Identification of phosphorylation sites within the signaling adaptor APPL1 by mass spectrometry

Involvement of adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interacting with PH domain and leucine zipper 1 in diallyl trisulfide-induced cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

It has been demonstrated that APPL1 (adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interacting with PH domain and leucine zipper 1) is involved in the regulation of several growth-related signaling pathways and thus closely associated with the development and progression of some cancers. Diallyl trisulfide (DAT), a garlic-derived bioactive compound, exerts selective cytotoxicity to various human cancer cells through interfering with pro-survival signaling pathways. However, whether and how DAT affects survival of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remain unclear. Herein, we tested the hypothesis of the involvement of APPL1 in DAT-induced cytotoxicity in HCC HepG2 cells. We found that Lys 63 (K63)-linked polyubiquitination of APPL1 was significantly decreased whereas phosphorylation of APPL1 at serine residues remained unchanged in DAT-treated HepG2 cells. Compared with wild-type APPL1, overexpression of APPL1 K63R mutant dramatically increased cell apoptosis and mitigated cell survival, along with a reduction of phosphorylation of STAT3, Akt, and Erk1/2. In addition, DAT administration markedly reduced protein levels of intracellular TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Genetic inhibition of TRAF6 decreased K63-linked polyubiquitination of APPL1. Moreover, the cytotoxicity impacts of DAT on HepG2 cells were greatly attenuated by overexpression of wild-type APPL1. Taken together, these results suggest that APPL1 polyubiquitination probably mediates the inhibitory effects of DAT on survival of HepG2 cells by modulating STAT3, Akt, and Erk1/2 pathways.

Rapid whole cell imaging reveals a calcium-APPL1-dynein nexus that regulates cohort trafficking of stimulated EGF receptors

The endosomal system provides rich signal processing capabilities for responses elicited by growth factor receptors and their ligands. At the single cell level, endosomal trafficking becomes a critical component of signal processing, as exemplified by the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors. Activated EGFRs are trafficked to the phosphatase-enriched peri-nuclear region (PNR), where they are dephosphorylated and degraded. The details of the mechanisms that govern the movements of stimulated EGFRs towards the PNR, are not completely known. Here, exploiting the advantages of lattice light-sheet microscopy, we show that EGFR activation by EGF triggers a transient calcium increase causing a whole-cell level redistribution of Adaptor Protein, Phosphotyrosine Interacting with PH Domain And Leucine Zipper 1 (APPL1) from pre-existing endosomes within one minute, the rebinding of liberated APPL1 directly to EGFR, and the dynein-dependent translocation of APPL1-EGF-bearing endosomes to the PNR within ten minutes. The cell spanning, fast acting network that we reveal integrates a cascade of events dedicated to the cohort movement of activated EGF receptors. Our findings support the intriguing proposal that certain endosomal pathways have shed some of the stochastic strategies of traditional trafficking and have evolved processes that provide the temporal predictability that typify canonical signaling.

Molecular architecture and domain arrangement of the placental malaria protein VAR2CSA suggests a model for carbohydrate binding

VAR2CSA is the placental-malaria-specific member of the antigenically variant Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family. It is expressed on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum-infected host red blood cells and binds to specific chondroitin-4-sulfate chains of the placental proteoglycan receptor. The functional ∼310 kDa ectodomain of VAR2CSA is a multidomain protein that requires a minimum 12-mer chondroitin-4-sulfate molecule for specific, high affinity receptor binding. However, it is not known how the individual domains are organized and interact to create the receptor-binding surface, limiting efforts to exploit its potential as an effective vaccine or drug target. Using small angle X-ray scattering and single particle reconstruction from negative-stained electron micrographs of the ectodomain and multidomain constructs, we have determined the structural architecture of VAR2CSA. The relative locations of the domains creates two distinct pores that can each accommodate the 12-mer of chondroitin-4-sulfate, suggesting a model for receptor binding. This model has important implications for understanding cytoadherence of infected red blood cells and potentially provides a starting point for developing novel strategies to prevent and/or treat placental malaria.

Integration of GPCR Signaling and Sorting from Very Early Endosomes via Opposing APPL1 Mechanisms

Endocytic trafficking is a critical mechanism for cells to decode complex signaling pathways, including those activated by G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Heterogeneity in the endosomal network enables GPCR activity to be spatially restricted between early endosomes (EEs) and the recently discovered endosomal compartment, the very early endosome (VEE). However, the molecular machinery driving GPCR activity from the VEE is unknown. Using luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) as a prototype GPCR for this compartment, along with additional VEE-localized GPCRs, we identify a role for the adaptor protein APPL1 in rapid recycling and endosomal cAMP signaling without impacting the EE-localized β2-adrenergic receptor. LHR recycling is driven by receptor-mediated Gαs/cAMP signaling from the VEE and PKA-dependent phosphorylation of APPL1 at serine 410. Receptor/Gαs endosomal signaling is localized to microdomains of heterogeneous VEE populations and regulated by APPL1 phosphorylation. Our study uncovers a highly integrated inter-endosomal communication system enabling cells to tightly regulate spatially encoded signaling.

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GPCRs that internalize to very early endosomes (VEEs) require APPL1 to recycle

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Receptor recycling is driven by cAMP/PKA to phosphorylate serine 410 on APPL1

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cAMP signaling from GPCRs, such as LHR, occurs from distinct VEE microdomains

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APPL1 limits VEE cAMP signaling via opposing mechanisms required for GPCR sorting

APPLs: More than just adiponectin receptor binding proteins

APPLs (adaptor proteins containing the pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine binding domain and leucine zipper motif) are multifunctional adaptor proteins that bind to various membrane receptors, nuclear factors and signaling proteins to regulate many biological activities and processes, such as cell proliferation, chromatin remodeling, endosomal trafficking, cell survival, cell metabolism and apoptosis. APPL1, one of the APPL isoforms, was the first identified protein and interacts directly with adiponectin receptors to mediate adiponectin signaling to enhance lipid oxidation and glucose uptake. APPLs also act on insulin signaling pathways and are important mediators of insulin sensitization. Based on recent findings, this review highlights the critical roles of APPLs, particularly APPL1 and its isoform partner APPL2, in mediating adiponectin, insulin, endosomal trafficking and other signaling pathways. A deep understanding of APPLs and their related signaling pathways may potentially lead to therapeutic and interventional treatments for obesity, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Serine 707 of APPL1 is Critical for the Synaptic NMDA Receptor-Mediated Akt Phosphorylation Signaling Pathway

Accumulating evidence indicates that the synaptic activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) has a neuroprotective effect on neurons. Our previous study demonstrated that APPL1 (adaptor protein containing pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine-binding domain, and leucine zipper motif) mediates the synaptic activity-dependent activation of PI3K-Akt signaling via coupling this pathway with NMDAR-PSD95 (postsynaptic density protein 95) complexes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this process is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of APPL1 with PSD95 using co-immunocytochemical staining and western blotting. We found that the PDZ2 domain of PSD95 is a binding partner of APPL1. Furthermore, we identified serine 707 of APPL1, a predicted phosphorylation site within the PDZ-binding motif at the C-terminus, as critical for the binding of APPL1 to PSD95, as well as for activation of the Akt signaling pathway during synaptic activity. This suggests that serine 707 of APPL1 is a potential phosphorylation site and may be involved in regulating the neuroprotective Akt signaling pathway that depends on synaptic NMDAR activity.

A role for APPL1 in TLR3/4-dependent TBK1 and IKKε activation in macrophages

Endosomes have important roles in intracellular signal transduction as a sorting platform. Signaling cascades from TLR engagement to IRF3-dependent gene transcription rely on endosomes, yet the proteins that specifically recruit IRF3-activating molecules to them are poorly defined. We show that adaptor protein containing a pleckstrin-homology domain, a phosphotyrosine-binding domain, and a leucine zipper motif (APPL)1, an early endosomal protein, is required for both TRIF- and retinoic acid-inducible gene 1-dependent signaling cascades to induce IRF3 activation. APPL1, but not early endosome Ag 1, deficiency impairs IRF3 target gene expression upon engagement of both TLR3 and TLR4 pathways, as well as in H1N1-infected macrophages. The IRF3-phosphorylating kinases TBK1 and IKKε are recruited to APPL1 endosomes in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Interestingly, APPL1 undergoes proteasome-mediated degradation through ERK1/2 to turn off signaling. APPL1 degradation is blocked when signaling through the endosome is inhibited by chloroquine or dynasore. Therefore, APPL1 endosomes are critical for IRF3-dependent gene expression in response to some viral and bacterial infections in macrophages. Those signaling pathways involve the signal-induced degradation of APPL1 to prevent aberrant IRF3-dependent gene expression linked to immune diseases.

Phosphorylation of serine 106 in Asef2 regulates cell migration and adhesion turnover

Asef2, a 652-amino acid protein, is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that regulates cell migration and other processes via activation of Rho family GTPases, including Rac. Binding of the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) to Asef2 is known to induce its GEF activity; however, little is currently known about other modes of Asef2 regulation. Here, we investigated the role of phosphorylation in regulating Asef2 activity and function. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), we obtained complete coverage of all phosphorylatable residues and identified six phosphorylation sites. One of these, serine 106 (S106), was particularly intriguing as a potential regulator of Asef2 activity because of its location within the APC-binding domain. Interestingly, mutation of this serine to alanine (S106A), a non-phosphorylatable analogue, greatly diminished the ability of Asef2 to activate Rac, while a phosphomimetic mutation (serine to aspartic acid, S106D) enhanced Rac activation. Furthermore, expression of these mutants in HT1080 cells demonstrated that phosphorylation of S106 is critical for Asef2-promoted migration and for cell-matrix adhesion assembly and disassembly (adhesion turnover), which is a process that facilitates efficient migration. Collectively, our results show that phosphorylation of S106 modulates Asef2 GEF activity and Asef2-mediated cell migration and adhesion turnover.

APPL1 potentiates insulin sensitivity by facilitating the binding of IRS1/2 to the insulin receptor

Binding of insulin receptor substrate proteins 1 and 2 (IRS1/2) to the insulin receptor (IR) is essential for the regulation of insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis. However, the mechanism of IRS1/2 recruitment to the IR remains elusive. Here, we identify adaptor protein APPL1 as a critical molecule that promotes IRS1/2-IR interaction. APPL1 forms a complex with IRS1/2 under basal conditions, and this complex is then recruited to the IR in response to insulin or adiponectin stimulation. The interaction between APPL1 and IR depends on insulin- or adiponectin-stimulated APPL1 phosphorylation, which is greatly reduced in insulin target tissues in obese mice. appl1 deletion in mice consistently leads to systemic insulin resistance and a significant reduction in insulin-stimulated IRS1/2, but not IR, tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating that APPL1 sensitizes insulin signaling by acting at a site downstream of the IR. Our study uncovers a mechanism regulating insulin signaling and crosstalk between the insulin and adiponectin pathways.

Signaling mechanisms underlying the insulin-sensitizing effects of adiponectin

Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing adipokine with protective effects against a cluster of obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. The adipokine exerts its insulin-sensitizing effects by alleviation of obesity-induced ectopic lipid accumulation, lipotoxicity and chronic inflammation, as well as by direct cross-talk with insulin signaling cascades. Adiponectin and insulin signaling pathways converge at the adaptor protein APPL1. On the one hand, APPL1 interacts with adiponectin receptors and mediates both metabolic and vascular actions of adiponectin through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and p38 MAP kinase. On the other hand, APPL1 potentiates both the actions and secretion of insulin by fine-tuning the Akt activity in multiple insulin target tissues. In obese animals, reduced APPL1 expression contributes to both insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion. This review summarizes recent advances on the molecular mechanisms by which adiponectin sensitizes insulin actions, and discusses the roles of APPL1 in regulating both adiponectin and insulin signaling cascades.

Syndapin--a membrane remodelling and endocytic F-BAR protein

Syndapin [also called PACSIN (protein kinase C and casein kinase II interacting protein)] is an Fes-CIP4 homology Bin-amphiphysin-Rvs161/167 (F-BAR) and Src-homology 3 domain-containing protein. Three genes give rise to three main isoforms in mammalian cells. They each function in different endocytic and vesicle trafficking pathways and provide critical links between the cytoskeletal network in different cellular processes, such as neuronal morphogenesis and cell migration. The membrane remodelling activity of syndapin via its F-BAR domain and its interaction partners, such as dynamin and neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein binding to its Src-homology 3 domain, are important with respect to its function. Its various partner proteins provide insights into its mechanism of action, as well as its differential roles in these cellular processes. Signalling pathways leading to the regulation of syndapin function by phosphorylation are now contributing to our understanding of the broader functions of this family of proteins.

Phosphorylation of the Bin, Amphiphysin, and RSV161/167 (BAR) domain of ACAP4 regulates membrane tubulation

ArfGAP With Coiled-Coil, Ankyrin Repeat And PH Domains 4 (ACAP4) is an ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) GTPase-activating protein essential for EGF-elicited cell migration. However, how ACAP4 regulates membrane dynamics and curvature in response to EGF stimulation is unknown. Here, we show that phosphorylation of the N-terminal region of ACAP4, named the Bin, Amphiphysin, and RSV161/167 (BAR) domain, at Tyr34 is necessary for EGF-elicited membrane remodeling. Domain structure analysis demonstrates that the BAR domain regulates membrane curvature. EGF stimulation of cells causes phosphorylation of ACAP4 at Tyr34, which subsequently promotes ACAP4 homodimer curvature. The phospho-mimicking mutant of ACAP4 demonstrates lipid-binding activity and tubulation in vitro, and ARF6 enrichment at the membrane is associated with ruffles of EGF-stimulated cells. Expression of the phospho-mimicking ACAP4 mutant promotes ARF6-dependent cell migration. Thus, the results present a previously undefined mechanism by which EGF-elicited phosphorylation of the BAR domain controls ACAP4 molecular plasticity and plasma membrane dynamics during cell migration.

Phosphorylation of adaptor protein containing pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine binding domain, and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1) at Ser430 mediates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced insulin resistance in hepatocytes

APPL1 is an adaptor protein that plays a critical role in regulating adiponectin and insulin signaling. However, how APPL1 is regulated under normal and pathological conditions remains largely unknown. In this study, we show that APPL1 undergoes phosphorylation at Ser(430) and that this phosphorylation is enhanced in the liver of obese mice displaying insulin resistance. In cultured mouse hepatocytes, APPL1 phosphorylation at Ser(430) is stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of classic PKC isoforms, and by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer, thapsigargin. Overexpression of wild-type but not dominant negative PKCα increases APPL1 phosphorylation at Ser(430) in mouse hepatocytes. In addition, suppressing PKCα expression by shRNA in hepatocytes reduces ER stress-induced APPL1 phosphorylation at Ser(430) as well as the inhibitory effect of ER stress on insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Consistent with a negative regulatory role of APPL1 phosphorylation at Ser(430) in insulin signaling, overexpression of APPL1(S430D) but not APPL1(S430A) impairs the potentiating effect of APPL1 on insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation at Thr(308). Taken together, our results identify APPL1 as a novel target in ER stress-induced insulin resistance and PKCα as the kinase mediating ER stress-induced phosphorylation of APPL1 at Ser(430).

Phosphorylation of syndapin I F-BAR domain at two helix-capping motifs regulates membrane tubulation

Syndapin I (PACSIN 1) is a synaptically enriched membrane tubulating protein that plays important roles in activity-dependent bulk endocytosis and neuronal morphogenesis. While syndapin I is an in vitro phosphoprotein, it is not known to be phosphorylated in neurons. Here, we report the identification of two phosphorylation sites, S76 and T181, of syndapin I from nerve terminals. Both residues are located at the N-terminal helix-capping motifs (N-Cap) of different α-helices in the F-BAR domain, important for F-BAR homodimer curvature and dimer-dimer filament assembly, respectively. Phospho-mimetic mutations of these residues regulate lipid-binding and tubulation both in vitro and in cells. Neither phosphosite regulated syndapin I function in activity-dependent bulk endocytosis. Rather, T181 phosphorylation was developmentally regulated and inhibited syndapin I function in neuronal morphogenesis. This suggests a novel mechanism for phosphorylation control of an F-BAR function through the regulation of α-helix interactions and stability within the folded F-BAR domain.

Recognition of the F&H motif by the Lowe syndrome protein OCRL

Lowe syndrome and Type 2 Dent disease are caused by defects in the inositol 5-phosphatase OCRL. Most missense mutations in the OCRL ASH-RhoGAP domain found in affected patients abolish interactions with the endocytic adaptors APPL1 and Ses (both Ses1 and Ses2), which bind OCRL through a short F&H motif. Using X-ray crystallography, we have identified the F&H motif binding site on the RhoGAP domain of OCRL. We further show that clinical mutations affect F&H binding indirectly by destabilizing the RhoGAP fold. In contrast, a clinical mutation that does not perturb F&H binding and ASH-RhoGAP stability disrupts OCRL's interaction with Rab5. Additionally, OCRL's F&H binding site is conserved even in species that do not express APPL or Ses. Our study predicts the existence of other OCRL binding partners and demonstrates the critical role of the perturbation of OCRL interactions in disease.