Reconstitution in vitro of the pH-dependent aggregation of pancreatic zymogens en route to the secretory granule: implication of GP-2

Switching of cargo sorting from the constitutive to regulated secretory pathway by the addition of cystatin D sequence in salivary acinar cells

The mechanism for segregation of cargo proteins into the regulated and constitutive secretory pathways in exocrine cells remains to be elucidated. We examined the transport of HaloTag proteins fused with full-length cystatin D (fCst5-Halo) or only its signal peptide (ssCst5-Halo) in parotid acinar cells. Although both fusion proteins were observed to be colocalized with amylase in the secretory granules, the coefficients for overlapping and correlation of fCst5-Halo with amylase were higher than those of ssCst5-Halo. The secretion of both the proteins was enhanced by the addition of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol as well as endogenous amylase. In contrast, unstimulated secretion of ssCst5-Halo without isoproterenol was significantly higher than that of fCst5-Halo and amylase. Simulation analysis using a mathematical model revealed that a large proportion of ssCst5-Halo was secreted through the constitutive pathway, whereas fCst5-Halo was transported into the secretory granules more efficiently. Precipitation of fCst5-Halo from cell lysates was increased at a low pH, which may mimic the milieu of the trans-Golgi networks. These data suggest that the addition of a full-length sequence of cystatin D facilitates efficient selective transport into the regulated pathway by aggregation at low pH in the trans-Golgi network.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanism underlying the segregation of cargo proteins to the regulated and constitutive secretory pathways in exocrine cells remains to be solved. We analyzed unstimulated secretion in salivary acinar cells by performing double-labeling experiments using HaloTag technology and computer simulation. It revealed that the majority of HaloTag with only signal peptide sequence was secreted through the constitutive pathway and that the addition of a full-length cystatin D sequence changed its sorting to the regulated pathway.

The SLC9A-C Mammalian Na+/H+ Exchanger Family: Molecules, Mechanisms, and Physiology

Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers play pivotal roles in the control of cell and tissue pH by mediating the electroneutral exchange of Na⁺ and H⁺ across cellular membranes. They belong to an ancient family of highly evolutionarily conserved proteins, and they play essential physiological roles in all phyla. In this review, we focus on the mammalian Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers (NHEs), the solute carrier (SLC) 9 family. This family of electroneutral transporters constitutes three branches: SLC9A, -B, and -C. Within these, each isoform exhibits distinct tissue expression profiles, regulation, and physiological roles. Some of these transporters are highly studied, with hundreds of original articles, and some are still only rudimentarily understood. In this review, we present and discuss the pioneering original work as well as the current state-of-the-art research on mammalian NHEs. We aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of core knowledge and recent insights into each family member, from gene organization over protein structure and regulation to physiological and pathophysiological roles. Particular attention is given to the integrated physiology of NHEs in the main organ systems. We provide several novel analyses and useful overviews, and we pinpoint main remaining enigmas, which we hope will inspire novel research on these highly versatile proteins.

SLC9 Gene Family: Function, Expression, and Regulation

The Slc9 family of Na⁺ /H⁺ exchangers (NHEs) plays a critical role in electroneutral exchange of Na⁺ and H⁺ in the mammalian intestine as well as other absorptive and secretory epithelia of digestive organs. These transport proteins contribute to the transepithelial Na⁺ and water absorption, intracellular pH and cellular volume regulation as well as the electrolyte, acid-base, and fluid volume homeostasis at the systemic level. They also influence the function of other membrane transport mechanisms, affect cellular proliferation and apoptosis as well as cell migration, adherence to the extracellular matrix, and tissue repair. Additionally, they modulate the extracellular milieu to facilitate other nutrient absorption and to regulate the intestinal microbial microenvironment. Na⁺ /H⁺ exchange is inhibited in selected gastrointestinal diseases, either by intrinsic factors (e.g., bile acids, inflammatory mediators) or infectious agents and associated bacterial toxins. Disrupted NHE activity may contribute not only to local and systemic electrolyte imbalance but also to the disease severity via multiple mechanisms. In this review, we describe the cation proton antiporter superfamily of Na⁺ /H⁺ exchangers with a particular emphasis on the eight SLC9A isoforms found in the digestive tract, followed by a more integrative description in their roles in each of the digestive organs. We discuss regulatory mechanisms that determine the function of Na⁺ /H⁺ exchangers as pertinent to the digestive tract, their regulation in pathological states of the digestive organs, and reciprocally, the contribution of dysregulated Na⁺ /H⁺ exchange to the disease pathogenesis and progression. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:555-583, 2018.

Proteoglycans support proper granule formation in pancreatic acinar cells

Zymogen granules (ZG) are specialized organelles in the exocrine pancreas which allow digestive enzyme storage and regulated secretion. The molecular mechanisms of their biogenesis and the sorting of zymogens are still incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the role of proteoglycans in granule formation and secretion of zymogens in pancreatic AR42J cells, an acinar model system. Cupromeronic Blue cytochemistry and biochemical studies revealed an association of proteoglycans primarily with the granule membrane. Removal of proteoglycans by carbonate treatment led to a loss of membrane curvature indicating a supportive role in the maintenance of membrane shape and stability. Chemical inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis impaired the formation of normal electron-dense granules in AR42J cells and resulted in the formation of unusually small granule structures. These structures still contained the zymogen carboxypeptidase, a cargo molecule of secretory granules, but migrated to lighter fractions after density gradient centrifugation. Furthermore, the basal secretion of amylase was increased in AR42J cells after inhibitor treatment. In addition, irregular-shaped granules appeared in pancreatic lobules. We conclude that the assembly of a proteoglycan scaffold at the ZG membrane is supporting efficient packaging of zymogens and the proper formation of stimulus-competent storage granules in acinar cells of the pancreas.

Secretory proteins without a transport signal are retained in secretory granules during maturation in rat parotid acinar cells

OBJECTIVE

The acinar cells of the parotid gland are filled with numerous secretory granules (SGs), which accumulate the digestion enzyme amylase. SGs mature accompanied with membrane remodelling such as fusion and budding of small vesicles. However, little is understood about the mechanism of the condensation of SG contents during maturation. In this study, we examined whether secretory proteins need a specific signal to be retained in SGs.

DESIGN

To induce internalization of the luminal membrane after exocytosis, we injected the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol into rats. Acinar cells were then incubated with Lucifer Yellow (LY) dye as a tracer for 3h for uptake into immature secretory granules (ISGs). To observe whether LY was retained in SGs after maturation, we continued incubating the cultured acinar cells for 2 days.

RESULTS

The localization of LY into ISGs was confirmed by the following four methods: (1) co-localization of the fluorescence of LY and amylase by confocal laser microscopy, (2) detection of the fluorescence from purified ISGs, (3) secretion of the fluorescence together with amylase upon stimulation, and (4) observation of the intracellular localization of LY by electron microscopy. Moreover, we observed co-localization of some of the SGs with the fluorescence of LY after cell culture.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the fusion and budding of small vesicles may contribute to the process of granule maturation, LY remained in the SGs even after maturation. These results suggest that secretory proteins that have no transport signal are not excluded from SGs, and they are retained in SGs during granule maturation in exocrine parotid glands.

Sorting of a HaloTag protein that has only a signal peptide sequence into exocrine secretory granules without protein aggregation

The mechanism involved in the sorting and accumulation of secretory cargo proteins, such as amylase, into secretory granules of exocrine cells remains to be solved. To clarify that sorting mechanism, we expressed a reporter protein HaloTag fused with partial sequences of salivary amylase protein in primary cultured parotid acinar cells. We found that a HaloTag protein fused with only the signal peptide sequence (Met(1)-Ala(25)) of amylase, termed SS25H, colocalized well with endogenous amylase, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Percoll-density gradient centrifugation of secretory granule fractions shows that the distributions of amylase and SS25H were similar. These results suggest that SS25H is transported to secretory granules and is not discriminated from endogenous amylase by the machinery that functions to remove proteins other than granule cargo from immature granules. Another reporter protein, DsRed2, that has the same signal peptide sequence also colocalized with amylase, suggesting that the sorting to secretory granules is not dependent on a characteristic of the HaloTag protein. Whereas Blue Native PAGE demonstrates that endogenous amylase forms a high-molecular-weight complex, SS25H does not participate in the complex and does not form self-aggregates. Nevertheless, SS25H was released from cells by the addition of a β-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, which also induces amylase secretion. These results indicate that addition of the signal peptide sequence, which is necessary for the translocation in the endoplasmic reticulum, is sufficient for the transportation and storage of cargo proteins in secretory granules of exocrine cells.

Modulating zymogen granule formation in pancreatic AR42J cells

Zymogen granules (ZG) are specialized organelles in the exocrine pancreas which allow digestive enzyme storage and regulated secretion. To investigate ZG biogenesis, cargo sorting and packaging, suitable cellular model systems are required. Here, we demonstrate that granule formation in pancreatic AR42J cells, an acinar model system, can be modulated by altering the growth conditions in cell culture. We find that cultivation of AR42J cells in Panserin™ 401, a serum-free medium, enhances the induction of granule formation in the presence or absence of dexamethasone when compared to standard conditions including serum. Biochemical and morphological studies revealed an increase in ZG markers on the mRNA and protein level, as well as in granule size compared to standard conditions. Our data indicate that this effect is related to pronounced differentiation of AR42J cells. To address if enhanced expression of ZG proteins promotes granule formation, we expressed several zymogens and ZG membrane proteins in unstimulated AR42J cells and in constitutively secreting COS-7 cells. Neither single expression nor co-expression was sufficient to initiate granule formation in AR42J cells or the formation of granule-like structures in COS-7 cells as described for neuroendocrine cargo proteins. The importance of our findings for granule formation in exocrine cells is discussed.

Crystal structures of human secretory proteins ZG16p and ZG16b reveal a Jacalin-related β-prism fold

ZG16p is a secretory protein that mediates condensation-sorting of pancreatic enzymes to the zymogen granule membrane in pancreatic acinar cells. ZG16p interacts with glycosaminoglycans and the binding is considered to be important for condensation-sorting of pancreatic enzymes. ZG16b/PAUF, a paralog of ZG16p, has recently been found to play a role in gene regulation and cancer metastasis. However, the detailed functions of ZG16p and ZG16b remain to be clarified. Here, in order to obtain insights into structure-function relationships, we conducted crystallographic studies of human ZG16p lectin as well as its paralog, ZG16b, and determined their crystal structures at 1.65 and 2.75 Å resolution, respectively. ZG16p has a Jacalin-related β-prism fold, the first to be reported among mammalian lectins. The putative sugar-binding site of ZG16p is occupied by a glycerol molecule, mimicking the mannose bound to Jacalin-related mannose-binding-type plant lectins such as Banlec. ZG16b also has a β-prism fold, but some amino acid residues of the putative sugar-binding site differ from those of the mannose-type binding site suggesting altered preference. A positively charged patch, which may bind sulfated groups of the glycosaminoglycans, is located around the putative sugar-binding site of ZG16p and ZG16b. Taken together, we suggest that the sugar-binding site and the adjacent basic patch of ZG16p and ZG16b cooperatively form a functional glycosaminoglycan-binding site.

Protons released during pancreatic acinar cell secretion acidify the lumen and contribute to pancreatitis in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Secretory granules are acidic; cell secretion will therefore lead to extracellular acidification. We propose that during secretion, protons co-released with proteins from secretory granules of pancreatic acinar cells acidify the restricted extracellular space of the pancreatic lumen to regulate normal physiological and pathophysiological functions in this organ

METHODS

Extracellular changes in pH were quantified in real time using 2-photon microscopy analysis of pancreatic tissue fragments from mouse models of acute pancreatitis (mice given physiological concentrations [10 -20 pM] of cholecystokinin or high concentrations of [100 nM] cerulein). The effects of extracellular changes in pH on cell behavior and structures were measured.

RESULTS

With physiological stimulation, secretory granule fusion (exocytosis) caused acidification of the pancreatic lumen. Acidifications specifically affected intracellular calcium responses and accelerated the rate of recovery from agonist-evoked calcium signals. Protons therefore appear to function as negative-feedback, extracellular messengers during coupling of cell stimuli with secretion. At high concentrations of cerulein, large increases in secretory activity were associated with extreme, prolonged acidification of the luminal space. These pathological changes in pH led to disruption of intercellular junctional coupling, measured by movement of occludin and E-cadherin.

CONCLUSIONS

By measuring changes in extracellular pH in pancreas of mice, we observed that luminal acidification resulted from exocytosis of zymogen granules from acinar cells. This process is part of normal organ function but could contribute to the tissue damage in cases of acute pancreatitis.

Analysis of low abundance membrane-associated proteins from rat pancreatic zymogen granules

Zymogen granules (ZG) are specialized storage organelles in the exocrine pancreas that allow the sorting, packaging, and regulated apical secretion of digestive enzymes. As there is a critical need for further understanding of the key processes in regulated secretion to develop new therapeutic options in medicine, we applied a suborganellar proteomics approach to identify peripheral membrane-associated ZG proteins. We focused on the analysis of a "basic" group (pH range 6.2-11) with about 46 spots among which 44 were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. These spots corresponded to 16 unique proteins, including rat mast cell chymase (RMCP-1) and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase B (PpiB; cyclophilin B), an ER-resident protein. To confirm that these proteins were specific to zymogen granules and not contaminants of the preparation, we conducted a series of validation experiments. Immunoblotting of ZG subfractions revealed that chymase and PpiB behaved like bona fide peripheral membrane proteins. Their expression in rat pancreas was regulated by feeding behavior. Ultrastructural and immunofluorescence studies confirmed their ZG localization. Furthermore, a chymase-YFP fusion protein was properly targeted to ZG in pancreatic AR42J cells. Interestingly, for both proteins, proteoglycan-binding properties have been reported. The importance of our findings for sorting and packaging during ZG formation is discussed.

Biogenesis of Dense-Core Secretory Granules

Dense core granules (DCGs) are vesicular organelles derived from outbound traffic through the eukaryotic secretory pathway. As DCGs are formed, the secretory pathway can also give rise to other types of vesicles, such as those bound for endosomes, lysosomes, and the cell surface. DCGs differ from these other vesicular carriers in both content and function, storing highly concentrated cores’ of condensed cargo in vesicles that are stably maintained within the cell until a specific extracellular stimulus causes their fusion with the plasma membrane. These unique features are imparted by the activities of membrane and lumenal proteins that are specifically delivered to the vesicles during synthesis. This chapter will describe the DCG biogenesis pathway, beginning with the sorting of DCG proteins from proteins that are destined for other types of vesicle carriers. In the trans-Golgi network (TGN), sorting occurs as DCG proteins aggregate, causing physical separation from non-DCG proteins. Recent work addresses the nature of interactions that produce these aggregates, as well as potentially important interactions with membranes and membrane proteins. DCG proteins are released from the TGN in vesicles called immature secretory granules (ISGs). The mechanism of ISG formation is largely unclear but is not believed to rely on the assembly of vesicle coats like those observed in other secretory pathways. The required cytosolic factors are now beginning to be identified using in vitro systems with purified cellular components. ISG transformation into a mature fusion-competent, stimulus-dependent DCG occurs as endoproteolytic processing of many DCG proteins causes continued condensation of the lumenal contents. At the same time, proteins that fail to be incorporated into the condensing core are removed by a coat-mediated budding mechanism, which also serves to remove excess membrane and membrane proteins from the maturing vesicle. This chapter will summarize the work leading to our current view of granule synthesis, and will discuss questions that need to be addressed in order to gain a more complete understanding of the pathway.

Parotid secretory granules: crossroads of secretory pathways and protein storage

Saliva plays an important role in digestion, host defense, and lubrication. The parotid gland contributes a variety of secretory proteins-including amylase, proline-rich proteins, and parotid secretory protein (PSP)-to these functions. The regulated secretion of salivary proteins ensures the availability of the correct mix of salivary proteins when needed. In addition, the major salivary glands are targets for gene therapy protocols aimed at targeting therapeutic proteins either to the oral cavity or to circulation. To be successful, such protocols must be based on a solid understanding of protein trafficking in salivary gland cells. In this paper, model systems available to study the secretion of salivary proteins are reviewed. Parotid secretory proteins are stored in large dense-core secretory granules that undergo stimulated secretion in response to extracellular stimulation. Secretory proteins that are not stored in large secretory granules are secreted by either the minor regulated secretory pathway, constitutive secretory pathways (apical or basolateral), or the constitutive-like secretory pathway. It is proposed that the maturing secretory granules act as a distribution center for secretory proteins in salivary acinar cells. Protein distribution or sorting is thought to involve their selective retention during secretory granule maturation. Unlike regulated secretory proteins in other cell types, salivary proteins do not exhibit calcium-induced aggregation. Instead, sulfated proteoglycans play a role in the storage of secretory proteins in parotid acinar cells. This work suggests that unique sorting and retention mechanisms are responsible for the distribution of secretory proteins to different secretory pathways from the maturing secretory granules in parotid acinar cells.

Absence of the Major Zymogen Granule Membrane Protein, GP2, Does Not Affect Pancreatic Morphology or Secretion

The majority of digestive enzymes in humans are produced in the pancreas where they are stored in zymogen granules before secretion into the intestine. GP2 is the major membrane protein present in zymogen granules of the exocrine pancreas. Numerous studies have shown that GP2 binds digestive enzymes such as amylase, thereby supporting a role in protein sorting to the zymogen granule. Other studies have suggested that GP2 is important in the formation of zymogen granules. A knock-out mouse was generated for GP2 to study the impact of the protein on pancreatic function. GP2-deficient mice displayed no gross signs of nutrient malab-sorption such as weight loss, growth retardation, or diarrhea. Zymogen granules in the GP2 knock-out mice appeared normal on electron microscopy and contained the normal complement of proteins excluding GP2. Primary cultures of pancreatic acini appropriately responded to secretagogue stimulation with the secretion of digestive enzymes. The course of experimentally induced pancreatitis was also examined in the knock-out mice because proteins known to associate with GP2 have been found to possess a protective role. When GP2 knock-out mice were subjected to two different models of pancreatitis, no major differences were detected. In conclusion, GP2 is not essential for pancreatic exocrine secretion or zymogen granule formation. It is unlikely that GP2 serves a major intracellular role within the pancreatic acinar cell and may be functionally active after it is secreted from the pancreas.

Effects of GP2 expression on secretion and endocytosis in pancreatic AR4-2J cells

GP2 is the major membrane protein present in secretory granules of the exocrine pancreas. GP2's function is unknown, but a role in digestive enzyme packaging or secretion from secretory granules has been proposed. In addition, GP2 has been proposed to influence endocytosis and membrane recycling following stimulated secretion. Adenovirus-mediated GP2 overexpression in the rat pancreatic cell line AR4-2J was used to study its impact on digestive enzyme secretion and membrane recycling. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that GP2 and amylase co-localized in secretory granules in infected AR4-2J cells. CCK-8 stimulation resulted in a fourfold increase in amylase secretion with or without GP2 expression. GP2 expression also did not influence endocytosis following CCK-8 stimulation. Thus, GP2 expression in AR4-2J cells does not affect amylase packaging in secretory granules or stimulated secretion. GP2 expression also does not influence membrane recycling in response to stimulated stimulation in AR4-2J cells.

Manipulating the reversible aggregation of protein hormones in secretory granules: potential impact on biopharmaceutical development

Neuroendocrine cells and other secretory cell types are able to store secretory proteins in a concentrated form for extended periods until the release of large quantities of protein is triggered. The proteins are stored in dense core secretory granules. The dense cores of these granules are made up of large, insoluble aggregates that form by self-association. These aggregates solubilise rapidly into monomeric proteins in their native conformations when released from the cells by exocytosis of secretory granules. Formation of aggregates is an early event in secretory granule formation in at least some cell types. The function of secretory granules containing protein aggregates varies, depending upon the contents. This may occur because recognition of an aspect, such as a surface motif, of the aggregate facilitates correct assembly of the membrane proteins necessary for transport and exocytosis of the granules. Understanding the principles necessary for aggregation of protein hormones may help in the formulation of proteins for clinical use. Formation of aggregates of human prolactin has been investigated both in cells and in solution. In cells, the aggregation of human prolactin requires a mildly acidic pH, and is slowed in the presence of a membrane-permeable chelator of zinc. In solution, the aggregation of human prolactin at mildly acidic pH and physiological concentrations of Zn(2+) resembles that which occurs in cells if the reaction is performed with macromolecular crowding, which will mimic the conditions in cells. The factors causing protein aggregation and the extent to which aggregation plays a role in secretory granule formation are likely to vary with the protein and cell type. Further understanding of the principles involved in forming these aggregates that readily disassociate may enhance the ability to formulate protein preparations. Knowledge of the exact residues involved in the protein : protein interfaces in the aggregates of secretory granule proteins may lead to the ability to use small molecules to interfere with self-association and to regulate the storage of secretory granule proteins.

Membrane targeting in secretion

Regulated secretion and exocytosis require the selective packaging of regulated secretory proteins in secretory storage organelles and the controlled docking and fusion of these organelles with the plasma membrane. Secretory granule biogenesis involves sorting of secretory proteins and membrane components both at the level of the trans-Golgi network and the immature secretory granule. Sorting is thought to be mediated by selective protein aggregation and the interaction of these proteins with specific membrane domains. There is now considerable interest in the understanding of the complex lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions at the trans-Golgi network and the granule membrane. A role for lipid microdomains and associated sorting receptors in membrane targeting and granule formation is vividly discussed for (neuro)endocrine cells. In exocrine cells, however, little has been known of granule membrane composition and membrane protein function. With the cloning and characterization of granule membrane proteins and their interactions at the inner leaflet of zymogen granules of pancreatic acinar cells, it is now possible to elucidate their function in membrane targeting and sorting of zymogens at the molecular level.

Differential aggregation properties of secretory proteins that are stored in exocrine secretory granules of the pancreas and parotid glands

Low-pH- and calcium-induced aggregation of regulated secretory proteins has been proposed to play a role in their retention and storage in secretory granules. However, this has not been tested for secretory proteins that are stored in the exocrine parotid secretory granules. Parotid granule matrix proteins were analyzed for aggregation in the presence or absence of calcium and in the pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Amylase did not aggregate under these conditions, although <10% of parotid secretory protein (PSP) aggregated below pH 6.0. To test aggregation directly in isolated granules, rat parotid secretory granules were permeabilized with 0.1% saponin in the presence or absence of calcium and in the pH range of 5.0 to 8.4. In contrast to the low-pH-dependent retention of amylase in exocrine pancreatic granules, amylase was quantitatively released and most PSP was released from parotid granules under all conditions. Both proteins were completely released upon granule membrane solubilization. Thus neither amylase nor PSP show low-pH- or calcium-induced aggregation under physiological conditions in the exocrine parotid secretory granules.

In vitro aggregation of the regulated secretory protein chromogranin A

Aggregation chaperones, consisting of secretory proteins that contain a hexa-histidine epitope tag, enhance the calcium-induced aggregation of regulated secretory proteins and their sorting to secretory granules. The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of this unusual aggregation mechanism. Hexa-histidine-epitope-tagged secreted alkaline phosphatase, an aggregation chaperone, enhanced the in vitro aggregation of chromogranin A in the presence of calcium, but not in the presence of magnesium or other divalent cations. As an exception, chromogranin was completely aggregated by zinc, even in the absence of the aggregation chaperone. In addition, fluorescence spectroscopy of the aggregation reaction mixture showed an increase in fluorescence intensity consistent with the formation of protein aggregates. The calcium-induced aggregation of chromogranin A was completely inhibited by 0.2% Triton X-100, suggesting that it involves hydrophobic interactions. In contrast, the detergent did not affect chaperone-enhanced aggregation, suggesting that this aggregation does not depend on hydrophobic interactions. EDTA-treated chaperone did not enhance chromogranin A aggregation, indicating that divalent cations are necessary for chaperone action. Although the structure of the aggregation chaperone was not important, the size of the chaperone was. Thus the free His-hexapeptide could not substitute for the aggregation chaperone. Based on these results, we propose that the hexa-histidine tag, in the context of a polypeptide, acts as a divalent cation-dependent nucleation site for chromogranin A aggregation.

A sulfated proteoglycan is necessary for storage of exocrine secretory proteins in the rat parotid gland

Sulfated proteoglycans have been proposed to play a role in the sorting and storage of secretory proteins in exocrine secretory granules. Rat parotid acinar cells expressed a 40- to 60-kDa proteoglycan that was stored in secretory granules. Treatment of the tissue with the proteoglycan synthesis inhibitor paranitrophenyl xyloside resulted in the complete abrogation of the sulfated proteoglycan. Pulse-chase experiments in the presence of the xyloside analog showed a significant reduction in the stimulated secretion and granule storage of the newly synthesized regulated secretory proteins amylase and parotid secretory protein. Inhibition of proteoglycan sulfation by chlorate did not affect the sorting of these proteins. The effect of proteoglycan synthesis inhibition on protein sorting was completely reversed upon treatment with a weak acid. These results suggest that the sulfated proteoglycan is necessary for sorting and storage of regulated secretory proteins in the exocrine parotid gland. Preliminary evidence suggests that the mechanism involves the modulation of granule pH by the proteoglycan rather than a direct interaction with other granule components.

Role of sulfated O-linked glycoproteins in zymogen granule formation

Packaging of proteins into regulated secretory granules is mediated by the mildly acidic pH of the trans Golgi network and immature secretory granules. This need for an acidic pH indicates that ionic interactions are important. The mouse pancreatic acinar cell contains four major sulfated glycoproteins,including the zymogen granule structural component Muclin. I tested the hypothesis that sulfation and the O-linked glycosylation to which the sulfates are attached are required for normal formation of zymogen granules in the exocrine pancreas. Post-translational processing was perturbed with two chemicals: sodium chlorate was used to inhibit sulfation and benzyl-N-acetyl-α-galactosaminide was used to inhibit O-linked oligosaccharide elongation. Both chemicals resulted in the accumulation in the Golgi region of the cell of large vacuoles that appear to be immature secretory granules, and the effect was much more extensive with benzyl-N-acetyl-α-galactosaminide than chlorate. Both chemical treatments inhibited basal secretion at prolonged chase times, and again benzyl-N-acetyl-α-galactosaminide had a greater effect than chlorate. In addition, benzyl-N-acetyl-α-galactosaminide, but not chlorate, totally inhibited stimulated secretion of newly synthesized proteins. These data provide evidence for a role of sulfated O-linked glycoproteins in protein condensation and maturation of zymogen granules. Under maximal inhibition of O-linked oligosaccharide biosynthesis, anterograde post-Golgi traffic in the regulated pathway is almost totally shut down, demonstrating the importance of these post-translational modifications in progression of secretory proteins through the regulated pathway and normal granule formation in the pancreatic acinar cell.

Dibasic cleavage site is required for sorting to the regulated secretory pathway for both pro- and neuropeptide Y

To investigate the signals governing routing of biologically active peptides to the regulated secretory pathway, we have expressed mutated and non-mutated proneuropeptide Y (ProNPY) in pituitary-derived AtT20 cells. The mutations were carried out on dibasic cleavage site and or ProNPY C-terminal sequence. Targeting to the regulated secretory pathway was studied using protein kinase A (8-BrcAMP), protein kinase C (phorbol myristate acetate) specific activators and protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, and by pulse chase. The analysis of expressed peptides in cells and culture media indicated that: neuropeptide Y (NPY) and ProNPY were differently secreted, whilst NPY was exclusively secreted via regulatory pathway; ProNPY was secreted via regulated and constitutive-like secretory pathways. ProNPY secretion behaviour was not Proteolytic cleavage efficiency-dependent. The dibasic cleavage was essential for ProNPY and NPY cAMP-dependent regulated secretion and may have function as a retention signal.

Aggregation of human wild-type and H27A-prolactin in cells and in solution: roles of Zn(2+), Cu(2+), and pH

Aggregation of hormones is an important step in the formation of secretory granules that results in concentration of hormones. In transfected AtT20 cells, but not COS cells, Lubrol-insoluble aggregates of human prolactin (PRL) accumulated within 30 min after synthesis. Aggregation in AtT20 cells was reduced by incubation with 30 microM chloroquine, which neutralizes intracellular compartments, and was slowed by incubation with diethyldithiocarbamate, which chelates Cu(2+) and Zn(2+). H27A-PRL aggregated in AtT20 cells as well as wild-type PRL, indicating that a high affinity Zn(2+)-binding site is not necessary. In solution, purified recombinant human PRL was precipitated by 20 microM Cu(2+) or Zn(2+). In solution without polyethylene glycol there was no precipitation with acidic pH alone, precipitation with Zn(2+) was most effective at neutral pH, and the ratio of Zn(2+) to PRL was greater than 1 in the precipitate. In solution with polyethylene glycol, precipitation occurred with acidic pH, precipitation with Zn(2+) occurred effectively at acidic pH, and the ratio of Zn(2+) to PRL was less than 1. The aggregates obtained in polyethylene glycol are therefore better models for aggregates in cells. Unlike human PRL, aggregation of rat PRL has been shown to occur at neutral pH in cells and in solution, and therefore these two similar proteins form aggregates that are the cores of secretory granules in ways that are not completely identical.

Interaction of syncollin with GP-2, the major membrane protein of pancreatic zymogen granules, and association with lipid microdomains

Syncollin, a novel pancreatic zymogen granule protein, is present on the luminal side of the granule membrane. To address the function of syncollin, we searched for putative binding partners. Cross-linking experiments with purified syncollin, and granule content and membrane proteins revealed a direct interaction between syncollin and GP-2, a major glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane glycoprotein. An interaction was also observed when cross-linking was performed with recombinant GP-2. In addition, syncollin could be cross-linked to itself, supporting the suggestion that it exists as a homo-oligomer. Cleavage of the GPI anchor of GP-2 by treatment of granule membranes with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C had no effect on the membrane attachment of syncollin, indicating that it is not mediated exclusively via an interaction with GP-2. Syncollin was found to be associated with detergent-insoluble cholesterol/glycolipid-enriched complexes. These complexes floated to the lighter fractions of sucrose-density gradients and also contained GP-2, the lectin ZG16p, sulphated matrix proteoglycans and the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) syntaxin 3 and synaptobrevin 2. Our results indicate that membrane-associated syncollin is a component of lipid rafts, where it interacts both with GP-2 and membrane lipids. We suggest that the syncollin-GP-2 complex might play a role in signal transduction across the granule membrane.

Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase shows binding activity toward N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins

Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase was shown by interaction analyses using a resonance mirror detector and alpha-amylase-immobilized Sepharose to bind with glycoproteins possessing N-glycans but not O-linked mucin-type glycans. Direct binding of three types of N-glycans to the alpha-amylase was demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance. Binding with biotin-polymer sugar probes revealed that the alpha-amylase has affinity to alpha-mannose, alpha-N-acetylneuraminic acid, and beta-N-acetyllactosamine, which are components of N-glycans. The binding of glycoproteins or carbohydrates enhanced the enzyme activity, indicating that the recognition site for N-glycans is different from its catalytic site. The binding activity was unique to porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase and was not observed for alpha-amylase from saliva, wheat, and fungus.

Regulated apical secretion of zymogens in rat pancreas. Involvement of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein GP-2, the lectin ZG16p, and cholesterol-glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains

We examined the role of glycosphingolipid- and cholesterol-enriched microdomains, or rafts, in the sorting of digestive enzymes into zymogen granules destined for apical secretion and in granule formation. Isolated membranes of zymogen granules from pancreatic acinar cells showed an enrichment in cholesterol and sphingomyelin and formed detergent-insoluble glycolipid-enriched complexes. These complexes floated to the lighter fractions of sucrose density gradients and contained the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein GP-2, the lectin ZG16p, and sulfated matrix proteoglycans. Morphological and pulse-chase studies with isolated pancreatic lobules revealed that after inhibition of GPI-anchor biosynthesis by mannosamine or the fungal metabolite YW 3548, granule formation was impaired leading to an accumulation of newly synthesized proteins in the Golgi apparatus and the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, the membrane attachment of matrix proteoglycans was diminished. After cholesterol depletion or inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis by fumonisin B1, the formation of zymogen granules as well as the formation of detergent-insoluble complexes was reduced. In addition, cholesterol depletion led to constitutive secretion of newly synthesized proteins, e.g. amylase, indicating that zymogens were missorted. Together, these data provide first evidence that in polarized acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas GPI-anchored proteins, e.g. GP-2, and cholesterol-sphingolipid-enriched microdomains are required for granule formation as well as for regulated secretion of zymogens and may function as sorting platforms for secretory proteins destined for apical delivery.

Acquisition of Lubrol insolubility, a common step for growth hormone and prolactin in the secretory pathway of neuroendocrine cells

Rat prolactin in the dense cores of secretory granules of the pituitary gland is a Lubrol-insoluble aggregate. In GH(4)C(1) cells, newly synthesized rat prolactin and growth hormone were soluble, but after 30 min about 40% converted to a Lubrol-insoluble form. Transport from the endoplasmic reticulum is necessary for conversion to Lubrol insolubility, since incubating cells with brefeldin A or at 15 degrees C reduced formation of insoluble rat (35)S-prolactin. Formation of Lubrol-insoluble aggregates has protein and cell specificity; newly synthesized human growth hormone expressed in AtT20 cells underwent a 40% conversion to Lubrol insolubility with time, but albumin did not, and human growth hormone expressed in COS cells underwent less than 10% conversion to Lubrol insolubility. del32-46 growth hormone, a naturally occurring form of growth hormone, and P89L growth hormone underwent conversion, although they were secreted more slowly, indicating that there is some tolerance in structural requirements for aggregation. An intracellular compartment with an acidic pH is not necessary for conversion to Lubrol insolubility, because incubation with chloroquine or bafilomycin slowed, but did not prevent, the conversion. GH(4)C(1) cells treated with estradiol, insulin, and epidermal growth factor accumulate more secretory granules and store more prolactin, but not more growth hormone, than untreated cells; Lubrol-insoluble aggregates of prolactin and growth hormone formed to the same extent in hormone-treated or untreated GH(4)C(1) cells, but prolactin was retained longer in hormone-treated cells. These findings indicate that aggregation alone is not sufficient to cause retention of secretory granule proteins, and there is an additional selective process.

Calcium-dependent enzyme activation and vacuole formation in the apical granular region of pancreatic acinar cells

The pancreatic acinar cell produces powerful digestive enzymes packaged in zymogen granules in the apical pole. Ca(2+) signals elicited by acetylcholine or cholecystokinin (CCK) initiate enzyme secretion by exocytosis through the apical membrane. Intracellular enzyme activation is normally kept to a minimum, but in the often-fatal human disease acute pancreatitis, autodigestion occurs. How the enzymes become inappropriately activated is unknown. We monitored the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), intracellular trypsin activation, and its localization in isolated living cells with specific fluorescent probes and studied intracellular vacuole formation by electron microscopy as well as quantitative image analysis (light microscopy). A physiological CCK level (10 pM) eliciting regular Ca(2+) spiking did not evoke intracellular trypsin activation or vacuole formation. However, stimulation with 10 nM CCK, evoking a sustained rise in [Ca(2+)](i), induced pronounced trypsin activation and extensive vacuole formation, both localized in the apical pole. Both processes were abolished by preventing abnormal [Ca(2+)](i) elevation, either by preincubation with the specific Ca(2+) chelator 1, 2-bis(O-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N-N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) or by removal of external Ca(2+). CCK hyperstimulation evokes intracellular trypsin activation and vacuole formation in the apical granular pole. Both of these processes are mediated by an abnormal sustained rise in [Ca(2+)](i).

Oligomerization of pro-opiomelanocortin is independent of pH, calcium and the sorting signal for the regulated secretory pathway

Studies indicate that pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is sorted to the regulated secretory pathway by binding to a sorting receptor identified as membrane-bound carboxypeptidase E (CPE) [Cool et al. (1997) Cell 88, 73-83]. The efficiency of this sorting mechanism could be enhanced if POMC molecules were to self-associate to form oligomers, prior or subsequent to binding to CPE. Using cross-linking and gel filtration techniques, we demonstrated that POMC forms oligomers at both neutral and acidic pHs and calcium was not necessary. delta N-POMC, which lacks the N-terminal sorting signal for the regulated secretory pathway, also formed similar oligomers, indicating that the sorting and oligomerization domains are different.

A submembranous matrix of proteoglycans on zymogen granule membranes is involved in granule formation in rat pancreatic acinar cells

The secretory lectin ZG16p mediated the binding of aggregated zymogens to the granule membrane in pancreatic acinar cells. Using a recently established in vitro condensation-sorting assay, we now show that pretreatment of zymogen granule membranes (ZGM) with either sodium bicarbonate at pH 10 or with phosphatidyl inositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) reduced the binding efficiency of zymogens to the same extent, as distinct components were liberated from ZGM. Analysis of the composition of the bicarbonate extract revealed the presence of the secretory lectin ZG16p, the serpin ZG46p and the GPI-linked glycoprotein GP-2, together with several unknown proteins, and small amounts of lipase and carboxylester lipase. The unknown proteins detected in 2-D gels represented a group of acidic and basic protein spots, which were positive in a glycan staining reaction and were soluble in methanol. One protein spot of the acidic group and several of the basic group reacted with a monoclonal antibody directed against chondroitin sulfate, indicating that the proteins represented proteoglycans. A staining pattern similar to the glycan reaction was observed in immunoblots using a polyclonal antibody directed against the whole bicarbonate extract. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed that this antibody reacted with components in the periphery of zymogen granules and strongly stained ZGM in the pellet fraction of a standard in vitro condensation-sorting assay. The amino acid composition of isolated components of both the acidic and basic group showed similarities to aggrecan, a cartilage-specific proteoglycan, and to glycine-rich glycoproteins, respectively. We therefore conclude that a submembranous matrix on the ZGM composed of proteoglycans and glycoproteins is involved in granule formation in pancreatic acinar cells.

Protein traffic from the secretory pathway to the endosomal system in pancreatic beta-cells

Constitutive-like secretion involves vesicular trafficking corresponding kinetically and biochemically with a post-trans-Golgi network (TGN) origin. In pancreatic beta-cells, the budding of AP-1/clathrin-coated vesicles, a portion of which is derived from immature secretory granules, has been hypothesized to initiate constitutive-like trafficking. However, approximately 30 min after release of a 20 degrees C intracellular transport block in pancreatic beta-cells (to synchronize protein egress from the TGN), addition of brefeldin A (BFA) (which inhibits AP-1 recruitment) was reported not to block subsequent constitutive-like secretion. To further explore post-TGN trafficking in pancreatic beta-cell lines, we have followed the fate of pulse-labeled procathepsin B (ProB, a lysosomal proenyzme) after postpulse wortmannin treatment or the BFA treatment described above. We find that continuous wortmannin treatment allows ProB to reach immature secretory granules but inhibits its egress from maturing granules. Remarkably, BFA treatment causes augmented unstimulated secretion of newly synthesized ProB that is not paralleled by insulin. This effect requires a delay of 25-35 min after release from the 20 degrees C block. Further, when ProB delivery to endosomes is inhibited, its BFA-augmented secretion is eliminated. We hypothesize that the constitutive-like pathway involves an endosomal intermediate.

A novel zymogen granule protein (ZG29p) and the nuclear protein MTA1p are differentially expressed by alternative transcription initiation in pancreatic acinar cells of the rat

Using a polyclonal antibody against purified zymogen granule membrane components from rat pancreas a cDNA coding for the 29 kDa protein (ZG29p) was identified by immunoscreening of a hormonally stimulated pancreas cDNA library. Western blot analysis suggests that ZG29p is a pancreas-specific protein and immunofluorescence shows that ZG29p is mainly associated with zymogen granules. Analysis of subcellular fraction applying immunoblotting revealed that ZG29p was localized mainly in the soluble fraction of zymogen granules and in a Golgi- and RER-enriched fraction, but was absent from the cytosol. In isolated zymogen granule content ZG29p was associated with protein complexes containing amylase as main constituent. The cDNA coding for ZG29p is homologous to the C-terminal region of the candidate metastasis-associated gene mta1. Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR showed that no MTA1 mRNA is present in pancreas from fasted rats and in the rat pancreas carcinoma cell line AR4-2J in its protodifferentiated state. Although no ZG29p specific mRNA was seen in the northern blot analysis, RT-PCR showed that ZG29p was expressed under both non-stimulated and stimulated conditions. The expression of MTA1 was up-regulated in the pancreas by endogenous cholecystokinin release and in AR4-2J after induction of cellular differentiation by dexamethasone. Western blotting and immunofluorescense studies indicated that MTA1p is localized in the nucleus in all tissues studied. Using genomic DNA in PCR analysis it was shown that two short introns are present flanking the sequences of the 5'end of ZG29p cDNA. One intron contains consensus elements required for pancreas specific transcription initiation, suggesting that MTA1 and ZG29 are differentially expressed by alternative transcription initiation in the pancreas. The localisation of MTA1p in the nucleus of most cell types could signify a general role in gene regulation, while the cell type specific and exclusive expression of ZG29p in pancreatic acinar cells could indicate a role in granule formation.

Disruption of disulfide bonds exhibits differential effects on trafficking of regulated secretory proteins

For several secretory proteins, it has been hypothesized that disulfide-bonded loop structures are required for sorting to secretory granules. To explore this hypothesis, we employed dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment in live pancreatic islets, as well as in PC-12 and GH(4)C(1) cells. In islets, disulfide reduction in the distal secretory pathway did not increase constitutive or constitutive-like secretion of proinsulin (or insulin). In PC-12 cells, DTT treatment caused a dramatic increase in unstimulated secretion of newly synthesized chromogranin B (CgB), presumably as a consequence of reducing the single conserved chromogranin disulfide bond (E. Chanat, U. Weiss, W. B. Huttner, and S. A. Tooze. EMBO J. 12: 2159-2168, 1993). However, in GH(4)C(1) cells that also synthesize CgB endogenously, DTT treatment reduced newly synthesized prolactin and blocked its export, whereas newly synthesized CgB was routed normally to secretory granules. Moreover, on transient expression in GH(4)C(1) cells, CgA and a CgA mutant lacking the conserved disulfide bond showed comparable multimeric aggregation properties and targeting to secretory granules, as measured by stimulated secretion assays. Thus the conformational perturbation of regulated secretory proteins caused by disulfide disruption leads to consequences in protein trafficking that are both protein and cell type dependent.

Zymogen granule alterations in caerulein-induced pancreatitis developed during continuous hydrocortisone administration

BACKGROUND

The amount of enzymes stored in individual zymogen granules and the glycosylation of their membrane have been analysed in rats with acute pancreatitis induced by caerulein after hydrocortisone treatment. The consequences of prolonging hydrocortisone administration after pancreatitis and the use of the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonist, L-364,718, have also been evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis was performed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Caerulein-induced pancreatitis in rats previously treated for 7 days with hydrocortisone (10 mg kg-1 per day) revealed alterations in enzyme storage in the pancreas. Significant increases in amylase and trypsinogen contents in zymogen granules were observed, an effect associated with a reduction in L-fucose glycoconjugates. Pancreatitis persists 7 days later if hydrocortisone treatment is prolonged. At this stage, a reduced granule fucosylation was still observed, and a significant decrease in the amount of trypsinogen stored in the granules was found. However, hydrocortisone administration led to an increase in intragranular amylase quantities up to normal values, even when L-364,718 was simultaneously administered, but it reverted to plasma as a consequence of pancreatitis. The amount of N-acetyl D-glucosamine in the zymogen granule membrane was not altered by caerulein acute pancreatitis induced under continuous hydrocortisone treatment, but it was decreased by the administration of L-364,718 over 7 days after pancreatitis induction.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of hydrocortisone after the development of pancreatitis prevented recurrence of the disease. L-364,718 proved to be detrimental, not only failing to reduce the symptoms of pancreatitis but also altering the glycoproteins of zymogen granule membrane.

Efficient binding of regulated secretory protein aggregates to membrane phospholipids at acidic pH

Some regulated secretory proteins are thought to be targeted to secretory granules through an acidic-dependent aggregation in the trans-Golgi network. In this report we use pancreatic zymogens, a paradigm of regulated proteins, to test this hypothesis, because they qualitatively aggregate upon acidification in vitro. Pig zymogens were found to start to aggregate significantly at pH approximately 6.0, a pH slightly lower than that at which rat zymogens aggregate, but still compatible with the pH of the cell-sorting compartments. When pig zymogen granule membranes were mixed with the zymogens in the aggregation assay, membranes that normally floated on 1 M sucrose were observed to be pelleted by the aggregating zymogens. Rat membranes were pelleted by pig zymogens and vice versa. Igs, typical constitutively secreted proteins, which needed chemical cross-linking to serve as an aggregated protein control, pelleted membranes almost independently of pH. Corresponding cross-linked zymogen-binding ability and pH dependence was unaffected by the chemical modification. Membranes treated with sodium carbonate, pH 11, or with protease K, were still pelleted by zymogens, suggesting that the aggregated zymogens bound to membrane lipids. This hypothesis was confirmed by the efficient pelleting of unilamellar vesicles composed of granule membrane lipids. Vesicles composed of single classes of phospholipids were also pelleted, but with various efficacies. We conclude that pancreatic zymogen aggregates, formed under the acidic conditions of the secretory pathway sorting compartments, have the capacity to bind firmly to membranes through their phospholipid constituents.

The secretory lectin ZG16p mediates sorting of enzyme proteins to the zymogen granule membrane in pancreatic acinar cells

The recently established in vitro assay of condensation-sorting of pancreatic enzymes to the zymogen granule membrane (ZGM) (Dartsch, H., R. Kleene, H. F. Kern: In vitro condensation-sorting of enzyme proteins isolated from rat pancreatic acinar cells. Eur. J. Cell Biol. 75, 211-222 (1998)) was used to study the involvement of a novel secretory lectin, ZG16p, in the binding of aggregated proteins to ZGM. In isolated zymogen granules the lectin is predominantly associated with the membrane and can be removed to a large extent by bicarbonate treatment at pH 11.5. In the in vitro assay in which secretory proteins aggregate at pH 5.9 but only those bound to ZGM are sedimented into the pellet, ZG16p is significantly enriched in this pellet fraction, shown both by biochemical and fine structural analysis. Pretreatment of ZGM with anti-ZG16p antibody before their addition to the assay inhibits binding to the membrane by about 50%. Similarly, removal of ZG16p or prevention of its interaction with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the submembranous matrix of ZGM by sodium bicarbonate treatment or chondroitinase digestion of ZGM also inhibits the binding efficiency of secretory proteins to ZGM to about the same extent. We conclude that ZG16p may act as a linker molecule between the submembranous matrix on the luminal side of ZGM and aggregated secretory proteins during granule formation in the TGN.

Carboxypeptidase E, a peripheral membrane protein implicated in the targeting of hormones to secretory granules, co-aggregates with granule content proteins at acidic pH

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is a prohormone-processing enzyme and peripheral membrane protein of endocrine/neuroendocrine secretory granules. CPE has been shown to bind to an amino-terminal peptide of pro-opiomelanocortin (N-POMC) at pH 5.5 and hypothesized to be critically involved in the targeting of hormones such as POMC to the regulated secretory pathway [Cool, D. R., Normant, E., Shen, F., Chen, H. C., Pannell, L., Zhang, Y., and Loh, Y. P. (1997) Cell 88, 73-83]. To further explore the possibility that CPE serves to mediate the association of content proteins with the membrane during granule biogenesis, the binding of CPE to granule content proteins was investigated using an in vitro aggregation assay in which the selective precipitation of granule content proteins is induced by titration of the pH to <6.0. CPE was observed to co-aggregate efficiently with pituitary and chromaffin granule content proteins at concentrations well below those that promote its self-aggregation. In addition, CPE co-precipitated at pH 5.8 with purified prolactin and with insulin, which homophillically self-aggregate yet are structurally distinct from N-POMC. N-POMC when added to the assays did not inhibit the aggregation of CPE with prolactin or insulin, indicating that these interactions do not involve a binding site for N-POMC. The data show that CPE interacts at acidic pH with a variety of different content proteins, resembling in this regard other granule membrane proteins. The results support the idea that co-aggregation of abundant membrane proteins with content proteins is an important general mechanism for the sorting and retention of secretory granule proteins during granule maturation.

Immunoglobulin-derived polypeptides enter the regulated secretory pathway in AtT-20 cells

Constitutively secreted proteins have traditionally been believed to be excluded from the regulated secretory pathway. In this work we show that kappa light chain and Fc fragment, two markers of the constitutive pathway, are present in the regulated pathway in AtT-20 cells. They colocalize with the endogenous hormone ACTH and they exhibit stimulus-dependent secretion. The Fc fragment, which undergoes intracellular transport at the same rate as the ACTH precursor POMC, enters the forming secretory granules, however, it is partially lost during granule maturation. These observations show that classic constitutive secretory markers are not excluded from the regulated secretory pathway and that efficient sorting for regulated secretion occurs above a background of proteins which enter the granules without sorting.

Chromogranin B (secretogranin I), a neuroendocrine-regulated secretory protein, is sorted to exocrine secretory granules in transgenic mice

Chromogranin B (CgB, secretogranin I) is a secretory granule matrix protein expressed in a wide variety of endocrine cells and neurons. Here we generated transgenic mice expressing CgB under the control of the human cytomegalovirus promoter. Northern and immunoblot analyses, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry revealed that the exocrine pancreas was the tissue with the highest level of ectopic CgB expression. Upon subcellular fractionation of the exocrine pancreas, the distribution of CgB in the various fractions was indistinguishable from that of amylase, an endogenous constituent of zymogen granules. Immunogold electron microscopy of pancreatic acinar cells showed co-localization of CgB with zymogens in Golgi cisternae, condensing vacuoles/immature granules and mature zymogen granules; the ratio of immunoreactivity of CgB to zymogens being highest in condensing vacuoles/immature granules. CgB isolated from zymogen granules of the pancreas of the transgenic mice aggregated in a mildly acidic (pH 5.5) milieu in vitro, suggesting that low pH-induced aggregation contributed to the observed concentration of CgB in condensing vacuoles. Our results show that a neuroendocrine-regulated secretory protein can be sorted to exocrine secretory granules in vivo, and imply that a key feature of CgB sorting in the trans-Golgi network of neuroendocrine cells, i.e. its aggregation-mediated concentration in the course of immature secretory granule formation, also occurs in exocrine cells although secretory protein sorting in these cells is thought to occur largely in the course of secretory granule maturation.

Sorting and storage during secretory granule biogenesis: looking backward and looking forward

Secretory granules are specialized intracellular organelles that serve as a storage pool for selected secretory products. The exocytosis of secretory granules is markedly amplified under physiologically stimulated conditions. While granules have been recognized as post-Golgi carriers for almost 40 years, the molecular mechanisms involved in their formation from the trans-Golgi network are only beginning to be defined. This review summarizes and evaluates current information about how secretory proteins are thought to be sorted for the regulated secretory pathway and how these activities are positioned with respect to other post-Golgi sorting events that must occur in parallel. In the first half of the review, the emerging role of immature secretory granules in protein sorting is highlighted. The second half of the review summarizes what is known about the composition of granule membranes. The numerous similarities and relatively limited differences identified between granule membranes and other vesicular carriers that convey products to and from the plasmalemma, serve as a basis for examining how granule membrane composition might be established and how its unique functions interface with general post-Golgi membrane traffic. Studies of granule formation in vitro offer additional new insights, but also important challenges for future efforts to understand how regulated secretory pathways are constructed and maintained.

Intracellular transport and secretion of salivary proteins

Intracellular transport and secretion of salivary proteins are major activities of salivary acinar cells. While the major intracellular pathway followed by salivary proteins following their synthesis has been described previously, there is only limited understanding of how this process is regulated at the molecular level. Studies of salivary proteins, especially proline-rich proteins, expressed in an endocrine cell line have begun to provide insight regarding intermolecular interactions during transport and the role played by structural signals during intracellular sorting. Analysis of the secretion of newly synthesized salivary proteins in parotid tissue has shown that there are multiple pathways of discharge from acinar cells. While granule exocytosis is the major pathway, at least two other pathways that export salivary proteins have been found to originate from maturing secretion granules. These pathways may contribute to other acinar cell functions, including secretion of proteins in the absence of acute stimulation and support of the secretory process for fluid and electrolytes.

In vitro condensation-sorting of enzyme proteins isolated from rat pancreatic acinar cells

To study the process of granule formation in pancreatic acinar cells in more detail we have established an in vitro system in which the whole complement of enzyme proteins released from isolated zymogen granules is mixed with a tracer amount of the same biosynthetically labeled proteins and is incubated at conditions prevailing in either pre-Golgi (pH 7.5) or trans-Golgi (pH 5.9) compartments. Condensation of the proteins into dense cores is assayed and quantitated after centrifugation of the mixture at 13000g and separation of the proteins in both the supernatant and the pellet by 2D-gel electrophoresis. At pH 7.5 about 1% of the total protein-bound radioactivity can be sedimented into the pellet and this increases 5-fold at pH 5.9 with similar sedimentation efficiency for individual enzyme proteins. The usual assumption that all aggregated proteins can be sedimented and thus only the pellet is representative for pH-dependent condensation has to be modified by the fine structural analysis of both the supernatant and pellet fraction at pH 7.5 and 5.9. Small particulate complexes form already in the supernatant at pH 7.5 which are not sedimented to a large extent into the pellet. At pH 5.9 aggregates of a homogeneous size of about 0.6 to 0.8 microm formed in the supernatant while the pellet is composed of sheets and vesicles of membranes studded with dense core particles of about 20 to 30nm size. The pH-dependent protein condensation is a stepwise process starting with the formation of small dense core particles already at pH 8.0/7.5 which then progressively aggregate to form larger cores at pH 6.0/5.0. These aggregates can only be sedimented employing higher centrifugal forces. In the condensation process of pancreatic enzyme proteins calcium ions exert an effect only at pH 7.5, leading to somewhat larger dense particles, while potassium ions are inhibitory both in protein condensation and in the binding of particles to membranes. The process of pH-dependent protein condensation is reversible and can be performed repetitively. The sedimentation of condensed proteins can be increased by the addition of isolated zymogen granule membranes. Thus the in vitro system allows the analysis of two related processes in granule formation: the condensation of secretory proteins into granule cores and their binding to the granule membrane.

Intracellular transport, cell-surface exposure and release of recombinant Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein

Human Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (T-H), first described as the major urinary glycoprotein, is a glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein which mainly resides at the luminal face of cells of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL) and early distal convoluted tubules of nephron. Since no human renal cell-line producing T-H is available, T-H cDNA was transfected in HeLa cells and a cell line was selected in which 95% of the cells stably expressed T-H, in order to elucidate the biosynthesis, mechanisms regulating the transport of T-H along the exocytic pathway, exposure at the cell surface and release in soluble form. Treatment of cells with an exogenous reducing agent results in a drastic delay in the conversion from precursor to mature T-H. Since the accumulating T-H-precursor carries glycans not yet processed by Golgi-mannosidases, we propose that the formation of a correct set of intrachain disulphide bonds is required for T-H exit out the endoplasmic reticulum. Even the treatment of cells with an inhibitor of GPI-anchor biosynthesis results in an intracellular accumulation of T-H precursor, loss of T-H localization into Golgi apparatus and reduced surface exposure. These results indicate that the GPI-anchor addition is necessary for T-H delivery to the cell-surface. The release rate of new synthesized T-H shows an initial lag time very likely depending on the time required for T-H surface exposure. A portion of released T-H appears to contain ethanolamine, a component of GPI anchor, indicating that, at least in HeLa cells, a GPI-specific phospholipase contributes to the T-H release. Exposure of cells to monensin and brefeldin A results in a loss of accumulation of T-H in the Golgi perinuclear region and a reduced delivery to the cell surface. Under monensin treatment an intermediate T-H form non-exposed at the cell surface is released in the medium, indicating that a soluble T-H may be produced inside the cell under conditions that alter the Golgi apparatus. If such an event occurs in polarized kidney cells, a T-H release from the basolateral face may be postulated, inasmuch as the GPI-anchor is an apical sorting signal. Since T-H is a powerful autoantigen, the accumulation of soluble T-H in the interstitium of TAL may cause the formation of immunocomplexes.

Glucocorticoids regulate L-fucose glycoconjugates in rat pancreatic zymogen granules

Lectin-binding studies were performed on rat pancreatic zymogen granules to investigate the influence of glucocorticoid levels on saccharide membrane composition. The following animal groups were used: (1) control rats; (2) rats treated with hydrocortisone (1, 10 and 25 mg/kg/day) for 1, 3 and 8 days; (3) postadrenalectomized rats at days +1, +3 and +8; and (4) adrenalectomized rats receiving hydrocortisone therapy (10 mg/kg/day) for 8 days. By flow cytometry, fluoresceinated (FITC) lectins were used to measure the amount of Concanavalin A (Con A) (specific for D-mannose), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) (specific for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) and sialic acids and Tetragonolobus purpureus (TP) (specific for L-fucose) bound to individual zymogen granules from two subpopulations, Z1 and Z2, identified on the basis of their forward and side scatter properties. The molar ratio of the different FITC-lectins revealed significant differences in the glycoconjugate composition of Z1 and Z2 granules, the Z1 granules showing higher ratios of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine:L-fucose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine:D-mannose, both in control, adrenalectomized and hydrocortisone-treated rats. It was also observed that N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and/or sialic acids were more abundant than L-fucose and D-mannose in the zymogen granule membrane. Z1 and Z2 granules had different glycosylation patterns. Neither adrenalectomy nor hydrocortisone treatments varied the Con A binding to zymogen granules. An increase in WGA binding was only induced by administration of very high doses of hydrocortisone (25 mg/kg/day) for 8 days, an effect not directly related to glucocorticoids. In contrast, a correlation between the FITC-TP labelling and glucocorticoid levels can be established, so that, in a time-dose dependent way, an increase was observed in zymogen granules of rats treated with hydrocortisone while a decreased TP binding was found in adrenalectomized rats-an effect which was reversed with hydrocortisone therapy. Therefore, glucocorticoids exert a direct influence on the saccharide composition of rat pancreatic zymogen granules, regulating the amount of L-fucose glycoconjugates, with Z2 granules more sensitive than Z1 ones.

Passive sorting in maturing granules of AtT-20 cells: the entry and exit of salivary amylase and proline-rich protein

Previous studies have suggested that salivary amylase and proline-rich protein are sorted differently when expressed in AtT-20 cells (Castle, A.M., L.E. Stahl, and J.D. Castle. 1992. J. Biol. Chem. 267:13093- 13100; Colomer, V., K. Lal, T.C. Hoops, and M.J. Rindler. 1994.EMBO (Eur. Mol. Biol. Organ.) J. 13:3711- 3719). We now show that both exocrine proteins behave similarly and enter the regulated secretory pathway as judged by immunolocalization and secretagogue- dependent stimulation of secretion. Analysis of stimulated secretion of newly synthesized proline-rich protein, amylase, and endogenous hormones indicates that the exogenous proteins enter the granule pool with about the same efficiency as the endogenous hormones. However, in contrast to the endogenous hormones, proline-rich protein and amylase are progressively removed from the granule pool during the process of granule maturation such that only small portions remain in mature granules where they colocalize with the stored hormones. The exogenous proteins that are not stored are recovered from the incubation medium and are presumed to have undergone constitutive-like secretion. These results point to a level of sorting for regulated secretion after entry of proteins into forming granules and indicate that retention is essential for efficient storage. Consequently, the critical role of putative sorting receptors for regulated secretion may be in retention rather than in granule entry.