Dimeric sorting code for concentrative cargo selection by the COPII coat

β-N-methylamino-L-alanine production, photosynthesis and transcriptional expression in a possible mutation strain and a wild strain of Thalassiosira minima

The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) produced by marine diatoms has been implicated as an important environmental trigger of neurodegenerative diseases in humans. However, the biosynthesis mechanism of BMAA in marine diatoms is still unknown. In the present study, the strain of diatom Thalassiosira minima almost lost the biosynthesis ability for BMAA after a long-term subculture in our laboratory. The production of BMAA-containing proteins in the mutant strain of T. minima reduced to 18.2 % of that in the wild strain, meanwhile the cell size decreased but pigment content increased in the mutant strain. Take consideration of our previous transcriptional data on the mixed diatom and cyanobacterium cultures, the current transcriptome analysis showed four identical and highly correlated KEGG pathways associated with the accumulation of misfolded proteins in diatom, including ribosome, proteasome, SNARE interactions in vesicle transport, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Analysis of amino acids and transcriptional information suggested that amino acid synthesis and degradation are associated with the biosynthesis of BMAA-containing proteins. In addition, a reduction in the precision of ubiquitination-mediated protein hydrolysis and vesicular transport by the COPII system will exacerbate the accumulation of BMAA-containing proteins in diatoms.

The ufmylation cascade controls COPII recruitment, anterograde transport, and sorting of nascent GPCRs at ER

Ufmylation is implicated in multiple cellular processes, but little is known about its functions and regulation in protein trafficking. Here, we demonstrate that the genetic depletion of core components of the ufmylation cascade, including ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1), UFM1 activation enzyme 5, UFM1-specific ligase 1 (UFL1), UFM1-specific protease 2, and UFM1-binding protein 1 (UFBP1) each markedly inhibits the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi transport, surface delivery, and recruitment to COPII vesicles of a subset of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and UFBP1's function partially relies on UFM1 conjugation. We also show that UFBP1 and UFL1 interact with GPCRs and UFBP1 localizes at COPII vesicles coated with specific Sec24 isoforms. Furthermore, the UFBP1/UFL1-binding domain identified in the receptors effectively converts non-GPCR protein transport into the ufmylation-dependent pathway. Collectively, these data reveal important functions for the ufmylation system in GPCR recruitment to COPII vesicles, biosynthetic transport, and sorting at ER via UFBP1 ufmylation and interaction directly.

COPII cage assembly factor Sec13 integrates information flow regulating endomembrane function in response to human variation

How information flow is coordinated for managing transit of 1/3 of the genome through endomembrane pathways by the coat complex II (COPII) system in response to human variation remains an enigma. By examining the interactome of the COPII cage-assembly component Sec13, we show that it is simultaneously associated with multiple protein complexes that facilitate different features of a continuous program of chromatin organization, transcription, translation, trafficking, and degradation steps that are differentially sensitive to Sec13 levels. For the trafficking step, and unlike other COPII components, reduction of Sec13 expression decreased the ubiquitination and degradation of wild-type (WT) and F508del variant cargo protein cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) leading to a striking increase in fold stability suggesting that the events differentiating export from degradation are critically dependent on COPII cage assembly at the ER Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) associated recycling and degradation step linked to COPI exchange. Given Sec13's multiple roles in protein complex assemblies that change in response to its expression, we suggest that Sec13 serves as an unanticipated master regulator coordinating information flow from the genome to the proteome to facilitate spatial covariant features initiating and maintaining design and function of membrane architecture in response to human variation.

Nutrient deprivation alters the rate of COPII subunit recruitment at ER subdomains to tune secretory protein transport

Co-assembly of the multilayered coat protein complex II (COPII) with the Sar1 GTPase at subdomains of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) enables secretory cargoes to be concentrated efficiently within nascent transport intermediates, which subsequently deliver their contents to ER-Golgi intermediate compartments. Here, we define the spatiotemporal accumulation of native COPII subunits and secretory cargoes at ER subdomains under differing nutrient availability conditions using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and live cell imaging. Our findings demonstrate that the rate of inner COPII coat recruitment serves as a determinant for the pace of cargo export, irrespective of COPII subunit expression levels. Moreover, increasing inner COPII coat recruitment kinetics is sufficient to rescue cargo trafficking deficits caused by acute nutrient limitation. Our findings are consistent with a model in which the rate of inner COPII coat addition acts as an important control point to regulate cargo export from the ER.

Mammalian cargo receptors for endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport: mechanisms and interactions

Proteins that are destined to enter the secretory pathway are synthesized on the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and then translocated into the ER lumen, where they undergo posttranslational modifications, folding, and assembly. After passing a quality control system, the cargo proteins are packaged into coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles to exit the ER. In metazoans, most COPII subunits have multiple paralogs, enabling COPII vesicles the flexibility to transport a diverse range of cargo. The cytoplasmic domains of transmembrane proteins can interact with SEC24 subunits of COPII to enter the ER exit sites. Some transmembrane proteins may also act as cargo receptors that bind soluble secretory proteins within the ER lumen, enabling them to enter COPII vesicles. The cytoplasmic domains of cargo receptors also contain coat protein complex I binding motifs that allow for their cycling back to the ER after unloading their cargo in the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment and cis-Golgi. Once unloaded, the soluble cargo proteins continue maturation through the Golgi before reaching their final destinations. This review provides an overview of receptor-mediated transport of secretory proteins from the ER to the Golgi, with a focus on the current understanding of two mammalian cargo receptors: the LMAN1-MCFD2 complex and SURF4, and their roles in human health and disease.

Mechanisms of Protein Trafficking and Quality Control in the Kidney and Beyond

Numerous trafficking and quality control pathways evolved to handle the diversity of proteins made by eukaryotic cells. However, at every step along the biosynthetic pathway, there is the potential for quality control system failure. This review focuses on the mechanisms of disrupted proteostasis. Inspired by diseases caused by misfolded proteins in the kidney (mucin 1 and uromodulin), we outline the general principles of protein biosynthesis, delineate the recognition and degradation pathways targeting misfolded proteins, and discuss the role of cargo receptors in protein trafficking and lipid homeostasis. We also discuss technical approaches including live-cell fluorescent microscopy, chemical screens to elucidate trafficking mechanisms, multiplexed single-cell CRISPR screening platforms to systematically delineate mechanisms of proteostasis, and the advancement of novel tools to degrade secretory and membrane-associated proteins. By focusing on components of trafficking that go awry, we highlight ongoing efforts to understand fundamental mechanisms of disrupted proteostasis and implications for the treatment of human proteinopathies.

Cargo selection in endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport and relevant diseases

Most proteins destined for the extracellular space or various intracellular compartments must traverse the intracellular secretory pathway. The first step is the recruitment and transport of cargoes from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen to the Golgi apparatus by coat protein complex II (COPII), consisting of five core proteins. Additional ER transmembrane proteins that aid cargo recruitment are referred to as cargo receptors. Gene duplication events have resulted in multiple COPII paralogs present in the mammalian genome. Here, we review the functions of each COPII protein, human disorders associated with each paralog, and evidence for functional conservation between paralogs. We also provide a summary of current knowledge regarding two prototypical cargo receptors in mammals, LMAN1 and SURF4, and their roles in human health and disease.

The Golgi-resident protein ACBD3 concentrates STING at ER-Golgi contact sites to drive export from the ER

STING, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident receptor for cyclic di-nucleotides (CDNs), is essential for innate immune responses. Upon CDN binding, STING moves from the ER to the Golgi, where it activates downstream type-I interferon (IFN) signaling. General cargo proteins exit from the ER via concentration at ER exit sites. However, the mechanism of STING concentration is poorly understood. Here, we visualize the ER exit sites of STING by blocking its transport at low temperature or by live-cell imaging with the cell-permeable ligand bis-^pivSATE-2'F-c-di-dAMP, which we have developed. After ligand binding, STING forms punctate foci at non-canonical ER exit sites. Unbiased proteomic screens and super-resolution microscopy show that the Golgi-resident protein ACBD3/GCP60 recognizes and concentrates ligand-bound STING at specialized ER-Golgi contact sites. Depletion of ACBD3 impairs STING ER-to-Golgi trafficking and type-I IFN responses. Our results identify the ACBD3-mediated non-canonical cargo concentration system that drives the ER exit of STING.

Efficient progranulin exit from the ER requires its interaction with prosaposin, a Surf4 cargo

Progranulin is a lysosomal protein whose haploinsufficiency causes frontotemporal dementia, while homozygous loss of progranulin causes neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a lysosomal storage disease. The sensitivity of cells to progranulin deficiency raises important questions about how cells coordinate intracellular trafficking of progranulin to ensure its efficient delivery to lysosomes. In this study, we discover that progranulin interactions with prosaposin, another lysosomal protein, first occur within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are required for the efficient ER exit of progranulin. Mechanistically, we identify an interaction between prosaposin and Surf4, a receptor that promotes loading of lumenal cargos into COPII-coated vesicles, and establish that Surf4 is critical for the efficient export of progranulin and prosaposin from the ER. Collectively, this work demonstrates that a network of interactions occurring early in the secretory pathway promote the ER exit and subsequent lysosomal delivery of newly translated progranulin and prosaposin.

The Evaluation of UPro as a New Nutrient on High-Quality Egg Production From the Perspective of Egg Properties, Intestinal Histomorphology, and Oviduct Function of Laying Hens

This study was to investigate the effects of UPro as a new nutritive fortifier on high-quality egg production from the perspective of egg properties, intestinal histomorphology, and oviduct function of laying hens. Four hundred thirty-two Hy-Line Brown laying hens aged 56 weeks were allocated to four groups. Layers were given a basal diet or supplemented with different levels of small peptides (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8%) to replace soybean meal. After 1-week adaptation period, the feeding trial was conducted for 12 weeks. The results showed that UPro addition significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the hardness, stickiness, and chewiness of albumen of layers on weeks 12. A linear elevation (P < 0.05) in the albumen height, Haugh unit (HU), and crude protein content of albumen of layers were noted on week 12 along with dietary UPro addition increasing, and the villus height (VH) and villus height-to-crypt depth radio (VCR) of jejunum also linearly increasing (P < 0.05). In addition, there were linear elevations (P < 0.05) in the relative mRNA expression of Sec23 homolog A (Sec23A) and protein-O-mannosyltransferase1 (POMT1) in layers as dietary UPro addition increased. In conclusion, dietary UPro addition could improve intestinal health, increase the absorption of nutrients, and improve egg quality of laying hens. The possible mechanism underlying UPro improving the quality and processing characteristics of albumen is up-regulating Sec23A and POMT1 expression of magnum. These findings will promote the application of UPro as a new nutritional additive in the production of high-quality eggs.

TMEM41B acts as an ER scramblase required for lipoprotein biogenesis and lipid homeostasis

How amphipathic phospholipids are shuttled between the membrane bilayer remains an essential but elusive process, particularly at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). One prominent phospholipid shuttling process concerns the biogenesis of APOB-containing lipoproteins within the ER lumen, which may require bulk trans-bilayer movement of phospholipids from the cytoplasmic leaflet of the ER bilayer. Here, we show that TMEM41B, present in the lipoprotein export machinery, encodes a previously conceptualized ER lipid scramblase mediating trans-bilayer shuttling of bulk phospholipids. Loss of hepatic TMEM41B eliminates plasma lipids, due to complete absence of mature lipoproteins within the ER, but paradoxically also activates lipid production. Mechanistically, scramblase deficiency triggers unique ER morphological changes and unsuppressed activation of SREBPs, which potently promotes lipid synthesis despite stalled secretion. Together, this response induces full-blown nonalcoholic hepatosteatosis in the TMEM41B-deficient mice within weeks. Collectively, our data uncovered a fundamental mechanism safe-guarding ER function and integrity, dysfunction of which disrupts lipid homeostasis.

Endoplasmic reticulum composition and form: Proteins in and out

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the main harbor for newly synthesized proteins in eukaryotic cells. Through a continuous membrane network of sheets and tubules, the ER hosts secretory proteins, integral membrane proteins, and luminal proteins of the endomembrane system. These proteins are translated by ribosomes outside the ER and require subsequent integration into or translocation across the lipid bilayer of the ER. They are then modified post-translationally and folded in the ER. Some of these proteins are packaged into coat protein complex II-coated vesicles for export. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the mechanism of protein translocation and transmembrane domain insertion in the ER, summarize new insights into selective cargo packaging, and discuss the roles of ER morphological dynamics in these processes.

Receptor-Mediated ER Export of Lipoproteins Controls Lipid Homeostasis in Mice and Humans

Efficient delivery of specific cargos in vivo poses a major challenge to the secretory pathway, which shuttles products encoded by ∼30% of the genome. Newly synthesized protein and lipid cargos embark on the secretory pathway via COPII-coated vesicles, assembled by the GTPase SAR1 on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but how lipid-carrying lipoproteins are distinguished from the general protein cargos in the ER and selectively secreted has not been clear. Here, we show that this process is quantitatively governed by the GTPase SAR1B and SURF4, a high-efficiency cargo receptor. While both genes are implicated in lipid regulation in humans, hepatic inactivation of either mouse Sar1b or Surf4 selectively depletes plasma lipids to near-zero and protects the mice from atherosclerosis. These findings show that the pairing between SURF4 and SAR1B synergistically operates a specialized, dosage-sensitive transport program for circulating lipids, while further suggesting a potential translation to treat atherosclerosis and related cardio-metabolic diseases.

BirA*-protein A fusion protein based BioEnhancer amplifies western blot immunosignal

Western blot (protein immunoblot) is a widely used analytical technique in molecular biology. Utilizing the specific recognizing primary antibody, proteins immobilized on various matrix are investigated by subsequent visualization steps, for example, by the horse radish peroxidase conjugated secondary antibody incubation. Methods to improve the sensitivity in protein identification or quantification are appreciated by biochemists. Herein, we report a new strategy to amplify Western blot signals by constructing a probe with proximal labeling and IgG targeting abilities. The R118G mutation attenuated the biotin-AMP binding affinity of the bacterial biotin ligase BirA*, offering a proximity-dependent labeling ability, which could be used as a signal amplifier. We built a BirA*-protein A fusion protein (BioEnhancer) that specifically binds to IgG and adds biotin tags to its proximal amine groups, enhancing the immunosignal of target proteins. In our experiments, the BioEnhancer system amplified the immunosignal by tenfold compared to the standard western blot. Additionally, our strategy could couple with other signal enhancement methods to further increase the western blot sensitivity.

A conserved arginine/lysine-based motif promotes ER export of KCNE1 and KCNE2 to regulate KCNQ1 channel activity

KCNE β-subunits play critical roles in modulating cardiac voltage-gated potassium channels. Among them, KCNE1 associates with KCNQ1 channel to confer a slow-activated I_Ks current, while KCNE2 functions as a dominant negative modulator to suppress the current amplitude of KCNQ1. Any anomaly in these channels will lead to serious myocardial diseases, such as the long QT syndrome (LQTS). Trafficking defects of KCNE1 have been reported to account for the pathogenesis of LQT5. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying KCNE forward trafficking remain elusive. Here, we describe an arginine/lysine-based motif ([R/K](S)[R/K][R/K]) in the proximal C-terminus regulating the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export of KCNE1 and KCNE2 in HEK293 cells. Notably, this motif is highly conserved in the KCNE family. Our results indicate that the forward trafficking of KCNE2 controlled by the motif (KSKR) is essential for suppressing the cell surface expression and current amplitude of KCNQ1. Unlike KCNE2, the motif (RSKK) in KCNE1 plays important roles in modulating the gating of KCNQ1 in addition to mediating the ER export of KCNE1. Furthermore, truncations of the C-terminus did not reduce the apparent affinity of KCNE2 for KCNQ1, demonstrating that the rigid C-terminus of KCNE2 may not physically interact with KCNQ1. In contrast, the KCNE1 C-terminus is critical for its interaction with KCNQ1. These results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of KCNE1 and KCNE2 membrane targeting and how they coassemble with KCNQ1 to regulate the channels activity.

Different Trafficking Phenotypes of Niemann-Pick C1 Gene Mutations Correlate with Various Alterations in Lipid Storage, Membrane Composition and Miglustat Amenability

Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease leading to progressive neurodegeneration. Mutations in the NPC1 gene, which accounts for 95% of the cases, lead to a defect in intra-lysosomal trafficking of cholesterol and an accumulation of storage material including cholesterol and sphingolipids in the endo-lysosomal system. Symptoms are progressive neurological and visceral deterioration, with variable onset and severity of the disease. This study investigates the influence of two different NPC1 mutations on the biochemical phenotype in fibroblasts isolated from NPC patients in comparison to healthy, wild type (WT) cells. Skin derived fibroblasts were cultured from one patient compound-heterozygous for D874V/D948Y mutations, which presented wild-type like intracellular trafficking of NPC1, and a second patient compound- heterozygous for I1061T/P887L mutations, which exhibited a more severe biochemical phenotype as revealed in the delayed trafficking of NPC1. Biochemical analysis using HPLC and TLC indicated that lipid accumulations were mutation-dependent and correlated with the trafficking pattern of NPC1: higher levels of cholesterol and glycolipids were associated with the mutations that exhibited delayed intracellular trafficking, as compared to their WT-like trafficked or wild type (WT) counterparts. Furthermore, variations in membrane structure was confirmed in these cell lines based on alteration in lipid rafts composition as revealed by the shift in flotillin-2 (FLOT2) distribution, a typical lipid rafts marker, which again showed marked alterations only in the NPC1 mutant showing major trafficking delay. Finally, treatment with N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ, Miglustat) led to a reduction of stored lipids in cells from both patients to various extents, however, no normalisation in lipid raft structure was achieved. The data presented in this study help in understanding the varying biochemical phenotypes observed in patients harbouring different mutations, which explain why the effectiveness of NB-DNJ treatment is patient specific.

Cholix protein domain I functions as a carrier element for efficient apical to basal epithelial transcytosis

Cholix (Chx) is expressed by the intestinal pathogen Vibrio cholerae as a single chain of 634 amino acids (~70.7 kDa protein) that folds into three distinct domains, with elements of the second and third domains being involved in accessing the cytoplasm of nonpolarized cells and inciting cell death via ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor 2, respectively. In order to reach nonpolarized cells within the intestinal lamina propria, however, Chx must cross the polarized epithelial barrier in an intact form. Here, we provide in vitro and in vivo demonstrations that a nontoxic Chx transports across intestinal epithelium via a vesicular trafficking pathway that rapidly achieves vesicular apical to basal (A→B) transcytosis and avoids routing to lysosomes. Specifically, Chx traffics in apical endocytic Rab7⁺ vesicles and in basal exocytic Rab11⁺ vesicles with a transition between these domains occurring in the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) through interactions with the lectin mannose-binding protein 1 (LMAN1) protein that undergoes an intracellular re-distribution that coincides with the re-organization of COPI⁺ and COPII⁺ vesicular structures. Truncation studies demonstrated that domain I of Chx alone was sufficient to efficiently complete A→B transcytosis and capable of ferrying genetically conjoined human growth hormone (hGH). These studies provide evidence for a pathophysiological strategy where native Chx exotoxin secreted in the intestinal lumen by nonpandemic V. cholerae can reach nonpolarized cells within the lamina propria in an intact form by using a nondestructive pathway to cross in the intestinal epithelial that appears useful for oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals.One-Sentence Summary: Elements within the first domain of the Cholix exotoxin protein are essential and sufficient for the apical to basal transcytosis of this Vibrio cholerae-derived virulence factor across polarized intestinal epithelial cells.

How to Avoid a No-Deal ER Exit

Efficiency and fidelity of protein secretion are achieved thanks to the presence of different steps, located sequentially in time and space along the secretory compartment, controlling protein folding and maturation. After entering into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), secretory proteins attain their native structure thanks to specific chaperones and enzymes. Only correctly folded molecules are allowed by quality control (QC) mechanisms to leave the ER and proceed to downstream compartments. Proteins that cannot fold properly are instead retained in the ER to be finally destined to proteasomal degradation. Exiting from the ER requires, in most cases, the use of coated vesicles, departing at the ER exit sites, which will fuse with the Golgi compartment, thus releasing their cargoes. Protein accumulation in the ER can be caused by a too stringent QC or by ineffective transport: these situations could be deleterious for the organism, due to the loss of the secreted protein, and to the cell itself, because of abnormal increase of protein concentration in the ER. In both cases, diseases can arise. In this review, we will describe the pathophysiology of protein folding and transport between the ER and the Golgi compartment.

Tales of tails in transporters

Cell nutrition, detoxification, signalling, homeostasis and response to drugs, processes related to cell growth, differentiation and survival are all mediated by plasma membrane (PM) proteins called transporters. Despite their distinct fine structures, mechanism of function, energetic requirements, kinetics and substrate specificities, all transporters are characterized by a main hydrophobic body embedded in the PM as a series of tightly packed, often intertwined, α-helices that traverse the lipid bilayer in a zigzag mode, connected with intracellular or extracellular loops and hydrophilic N- and C-termini. Whereas longstanding genetic, biochemical and biophysical evidence suggests that specific transmembrane segments, and also their connecting loops, are responsible for substrate recognition and transport dynamics, emerging evidence also reveals the functional importance of transporter N- and C-termini, in respect to transport catalysis, substrate specificity, subcellular expression, stability and signalling. This review highlights selected prototypic examples of transporters in which their termini play important roles in their functioning.

The skin transcriptome in hidradenitis suppurativa uncovers an antimicrobial and sweat gland gene signature which has distinct overlap with wounded skin

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory skin disease resulting in non-healing wounds affecting body areas of high hair follicle and sweat gland density. The pathogenesis of HS is not well understood but appears to involve dysbiosis-driven aberrant activation of the innate immune system leading to excessive inflammation. Marked dysregulation of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) in HS is observed, which may contribute to this sustained inflammation. Here, we analyzed HS skin transcriptomes from previously published studies and integrated these findings through a comparative analysis with a published wound healing data set and with immunofluorescence and qPCR analysis from new HS patient samples. Among the top differently expressed genes between lesional and non-lesional HS skin were members of the S100 family as well as dermcidin, the latter known as a sweat gland-associated AMP and one of the most downregulated genes in HS lesions. Interestingly, many genes associated with sweat gland function, such as secretoglobins and aquaporin 5, were decreased in HS lesional skin and we discovered that these genes demonstrated opposite expression profiles in healing skin. Conversely, HS lesional and wounded skin shared a common gene signature including genes encoding for S100 proteins, defensins, and genes encoding antiviral proteins. Overall, our results suggest that the pathogenesis of HS may be driven by changes in AMP expression and altered sweat gland function, and may share a similar pathology with chronic wounds.

Lysosomal targeting of the ABC transporter TAPL is determined by membrane-localized charged residues

The human lysosomal polypeptide ABC transporter TAPL (ABC subfamily B member 9, ABCB9) transports 6-59-amino-acid-long polypeptides from the cytosol into lysosomes. The subcellular localization of TAPL depends solely on its N-terminal transmembrane domain, TMD0, which lacks conventional targeting sequences. However, the intracellular route and the molecular mechanisms that control TAPL localization remain unclear. Here, we delineated the route of TAPL to lysosomes and investigated the determinants of single trafficking steps. By synchronizing trafficking events by a retention using selective hooks (RUSH) assay and visualizing individual intermediate steps through immunostaining and confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that TAPL takes the direct route to lysosomes. We further identified conserved charged residues within TMD0 transmembrane helices that are essential for individual steps of lysosomal targeting. Substitutions of these residues retained TAPL in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or Golgi. We also observed that for release from the ER, a salt bridge between Asp-17 and Arg-57 is essential. An interactome analysis revealed that Yip1-interacting factor homolog B membrane-trafficking protein (YIF1B) interacts with TAPL. We also found that YIF1B is involved in ER-to-Golgi trafficking and interacts with TMD0 of TAPL via its transmembrane domain and that this interaction strongly depends on the newly identified salt bridge within TMD0. These results expand our knowledge about lysosomal trafficking of TAPL and the general function of extra transmembrane domains of ABC transporters.

Cideb controls sterol-regulated ER export of SREBP/SCAP by promoting cargo loading at ER exit sites

SREBPs are master regulators of lipid homeostasis and undergo sterol‐regulated export from ER to Golgi apparatus for processing and activation via COPII‐coated vesicles. While COPII recognizes SREBP through its escort protein SCAP, factor(s) specifically promoting SREBP/SCAP loading to the COPII machinery remains unknown. Here, we show that the ER/lipid droplet‐associated protein Cideb selectively promotes the loading of SREBP/SCAP into COPII vesicles. Sterol deprivation releases SCAP from Insig and enhances ER export of SREBP/SCAP by inducing SCAP‐Cideb interaction, thereby modulating sterol sensitivity. Moreover, Cideb binds to the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Sec12 to enrich SCAP/SREBP at ER exit sites, where assembling of COPII complex initiates. Loss of Cideb inhibits the cargo loading of SREBP/SCAP, reduces SREBP activation, and alleviates diet‐induced hepatic steatosis. Our data point to a linchpin role of Cideb in regulated ER export of SREBP and lipid homeostasis.

COPII-dependent ER export in animal cells: adaptation and control for diverse cargo

The export of newly synthesized proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum is fundamental to the ongoing maintenance of cell and tissue structure and function. After co-translational translocation into the ER, proteins destined for downstream intracellular compartments or secretion from the cell are sorted and packaged into transport vesicles by the COPII coat protein complex. The fundamental discovery and characterization of the pathway has now been augmented by a greater understanding of the role of COPII in diverse aspects of cell function. We now have a deep understanding of how COPII contributes to the trafficking of diverse cargoes including extracellular matrix molecules, developmental signalling proteins, and key metabolic factors such as lipoproteins. Structural and functional studies have shown that the COPII coat is both highly flexible and subject to multiple modes of regulation. This has led to new discoveries defining roles of COPII in development, autophagy, and tissue organization. Many of these newly emerging features of the canonical COPII pathway are placed in a context of procollagen secretion because of the fundamental interest in how a coat complex that typically generates 80-nm transport vesicles can package a cargo reported to be over 300 nm. Here we review the current understanding of COPII and assess the current consensus on its role in packaging diverse cargo proteins.