increased rod calcium levels present in the rd1 mutation, calcium-evoked overactivation of this kinase may be an early and long sought for step in events leading to photoreceptor degeneration in the rd1 mouse.

Adaptins

Clathrin has long been known to provide the structural basis for vesicle budding from the plasma membrane during endocytosis, but how is clathrin targeted specifically to some cellular membranes and not others? The answer seems to lie in the adaptors--protein complexes whose shape resembles the head of Mickey Mouse--which seem to be required both for clathrin-coat assembly and for sequestering specific receptors by interacting with their cytoplasmic domains. In this article, Margaret Robinson describes what is currently known about these versatile proteins.

Vear, a novel Golgi-associated protein with VHS and gamma-adaptin "ear" domains

The molecular basis of the selectivity and the details of the vesicle formation in endocytic and secretory pathways are still poorly known and most probably involve as yet unidentified components. Here we describe the cloning, expression, and tissue and cell distribution of a novel protein of 67 kDa (called Vear) that bears homology to several endocytosis-associated proteins in that it has a VHS domain in its N terminus. It is also similar to gamma-adaptin, the heavy subunit of AP-1, in having in its C terminus a typical "ear" domain. In immunofluorescence microscopy, Vear was seen in the Golgi complex as judged by a typical distribution pattern, a distinct colocalization with the Golgi marker gamma-adaptin, and a sensitivity to treatment of cells with brefeldin A. In cell fractionation, Vear partitioned with the post-nuclear membrane fraction. In transfection experiments, hemagglutinin-tagged full-length Vear and truncated Vear lacking the VHS domain assembled on and caused compaction of the Golgi complex. Golgi association without compaction was seen with the ear domain of Vear, whereas the VHS domain alone showed a diffuse membrane- and vesicle-associated distribution. The Golgi association and the bipartite structure along with the differential targeting of its domains suggest that Vear is involved in heterotypic vesicle/suborganelle interactions associated with the Golgi complex. Tissue-specific function of Vear is suggested by its high level of expression in kidney, muscle, and heart.

Complete reconstitution of clathrin basket formation with recombinant protein fragments: adaptor control of clathrin self-assembly

Clathrin polymerization into a polyhedral basket, surrounding budding membrane vesicles, mediates protein sorting during endocytosis and organelle biogenesis. Adaptor proteins target clathrin assembly to specific membrane sites and sequester receptors into the clathrin coat. We have reconstituted complete clathrin basket formation from recombinantly expressed fragments of clathrin and adaptors. This reconstitution reveals a hierarchy of clathrin self-assembly interactions and demonstrates that adaptors control basket formation by alignment of the distal domains of the clathrin triskelion leg through their binding to the terminal domain.

Coat proteins regulating membrane traffic

This review focuses on the roles of coat proteins in regulating the membrane traffic of eukaryotic cells. Coat proteins are recruited to the donor organelle membrane from a cytosolic pool by specific small GTP-binding proteins and are required for the budding of coated vesicles. This review first describes the four types of coat complexes that have been characterized so far: clathrin and its adaptors, the adaptor-related AP-3 complex, COPI, and COPII. It then discusses the ascribed functions of coat proteins in vesicular transport, including the physical deformation of the membrane into a bud, the selection of cargo, and the targeting of the budded vesicle. It also mentions how the coat proteins may function in an alternative model for transport, namely via tubular connections, and how traffic is regulated. Finally, this review outlines the evidence that related coat proteins may regulate other steps of membrane traffic.

Characterization of a fourth adaptor-related protein complex

Adaptor protein complexes (APs) function as vesicle coat components in different membrane traffic pathways; however, there are a number of pathways for which there is still no candidate coat. To find novel coat components related to AP complexes, we have searched the expressed sequence tag database and have identified, cloned, and sequenced a new member of each of the four AP subunit families. We have shown by a combination of coimmunoprecipitation and yeast two-hybrid analysis that these four proteins (epsilon, beta4, mu4, and sigma4) are components of a novel adaptor-like heterotetrameric complex, which we are calling AP-4. Immunofluorescence reveals that AP-4 is localized to approximately 10-20 discrete dots in the perinuclear region of the cell. This pattern is disrupted by treating the cells with brefeldin A, indicating that, like other coat proteins, the association of AP-4 with membranes is regulated by the small GTPase ARF. Immunogold electron microscopy indicates that AP-4 is associated with nonclathrin-coated vesicles in the region of the trans-Golgi network. The mu4 subunit of the complex specifically interacts with a tyrosine-based sorting signal, indicating that, like the other three AP complexes, AP-4 is involved in the recognition and sorting of cargo proteins with tyrosine-based motifs. AP-4 is of relatively low abundance, but it is expressed ubiquitously, suggesting that it participates in a specialized trafficking pathway but one that is required in all cell types.

Cloning, mapping and tissue-specific expression of Drosophila clathrin-associated protein AP50 gene

The Drosophila homologue of AP50, the medium chain of clathrin-associated protein complex AP-2, was identified and characterized from the Drosophila Expressed Sequence Tag database. The Drosophila AP50 is 86% identical to that of mouse and human, and 80% identical to the Caenorhabditis elegans homologue. It is a single-copy gene with two mini-introns in the coding region and it maps to position 94B1-B2 on polytene chromosomes. Two P1 clones, DS01102 and DS0104, were identified that contain the AP50 gene. Alternative 5' UTR splicing is involved in the regulation of AP50 expression. AP50 expression is highly enriched in the central nervous system and midgut caecum during embryo development, and its function is discussed. The two other Drosophila members of the medium-chain family of clathrin-associated protein complexes, AP47 and mu3, have also been identified and mapped to 85D20-D27 and 6E1-E4, respectively.

An immunologically distinct beta-adaptin on tubulovesicles of gastric oxyntic cells

Clathrin and the gamma-adaptin subunit of the AP-1 clathrin adaptor have been previously identified on H-K-ATPase-rich tubulovesicles from gastric acid secretory (oxyntic) cells [C. T. Okamoto, S. M. Karam, Y. Y. Jeng, J. G. Forte, and J. Goldenring. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Cell Physiol. 43): C1017-C1029]. We further characterized this AP-1 adaptor from rabbit and hog tubulovesicles biochemically and immunologically. Clathrin coat proteins were stripped from purified tubulovesicular membranes and fractionated by hydroxyapatite chromatography. The AP-1 adaptor appears to elute at 200 mM sodium phosphate, based on the presence of proteins in this fraction that are immunoreactive with antibodies against three of the four subunits of this heterotetrameric complex: the gamma-, mu1-, and sigma1-adaptin subunits. Although the putative beta-adaptin subunit in this fraction is not immunoreactive with the anti-beta-adaptin monoclonal antibody (MAb), this beta-adaptin is immunoreactive with polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) directed against the peptide sequence Gly625-Asp-Leu-Leu-Gly-Asp-Leu-Leu-Asn-Leu-Asp-Leu-Gly-Pro-Pro- Val640 , a region conserved between beta1- and beta2-adaptins that is thought to be involved in the binding of clathrin heavy chain. Immunoprecipitation of the AP-1 adaptor complex from this fraction with anti-gamma-adaptin MAb 100/3 resulted in the coimmunoprecipitation of the beta-adaptin that did not react with the anti-beta-adaptin MAb but did react with the anti-beta-adaptin PAbs. In contrast, immunoprecipitation of the AP-1 adaptor complex from crude clathrin-coated vesicles from brain resulted in the coimmunoprecipitation of a beta-adaptin that was recognized by both the anti-beta-adaptin MAb and PAbs. These results suggest that the tubulovesicular AP-1 adaptor complex may be distinct from that found in the trans-Golgi network and may contain an immunologically distinct beta-adaptin. This immunologically distinct beta-adaptin may be diagnostic of apical tubulovesicular endosomes of epithelial cells.

Clathrin and adaptors

Clathrin and adaptors are components of clathrin-coated pits and vesicles. The AP-1 adaptor complex is associated with clathrin-coated vesicles budding from the TGN, while the AP-2 adaptor complex is associated with clathrin-coated vesicles budding from the plasma membrane. The clathrin forms a polyhedral lattice and is believed to be the driving force behind membrane invagination leading to vesicle budding. The adaptors attach the clathrin to the membrane and also interact with the cytoplasmic domains of selected transmembrane proteins, causing these proteins to become concentrated in clathrin-coated vesicles. Clathrin-coated vesicles budding from the TGN have been implicated in the sorting of newly synthesised lysosomal enzymes, while clathrin-coated vesicles budding from the plasma membrane facilitate the receptor-mediated endocytosis of ligands, such as low density lipoproteins and transferrin. A novel adaptor-related complex, AP-3, has recently been identified, which is recruited onto membranes of the TGN and a more peripheral compartment but does not appear to be associated with clathrin. Genetic studies indicate that AP-3 plays a role in the sorting of proteins to lysosomes and lysosome-related organelles.

Differential gene expression in response to adjunctive recombinant human interleukin-2 immunotherapy in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients

Administration of low-dose recombinant human interleukin 2 (rhuIL-2) in combination with multidrug chemotherapy to patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) induces measurable changes in in vitro immune response parameters which are associated with changes in the clinical and bacteriologic status of the patients. To determine the molecular basis of these changes, we have used semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-initiated PCR (RT-PCR) and differential display technology. During rhuIL-2 treatment of MDR TB patients, decreased levels of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) relative to baseline levels were observed. However, at the site of a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD), the expression of cellular IFN-gamma and IL-2 mRNAs was increased during rhuIL-2 therapy. Levels of other cytokine mRNAs were not significantly affected by rhuIL-2 administration. Using differential-display RT-PCR, we identified several genes expressed at the DTH skin test site which were up- or down-regulated during rhuIL-2 treatment. Cytochrome oxidase type I mRNA was increased in response to rhuIL-2 therapy relative to baseline levels, as was heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein G mRNA. CD63, clathrin heavy chain, and beta-adaptin mRNAs, all of which encode proteins associated with the endocytic vacuolar pathway of cells, were also differentially regulated by rhuIL-2 administration. The differential effects of IL-2 were confirmed in vitro by using PBMC obtained from PPD-positive individuals stimulated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and IL-2. The differential expression of genes may provide a surrogate marker for leukocyte activation at a mycobacterial antigen-specific response site and for the development of an enhanced antimicrobial response which may result in improved outcomes in MDR TB patients.

The mouse homolog of the bovine leukemia virus receptor is closely related to the delta subunit of adaptor-related protein complex AP-3, not associated with the cell surface

A mouse cDNA (mBLVR1) which was highly homologous to the bovine cDNA of the bovine leukemia virus receptor (BLVR) gene was cloned. The mBLVR1 cDNA, of 4,730 bp, covered nearly the full length of the mRNA (about 5 kb) and included an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 1,199 amino acids. While the bovine BLVR protein was thought to be a type I transmembrane protein, the deduced protein coded by mBLVR1 did not appear to be a typical transmembrane protein. The ORF of mBLVR1 ended at a site 280 amino acids upstream of the termination codon of the bovine BLVR ORF, so the deduced mouse BLVR protein lacked the corresponding transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of the predicted bovine BLVR protein. No significant hydrophobic region was found in the mouse protein. Recently, a human cDNA which was highly homologous (69.6% homology) to the mouse BLVR gene was reported. The cDNA encodes the delta subunit of the human adaptor-related protein complex AP-3, which aligned almost collinearly with the mouse BLVR protein. AP-3 and all other related adaptor protein complexes have been shown to be associated with intracellular vesicles but not with the cell surface. Thus, the mouse BLVR homolog appeared to be the mouse AP-3 delta subunit itself or closely related to it, but the bovine BLVR gene seemed slightly different from the adaptor subunit gene family.

Functional domain mapping of the clathrin-associated adaptor medium chains mu1 and mu2

The clathrin-associated adaptors AP-1 and AP-2 are heterotetrameric complexes involved in the recognition of sorting signals present within the cytosolic domain of integral membrane proteins. The medium chains of these complexes, mu1 and mu2, have been implicated in two types of interaction: assembly with the beta1 and beta2 chains of the corresponding complexes and recognition of tyrosine-based sorting signals. In this study, we report the results of a structure-function analysis of the mu1 and mu2 chains aimed at identifying regions of the molecules that are responsible for each of the two interactions. Analyses using the yeast two-hybrid system and proteolytic digestion experiments suggest that mu1 and mu2 have a bipartite structure, with the amino-terminal one-third (residues 1-145 of mu1 and mu2) being involved in assembly with the beta chains and the carboxyl-terminal two-thirds (residues 147-423 of mu1 and 164-435 of mu2) binding tyrosine-based sorting signals. These observations support a model in which the amino-terminal one-third of mu2 is embedded within the core of the AP-2 complex, while the carboxyl-terminal two-thirds of the protein are exposed to the medium, placing this region in a position to interact with tyrosine-based sorting signals.

Characterization of the mouse beta-prime adaptin gene; cDNA sequence, genomic structure, and chromosomal localization

Adaptins are important subunits of heterotetrameric complexes called adaptors, which participate in the clathrin-coated, vesicle-mediated endocytosis and intracellular receptor transport. The gene family of adaptins is divided into three classes, alpha, beta, and gamma, with further subdivision into beta- and beta-prime components. Two beta-prime adaptins, the rat AP105a and the human BAM22, have previously been characterized. The BAM22 gene is located on human Chromosome (Chr) 22q12 and can be considered a candidate meningioma tumor suppressor gene. We report here the characterization of the mouse ortholog of the BAM22 gene, and we suggest the name adtb1 for the mouse gene. Like the BAM22 gene, the adtb1 transcript is highly and ubiquitously expressed. We provide 3885-bp cDNA sequence, which entirely covers the open reading frame of the adtb1, capable of encoding a protein of 943 amino acids. The adtb1 protein is highly conserved (>96% identity) when compared with AP105a and BAM22 proteins. We also report the genomic organization of adtb1, which is similar to the BAM22 gene. The adtb1 gene has been assigned to mouse Chr 11, band 11A2, which confirms the synteny between human Chr 22q12 and mouse Chr 11.

The 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor contains multiple binding sites for clathrin adaptors

The two known mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR46 and MPR300) both mediate the transport of Man-6-P-containing lysosomal proteins to lysosomes. However, the MPRs cannot be detected in lysosomes, instead they recycle between the plasma membrane and endosomes and between endosomes and the trans-Golgi network. Both, endocytosis from the plasma membrane and budding of transport vesicles from the trans-Golgi network involves the interaction of the receptor with the clathrin-coated vesicles-associated protein complexes AP1 and AP2. We have analyzed this interaction between the Golgi-restricted AP1 complex and the plasma membrane-restricted AP2 complex with the MPR46 tail in vitro by using a biosensor. AP1 and AP2 both bind to and dissociate from the MPR46 tail with similar kinetics. Using synthetic peptides corresponding to different MPR receptor tail regions in inhibition and binding studies, a common high affinity binding site for AP1 and AP2 and two separate high affinity binding sites for AP1 and AP2, respectively, were identified.

Beta3A-adaptin, a subunit of the adaptor-like complex AP-3

Recent studies have described a widely expressed adaptor-like complex, named AP-3, which is likely involved in protein sorting in exocytic/endocytic pathways. The AP-3 complex is composed of four distinct subunits. Here, we report the identification of one of the subunits of this complex, which we call beta3A-adaptin. The predicted amino acid sequence of beta3A-adaptin reveals that the protein is closely related to the neuron-specific protein beta-NAP (61% overall identity) and more distantly related to the beta1- and beta2-adaptin subunits of the clathrin-associated adaptor complexes AP-1 and AP-2, respectively. Sequence comparisons also suggest that beta3A-adaptin has a domain organization similar to beta-NAP and to beta1- and beta2-adaptins. beta3A-adaptin is expressed in all tissues and cells examined. Co-purification and co-precipitation analyses demonstrate that beta3A-adaptin corresponds to the approximately 140-kDa subunit of the ubiquitous AP-3 complex, the other subunits being delta-adaptin, p47A (now called mu3A) and sigma3 (A or B). beta3A-adaptin is phosphorylated on serine residues in vivo while the other subunits of the complex are not detectably phosphorylated. beta3A-adaptin is not present in significant amounts in clathrin-coated vesicles. The characteristics of beta3A-adaptin reported here lend support to the idea that AP-3 is a structural and functional homolog of the clathrin-associated adaptors AP-1 and AP-2.

Characterization of the adaptor-related protein complex, AP-3

We have recently shown that two proteins related to two of the adaptor subunits of clathrincoated vesicles, p47 (mu3) and beta-NAP (beta3B), are part of an adaptor-like complex not associated with clathrin (Simpson, F., N.A. Bright, M.A. West, L.S. Newman, R.B. Darnell, and M.S. Robinson, 1996. J. Cell Biol. 133:749-760). In the present study we have searched the EST database and have identified, cloned, and sequenced a ubiquitously expressed homologue of beta-NAP, beta3A, as well as homologues of the alpha/gamma and sigma adaptor subunits, delta and sigma3, which are also ubiquitously expressed. Antibodies raised against recombinant delta and sigma3 show that they are the other two subunits of the adaptor-like complex. We are calling this complex AP-3, a name that has also been used for the neuronalspecific phosphoprotein AP180, but we feel that it is a more appropriate designation for an adaptor-related heterotetramer. Immunofluorescence using anti-delta antibodies reveals that the AP-3 complex is associated with the Golgi region of the cell as well as with more peripheral structures. These peripheral structures show only limited colocalization with endosomal markers and may correspond to a postTGN biosynthetic compartment. The delta subunit is closely related to the protein product of the Drosophila garnet gene, which when mutated results in reduced pigmentation of the eyes and other tissues. Because pigment granules are believed to be similar to lysosomes, this suggests either that the AP-3 complex may be directly involved in trafficking to lysosomes or alternatively that it may be involved in another pathway, but that missorting in that pathway may indirectly lead to defects in pigment granules.

Structural determinants of interaction of tyrosine-based sorting signals with the adaptor medium chains

Many integral membrane proteins contain tyrosine-based signals within their cytoplasmic domains that mediate internalization from the cell surface and targeting to lysosomal compartments. Internalization depends on an interaction of the tyrosine-based signals with the clathrin-associated adaptor complex AP-2 at the plasma membrane, whereas lysosomal targeting involves interaction of the signals with an analogous complex, AP-1, at the trans-Golgi network. Recent studies have identified the medium chains mu2 of AP-2 and mu1 of AP-1 as the recognition molecules for tyrosine-based signals. We have now investigated the structural determinants for interaction of the signals with mu2 and mu1. The position of the signals was found to be an important determinant of interactions with mu2 and mu1; signals were most effective when present at the carboxyl terminus of a polypeptide sequence. Another important determinant of interactions was the identity of residues surrounding the critical tyrosine residue. Mutation of some residues affected interactions with mu2 and mu1 similarly, whereas other mutations had differential effects. These observations suggest that both the position and the exact sequence of tyrosine-based sorting signals are major determinants of selectivity in their interaction with clathrin-associated adaptor complexes.

Endocytosis and molecular sorting

Endocytosis in eukaryotic cells is characterized by the continuous and regulated formation of prolific numbers of membrane vesicles at the plasma membrane. These vesicles come in several different varieties, ranging from the actin-dependent formation of phagosomes involved in particle uptake, to smaller clathrin-coated vesicles responsible for the internalization of extracellular fluid and receptor-bound ligands. In general, each of these vesicle types results in the delivery of their contents to lysosomes for degradation. The membrane components of endocytic vesicles, on the other hand, are subject to a series of highly complex and iterative molecular sorting events resulting in their targeting to specific destinations. In recent years, much has been learned about the function of the endocytic pathway and the mechanisms responsible for the molecular sorting of proteins and lipids. This review attempts to integrate these new concepts with long-established views of endocytosis to present a more coherent picture of how the endocytic pathway is organized and how the intracellular transport of internalized membrane components is controlled. Of particular importance are emerging concepts concerning the protein-based signals responsible for molecular sorting and the cytosolic complexes responsible for the decoding of these signals.

The ear of alpha-adaptin interacts with the COOH-terminal domain of the Eps 15 protein

The role of Eps15 in clathrin-mediated endocytosis is supported by two observations. First, it interacts specifically and constitutively with the plasma membrane adaptor AP-2. Second, its NH2 terminus shows significant homology to the NH2 terminus of yeast End3p, necessary for endocytosis of alpha-factor. To gain further insight into the role of Eps15-AP-2 association, we have now delineated their sites of interactions. AP-2 binds to a domain of 72 amino acids (767-739) present in the COOH terminus of Eps15. This domain contains 4 of the 15 DPF repeats characteristic of the COOH-terminal domain of Eps15 and shares no homology with known proteins, including the related Epsl5r protein. Precipitation of proteolytic fragments of AP-2 with Eps15-derived fusion proteins containing the binding site for AP-2 showed that Eps15 binds specifically to a 40-kDa fragment corresponding to the ear of alpha-adaptin, a result confirmed by precipitation of Eps15 by alpha-adaptin-derived fusion proteins. Our data indicate that this specific part of AP-2 binds to a cellular component and provide the tools for investigating the functions of the association between AP-2 and Eps15.

Interaction of Shc with adaptor protein adaptins

The role of Shc as a substrate of receptors for growth factors and cytokines is well established. To gain further insight into the function of Shc in signal transduction, we used an affinity method to identify potential Shc-binding proteins. Incubation of bovine brain lysates with a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-Shc fusion protein immobilized on glutathione-Sepharose beads resulted in the binding of cellular proteins of approximately 115, 110, and 100 kDa as well as those of 50 and 17 kDa. Amino acid sequencing of tryptic peptides revealed that the 100-kDa protein was almost identical to beta-adaptin and that the 110- and 115-kDa proteins were almost identical to alphaA-adaptin. Using immunoblot analysis, anti-alpha-adaptin antibody recognized several proteins of 100 approximately 115 kDa, and anti-beta-adaptin antibody recognized a 100-kDa protein, suggesting that alphaA-, alphaC-, and beta-adaptins are bound to the GST-Shc fusion protein. Immunoblot analysis with anti-alpha-adaptin antibody revealed that alpha-adaptin was coimmunoprecipitated with Shc from PC12, KB, and COS cell lysates, suggesting a specific interaction of Shc and adaptins in intact cells. A binding study using mutant GST-Shc fusion proteins revealed that the collagen homologous region (amino acids 233-377) of Shc was required for adaptin binding. Conversely, the collagen homologous region of Shc inhibited the binding of adaptins to GST-Shc. In addition, adaptin was able to bind mutant fusion proteins containing amino acids 233-369, 233-355, 346-369, and 346-355 of Shc, but failed to bind a mutant containing amino acids 233-345, suggesting that amino acids 346-355 (RDLFDMKPFE) in the collagen homologous region of Shc are required for adaptin binding. Thus, this study indicates the specific interaction of Shc with alpha- and beta-adaptin components of plasma membrane adaptor proteins that are thought to be involved in receptor endocytosis.

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors and ADP-ribosylation factors cooperate for high affinity interaction of the AP-1 Golgi assembly proteins with membranes

Clathrin coat assembly in the trans-Golgi network, leading to the sequestration of the mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) into nascent vesicles, requires the ARF-1-dependent translocation of the cytosolic AP-1 Golgi assembly proteins onto the membranes of this organelle. The mechanistic role of the MPRs, i.e. the cargo molecules, in coat assembly is at present unclear. Using a GTP-dependent, brefeldin A-sensitive in vitro AP-1 binding assay, we have determined here the parameters of the AP-1 binding reaction. We demonstrate that, in addition of ARF-1, the MPRs contribute to create high affinity AP-1 binding sites (Kd approximately 25 mM), since their number correlates the number of MPR molecules expressed in MPR-negative cells. The quantitative electron microscopy shows that these high affinity binding sites are present on trans-Golgi network membranes, as expected, and to some extent on early endosomes. The high affinity binding sites are lost when the MPRs or ARF-1 become rate-limiting components. Conversely, GTP gamma S (guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)), which increases the amount of membrane-bound ARF-1, most uncovers low affinity AP-1 binding sites (Kd approximately 150 nM) on trans-Golgi network membranes, normally not detected in its absence. Collectively, these results argue that MPR sorting is highly coupled to the first step of coat assembly and that the MPRs, ARF-1, and possibly other proteins cooperate for high affinity interactions of AP-1.

A clathrin-binding site in the hinge of the beta 2 chain of mammalian AP-2 complexes

The assembly of cytosolic clathrin into the cytoplasmic face of coated pits and coated vesicles appears to be driven by the clathrin-associated protein (AP) complexes. We have previously shown that one of the large chains of the AP complexes, the beta chain, is sufficient to drive coat assembly in vitro. This chain consists of two domains, the amino-terminal trunk and the carboxyl-terminal ear, linked by a "hinge." We report here that presence of the hinge in recombinant beta trunk or in recombinant beta ear fragments is essential for driving in vitro assembly of clathrin into coats. We have also used a binding assay to map the clathrin-binding site by nested deletion of hinge sequences to a 50-residue region in the center of the hinge. This sequence is conserved in all known beta sequences from multicellular organisms. The interaction of a single beta hinge with a clathrin triskelion is weak, and we propose that recruitment of cytosolic clathrin to a forming coated pit involves simultaneous contacts between the legs of single clathrin trimers and the beta hinges of two or three membrane-bound AP complexes. Uncoating is likely to require interruption of these contacts.

Beta-NAP, a cerebellar degeneration antigen, is a neuron-specific vesicle coat protein

We have identified a target antigen in autoimmune cerebellar degeneration, beta-NAP, that is closely related to the beta-adaptin and beta-COP coat proteins. Beta-NAP is a nonclathrin-associated phosphoprotein expressed exclusively in neurons, from E12 through adulthood. Beta-NAP is present in the neuronal soma and nerve terminal as soluble and membrane-bound pools and is associated with a discrete set of nerve-terminal vesicles. These results establish beta-NAP as a neuron-specific vesicle coat protein. We propose a model in which beta-NAP mediates vesicle transport between the soma and the axon terminus and suggest that beta-NAP may represent a general class of coat proteins that mediates apical transport in polarized cells.

A gene encoding gamma-adaptin is required for apical extension growth in Ustilago maydis

The nucleotide (nt) sequence of an Ustilago maydis (Um) gene that complemented a partially osmotic-remedial temperature-sensitive (or-ts) mutant defective in apical extension growth has been determined. It contained a continuous open reading frame (OFR) predicted to encode a protein of 853 amino acids (aa). The deduced aa sequence was homologous to gamma-adaptin, a component of clathrin-coated vesicles derived from the Golgi.

Expression and localization of alpha-adaptin isoforms

There are two alpha-adaptin genes, alpha A and alpha C, which in brain encode proteins of of M(r) 108 × 10(3) and 104 × 10(3), respectively. Although both mRNAs can be detected on northern blots of brain and liver, the higher molecular mass polypeptide can only be detected on western blots of brain. Here we explain these observations by showing that alpha A is alternatively spliced and that the protein product in most tissues is different from the one expressed in brain in that it is missing 21 amino acids within the hinge region, giving it a similar mobility to that of alpha C. Monospecific antibodies were raised against the various alpha-adaptin isoforms and used to compare their distribution in cells and tissues. Both alpha A and alpha c are co-assembled into the same coated pits, and the larger isoform of alpha A is co-assembled with the smaller isoforms of alpha-adaptin, both in cells that naturally express it an in transfected cells. Examination of brain and spinal cord sections, labelled either for the larger isoform of alpha A or for alpha C, reveals that that the two are to some extent differentially distributed, consistent with previous in situ hybridisation studies. This finding, combined with the observation that there is considerable variability in the relative expression of the two isoforms in different tissues, indicates that the two genes are switched on in response to different stimuli. Moreover, the larger isoform of alpha A appears to be more efficiently concentrated in the nerve terminals than alpha C, which is found not only at the terminals but also diffusely distributed in the cell bodies and dendrites. This suggests that alpha C may play more of a role in the recycling of membrane components throughout the cell.

Different domains of the AP-1 adaptor complex are required for Golgi membrane binding and clathrin recruitment

The assembly of clathrin-coated buds on the Golgi requires the recruitment of the heterotetrameric AP-1 adaptor complex, which is dependent on both guanine nucleotides and the small GTP-binding protein ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF). Here, we have investigated the structural domains of the AP-1 complex necessary for ARF-mediated translocation of the adaptor complex onto Golgi membranes and the subsequent recruitment of clathrin onto the membrane. Controlled proteolysis of purified AP-1, derived from bovine adrenal coated vesicles, was used to generate AP-1 core fragments composed of the amino-terminal trunk regions of the beta 1 and gamma subunits and associated mu 1 and sigma 1 subunits, and lacking either the beta 1 subunit carboxyl-terminal appendage or both beta 1 and gamma subunit appendages. On addition of these truncated fragments to AP-1-depleted adrenal cytosol, both types of core fragments were efficiently recruited onto Golgi membranes in the presence of GTP gamma S. Recruitment of both core fragments was inhibited by the fungal metabolite brefeldin A, indicative of an ARF-dependent process. Limited tryptic digestion of recruited, intact cytosolic AP-1 resulted in the quantitative release of the globular carboxyl-terminal appendage domains of the beta 1 and gamma subunits. The adaptor core complex remained associated with the Golgi membranes. Recruitment of cytosolic clathrin onto the Golgi membranes was strictly dependent on the presence of intact AP-1. Tryptic removal of the beta 1 subunit appendage prevented subsequent clathrin recruitment. We conclude that the structural determinants required for the ARF-mediated binding of cytosolic AP-1 onto Golgi membranes are contained within the adaptor core, and that the carboxyl-terminal appendage domains of the beta 1 and gamma subunits do not play any role in this process. Subsequent recruitment of cytosolic clathrin, however, requires an intact beta 1 subunit.

Selective action of uncoating ATPase towards clathrin-coated vesicles from brain

Clathrin-coated vesicles from brain are primarily involved in synaptic vesicle recycling and are substrates for the constitutively expressed heat shock cognate hsc70 protein (uncoating ATPase). To investigate the regulation of clathrin coat turnover in other tissues the activity of hsc70 towards coated vesicles from other sources was examined. Concentrations of hsc70 which caused near-complete removal of clathrin from brain coated vesicles effected only partial uncoating of vesicles prepared from other tissues. The selective action of hsc70 could not be accounted for by tissue or species specificities of hsc70, but rather reflected differences in coat structure. Selective action was associated with two differences in the hsc70-dependent ATPase cycle. Firstly, uncoating of brain, but not placental vesicles, could occur under circumstances where ATP hydrolysis was prevented. Secondly, only brain coated vesicles could support multiple rounds of hsc70-dependent ATP hydrolysis. Implications of these findings for the mechanism of hsc70-dependent vesicle uncoating in non-neuronal cells and the organisation of the endocytic pathway in the axon are discussed.

Stoichiometric interaction of the epidermal growth factor receptor with the clathrin-associated protein complex AP-2

Plasma membrane clathrin-associated protein complexes (AP-2) have been shown to co-immunoprecipitate with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (Sorkin A., and Carpenter, G. (1993) Science 261, 612-615). Hence, we analyzed the stoichiometry of the EGF receptor interaction with AP-2 using a new antibody that efficiently immunoprecipitates native AP-2. EGF receptor AP-2 complexes were isolated from 35S-labeled cells treated with EGF by EGF receptor affinity chromatography followed by precipitation with the antibody to AP-2. Quantitation of the relative molar concentrations of the proteins found in the complex revealed that 1 mol of AP-2 was associated with approximately 1.1 mol of EGF receptor. No other proteins were present in significant molar concentrations relative to AP-2, indicating that other proteins are not stoichiometrically involved in the interaction of EGF receptors and AP-2 in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in cells expressing a mutant EGF receptor demonstrated that the cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal 214 residues of the EGF receptor are essential for interaction with AP-2.

Purification of Golgi adaptor protein 1 from bovine adrenal gland and characterization of its beta 1 (beta') subunit by microsequencing

A method for the purification of the Golgi adaptor protein 1 from bovine adrenal gland tissue was devised to investigate the relationship of its beta 1 (formerly referred to as beta') subunit to known beta-type sequences. Adrenal gland tissue was chosen for this study because it yielded 2-3 times more adaptor protein 1 than a comparable preparation from bovine brain. Like its neuronal isoform, the beta 1 subunit from adrenal gland adaptor protein 1 is readily cleaved by trypsin into a 63-kDa N-terminal fragment and a 40-kDa C-terminal fragment, while the gamma subunit is largely refractory to digestion. Based on microsequencing of 167 residues from the 63-kDa fragment, we noted 11 differences to the corresponding region of the beta 2 (formerly beta) subunit of the plasma membrane adaptor protein 2, but only one difference to the corresponding region of a beta-type protein encoded by the rat cDNA clone AP105a which is supposed to be a variant of the beta 2 subunit of the plasma membrane adaptor protein 2 [Kirchhausen, T., Nathanson, K. L., Matsui, W., Vaisberg, A., Chow, E. P., Burne, C., Keen, J. H. & Davis, A. E. (1989) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 84, 8805-8809]. Alignment of 187 residues from the 40-kDa beta 1 C-terminal fragment revealed differences in 77 positions to the corresponding region of the beta 2 subunit and differences in 23 positions compared to the supposed beta 2-like protein. These findings suggest that the protein encoded by the rat cDNA clone AP105a is more closely related to the beta 1 subunit of the bovine adrenal Golgi adaptor protein 1 than to the beta 2 subunit of the rat plasma membrane adaptor protein 2.

Identification of a beta-type adaptin in plant clathrin-coated vesicles

Plant clathrin-coated vesicles (CCV), suitably protected against proteolysis, were isolated from zucchini hypocotyls, and screened for the presence of adaptin-like polypeptides using monoclonal antibodies prepared against alpha, beta(beta') and gamma-adaptins of bovine brain. An immunoreactive polypeptide in plant CCV was only detected in the case of the beta(beta')-adaptin antibody. This polypeptide has a molecular mass of 108 kDa in SDS-PAGE, and gives rise to a major cleavage product of 70 kDa after proteolysis with trypsin. Gel filtration of 0.75 M MgCl2-dissociated coat proteins showed that the plant beta(beta')-type adaptin eluted with other polypeptides in a manner similar to the adaptor complexes of brain CCV. Upon subsequent hydroxyapatite chromatography the immunoreactive polypeptide eluted in fractions corresponding to Golgi (HA-I) rather than plasma membrane (HA-II) brain adaptor complexes. In addition, this polypeptide did not shift to a higher molecular mass when subjected to urea-SDS-PAGE. Confirmation of the presence of a beta-type adaptin in plants was provided by dot and Southern blotting experiments using genomic DNA from zucchini hypocotyls and a beta-adaptin cDNA clone from human fibroblasts.

Cloning of Drosophila beta-adaptin and its localization on expression in mammalian cells

A Drosophila cDNA (BAD1) encoding a structural and assembly-competent homologue of the mammalian coated pit beta-adaptins (beta and beta') has been cloned and sequenced. In its amino-terminal region (residues 1–575), the BAD1 sequence appears intermediate between that of the mammalian beta-adaptin and a predicted sequence, from cDNA 105a, which appears to code for a version of beta'-adaptin. To test its functional characteristics, a ‘myc’-tagged version of BAD1 was expressed in Cos cells. The BAD1 protein was detected most clearly in plasma membrane coated pits, where it colocalized with alpha-adaptin, although other coated pits were noted which apparently did not contain alpha-adaptin. However, these are probably gamma-adaptin containing pits, as BAD1 was also found colocalized with gamma-adaptin in Golgi coated pits in which, typically, alpha-adaptin is absent. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that the BAD1 protein was present in both types of adaptor complex, unlike beta-adaptin which complexes with alpha-adaptin and beta'-adaptin which partners gamma-adaptin exclusively. In spite of this, BAD1 expression does not appear to mix alpha-adaptin and gamma-adaptin distribution amongst all the coated pits: thus the location of these adaptor complexes in mammalian cells does not depend on the differences between beta subunits but rather on membrane-specific interactions of other adaptor polypeptides. The differential interaction of beta with alpha-adaptin and beta' with gamma-adaptin in mammalian cells is likely to depend on the few non-conservative differences between their respective sequences and BAD1. Four of these (one with respect to beta and three versus 105a) are clustered in a particular region (residues 155 to 305), which may therefore represent a domain that influences the choice of partner adaptin.

The binding of AP-1 clathrin adaptor particles to Golgi membranes requires ADP-ribosylation factor, a small GTP-binding protein

The small GTP-binding protein, ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF), has previously been shown to mediate the binding to Golgi membranes of the coatomer of non-cathrin-coated (COP-coated) vesicles. We now report that ARF is also required for the binding of the AP-1 adaptor protein of clathrin-coated vesicles to Golgi membranes. The binding of coat proteins from both clathrin- and COP-coated vesicles requires an additional Golgi membrane-associated factor. These results suggest that a mechanistic similarity underlies diverse types of vesicle coats.

Clathrin: its role in receptor-mediated vesicular transport and specialized functions in neurons

Clathrin constitutes the coat of vesicles involved in three receptor-mediated intracellular transport pathways; the export of aggregated material from the trans-Golgi network for regulated secretion, the transfer of lysosomal hydrolases from the trans-Golgi network to lysosomes and receptor-mediated endocytosis at the plasma membrane. The clathrin subunits and the other major coat constituents, the adaptor polypeptides, interact in specific ways to build the characteristic polygonal clathrin lattice and to attach the coat to integral membrane receptors. Both clathrin coat assembly and disassembly on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane are multistep processes that are regulated by the coat constituents themselves and by cytosolic proteins and factors. Neurons represent a cell type with distinct morphology and special demands on exocytic and endocytic pathways that requires neuron-specific constituents and modifications of clathrin-coated vesicles.

The mechanism of receptor-mediated endocytosis: More questions than answers

Receptor-mediated endocytosis occurs via clathrin-coated pits and is therefore coupled to the dynamic cycle of assembly and disassembly of the coat constituents. These coat proteins comprise part, but certainly not all, of the machinery involved in the recognition of membrane receptors and their selective packaging into transport vesicles for internalization. Despite considerable knowledge about the biochemistry of coated vesicles and purified coat proteins, little is known about the mechanisms of coated pit assembly, receptor-sorting and coated vesicle formation. Cell-free assays which faithfully reconstitute these events provide powerful new tools with which to elucidate the overall mechanism of receptor-mediated endocytosis.

The medium chains of the mammalian clathrin-associated proteins have a homolog in yeast

We have cloned and sequenced mouse brain AP47, the medium chain of the trans-Golgi network clathrin-associated protein complex AP-1. The predicted protein sequence of AP47 is closely related to rat and calf brain AP50, the corresponding medium chain of the plasma-membrane clathrin-associated protein complex AP-2. We have also identified in the yeast genome an open reading frame encoding a protein of previously unknown function. Referred to here as YAP54, its predicted protein sequence displays a striking homology to AP47. We therefore propose that Yap54 is the medium chain subunit of a putative AP-1 complex in yeast. From the analyses of the optimized sequence alignments of AP47, AP50 and Yap54p, we suggest a model for the domain organization of the medium chains.

Endocytosis and signals for internalization

The most important recent advance in the field of endocytosis has been the identification of the internalization signals of several constitutively recycling receptors. Common structural features and chemistry of internalization sequences have been defined, and an exposed tight turn has been implicated as the conformational recognition motif for endocytosis.