The gene encoding the phosphatidylinositol transfer protein is essential for cell growth

Reconstitution of ORP-mediated lipid exchange process coupled to PI(4)P metabolism

Lipid distribution in the eukaryotic cells depends on tight couplings between lipid transfer and lipid metabolism. Yet these couplings remain poorly described. Notably, it is unclear to what extent lipid exchangers of the OSBP-related proteins (ORPs) family, coupled to PI(4)P metabolism, contribute to the formation of sterol and phosphatidylserine gradient between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and other cell regions. To address this question, we have examined in vitro the activity of Osh4p, a representative ORP, between Golgi mimetic membranes in which PI(4)P is produced by a PI 4-kinase and ER mimetic membranes in which PI(4)P is hydrolyzed by the phosphatase Sac1p. Using quantitative, real-time assays, we demonstrate that Osh4p creates a sterol gradient between the two membranes by sterol/PI(4)P exchange as soon as a PI(4)P gradient is generated at this interface following ATP addition, and define how much PI(4)P must be synthesized for this process. Then, using a kinetic model supported by our in vitro data, we estimate to what extent PI(4)P metabolism can drive lipid transfer in cells. Finally, we show that Sec14p, by transferring phosphatidylinositol between membranes, can support the synthesis of PI(4)P and the creation of a sterol gradient by Osh4p. These results indicate to what extent ORPs, under the control of PI(4)P metabolism, can distribute lipids in the cell.

α-Tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP)

α-Tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP) is so far the only known protein that specifically recognizes α-tocopherol (α-Toc), the most abundant and most biologically active form of vitamin E, in higher animals. α-TTP is highly expressed in the liver where α-TTP selects α-Toc among vitamin E forms taken up via plasma lipoproteins and promotes its secretion to circulating lipoproteins. Thus, α-TTP is a major determinant of plasma α-Toc concentrations. Familial vitamin E deficiency, also called Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, is caused by mutations in the α-TTP gene. More than 20 different mutations have been found in the α-TTP gene worldwide, among which some missense mutations provided valuable clues to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular α-Toc transport. In hepatocytes, α-TTP catalyzes the vectorial transport of α-Toc from the endocytotic compartment to the plasma membrane (PM) by targeting phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) such as PI(4,5)P₂. By binding PIPs at the PM, α-TTP opens the lid covering the hydrophobic pocket, thus facilitating the release of bound α-Toc to the PM.

Sec14 family of lipid transfer proteins in yeasts

The hydrophobicity of lipids prevents their free movement across the cytoplasm. To achieve highly heterogeneous and precisely regulated lipid distribution in different cellular membranes, lipids are transported by lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) in addition to their transport by vesicles. Sec14 family is one of the most extensively studied groups of LTPs. Here we provide an overview of Sec14 family of LTPs in the most studied yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as in other selected non-Saccharomyces yeasts-Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Yarrowia lipolytica. Discussed are specificities of Sec14-domain LTPs in various yeasts, their mode of action, subcellular localization, and physiological function. In addition, quite few Sec14 family LTPs are target of antifungal drugs, serve as modifiers of drug resistance or influence virulence of pathologic yeasts. Thus, they represent an important object of study from the perspective of human health.

Lipid Exchangers: Cellular Functions and Mechanistic Links With Phosphoinositide Metabolism

Lipids are amphiphilic molecules that self-assemble to form biological membranes. Thousands of lipid species coexist in the cell and, once combined, define organelle identity. Due to recent progress in lipidomic analysis, we now know how lipid composition is finely tuned in different subcellular regions. Along with lipid synthesis, remodeling and flip-flop, lipid transfer is one of the active processes that regulates this intracellular lipid distribution. It is mediated by Lipid Transfer Proteins (LTPs) that precisely move certain lipid species across the cytosol and between the organelles. A particular subset of LTPs from three families (Sec14, PITP, OSBP/ORP/Osh) act as lipid exchangers. A striking feature of these exchangers is that they use phosphatidylinositol or phosphoinositides (PIPs) as a lipid ligand and thereby have specific links with PIP metabolism and are thus able to both control the lipid composition of cellular membranes and their signaling capacity. As a result, they play pivotal roles in cellular processes such as vesicular trafficking and signal transduction at the plasma membrane. Recent data have shown that some PIPs are used as energy by lipid exchangers to generate lipid gradients between organelles. Here we describe the importance of lipid counter-exchange in the cell, its structural basis, and presumed links with pathologies.

Lipid transfer proteins: the lipid commute via shuttles, bridges and tubes

Lipids are distributed in a highly heterogeneous fashion in different cellular membranes. Only a minority of lipids achieve their final intracellular distribution through transport by vesicles. Instead, the bulk of lipid traffic is mediated by a large group of lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), which move small numbers of lipids at a time using hydrophobic cavities that stabilize lipid molecules outside membranes. Although the first LTPs were discovered almost 50 years ago, most progress in understanding these proteins has been made in the past few years, leading to considerable temporal and spatial refinement of our understanding of the function of these lipid transporters. The number of known LTPs has increased, with exciting discoveries of their multimeric assembly. Structural studies of LTPs have progressed from static crystal structures to dynamic structural approaches that show how conformational changes contribute to lipid handling at a sub-millisecond timescale. A major development has been the finding that many intracellular LTPs localize to two organelles at the same time, forming a shuttle, bridge or tube that links donor and acceptor compartments. The understanding of how different lipids achieve their final destination at the molecular level allows a better explanation of the range of defects that occur in diseases associated with lipid transport and distribution, opening up the possibility of developing therapies that specifically target lipid transfer.

Genome-wide identification, phylogeny, and expression analysis of Sec14-like PITP gene family in sugarcane

Six Sec14-like PITP genes from sugarcane were identified, two of them were cloned, and their biological functions were characterized indicating their involvement in plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Sec14, a phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) is widely present in eukaryotes. In this study, the structure and expression patterns of six Sec14-like PITP genes (ScSEC14-1, ScSEC14p, ScSFH1, ScSFH2, ScPATL1, and ScPATL2) from sugarcane were analyzed, and two of them (ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p) were cloned and functionally verified. Phylogenetic analysis divided these genes into four groups, including group I (ScSFH1 and ScSFH2), group II (ScPATL1 and ScPATL2), Group III (ScSEC14p), and group V (ScSEC14-1). qRT-PCR analysis showed tissue-specific expression of these genes, primarily in the root, leaf, and bud tissues. They responded differently to SA, MeJA, and ABA stresses. ScSEC14-1, ScSEC14p, and ScSFH2 were upregulated by CuCl₂ and CdCl₂, while ScSEC14-1, ScSFH1, ScSFH2, and ScPATL1 were upregulated by PEG and NaCl. When infected by Sporisorium scitamineum, the transcripts of ScSFH1, ScSFH2, ScPATL1, and ScPATL2 were upregulated in the resistant genotype Yacheng 05-179, while those of ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p were upregulated in the susceptible genotype ROC22. Subcellular localization showed that ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p were mainly localized in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. Enhanced growth of Escherichia coli BL21 cells expressing ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p showed high tolerance to NaCl and mannitol stresses. The transient overexpression of ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves enhanced its resistance to the infection of tobacco pathogens Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium solani var. coeruleum. We can conclude the involvement of ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p in the defense against biotic and abiotic stresses, which should facilitate further research on Sec14-like PITP gene family, especially its regulatory mechanisms in sugarcane.

Patellin protein family functions in plant development and stress response

The plant patellin (PATL) proteins are yeast Sec14 protein (Sec14p)-like phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs), which are widely distributed across the plant kingdom. The model plant Arabidopsis has six PATL members (designated as PATL1-PATL6). Accumulated evidence has indicated the involvement of Arabidopsis PATLs in various biological processes. This mini-review briefly summarizes our current knowledge on individual PATLs regarding their roles in plant development and stress tolerance regulation. The elucidation of PATLs' biological function in plants will provide new insights on plant membrane trafficking and its regulatory roles in either plant growth or environmental stress response signaling networks.

Discoveries of the phosphatidate phosphatase genes in yeast published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry

This JBC Review on the discoveries of yeast phosphatidate (PA) phosphatase genes is dedicated to Dr. Herbert Tabor, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC) for 40 years, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Here, I reflect on the discoveries of the APP1, DPP1, LPP1, and PAH1 genes encoding all the PA phosphatase enzymes in yeast. PA phosphatase catalyzes PA dephosphorylation to generate diacylglycerol; both substrate and product are key intermediates in the synthesis of membrane phospholipids and triacylglycerol. App1 and Pah1 are peripheral membrane proteins catalyzing an Mg²⁺-dependent reaction governed by the DXDX(T/V) phosphatase motif. Dpp1 and Lpp1 are integral membrane proteins that catalyze an Mg²⁺-independent reaction governed by the KX ₆RP-PSGH-SRX ₅HX ₃D phosphatase motif. Pah1 is PA-specific and is the only PA phosphatase responsible for lipid synthesis at the nuclear/endoplasmic reticulum membrane. App1, Dpp1, and Lpp1, respectively, are localized to cortical actin patches and the vacuole and Golgi membranes; they utilize several lipid phosphate substrates, including PA, lyso-PA, and diacylglycerol pyrophosphate. App1 is postulated to be involved in endocytosis, whereas Dpp1 and Lpp1 may be involved in lipid signaling. Pah1 is the yeast lipin homolog of mice and humans. A host of cellular defects and lipid-based diseases associated with loss or overexpression of PA phosphatase in yeast, mice, and humans, highlights its importance to cell physiology.

PATELLINS are regulators of auxin-mediated PIN1 relocation and plant development in Arabidopsis thaliana

Coordinated cell polarization in developing tissues is a recurrent theme in multicellular organisms. In plants, a directional distribution of the plant hormone auxin is at the core of many developmental programs. A feedback regulation of auxin on the polarized localization of PIN auxin transporters in individual cells has been proposed as a self-organizing mechanism for coordinated tissue polarization, but the molecular mechanisms linking auxin signalling to PIN-dependent auxin transport remain unknown. We used a microarray-based approach to find regulators of the auxin-induced PIN relocation in Arabidopsis thaliana root, and identified a subset of a family of phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs), the PATELLINs (PATLs). Here, we show that PATLs are expressed in partially overlapping cell types in different tissues going through mitosis or initiating differentiation programs. PATLs are plasma membrane-associated proteins accumulated in Arabidopsis embryos, primary roots, lateral root primordia and developing stomata. Higher order patl mutants display reduced PIN1 repolarization in response to auxin, shorter root apical meristem, and drastic defects in embryo and seedling development. This suggests that PATLs play a redundant and crucial role in polarity and patterning in Arabidopsis.

Understanding phospholipid function: Why are there so many lipids?

In the 1970s, phospholipids were still considered mere building blocks of the membrane lipid bilayer, but the subsequent realization that phospholipids could also serve as second messengers brought new interest to the field. My own passion for the unique amphipathic properties of lipids led me to seek other, non-signaling functions for phospholipids, particularly in their interactions with membrane proteins. This seemed to be the last frontier in protein chemistry and enzymology to be conquered. I was fortunate to find my way to Eugene Kennedy's laboratory, where both membrane proteins and phospholipids were the foci of study, thus providing a jumping-off point for advancing our fundamental understanding of lipid synthesis, membrane protein biosynthesis, phospholipid and membrane protein trafficking, and the cellular roles of phospholipids. After purifying and characterizing enzymes of phospholipid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli and cloning of several of the genes encoding these enzymes in E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, I was in a position to alter phospholipid composition in a systematic manner during the cell cycle in these microorganisms. My group was able to establish, contrary to common assumption (derived from the fact that membrane proteins retain activity in detergent extracts) that phospholipid environment is a strong determining factor in the function of membrane proteins. We showed that molecular genetic alterations in membrane lipid composition result in many phenotypes, and uncovered direct lipid-protein interactions that govern dynamic structural and functional properties of membrane proteins. Here I present my personal "reflections" on how our understanding of phospholipid functions has evolved.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane Contact Sites

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has a broad localization throughout the cell and forms direct physical contacts with all other classes of membranous organelles, including the plasma membrane (PM). A number of protein tethers that mediate these contacts have been identified, and study of these protein tethers has revealed a multiplicity of roles in cell physiology, including regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics and signaling as well as control of lipid traffic and homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the cross talk between the ER and the PM mediated by direct contacts. We review factors that tether the two membranes, their properties, and their dynamics in response to the functional state of the cell. We focus in particular on the role of ER-PM contacts in nonvesicular lipid transport between the two bilayers mediated by lipid transfer proteins.

Topological regulation of lipid balance in cells

Lipids are unevenly distributed within and between cell membranes, thus defining organelle identity. Such distribution relies on local metabolic branches and mechanisms that move lipids. These processes are regulated by feedback mechanisms that decipher topographical information in organelle membranes and then regulate lipid levels or flows. In the endoplasmic reticulum, the major lipid source, transcriptional regulators and enzymes sense changes in membrane features to modulate lipid production. At the Golgi apparatus, lipid-synthesizing, lipid-flippase, and lipid-transport proteins (LTPs) collaborate to control lipid balance and distribution within the membrane to guarantee remodeling processes crucial for vesicular trafficking. Open questions exist regarding LTPs, which are thought to be lipid sensors that regulate lipid synthesis or carriers that transfer lipids between organelles across long distances or in contact sites. A novel model is that LTPs, by exchanging two different lipids, exploit one lipid gradient between two distinct membranes to build a second lipid gradient.

A phosphatidylinositol transfer protein integrates phosphoinositide signaling with lipid droplet metabolism to regulate a developmental program of nutrient stress-induced membrane biogenesis

Lipid droplet (LD) utilization is an important cellular activity that regulates energy balance and release of lipid second messengers. Because fatty acids exhibit both beneficial and toxic properties, their release from LDs must be controlled. Here we demonstrate that yeast Sfh3, an unusual Sec14-like phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, is an LD-associated protein that inhibits lipid mobilization from these particles. We further document a complex biochemical diversification of LDs during sporulation in which Sfh3 and select other LD proteins redistribute into discrete LD subpopulations. The data show that Sfh3 modulates the efficiency with which a neutral lipid hydrolase-rich LD subclass is consumed during biogenesis of specialized membrane envelopes that package replicated haploid meiotic genomes. These results present novel insights into the interface between phosphoinositide signaling and developmental regulation of LD metabolism and unveil meiosis-specific aspects of Sfh3 (and phosphoinositide) biology that are invisible to contemporary haploid-centric cell biological, proteomic, and functional genomics approaches.

Sec14 related proteins in yeast

Lipid transport between membranes of eukaryotic organisms represents an essential aspect of organelle biogenesis. This transport must be strictly selective and directional to assure specific lipid composition of individual membranes. Despite the intensive research effort in the last few years, our understanding of how lipids are sorted and moved within cells is still rather limited. Evidence indicates that at least some of the mechanisms generating and maintaining non-random distribution of lipids in cells are linked to the action of phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs). The major PITP in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Sec14p, is essential in promoting Golgi secretory function by modulating of its membrane lipid composition. This review focuses on a group of five yeast proteins that share significant sequence homology with Sec14p. Based on this sequence identity, they were termed Sfh (Sec fourteen homologue) proteins. It is a diverse group of proteins with distinct subcellular localizations and varied physiological functions related to lipid metabolism, phosphoinositide mediated signaling and membrane trafficking.

Synthesis and function of membrane phosphoinositides in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

It is now well appreciated that derivatives of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) are key regulators of many cellular processes in eukaryotes. Of particular interest are phosphoinositides (mono- and polyphosphorylated adducts to the inositol ring in PtdIns), which are located at the cytoplasmic face of cellular membranes. Phosphoinositides serve both a structural and a signaling role via their recruitment of proteins that contain phosphoinositide-binding domains. Phosphoinositides also have a role as precursors of several types of second messengers for certain intracellular signaling pathways. Realization of the importance of phosphoinositides has brought increased attention to characterization of the enzymes that regulate their synthesis, interconversion, and turnover. Here we review the current state of our knowledge about the properties and regulation of the ATP-dependent lipid kinases responsible for synthesis of phosphoinositides and also the additional temporal and spatial controls exerted by the phosphatases and a phospholipase that act on phosphoinositides in yeast.

Protein and lipid motifs regulate phosphatidylserine traffic in yeast

Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and its subdomains associated with the mitochondria [MAM (mitochondria-associated membrane)] and subsequently transported to the loci of the PtdSer decarboxylases, Pds1p (phosphatidylserine decarboxylase 1 encoded by the PSD1 gene that complements psd1 mutations) in the mitochondria, and Psd2p (PtdSer decarboxylase 2 encoded by the PSD2 gene that complements psd2 mutations) in the Golgi. Decarboxylation of PtdSer to PtdEtn (phosphatidylethanolamine) can be used as a biochemical indicator of transport to these organelles, which is regulated by specific lipid and protein motifs. PtdSer transport to mitochondria is controlled by ubiquitination via the action of the ubiquitin ligase subunit Met30p (a ubiquitin ligase subunit encoded by the MET30 gene that complements the met30 mutation affecting methionine biosynthesis). Mutant strains with lesions in the MET30 gene are defective in PtdSer transport and show altered ubiquitination of specific target proteins, such as the transcription factor Met4p (a transcription factor encoded by the MET4 gene that complements the met4 mutation affecting methionine biosynthesis). Mutations to MET30 cause defects in both the MAM as a donor of PtdSer, and the mitochondria as an acceptor of PtdSer in the transport reaction. PtdSer transport to the locus of Psd2p is controlled by specific protein and lipid motifs. The C2 (Ca2+ and phospholipid-binding sequence) domain of Psd2p, and the lipid-binding protein PstB2p (PtdSer transport B pathway protein encoded by the PSTB2 gene that complements the pstB2 mutation affecting PtdSer transport), must be present on acceptor membranes for PtdSer transport to occur. In addition, the action of the PtdIns 4-kinase, Stt4p (PtdIns 4-kinase encoded by the STT4 gene that complements the stt4 mutation causing staurosporine and temperature-sensitive growth) is also required for PtdSer transport to the locus of Psd2p. Reconstitution of PtdSer transport to Psd2p using liposomes demonstrates that PtdSer-rich domains present in vesicles are preferred substrates for transport. In addition, the incorporation of phosphatidic acid into donor membranes enhances the rate of PtdSer transport. Collectively, these data support a model for PtdSer transport in which specific proteins and lipids are required on donor and acceptor membranes.

The Arabidopsis COW1 gene encodes a phosphatidylinositol transfer protein essential for root hair tip growth

Root hairs are a major site for the uptake of water and nutrients into plants, and they form an increasingly important model system for the study of development in higher plants. We now report on the molecular genetic analysis of the srh1 mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana impaired in root hair tip growth. We show that srh1 is a new allele of cow1 (can of worms1) and we identified the COW1 gene using a positional cloning strategy. The N-terminus of the COW1 protein is 32% identical to an essential phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP), the yeast Sec14 protein (sec14p) while the C-terminus is 34.5% identical to a late nodulin of Lotus japonicus, Nlj16. We show that expression of the COW1 lipid-binding domain complements the growth defect associated with Sec14p dysfunction in yeast. In addition, we show that GFP fused to the COW1 protein specifically accumulates at the site of root hair outgrowth. We conclude that the COW1 protein is a PITP, essential for proper root hair growth.

Biological functions of phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins

Phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer proteins (PITPs) are ubiquitous and highly conserved proteins that are believed to regulate lipid-mediated signaling events. Their ubiquity and conservation notwithstanding, PITPs remain remarkably uninvestigated. Little is known about the coupling of specific PITPs to explicit cellular functions or the mechanisms by which PITPs interface with appropriate cellular functions. The available information indicates a role for these proteins in regulating the interface between lipid metabolism and membrane trafficking in yeast, signaling in plant development, the trafficking of specialized luminal cargo in mammalian enterocytes, and neurological function in mammals. Herein, we review recent advances in PITP biology and discuss as yet unresolved issues in this field.

Role of the unfolded protein response pathway in secretory stress and regulation of INO1 expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The unfolded protein response pathway (UPR) enables the cell to cope with the buildup of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). UPR loss-of-function mutants, hac1Delta and ire1Delta, are also inositol auxotrophs, a phenotype associated with defects in expression of INO1, the most highly regulated of a set of genes encoding enzymes of phospholipid metabolism. We now demonstrate that the UPR plays a functional role in membrane trafficking under conditions of secretory stress in yeast. Mutations conferring a wide range of membrane trafficking defects exhibited negative genetic interaction when combined with ire1Delta and hac1Delta. At semipermissive temperatures, carboxypeptidase Y transit time to the vacuole was slower in Sec(-) cells containing an ire1Delta or hac1Delta mutation than in Sec(-) cells with an intact UPR. The UPR was induced in Sec(-) cells defective in subcellular membrane trafficking events ranging from ER vesicle trafficking to distal secretion and in erg6Delta cells challenged with brefeldin A. However, the high levels of UPR induction observed under these conditions were not correlated with elevated INO1 expression. Indeed, many of the Sec(-) mutants that had elevated UPR expression at semipermissive growth temperatures failed to achieve wild-type levels of INO1 expression under these same conditions.

Overexpression of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein β in NIH3T3 cells has a stimulatory effect on sphingomyelin synthesis and apoptosis

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PI-TPs) consist of two isoforms (PI-TPalpha and PI-TPbeta), which differ in phospholipid transfer properties and intracellular localization. Both PI-TP isoforms are substrates for protein kinase C and contain a minor phosphorylation site (Ser166 in PI-TPalpha; Ser165 in PI-TPbeta). Only PI-TPbeta contains a major phosphorylation site at Ser262, which must be phosphorylated for PI-TPbeta to be associated with the Golgi. The PI-TP isoforms are completely conserved between mammals. Although their function is still not clear, their importance follows from knock-out studies, showing that mice lacking PI-TPalpha die soon after birth and that embryonic stems cells lacking PI-TPbeta cannot be generated [Mol. Biol. Cell 13 (2002) 739]. We determined the levels of the PI-TP isoforms in various mouse tissues by immunoblotting. PI-TPalpha is present in all tissues investigated, with highest levels in brain (167 ng/100 microg total protein). The levels of PI-TPbeta are 50-100 times lower than those of PI-TPalpha, with relatively high levels found in liver and brain (1.2 and 1.8 ng/100 microg of total protein, respectively). In contrast to NIH3T3 cells overexpressing PI-TPalpha, cells overexpressing PI-TPbeta (SPIbeta cells) were able to maintain steady-state levels of sphingomyelin in plasma membrane under conditions where this lipid is degraded by exogenous sphingomyelinase. This process of rapid sphingomyelin replenishment is dependent on PI-TPbeta being associated with the Golgi as cells overexpressing a mutant PI-TPbeta in which the major phosphorylation site is replaced (PI-TPbeta(S262A) behave as wild-type NIH3T3 cells. Since the SPIbeta cells display a decreased growth rate (35 h as compared to 21 h for wtNIH3T3 cells), we have investigated the sensitivity of these cells towards UV-induced apoptosis. We have found that the SPIbeta cells, but not the cells overexpressing PI-TPbeta(S262A), are very sensitive. We are currently investigating whether a relationship exists between PI-TPbeta being involved in maintaining plasma membrane sphingomyelin levels and the enhanced sensitivity towards apoptosis.

Specific interaction of protein tyrosine phosphatase-MEG2 with phosphatidylserine

Protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-MEG2 is an intracellular tyrosine phosphatase that contains a Sec14 homology domain. We have purified the full-length and truncated forms of the enzyme from recombinant adenovirus-infected human 293 cells. By using lipid-membrane overlay and liposome binding assays, we demonstrated that PTP-MEG2 specifically binds phosphatidylserine among over 20 lipid compounds tested. The binding is mediated by its N-terminal Sec14 domain. In intact cells, the Sec14 domain is responsible for localization of PTP-MEG2 to the perinuclear region, and uploading of PS into the cell membrane causes translocation of PTP-MEG2 to the plasma membrane. Phosphatidylserine is a relatively abundant cell membrane phospholipid non-symmetrically distributed in the outer layer and inner layer of cell membranes. It has recently been defined as an important ligand for clearance of apoptotic cells. By specifically binding phosphatidylserine, PTP-MEG2 may play an important role in regulating signaling processes associated with phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.

New perspectives on the regulation of intermembrane glycerophospholipid traffic

In eukaryotes, phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) can serve as a precursor of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), which are the major cellular phospholipids. PtdSer synthesis originates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its subdomain named the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM). PtdSer is transported to the mitochondria in mammalian cells and yeast, and decarboxylated by PtdSer decarboxylase 1 (Psd1p) to form PtdEtn. A second decarboxylase, Psd2p, is also found in yeast in the Golgi-vacuole. PtdEtn produced by Psd1p and Psd2p can be transported to the ER, where it is methylated to form PtdCho. Organelle-specific metabolism of the aminoglycerophospholipids is a powerful tool for experimentally following lipid traffic that is now enabling identification of new proteins involved in the regulation of this process. Genetic and biochemical experiments demonstrate that transport of PtdSer between the MAM and mitochondria is regulated by protein ubiquitination, which affects events at both membranes. Similar analyses of PtdSer transport to the locus of Psd2p now indicate that a membrane-bound phosphatidylinositol transfer protein and the C2 domain of Psd2p are both required on the acceptor membrane for efficient transport of PtdSer. Collectively, these recent findings indicate that novel multiprotein assemblies on both donor and acceptor membranes participate in interorganelle phospholipid transport.

Purification and characterization of protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-MEG2

PTP-MEG2 is an intracellular protein tyrosine phosphatase with a putative lipid-binding domain at the N-terminus. The present study reports expression, purification, and characterization of the full-length form of the enzyme plus a truncated form containing the catalytic domain alone. Full-length PTP-MEG2 was expressed with an adenovirus system and purified from cytosolic extracts of human 293 cells infected with the recombinant adenovirus. The purification scheme included chromatographic separation of cytosolic extracts on fast flow Q-Sepharose, heparin-agarose, l-histidyldiazobenzylphosphonic acid agarose, and hydroxylapatite. The enrichment of PTP-MEG2 from the cytosol was about 120-fold. The truncated form of PTP-MEG2 was expressed in E. coli cells as a non-fusion protein and purified by using a chromatographic procedure similar to that used for the full-length enzyme. The purified full-length and truncated enzymes showed single polypeptide bands on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions and behaved as monomers on gel exclusion chromatography. With para-nitrophenylphosphate and phosphotyrosine as substrates, both forms of the enzyme exhibited classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Their responses to pH, ionic strength, metal ions, and protein phosphatase inhibitors are similar to those observed with other characterized tyrosine phosphatases. Compared with full-length PTP-MEG2, the truncated DeltaPTP-MEG2 displayed significantly higher V(max) and lower K(m) values, suggesting that the N-terminal putative lipid-binding domain may have an inhibitory role. The full-length and truncated forms of PTP-MEG2 were also expressed as GST fusion proteins in E. coli cells and purified to near homogeneity through affinity columns. However, the specific phosphatase activities of the GST fusion proteins were 10-25-fold below those obtained with the correspondent non-fusion proteins.

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe spo20(+) gene encoding a homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sec14 plays an important role in forespore membrane formation

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe spo20-KC104 mutation was originally isolated in a screen for sporulation-deficient mutants, and the spo20-KC104 mutant exhibits temperature-sensitive growth. Herein, we report that S. pombe, spo20(+) is essential for fission yeast cell viability and is constitutively expressed throughout the life cycle. We also demonstrate that the spo20(+) gene product is structurally homologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sec14, the major phosphatidylinositol transfer protein of budding yeast. This structural homology translates to a significant degree of functional relatedness because reciprocal complementation experiments demonstrate that each protein is able to fulfill the essential function of the other. Moreover, biochemical experiments show that, like Sec14, Spo20 is a phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine-transfer protein. That Spo20 is required for Golgi secretory function in vegetative cells is indicated by our demonstration that the spo20-KC104 mutant accumulates aberrant Golgi cisternae at restrictive temperatures. However, a second phenotype observed in Spo20-deficient fission yeast is arrest of cell division before completion of cell separation. Consistent with a direct role for Spo20 in controlling cell septation in vegetatively growing cells, localization experiments reveal that Spo20 preferentially localizes to the cell poles and to sites of septation of fission yeast cells. We also report that, when fission yeasts are challenged with nitrogen starvation, Spo20 translocates to the nucleus. This nuclear localization persists during conjugation and meiosis. On completion of meiosis, Spo20 translocates to forespore membranes, and it is the assembly of forespore membranes that is abnormal in spo20-KC104 cells. In such mutants, a considerable fraction of forming prespores fail to encapsulate the haploid nucleus. Our results indicate that Spo20 regulates the formation of specialized membrane structures in addition to its recognized role in regulating Golgi secretory function.

Phosphatidylcholine synthesis influences the diacylglycerol homeostasis required for SEC14p-dependent Golgi function and cell growth

Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are the most abundant phospholipids in eukaryotic cells and thus have major roles in the formation and maintenance of vesicular membranes. In yeast, diacylglycerol accepts a phosphocholine moiety through a CPT1-derived cholinephosphotransferase activity to directly synthesize phosphatidylcholine. EPT1-derived activity can transfer either phosphocholine or phosphoethanolamine to diacylglcyerol in vitro, but is currently believed to primarily synthesize phosphatidylethanolamine in vivo. In this study we report that CPT1- and EPT1-derived cholinephosphotransferase activities can significantly overlap in vivo such that EPT1 can contribute to 60% of net phosphatidylcholine synthesis via the Kennedy pathway. Alterations in the level of diacylglycerol consumption through alterations in phosphatidylcholine synthesis directly correlated with the level of SEC14-dependent invertase secretion and affected cell viability. Administration of synthetic di8:0 diacylglycerol resulted in a partial rescue of cells from SEC14-mediated cell death. The addition of di8:0 diacylglycerol increased di8:0 diacylglycerol levels 20-40-fold over endogenous long-chain diacylglycerol levels. Di8:0 diacylglcyerol did not alter endogenous phospholipid metabolic pathways, nor was it converted to di8:0 phosphatidic acid.

Phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer proteins in yeast

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) are now becoming widely recognized as intriguing proteins that participate in the coordination and coupling of phospholipid metabolism with vesicle trafficking, and in the regulation of important signaling cascades. Yet, only in one case is there a large body of evidence that speaks to the precise identities of PITP-dependent cellular reactions, and to the mechanisms by which PITPs execute function in eukaryotic cells. At present, yeast provide the most powerful system for analysis of the physiology of PITP function in vivo, and the mechanism by which this function is carried out. Here, we review the recent progress and remaining questions in the area of PITP function in yeast.

Identification of a novel family of nonclassic yeast phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins whose function modulates phospholipase D activity and Sec14p-independent cell growth

Yeast phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (Sec14p) is essential for Golgi function and cell viability. We now report a characterization of five yeast SFH (Sec Fourteen Homologue) proteins that share 24-65% primary sequence identity with Sec14p. We show that Sfh1p, which shares 64% primary sequence identity with Sec14p, is nonfunctional as a Sec14p in vivo or in vitro. Yet, SFH proteins sharing low primary sequence similarity with Sec14p (i.e., Sfh2p, Sfh3p, Sfh4p, and Sfh5p) represent novel phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) that exhibit phosphatidylinositol- but not phosphatidylcholine-transfer activity in vitro. Moreover, increased expression of Sfh2p, Sfh4p, or Sfh5p rescues sec14-associated growth and secretory defects in a phospholipase D (PLD)-sensitive manner. Several independent lines of evidence further demonstrate that SFH PITPs are collectively required for efficient activation of PLD in vegetative cells. These include a collective requirement for SFH proteins in Sec14p-independent cell growth and in optimal activation of PLD in Sec14p-deficient cells. Consistent with these findings, Sfh2p colocalizes with PLD in endosomal compartments. The data indicate that SFH gene products cooperate with "bypass-Sec14p" mutations and PLD in a complex interaction through which yeast can adapt to loss of the essential function of Sec14p. These findings expand the physiological repertoire of PITP function in yeast and provide the first in vivo demonstration of a role for specific PITPs in stimulating activation of PLD.

A new gene involved in the transport-dependent metabolism of phosphatidylserine, PSTB2/PDR17, shares sequence similarity with the gene encoding the phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer protein, SEC14

A new yeast strain, designated pstB2, that is defective in the conversion of nascent phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) to phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) by PtdSer decarboxylase 2, has been isolated. The pstB2 strain requires ethanolamine for growth. Incubation of cells with [(3)H]serine followed by analysis of the aminoglycerophospholipids demonstrates a 50% increase in the labeling of PtdSer and a 72% decrease in PtdEtn formation in the mutant relative to the parental strain. The PSTB2 gene was isolated by complementation, and it restores ethanolamine prototrophy and corrects the defective lipid metabolism of the pstB2 strain. The PSTB2 gene is allelic to the pleiotropic drug resistance gene, PDR17, and is homologous to SEC14, which encodes a phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer protein. The protein, PstB2p, displays phosphatidylinositol but not PtdSer transfer activity, and its overexpression causes suppression of sec14 mutants. However, overexpression of the SEC14 gene fails to suppress the conditional lethality of pstB2 strains. The transport-dependent metabolism of PtdSer to PtdEtn occurs in permeabilized wild type yeast but is dramatically reduced in permeabilized pstB2 strains. Fractionation of permeabilized cells demonstrates that the pstB2 strain accumulates nascent PtdSer in the Golgi apparatus and a novel light membrane fraction, consistent with a defect in lipid transport processes that control substrate access to PtdSer decarboxylase 2.

Overexpression of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha in NIH3T3 cells activates a phospholipase A

In order to investigate the cellular function of the mammalian phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha (PI-TPalpha), NIH3T3 fibroblast cells were transfected with the cDNA encoding mouse PI-TPalpha. Two stable cell lines, i.e. SPI6 and SPI8, were isolated, which showed a 2- and 3-fold increase, respectively, in the level of PI-TPalpha. Overexpression of PI-TPalpha resulted in a decrease in the duration of the cell cycle from 21 h for the wild type (nontransfected) NIH3T3 (wtNIH3T3) cells and mock-transfected cells to 13-14 h for SPI6 and SPI8 cells. Analysis of exponentially growing cultures by fluorescence-activated cell sorting showed that a shorter G(1) phase is mainly responsible for this decrease. The saturation density of the cells increased from 0.20 x 10(5) cells/cm(2) for wtNIH3T3 cells to 0.53 x 10(5) cells/cm(2) for SPI6 and SPI8 cells. However, anchorage-dependent growth was maintained as shown by the inability of the cells to grow in soft agar. Upon equilibrium labeling of the cells with myo-[(3)H] inositol, the relative incorporation of radioactivity in the total inositol phosphate fraction was 2-3-fold increased in SPI6 and SPI8 cells when compared with wtNIH3T3 cells. A detailed analysis of the inositol metabolites showed increased levels of glycerophosphoinositol, Ins(1)P, Ins(2)P, and lysophosphatidylinositol (lyso-PtdIns) in SPI8 cells, whereas the levels of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) and phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate were the same as those in control cells. The addition of PI-TPalpha to a total lysate of myo-[(3)H]inositol-labeled wtNIH3T3 cells stimulated the formation of lyso-PtdIns. The addition of Ca(2+) further increased this formation. Based on these observations, we propose that PI-TPalpha is involved in the production of lyso-PtdIns by activating a phospholipase A acting on PtdIns. The increased level of lyso-PtdIns that is produced in this reaction could be responsible for the increased growth rate and the partial loss of contact inhibition in SPI8 and SPI6 cells. The addition of growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor, bombesin) to these overexpressers did not activate the phospholipase C-dependent degradation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.

Phospholipid biosynthesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and interrelationship with other metabolic processes

In this review, we have discussed recent progress in the study of the regulation that controls phospholipid metabolism in S. cerevisiae. This regulation occurs on multiple levels and is tightly integrated with a large number of other cellular processes and related metabolic and signal transduction pathways. Progress in deciphering this complex regulation has been very rapid in the last few years, aided by the availability of the sequence of the entire Saccharomyces genome. The assignment of functions to the remaining unassigned open reading frames, as well as ascertainment of remaining gene-enzyme relationships in phospholipid biosynthesis in yeast, promises to provide detailed understanding of the genetic regulation of a crucial area of metabolism in a key eukaryotic model system. Since the processes of lipid metabolism, secretion, and signal transduction show fundamental similarities in all eukaryotes, the dissection of this regulation in yeast promises to have wide application to our understanding of metabolic control in all eukaryotes.

Yeast Sec14p deficient in phosphatidylinositol transfer activity is functional in vivo

Yeast phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (Sec14p) is essential for Golgi secretory function. It is widely accepted, though unproven, that phosphatidylinositol transfer between membranes represents the physiological activity of phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs). We report that Sec14pK66,239A is inactivated for phosphatidylinositol, but not phosphatidylcholine (PC), transfer activity. As expected, Sec14pK66,239A fails to meet established criteria for a PITP in vitro and fails to stimulate phosphoinositide production in vivo. However, its expression efficiently rescues the lethality and Golgi secretory defects associated with sec14-1ts and sec14 null mutations. This complementation requires neither phospholipase D activation nor the involvement of a novel class of minor yeast PITPs. These findings indicate that PI binding/transfer is remarkably dispensable for Sec14p function in vivo.

Involvement of PITPnm, a mammalian homologue of Drosophila rdgB, in phosphoinositide synthesis on Golgi membranes

Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) is involved in phospholipase C-mediated signaling and membrane trafficking. We previously reported cloning and characterization of a gene encoding for membrane-bound PITP, named PITPnm, that is a mammalian homologue of the Drosophila retinal degeneration B (rdgB) gene (Aikawa, Y., Hara, H., and Watanabe, T. (1997) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 236, 559-564). Here we report the subcellular localization of PITPnm protein and provide evidence for its involvement in phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns 4-P) synthesis. PITPnm is an integral membrane protein that largely localized in close association with membranes of Golgi vacuoles and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The amino terminus region of PITPnm was exposed to cytoplasmic side. Interaction with various phosphoinositides was observed in the amino terminus region spanning from 196 amino acids to 257 amino acids of PITPnm. At the amino terminus regions of 1-372 amino acids, PITPnm formed a complex with type III PtdIns 4-kinase. The transmembrane and carboxyl-terminal portions (residues 418-1242) functioned to retain the PITPnm in the Golgi vacuole. These results suggest that PITPnm plays a role in phosphoinositide synthesis on the Golgi vacuoles and possibly in the PtdIns signaling pathway in mammalian cells.

Pleiotropic alterations in lipid metabolism in yeast sac1 mutants: relationship to "bypass Sec14p" and inositol auxotrophy

SacIp dysfunction results in bypass of the requirement for phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (Sec14p) function in yeast Golgi processes. This effect is accompanied by alterations in inositol phospholipid metabolism and inositol auxotrophy. Elucidation of how sac1 mutants effect "bypass Sec14p" will provide insights into Sec14p function in vivo. We now report that, in addition to a dramatic accumulation of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate, sac1 mutants also exhibit a specific acceleration of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis via the CDP-choline pathway. This phosphatidylcholine metabolic phenotype is sensitive to the two physiological challenges that abolish bypass Sec14p in sac1 strains; i.e. phospholipase D inactivation and expression of bacterial diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase. Moreover, we demonstrate that accumulation of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate in sac1 mutants is insufficient to effect bypass Sec14p. These data support a model in which phospholipase D activity contributes to generation of DAG that, in turn, effects bypass Sec14p. A significant fate for this DAG is consumption by the CDP-choline pathway. Finally, we determine that CDP-choline pathway activity contributes to the inositol auxotrophy of sac1 strains in a novel manner that does not involve obvious defects in transcriptional expression of the INO1 gene.

Genetic regulation of phospholipid metabolism: yeast as a model eukaryote

Baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is an excellent and an increasingly important model for the study of fundamental questions in eukaryotic cell biology and genetic regulation. The fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, although not as intensively studied as S. cerevisiae, also has many advantages as a model system. In this review, we discuss progress over the past several decades in biochemical and molecular genetic studies of the regulation of phospholipid metabolism in these two organisms and higher eukaryotes. In S. cerevisiae, following the recent completion of the yeast genome project, a very high percentage of the gene-enzyme relationships in phospholipid metabolism have been assigned and the remaining assignments are expected to be completed rapidly. Complex transcriptional regulation, sensitive to the availability of phospholipid precusors, as well as growth phase, coordinates the expression of the structural genes encoding these enzymes in S. cerevisiae. In this article, this regulation is described, the mechanism by which the cell senses the ongoing metabolic activity in the pathways for phospholipid biosynthesis is discussed, and a model is presented. Recent information relating to the role of phosphatidylcholine turnover in S. cerevisiae and its relationship to the secretory pathway, as well as to the regulation of phospholipid metabolism, is also presented. Similarities in the role of phospholipase D-mediated phosphatidylcholine turnover in the secretory process in yeast and mammals lend further credence to yeast as a model system.

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins: a requirement in signal transduction and vesicle traffic

Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) was originally identified and named because of its ability to transport phosphatidylinositol through the aqueous phase from one membrane compartment to another. Recent data, however, indicate unanticipated roles for PITP in the coupling of PIP2 synthesis to signal transduction reactions and to membrane traffic in mammalian cells. PITP was recently purified on the basis of its ability to restore cellular functions in permeabilized cells depleted of cytosolic proteins. These functions include cell-surface receptor-regulated hydrolysis of PIP2 by phospholipases C beta- and gamma-isozymes, regulated release of secretory granules, and the budding of constitutive secretory vesicles and immature secretory granules from the trans-Golgi network. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a PITP was identified from a mutant strain with a defect in the secretory pathway (SEC14) and therefore required for cell viability; in Yarrowia lipolytica, PITP is required for differentiation from a yeast to a mycelial growth form. We are just beginning to unravel the intriguing mechanisms by which PITP/SEC14 may accomplish its function in eukaryotic cells in signal transduction and membrane trafficking.

A phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phosphatidylinositol transfer protein act synergistically in formation of constitutive transport vesicles from the trans-Golgi network

Current evidence suggests that phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinases and phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) are involved in driving vesicular traffic from yeast and mammalian trans-Golgi network (TGN). We have tested the interaction between these cytosolic proteins in an assay that measures the formation of constitutive transport vesicles from the TGN in a hepatocyte cell-free system. This reaction is dependent on a novel PI 3-kinase, and we now report that, under conditions of limiting cytosol, purified PI 3-kinase and PITP functionally cooperate to drive exocytic vesicle formation. This synergy was observed with both yeast and mammalian PITPs, and it also extended to the formation of PI 3-phosphate. These collective findings indicate that the PI 3-kinase and PITP synergize to form a pool of PI 3-phosphate that is essential for formation of exocytic vesicles from the hepatocyte TGN.

The phosphatidylinositol transfer protein domain of Drosophila retinal degeneration B protein is essential for photoreceptor cell survival and recovery from light stimulation

The Drosophila retinal degeneration B (rdgB) gene encodes an integral membrane protein involved in phototransduction and prevention of retinal degeneration. RdgB represents a nonclassical phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) as all other known PITPs are soluble polypeptides. Our data demonstrate roles for RdgB in proper termination of the phototransduction light response and dark recovery of the photoreceptor cells. Expression of RdgB's PITP domain as a soluble protein (RdgB-PITP) in rdgB2 mutant flies is sufficient to completely restore the wild-type electrophysiological light response and prevent the degeneration. However, introduction of the T59E mutation, which does not affect RdgB-PITP's phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidycholine (PC) transfer in vitro, into the soluble (RdgB-PITP-T59E) or full-length (RdgB-T59E) proteins eliminated rescue of retinal degeneration in rdgB2 flies, while the light response was partially maintained. Substitution of the rat brain PITPalpha, a classical PI transfer protein, for RdgB's PITP domain (PITPalpha or PITPalpha-RdgB chimeric protein) neither restored the light response nor maintained retinal integrity when expressed in rdgB2 flies. Therefore, the complete repertoire of essential RdgB functions resides in RdgB's PITP domain, but other PITPs possessing PI and/or PC transfer activity in vitro cannot supplant RdgB function in vivo. Expression of either RdgB-T59E or PITPalpha-RdgB in rdgB+ flies produced a dominant retinal degeneration phenotype. Whereas RdgB-T59E functioned in a dominant manner to significantly reduce steady-state levels of rhodopsin, PITPalpha-RdgB was defective in the ability to recover from prolonged light stimulation and caused photoreceptor degeneration through an unknown mechanism. This in vivo analysis of PITP function in a metazoan system provides further insights into the links between PITP dysfunction and an inherited disease in a higher eukaryote.

Differential distribution of mRNAs encoding phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins alpha and beta in the central nervous system of the rat

The expression of the alpha and beta isoforms of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PI-TP alpha and PI-TP beta) in the adult rat brain was examined by in situ hybridization analysis with isoform-specific RNA probes. PI-TP alpha mRNA was detected in rather restricted regions of the brain whereas PI-TP beta mRNA was widely distributed in the brain. PI-TP alpha mRNA signals were remarkable in neocortex layers II/III and V/VI, Purkinje cell layer, deep cerebellar nuclei of the cerebellum, red nucleus and most part of brain stem. Low levels of PI-TP alpha transcript were present in CA3 of the hippocampus, ventral and dorsal thalamic nuclei, and motoneurons of spinal cord. No hybridization signals was obtained in the olfactory bulb, basal ganglia, amygdala, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. In contrast, strong signals of PI-TP beta mRNA were detected in the dentate gyrus. The beta isoform mRNA was moderately expressed in olfactory bulb, layers II/III of the neocortex, striatum, CA1-CA4 regions of the hippocampus, medial habenula, cerebellum, amygdala, hypothalamus, spinal cord, and pituitary gland. Thalamus and brain stem contained relatively low, but significant levels of PI-TP beta transcript. The distinct distribution of PI-TP alpha and PI-TP beta mRNAs suggests different functional roles for each of the gene products in the mature nervous system.

Growth factor-dependent phosphoinositide signalling

A wide variety of messages, in the form of diffusible growth factors, hormones and cytokines, are carried throughout multicellular organisms to coordinate important physiological properties of target cells, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis and metabolism. Most messengers bind to cognate receptors on target cells, which initiate a characteristic cascade of reactions within the cell, ultimately leading to the desired response. The cellular response is defined by the combination of signalling components whose individual activity depends upon the number and type of surface receptors. Consequently the responses of different cell types to one or more stimuli can be quite disparate. A molecular understanding of the signalling pathways employed by each type of receptor therefore underlies the ability to rationalize many cellular functions and to correct disfunctions. As a well studied example of the primary signalling events that take place on the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane following receptor activation, we will discuss how the widely expressed receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) causes the phosphorylation and hydrolysis of a signalling precursor, the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol. This paradigm will be used to illustrate certain general principles of signalling, including formation of multienzyme complexes, compartmentation of second messengers and intermediates, and cross-talk between different signalling pathways.

Characterization of a non-specific lipid transfer protein associated with the peroxisomal membrane of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A lipid transfer protein with a broad substrate specificity is associated with the peroxisomal membrane of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The protein catalyzes in vitro the transfer of various phospholipids, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine being translocated at the highest rates. The transfer protein can be released from peroxisomal membranes by treatment with 0.25 M KCl and highly enriched using conventional chromatographic techniques. It is inactivated by heat, detergents, divalent cations and proteinases. During various steps of purification this lipid transfer protein co-fractionated with peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase (Pox1p). In a pox1 disruptant peroxisomal lipid transfer activity was still present, although at a reduced level. The peroxisomal lipid transfer protein from the pox1 mutant exhibited different chromatographic properties as compared to the wild-type strain suggesting that acyl-CoA oxidase and the peroxisomal lipid transfer protein may from a complex.

Limited proteolysis of rat phosphatidylinositol transfer protein by trypsin cleaves the C terminus, enhances binding to lipid vesicles, and reduces phospholipid transfer activity

Rat phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) is a 32-kDa protein of 271 amino acids that transfers phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine between membranes. The alpha isoform of rat PITP was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified in high yields. The purified protein contained 1 mol of phosphatidylglycerol and had a transfer activity for phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine equal to or greater than that of PITP purified from mammalian brain. Limited protease digestion was used to further define structure, activity, and function relationships in PITP. PITP alone is relatively resistant to digestion by chymotrypsin, trypsin, and Staphylococcus V8 protease but is readily cleaved by subtilisin. Phospholipid vesicles containing phosphatidic acid enhance susceptibility to digestion by all four proteases. In the presence of vesicles, PITP, which migrates as a 36-kDa protein in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, is cleaved rapidly by trypsin to a form that appears to be 2-3 kDa smaller than the native form. The tryptic fragment retains partial phospholipid transfer activity and shows an enhanced affinity for phospholipid vesicles containing phosphatidic acid. Analysis of the tryptic digestion products by immunoblotting, N-terminal sequencing, and electrospray mass spectrometry showed that trypsin cleaves the C terminus of PITP at Arg253 and Arg259. Thus, removal of the C terminus enhances the affinity of PITP for vesicles and results in a dimunition of transfer activity. Overall, the data show that PITP undergoes conformation changes and that the C terminus becomes more accessible to trypsin when bound to vesicles. Hence, the C terminus is not an essential component of the membrane binding site and may be located distal to it.

Isolation and sequencing of the cDNA encoding phosphatidylinositol transfer protein from rabbit lung

The cDNA clones encoding rabbit lung phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PI-TP) were isolated and sequenced. The putative polypeptide consisted of 270 amino acid (aa) residues, the same as human PI-TP, but one aa residue less than the PI-TP of rat and mouse. PI-TP RNA expression in various tissues of a pregnant rabbit was analyzed by Northern blot. Brain, placenta and fallopian tube had the highest PI-TP RNA expression. PI-TP RNA expression in alveolar epithelial type-II cells isolated from rabbit lung markedly increased after a 24-h culture, suggesting that PI-TP RNA expression in type-II cells can be modified by ambient factors.

A sphingomyelin-transferring protein from chicken liver. Use of pyrene-labeled phospholipid

A phospholipid transfer protein was purified from chicken liver which, in addition to phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), carries sphingomyelin (SM) between membranes. For comparison, the PI-transfer protein from chicken liver only carries PI and PC. Specificity was established by use of phospholipids that carry a pyrene-labeled acyl chain. Based on the N-terminal sequence and Western blot analysis we conclude that this protein is an isoform of the PI-transfer protein. At increasing length of the pyrene-labeled acyl chain, the isoform expresses a high activity toward SM, a low activity toward PI, and virtually no activity toward PC.

Purification and characterization of a novel specific phosphatidylglycerol-phosphatidylinositol transfer protein with high activity from Aspergillus oryzae

A novel phospholipid transfer protein has been purified to homogeneity 406-fold from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae. The successive steps of purification comprised ultrafiltration, gel filtration on Sephadex G-75, ion exchange chromatographies on DEAE-Sepharose and Mono Q. The active protein is a monomer with a molecular mass of 19,000, estimated from SDS electrophoresis, amino acid composition as well as gel filtration. The isoelectric point is 4.8. The amino acid composition is characterized by a high amount of Gly, Leu, Ser, Asx and Glx residues and 4 Cys residues. N-terminal sequence was determined and compared with M. mucedo sequence. The purified protein was found to transfer preferentially phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol over phosphatidylcholine > phosphatidylethanolamine > phosphatidylserine and no phosphatidic acid. Optimal temperature for in vitro transfer was 25-30 degrees C and optimal pH 4-7. Heating protein at 100 degrees C does not inactivate protein whereas a denaturation with urea is irreversible.

Filamentous Fungi with High Cytosolic Phospholipid Transfer Activity in the Presence of Exogenous Phospholipid

The phospholipid transfer activity of cell extracts from 15 filamentous fungus strains grown on a medium containing phospholipids as the carbon source was measured by a fluorescence assay. This assay was based on the transfer of pyrene-labeled phosphatidylcholines forming the donor vesicles to acceptor vesicles composed of egg phosphatidylcholines. The highest phosphatidylcholine transfer activity was obtained with cell extracts from Aspergillus oryzae . The presence of exogenous phospholipids in the culture medium of A. oryzae was shown to increase markedly the activity of phospholipid transfer as well as the pool of exocellular proteins during the primary phase of growth. Modifications in the biochemical marker activities of cellular organelles were observed: succinate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial marker; inosine diphosphatase, a Golgi system marker; and cytochrome c oxidoreductase, an endoplasmic reticulum marker, were increased 7.3-, 2-, and 22-fold, respectively, when A. oryzae was grown in the presence of phospholipids.