Effects of N-linked glycosylation on the creatine transporter

The Challenges to Advancing Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Dependent Cell Replacement Therapy

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) represent a potentially exciting regenerative-medicine cell therapy for several chronic conditions such as macular degeneration, soft tissue and orthopedic conditions, cardiopulmonary disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic disorders. The field of iPSC therapeutics currently exists at an early stage of development. There are several important stakeholders that include academia, industry, regulatory agencies, financial institutions and patients who are committed to advance the field. Yet, unlike more established therapeutic modalities like small and large molecules, iPSC therapies pose significant unique challenges with respect to safety, potency, genetic stability, immunogenicity, tumorgenicity, cell reproducibility, scalability and engraftment. The aim of this review article is to highlight the unique technical challenges that need to be addressed before iPSC technology can be fully realized as a cell replacement therapy. Additionally, this manuscript offers some potential solutions and identifies areas of focus that should be considered in order for the iPSC field to achieve its promise. The scope of this article covers the following areas: (1) the impact of different iPSC reprogramming methods on immunogenicity and tumorigenicity; (2) the effect of genetic instability on cell reproducibility and differentiation; (3) the role of growth factors and post-translational modification on differentiation and cell scalability; (4) the potential use of gene editing in improving iPSC differentiation; (5) the advantages and disadvantages between autologous and allogeneic cell therapy; (6) the regulatory considerations in developing a viable and reproducible cell product; and (7) the impact of local tissue inflammation on cell engraftment and cell viability.

Rescue by 4-phenylbutyrate of several misfolded creatine transporter-1 variants linked to the creatine transporter deficiency syndrome

Diseases arising from misfolding of SLC6 transporters have been reported over recent years, e.g. folding-deficient mutants of the dopamine transporter and of the glycine transporter-2 cause infantile/juvenile Parkinsonism dystonia and hyperekplexia, respectively. Mutations in the coding sequence of the human creatine transporter-1 (hCRT-1/SLC6A8) gene result in a creatine transporter deficiency syndrome, which varies in its clinical manifestation from epilepsy, mental retardation, autism, development delay and motor dysfunction to gastrointestinal symptoms. Some of the mutations in hCRT-1 occur at residues, which are highly conserved across the SLC6 family. Here, we examined 16 clinically relevant hCRT-1 variants to verify the conjecture that they were misfolded and that this folding defect was amenable to correction. Confocal microscopy imaging revealed that the heterologously expressed YFP-tagged mutant CRTs were trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), co-localised with the ER-resident chaperone calnexin. In contrast, the wild type hCRT-1 reached the plasma membrane. Preincubation of transiently transfected HEK293 cells with the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) restored ER export and surface expression of as well as substrate uptake by several folding-deficient CRT-1 mutants. A representative mutant (hCRT-1-P544L) was expressed in rat primary hippocampal neurons to verify pharmacochaperoning in a target cell: 4-PBA promoted the delivery of hCRT-1-P544L to the neurite extensions. These observations show that several folding-deficient hCRT-1 mutants can be rescued. This proof-of-principle justifies the search for additional pharmacochaperones to restore folding of 4PBA-unresponsive hCRT-1 mutants. Finally, 4-PBA is an approved drug in paediatric use: this provides a rationale for translating the current insights into clinical trials. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.

SLC13A3 variants cause acute reversible leukoencephalopathy and α-ketoglutarate accumulation

OBJECTIVE

SLC13A3 encodes the plasma membrane Na⁺ /dicarboxylate cotransporter 3, which imports inside the cell 4 to 6 carbon dicarboxylates as well as N-acetylaspartate (NAA). SLC13A3 is mainly expressed in kidney, in astrocytes, and in the choroid plexus. We describe two unrelated patients presenting with acute, reversible (and recurrent in one) neurological deterioration during a febrile illness. Both patients exhibited a reversible leukoencephalopathy and a urinary excretion of α-ketoglutarate (αKG) that was markedly increased and persisted over time. In one patient, increased concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid NAA and dicarboxylates (including αKG) were observed. Extensive workup was unsuccessful, and a genetic cause was suspected.

METHODS

Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed. Our teams were connected through GeneMatcher.

RESULTS

WES analysis revealed variants in SLC13A3. A homozygous missense mutation (p.Ala254Asp) was found in the first patient. The second patient was heterozygous for another missense mutation (p.Gly548Ser) and an intronic mutation affecting splicing as demonstrated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction performed in muscle tissue (c.1016 + 3A > G). Mutations and segregation were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Functional studies performed on HEK293T cells transiently transfected with wild-type and mutant SLC13A3 indicated that the missense mutations caused a marked reduction in the capacity to transport αKG, succinate, and NAA.

INTERPRETATION

SLC13A3 deficiency causes acute and reversible leukoencephalopathy with marked accumulation of αKG. Urine organic acids (especially αKG and NAA) and SLC13A3 mutations should be screened in patients presenting with unexplained reversible leukoencephalopathy, for which SLC13A3 deficiency is a novel differential diagnosis. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:385-395.

Abnormal N-Glycosylation of a Novel Missense Creatine Transporter Mutant, G561R, Associated with Cerebral Creatine Deficiency Syndromes Alters Transporter Activity and Localization

Cerebral creatine deficiency syndromes (CCDSs) are caused by loss-of-function mutations in creatine transporter (CRT, SLC6A8), which transports creatine at the blood-brain barrier and into neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). This results in low cerebral creatine levels, and patients exhibit mental retardation, poor language skills and epilepsy. We identified a novel human CRT gene missense mutation (c.1681 G>C, G561R) in Japanese CCDSs patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reduction of creatine transport in G561R-mutant CRT-expressing 293 cells, and to clarify the mechanism of its functional attenuation. G561R-mutant CRT exhibited greatly reduced creatine transport activity compared to wild-type CRT (WT-CRT) when expressed in 293 cells. Also, the mutant protein is localized mainly in intracellular membrane fraction, while WT-CRT is localized in plasma membrane. Western blot analysis revealed a 68 kDa band of WT-CRT protein in plasma membrane fraction, while G561R-mutant CRT protein predominantly showed bands at 55, 110 and 165 kDa in crude membrane fraction. The bands of both WT-CRT and G561R-mutant CRT were shifted to 50 kDa by N-glycosidase treatment. Our results suggest that the functional impairment of G561R-mutant CRT was probably caused by incomplete N-linked glycosylation due to misfolding during protein maturation, leading to oligomer formation and changes of cellular localization.

Augmentation of Creatine in the Heart

Creatine is a principle component of the creatine kinase (CK) phosphagen system common to all vertebrates. It is found in excitable cells, such as cardiomyocytes, where it plays an important role in the buffering and transport of chemical energy to ensure that supply meets the dynamic demands of the heart. Multiple components of the CK system, including intracellular creatine levels, are reduced in heart failure, while ischaemia and hypoxia represent acute crises of energy provision. Elevation of myocardial creatine levels has therefore been suggested as potentially beneficial, however, achieving this goal is not trivial. This mini-review outlines the evidence in support of creatine elevation and critically examines the pharmacological approaches that are currently available. In particular, dietary creatine-supplementation does not sufficiently elevate creatine levels in the heart due to subsequent down-regulation of the plasma membrane creatine transporter (CrT). Attempts to increase passive diffusion and bypass the CrT, e.g. via creatine esters, have yet to be tested in the heart. However, studies in mice with genetic overexpression of the CrT demonstrate proof-of-principle that elevated creatine protects the heart from ischaemia-reperfusion injury. This suggests activation of the CrT as a major unmet pharmacological target. However, translation of this finding to the clinic will require a greater understanding of CrT regulation in health and disease and the development of small molecule activators.

Structural correlates of the creatine transporter function regulation: the undiscovered country

Creatine (Cr) and phosphocreatine constitute an energy shuttle that links ATP production in mitochondria to subcellular locations of ATP consumption. Cells in tissues that are reliant on this energy shuttle, such as myocytes and neurons, appear to have very limited ability to synthesize creatine. Therefore, these cells depend on Cr uptake across the cell membrane by a specialized creatine transporter (CrT solute carrier SLC6A8) in order to maintain intracellular creatine levels. Cr supplementation has been shown to have a beneficial effect in numerous in vitro and in vivo models, particularly in cases of oxidative stress, and is also widely used by athletes as a performance enhancement nutraceutical. Intracellular creatine content is maintained within narrow limits. However, the physiological and cellular mechanisms that mediate Cr transport during health and disease (such as cardiac failure) are not understood. In this narrative mini-review, we summarize the last three decades of research on CrT structure, function and regulation.

A Designed Angiopoietin-1 Variant, Dimeric CMP-Ang1 Activates Tie2 and Stimulates Angiogenesis and Vascular Stabilization in N-glycan Dependent Manner

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1), a potential growth factor for therapeutic angiogenesis and vascular stabilization, is known to specifically cluster and activate Tie2 in high oligomeric forms, which is a unique and essential process in this ligand-receptor interaction. However, highly oligomeric native Ang1 and Ang1 variants are difficult to produce, purify, and store in a stable and active form. To overcome these limitations, we developed a simple and active dimeric CMP-Ang1 by replacing the N-terminal of native Ang1 with the coiled-coil domain of cartilage matrix protein (CMP) bearing mutations in its cysteine residues. This dimeric CMP-Ang1 effectively increased the migration, survival, and tube formation of endothelial cells via Tie2 activation. Furthermore, dimeric CMP-Ang1 induced angiogenesis and suppressed vascular leakage in vivo. Despite its dimeric structure, the potencies of such Tie2-activation-induced effects were comparable to those of a previously engineered protein, COMP-Ang1. We also revealed that these effects of dimeric CMP-Ang1 were affected by specified N-glycosylation in its fibrinogen-like domain. Taken together, our results indicate that dimeric CMP-Ang1 is capable of activating Tie2 and stimulating angiogenesis in N-glycan dependent manner.

Role of N-glycosylation in renal betaine transport

The osmolyte and folding chaperone betaine is transported by the renal Na(+)-coupled GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) symporter BGT-1 (betaine/GABA transporter 1), a member of the SLC6 (solute carrier 6) family. Under hypertonic conditions, the transcription, translation and plasma membrane (PM) insertion of BGT-1 in kidney cells are significantly increased, resulting in elevated betaine and GABA transport. Re-establishing isotonicity involves PM depletion of BGT-1. The molecular mechanism of the regulated PM insertion of BGT-1 during changes in osmotic stress is unknown. In the present study, we reveal a link between regulated PM insertion and N-glycosylation. Based on homology modelling, we identified two sites (Asn(171) and Asn(183)) in the extracellular loop 2 (EL2) of BGT-1, which were investigated with respect to trafficking, insertion and transport by immunogold-labelling, electron microscopy (EM), mutagenesis and two-electrode voltage clamp measurements in Xenopus laevis oocytes and uptake of radiolabelled substrate into MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) and HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cells. Trafficking and PM insertion of BGT-1 was clearly promoted by N-glycosylation in both oocytes and MDCK cells. Moreover, association with N-glycans at Asn(171) and Asn(183) contributed equally to protein activity and substrate affinity. Substitution of Asn(171) and Asn(183) by aspartate individually caused no loss of BGT-1 activity, whereas the double mutant was inactive, suggesting that N-glycosylation of at least one of the sites is required for function. Substitution by alanine or valine at either site caused a dramatic loss in transport activity. Furthermore, in MDCK cells PM insertion of N183D was no longer regulated by osmotic stress, highlighting the impact of N-glycosylation in regulation of this SLC6 transporter.

A review of creatine supplementation in age-related diseases: more than a supplement for athletes

Creatine is an endogenous compound synthesized from arginine, glycine and methionine. This dietary supplement can be acquired from food sources such as meat and fish, along with athlete supplement powders. Since the majority of creatine is stored in skeletal muscle, dietary creatine supplementation has traditionally been important for athletes and bodybuilders to increase the power, strength, and mass of the skeletal muscle. However, new uses for creatine have emerged suggesting that it may be important in preventing or delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging. On average, 30% of muscle mass is lost by age 80, while muscular weakness remains a vital cause for loss of independence in the elderly population. In light of these new roles of creatine, the dietary supplement's usage has been studied to determine its efficacy in treating congestive heart failure, gyrate atrophy, insulin insensitivity, cancer, and high cholesterol. In relation to the brain, creatine has been shown to have antioxidant properties, reduce mental fatigue, protect the brain from neurotoxicity, and improve facets/components of neurological disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. The combination of these benefits has made creatine a leading candidate in the fight against age-related diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, long-term memory impairments associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. In this review, we explore the normal mechanisms by which creatine is produced and its necessary physiology, while paying special attention to the importance of creatine supplementation in improving diseases and disorders associated with brain aging and outlining the clinical trials involving creatine to treat these diseases.

Distribution of the creatine transporter throughout the human brain reveals a spectrum of creatine transporter immunoreactivity

Creatine is a molecule that supports energy metabolism in cells. It is carried across the plasma membrane by the creatine transporter. There has been recent interest in creatine for its neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases and its potential as a therapeutic agent. This study represents the first systematic investigation of the distribution of the creatine transporter in the human brain. We have used immunohistochemical techniques to map out its location and the intensity of staining. The transporter was found to be strongly expressed, especially in the large projection neurons of the brain and spinal cord. These include the pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex, Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex, and motor neurons of the somatic motor and visceromotor cranial nerve nuclei and the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Many other neurons in the brain also had some degree of creatine transporter immunoreactivity. By contrast, the medium spiny neurons of the striatum and the catecholaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, showed a very low to almost absent level of immunoreactivity for the transporter. We propose that the distribution may reflect the energy consumption by different cell types and that the extent of creatine transporter expression is proportional to the cell's energy requirements. Furthermore, the distribution indicates that supplemented creatine would be widely taken up by brain cells, although possibly less by those cells that degenerate in Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases.

Post-transcriptional regulation of the creatine transporter gene: functional relevance of alternative splicing

BACKGROUND

Aberrations in about 10-15% of X-chromosome genes account for intellectual disability (ID); with a prevalence of 1-3% (Gécz et al., 2009 [1]). The SLC6A8 gene, mapped to Xq28, encodes the creatine transporter (CTR1). Mutations in SLC6A8, and the ensuing decrease in brain creatine, lead to co-occurrence of speech/language delay, autism-like behaviors and epilepsy with ID. A splice variant of SLC6A8-SLC6A8C, containing intron 4 and exons 5-13, was identified. Herein, we report the identification of a novel variant - SLC6A8D, and functional relevance of these isoforms.

METHODS

Via (quantitative) RT-PCR, uptake assays, and confocal microscopy, we investigated their expression and function vis-à-vis creatine transport.

RESULTS

SLC6A8D is homologous to SLC6A8C except for a deletion of exon 9 (without occurrence of a frame shift). Both contain an open reading frame encoding a truncated protein but otherwise identical to CTR1. Like SLC6A8, both variants are predominantly expressed in tissues with high energy requirement. Our experiments reveal that these truncated isoforms do not transport creatine. However, in SLC6A8 (CTR1)-overexpressing cells, a subsequent infection (transduction) with viral constructs encoding either the SLC6A8C (CTR4) or SLC6A8D (CTR5) isoform resulted in a significant increase in creatine accumulation compared to CTR1 cells re-infected with viral constructs containing the empty vector. Moreover, transient transfection of CTR4 or CTR5 into HEK293 cells resulted in significantly higher creatine uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

CTR4 and CTR5 are possible regulators of the creatine transporter since their overexpression results in upregulated CTR1 protein and creatine uptake.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Provides added insight into the mechanism(s) of creatine transport regulation.

A role for thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) in cellular creatine homeostasis

Creatine is important for energy metabolism, yet excitable cells such as cardiomyocytes do not synthesize creatine and rely on uptake via a specific membrane creatine transporter (CrT; SLC6A8). This process is tightly controlled with downregulation of CrT upon continued exposure to high creatine via mechanisms that are poorly understood. Our aim was to identify candidate endogenous CrT inhibitors. In 3T3 cells overexpressing the CrT, creatine uptake plateaued at 3 h in response to 5 mM creatine but peaked 33% higher (P < 0.01) in the presence of cycloheximide, suggesting CrT regulation depends on new protein synthesis. Global gene expression analysis identified thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) as the only significantly upregulated gene (by 46%) under these conditions (P = 0.036), subsequently verified independently at mRNA and protein levels. There was no change in Txnip expression with exposure to 5 mM taurine, confirming a specific response to creatine rather than osmotic stress. Small-interfering RNA against Txnip prevented Txnip upregulation in response to high creatine, maintained normal levels of creatine uptake, and prevented downregulation of CrT mRNA. These findings were relevant to the in vivo heart since creatine-deficient mice showed 39.71% lower levels of Txnip mRNA, whereas mice overexpressing the CrT had 57.6% higher Txnip mRNA levels and 28.7% higher protein expression compared with wild types (mean myocardial creatine concentration 124 and 74 nmol/mg protein, respectively). In conclusion, we have identified Txnip as a novel negative regulator of creatine levels in vitro and in vivo, responsible for mediating substrate feedback inhibition and a potential target for modulating creatine homeostasis.

Engineering the pattern of protein glycosylation modulates the thermostability of a GH11 xylanase

Protein glycosylation is a common post-translational modification, the effect of which on protein conformational and stability is incompletely understood. Here we have investigated the effects of glycosylation on the thermostability of Bacillus subtilis xylanase A (XynA) expressed in Pichia pastoris. Intact mass analysis of the heterologous wild-type XynA revealed two, three, or four Hex(8-16)GlcNAc2 modifications involving asparagine residues at positions 20, 25, 141, and 181. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the XynA modified with various combinations of branched Hex9GlcNAc2 at these positions indicated a significant contribution from protein-glycan interactions to the overall energy of the glycoproteins. The effect of glycan content and glycosylation position on protein stability was evaluated by combinatorial mutagenesis of all six potential N-glycosylation sites. The majority of glycosylated enzymes expressed in P. pastoris presented increased thermostability in comparison with their unglycosylated counterparts expressed in Escherichia coli. Steric effects of multiple glycosylation events were apparent, and glycosylation position rather than the number of glycosylation events determined increases in thermostability. The MD simulations also indicated that clustered glycan chains tended to favor less stabilizing glycan-glycan interactions, whereas more dispersed glycosylation patterns favored stabilizing protein-glycan interactions.

Overexpression of membrane proteins in mammalian cells for structural studies

The number of structures of integral membrane proteins from higher eukaryotes is steadily increasing due to a number of innovative protein engineering and crystallization strategies devised over the last few years. However, it is sobering to reflect that these structures represent only a tiny proportion of the total number of membrane proteins encoded by a mammalian genome. In addition, the structures determined to date are of the most tractable membrane proteins, i.e., those that are expressed functionally and to high levels in yeast or in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system. However, some membrane proteins that are expressed inefficiently in these systems can be produced at sufficiently high levels in mammalian cells to allow structure determination. Mammalian expression systems are an under-used resource in structural biology and represent an effective way to produce fully functional membrane proteins for structural studies. This review will discuss examples of vertebrate membrane protein overexpression in mammalian cells using a variety of viral, constitutive or inducible expression systems.

Differences in the glycosylation of recombinant proteins expressed in HEK and CHO cells

Glycosylation is one of the most common posttranslational modifications of proteins. It has important roles for protein structure, stability and functions. In vivo the glycostructures influence pharmacokinetics and immunogenecity. It is well known that significant differences in glycosylation and glycostructures exist between recombinant proteins expressed in mammalian, yeast and insect cells. However, differences in protein glycosylation between different mammalian cell lines are much less well known. In order to examine differences in glycosylation in mammalian cells we have expressed 12 proteins in the two commonly used cell lines HEK and CHO. The cells were transiently transfected, and the expressed proteins were purified. To identify differences in glycosylation the proteins were analyzed on SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF), mass spectrometry and released glycans on capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE-LIF). For all proteins significant differences in the glycosylation were detected. The proteins migrated differently on SDS-PAGE, had different isoform patterns on IEF, showed different mass peak distributions on mass spectrometry and showed differences in the glycostructures detected in CGE. In order to verify that differences detected were attributed to glycosylation the proteins were treated with deglycosylating enzymes. Although, culture conditions induced minor changes in the glycosylation the major differences were between the two cell lines.

The creatine kinase system and pleiotropic effects of creatine

The pleiotropic effects of creatine (Cr) are based mostly on the functions of the enzyme creatine kinase (CK) and its high-energy product phosphocreatine (PCr). Multidisciplinary studies have established molecular, cellular, organ and somatic functions of the CK/PCr system, in particular for cells and tissues with high and intermittent energy fluctuations. These studies include tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of CK isoforms, high-resolution molecular structures and structure–function relationships, transgenic CK abrogation and reverse genetic approaches. Three energy-related physiological principles emerge, namely that the CK/PCr systems functions as (a) an immediately available temporal energy buffer, (b) a spatial energy buffer or intracellular energy transport system (the CK/PCr energy shuttle or circuit) and (c) a metabolic regulator. The CK/PCr energy shuttle connects sites of ATP production (glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation) with subcellular sites of ATP utilization (ATPases). Thus, diffusion limitations of ADP and ATP are overcome by PCr/Cr shuttling, as most clearly seen in polar cells such as spermatozoa, retina photoreceptor cells and sensory hair bundles of the inner ear. The CK/PCr system relies on the close exchange of substrates and products between CK isoforms and ATP-generating or -consuming processes. Mitochondrial CK in the mitochondrial outer compartment, for example, is tightly coupled to ATP export via adenine nucleotide transporter or carrier (ANT) and thus ATP-synthesis and respiratory chain activity, releasing PCr into the cytosol. This coupling also reduces formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition, an early event in apoptosis. Cr itself may also act as a direct and/or indirect anti-oxidant, while PCr can interact with and protect cellular membranes. Collectively, these factors may well explain the beneficial effects of Cr supplementation. The stimulating effects of Cr for muscle and bone growth and maintenance, and especially in neuroprotection, are now recognized and the first clinical studies are underway. Novel socio-economically relevant applications of Cr supplementation are emerging, e.g. for senior people, intensive care units and dialysis patients, who are notoriously Cr-depleted. Also, Cr will likely be beneficial for the healthy development of premature infants, who after separation from the placenta depend on external Cr. Cr supplementation of pregnant and lactating women, as well as of babies and infants are likely to be of benefit for child development. Last but not least, Cr harbours a global ecological potential as an additive for animal feed, replacing meat- and fish meal for animal (poultry and swine) and fish aqua farming. This may help to alleviate human starvation and at the same time prevent over-fishing of oceans.

Role of N-linked glycosylation of the 5-HT2A receptor in JC virus infection

JC virus (JCV) is a human polyomavirus and the causative agent of the fatal demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). JCV infection of host cells is dependent on interactions with cell surface asparagine (N)-linked sialic acids and the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptor (5-HT(2A)R). The 5-HT(2A)R contains five potential N-linked glycosylation sites on the extracellular N terminus. Glycosylation of other serotonin receptors is essential for expression, ligand binding, and receptor function. Also, glycosylation of cellular receptors has been reported to be important for JCV infection. Therefore, we hypothesized that the 5-HT(2A)R N-linked glycosylation sites are required for JCV infection. Treatment of 5-HT(2A)R-expressing cells with tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation, reduced JCV infection. Individual mutation of each of the five N-linked glycosylation sites did not affect the capacity of 5-HT(2A)R to support JCV infection and did not alter the cell surface expression of the receptor. However, mutation of all five N-linked glycosylation sites simultaneously reduced the capacity of 5-HT(2A)R to support infection and altered the cell surface expression. Similarly, tunicamycin treatment reduced the cell surface expression of 5-HT(2A)R. Mutation of all five N-linked glycosylation sites or tunicamycin treatment of cells expressing wild-type 5-HT(2A)R resulted in an altered electrophoretic mobility profile of the receptor. Treatment of cells with PNGase F, to remove N-linked oligosaccharides from the cell surface, did not affect JCV infection in 5-HT(2A)R-expressing cells. These data affirm the importance of 5-HT(2A)R as a JCV receptor and demonstrate that the sialic acid component of the receptor is not directly linked to 5-HT(2A)R.

Regulation of the creatine transporter by AMP-activated protein kinase in kidney epithelial cells

The metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates several transport proteins, potentially coupling transport activity to cellular stress and energy levels. The creatine transporter (CRT; SLC6A8) mediates creatine uptake into several cell types, including kidney epithelial cells, where it has been proposed that CRT is important for reclamation of filtered creatine, a process critical for total body creatine homeostasis. Creatine and phosphocreatine provide an intracellular, high-energy phosphate-buffering system essential for maintaining ATP supply in tissues with high energy demands. To test our hypothesis that CRT is regulated by AMPK in the kidney, we examined CRT and AMPK distribution in the kidney and the regulation of CRT by AMPK in cells. By immunofluorescence staining, we detected CRT at the apical pole in a polarized mouse S3 proximal tubule cell line and in native rat kidney proximal tubules, a distribution overlapping with AMPK. Two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEV) measurements of Na(+)-dependent creatine uptake into CRT-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrated that AMPK inhibited CRT via a reduction in its Michaelis-Menten V(max) parameter. [(14)C]creatine uptake and apical surface biotinylation measurements in polarized S3 cells demonstrated parallel reductions in creatine influx and CRT apical membrane expression after AMPK activation with the AMP-mimetic compound 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside. In oocyte TEV experiments, rapamycin and the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl 5'-monophosphate (ZMP) inhibited CRT currents, but there was no additive inhibition of CRT by ZMP, suggesting that AMPK may inhibit CRT indirectly via the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. We conclude that AMPK inhibits apical membrane CRT expression in kidney proximal tubule cells, which could be important in reducing cellular energy expenditure and unnecessary creatine reabsorption under conditions of local and whole body metabolic stress.

N-linked deglycosylated melanopsin retains its responsiveness to light

Melanopsin is an opsin expressed in the plasma membrane of retinal ganglion cells that mainly project to the circadian clock and thus is important for nonvisual responses to light. Rat melanopsin contains two potential sites (Asn31 and Asn35) for N-linked glycosylation in the N-terminal extracellular part. To investigate if melanopsin is N-linked glycosylated and whether N-bound glycans influence the response of melanopsin to light as evidenced by Fos mRNA induction, we transfected PC12 cells to stably express rat wild-type melanopsin or mutant melanopsin lacking both N-linked glycosylation sites. Immunoblotting for membrane-bound melanopsin from the PC12 cells transfected to express wild-type melanopsin disclosed two immunoreactive bands of 62 and 49 kDa. Removal of N-linked glycosylation by tunicamycin or PNGase F changed the 62 kDa band to a 55 kDa band, while the 49 kDa band corresponding to the core melanopsin protein was unaffected. Likewise, mutation of the two extracellular N-linked glycosylation sites gave a melanopsin size comparable to that of PNGase F or tunicamycin treatment (55 kDa). Further in vitro O-linked deglycosylation of wild-type or mutant melanopsin with O-glycosidase and neuraminidase converted the 55 kDa band to a 49 kDa band. Finally, neither in vivo N-linked deglycosylation nor mutations of the two N-linked glycosylation sites significantly affected melanopsin function measured by Fos induction after light stimulation. In conclusion, we have shown that heterologously expressed rat melanopsin is both N-linked and O-linked glycosylated and that N-linked glycosylation is not crucial for the melanopsin response to light.

Developmental changes in the expression of creatine synthesizing enzymes and creatine transporter in a precocial rodent, the spiny mouse

BACKGROUND

Creatine synthesis takes place predominately in the kidney and liver via a two-step process involving AGAT (L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase) and GAMT (guanidinoacetate methyltransferase). Creatine is taken into cells via the creatine transporter (CrT), where it plays an essential role in energy homeostasis, particularly for tissues with high and fluctuating energy demands. Very little is known of the fetal requirement for creatine and how this may change with advancing pregnancy and into the early neonatal period. Using the spiny mouse as a model of human perinatal development, the purpose of the present study was to comprehensively examine the development of the creatine synthesis and transport systems.

RESULTS

The estimated amount of total creatine in the placenta and brain significantly increased in the second half of pregnancy, coinciding with a significant increase in expression of CrT mRNA. In the fetal brain, mRNA expression of AGAT increased steadily across the second half of pregnancy, although GAMT mRNA expression was relatively low until 34 days gestation (term is 38-39 days). In the fetal kidney and liver, AGAT and GAMT mRNA and protein expression were also relatively low until 34-37 days gestation. Between mid-gestation and term, neither AGAT or GAMT mRNA or protein could be detected in the placenta.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that in the spiny mouse, a species where, like the human, considerable organogenesis occurs before birth, there appears to be a limited capacity for endogenous creatine synthesis until approximately 0.9 of pregnancy. This implies that a maternal source of creatine, transferred across the placenta, may be essential until the creatine synthesis and transport system matures in preparation for birth. If these results also apply to the human, premature birth may increase the risk of creatine deficiency.

N-linked glycosylation and its impact on the electrophoretic mobility and function of the human proton-coupled folate transporter (HsPCFT)

The human proton-coupled folate transporter (HsPCFT, SLC46A1) mediates intestinal absorption of folates and transport of folates into the liver, brain and other tissues. On Western blot, HsPCFT migrates as a broad band (~55 kDa), higher than predicted (~50 kDa) in cell lines. Western blot analysis required that membrane preparations not be incubated in the loading buffer above 50 degrees C to avoid aggregation of the protein. Treatment of membrane fractions from HsPCFT-transfected HeLa cells with peptidyl N-glycanase F, or cells with tunicamycin, resulted in conversion to a ~35 kDa species. Substitution of asparagine residues of two canonical glycosylation sites to glutamine, individually, yielded a ~47 kDa protein; substitution of both sites gave a smaller (~35 kDa) protein. Single mutants retained full transport activity; the double mutant retained a majority of activity. Transport function and molecular size were unchanged when the double mutant was hemagglutinin (HA) tagged at either the NH(2) or COOH terminus and probed with an anti-HA antibody excluding degradation of the deglycosylated protein. Wild-type or deglycosylated HsPCFT HA, tagged at amino or carboxyl termini, could only be visualized on the plasma membrane when HeLa cells were first permeabilized, consistent with the intracellular location of these domains.

Identification, characterization and cloning of SLC6A8C, a novel splice variant of the creatine transporter gene

SLC6A8 deficiency is caused by mutations in the X-linked creatine transporter gene (SLC6A8), which leads to cerebral creatine deficiency, mental retardation, speech and language delay, autistic-like behaviour and epilepsy. Insight in the mechanism of how the transporter is regulated is largely unknown and it is of importance for the development of successful treatment strategies of cerebral creatine deficient syndromes. Our goal was to characterize CRT2 (SLC6A8B), a published splice variant of the creatine transporter. Surprisingly, using RT-PCR we found a novel splice variant, SLC6A8C, which is predominantly found in human tissues with a high energy requirement such as brain, kidney, heart, small intestines and skeletal muscle, where SLC6A8 transporter is most required. The 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the SLC6A8C mRNA was identified using the Smart Race cDNA amplification kit. The SLC6A8C mRNA contains intron 4 and exons 5 through 13 of SLC6A8, including part of the 3' UTR. An open reading frame was found, which predicts a truncated protein identical to the SLC6A8 transporter, comprising the five last C-terminal transmembrane domains of the SLC6A8 transporter. SLC6A8C open reading frame was cloned as a fusion protein with EGFP and the SLC6A8C protein expression was detected by Western Blot. RT-PCR and sequence analysis showed that this splice variant is conserved in evolution, since we also detected it in mouse. This study reveals the presence of a novel SLC6A8 splice variant, SLC6A8C in human and mouse.

Functional insights into the creatine transporter

Creatine and phosphocreatine provide an intracellular, high-energy phosphate buffering system, essential to maintain ATP levels in tissues with high energy demands. A specific plasma membrane creatine transporter (CRT) is required for the cellular uptake of creatine. This transporter is related to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters and is part of a large gene family of Na(+) - and Cl(-) -dependent neurotransmitter transporters, now known as solute carrier family 6 (SLC6). CRT is essential for normal brain function as mutations in the CRT gene (SLC6A8) result in X-linked mental retardation, associated with the almost complete lack of creatine in the brain, severe speech and language delay, epilepsy, and autistic behaviour. Insight into the structure and function of the CRT has come from studies of creatine transport by tissues and cells, in vitro studies of CRT mutations, identification of mutations associated with CRT deficiency, and from the recent high resolution structure of a prokaryotic homologue of the SLC6 transporters. CRT antibodies have been developed enabling the localization of creatine uptake sites in the brain, retina, muscle and other tissues. These tools in conjunction with the use of appropriate cell models should allow further progress in our knowledge on the regulation and cellular trafficking of the CRT. Development of suitable mouse models may allow improved understanding of the importance of the CRT for normal brain function and how the transporter is regulated in vivo.

Electrolysis stimulates creatine transport and transporter cell surface expression in incubated mouse skeletal muscle: potential role of ROS

Electrical field stimulation of isolated, incubated rodent skeletal muscles is a frequently used model to study the effects of contractions on muscle metabolism. In this study, this model was used to investigate the effects of electrically stimulated contractions on creatine transport. Soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles of male NMRI mice (35-50 g) were incubated in an oxygenated Krebs buffer between platinum electrodes. Muscles were exposed to [(14)C]creatine for 30 min after either 12 min of repeated tetanic isometric contractions (contractions) or electrical stimulation of only the buffer before incubation of the muscle (electrolysis). Electrolysis was also investigated in the presence of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Both contractions and (to a lesser degree) electrolysis stimulated creatine transport severalfold over basal. The amount of electrolysis, but not contractile activity, induced (determined) creatine transport stimulation. Incubation with SOD and catalase at 100 and 200 U/ml decreased electrolysis-induced creatine transport by approximately 50 and approximately 100%, respectively. The electrolysis effects on creatine uptake were completely inhibited by beta-guanidino propionic acid, a competitive inhibitor of (creatine for) the creatine transporter (CRT), and were accompanied by increased cell surface expression of CRT. Muscle glucose transport was not affected by electrolysis. The present results indicate that electrical field stimulation of incubated mouse muscles, independently of contractions per se, stimulates creatine transport by a mechanism that depends on electrolysis-induced formation of ROS in the incubation buffer. The increased creatine uptake is paralleled by an increased cell surface expression of the creatine transporter.

The creatine kinase/creatine connection to Alzheimer's disease: CK-inactivation, APP-CK complexes and focal creatine deposits

Cytosolic brain-type creatine kinase (BB-CK), which is coexpressed with ubiquitous mitochondrial uMtCK, is significantly inactivated by oxidation, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Since CK has been shown to play a fundamental role in cellular energetics of the brain, any disturbance of this enzyme may exasperate the AD disease process. Mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) are associated with early onset AD and result in abnormal processing of APP, and accumulation of A beta peptide, the main constituent of amyloid plaques in AD brain. Recent data on a direct interaction between APP and the precursor of uMtCK support an emerging relationship between AD, cellular energy levels and mitochondrial function. In addition, recently discovered creatine (Cr) deposits in the brain of transgenic AD mice, as well as in the hippocampus from AD patients, indicate a direct link between perturbed energy state, Cr metabolism and AD. Here, we review the roles of Cr and Cr-related enzymes and consider the potential value of supplementation with Cr, a potent neuroprotective substance. As a hypothesis, we consider whether Cr, if given at an early time point of the disease, may prevent or delay the course of AD-related neurodegeneration.