The alpha chain of the AP-2 adaptor is a clathrin binding subunit

Clathrin-coated vesicles from brain have small payloads: a cryo-electron tomographic study

Clathrin coats, which stabilize membrane curvature during endocytosis and vesicular trafficking, form highly polymorphic fullerene lattices. We used cryo-electron tomography to visualize coated particles in isolates from bovine brain. The particles range from ∼66 to ∼134nm in diameter, and only 20% of them (all ⩾80nm) contain vesicles. The remaining 80% are clathrin "baskets", presumably artifactual assembly products. Polyhedral models were built for 54 distinct coat geometries. In true coated vesicles (CVs), most vesicles are offset to one side, leaving a crescent of interstitial space between the coat and the membrane for adaptor proteins and other components. The latter densities are fewer on the membrane-proximal side, which may represent the last part of the vesicle to bud off. A small number of densities - presumably cargo proteins - are associated with the interior surface of the vesicles. The clathrin coat, adaptor proteins, and vesicle membrane contribute almost all of the mass of a CV, with most cargoes accounting for only a few percent. The assembly of a CV therefore represents a massive biosynthetic effort to internalize a relatively diminutive payload. Such a high investment may be needed to overcome the resistance of membranes to high curvature.

Role of adaptor proteins in secretory granule biogenesis and maturation

In the regulated secretory pathway, secretory granules (SGs) store peptide hormones that are released on demand. SGs are formed at the trans-Golgi network and must undergo a maturation process to become responsive to secretagogues. The production of mature SGs requires concentrating newly synthesized soluble content proteins in granules whose membranes contain the appropriate integral membrane proteins. The mechanisms underlying the sorting of soluble and integral membrane proteins destined for SGs from other proteins are not yet well understood. For soluble proteins, luminal pH and divalent metals can affect aggregation and interaction with surrounding membranes. The trafficking of granule membrane proteins can be controlled by both luminal and cytosolic factors. Cytosolic adaptor proteins (APs), which recognize the cytosolic domains of proteins that span the SG membrane, have been shown to play essential roles in the assembly of functional SGs. Adaptor protein 1A (AP-1A) is known to interact with specific motifs in its cargo proteins and with the clathrin heavy chain, contributing to the formation of a clathrin coat. AP-1A is present in patches on immature SG membranes, where it removes cargo and facilitates SG maturation. AP-1A recruitment to membranes can be modulated by Phosphofurin Acidic Cluster Sorting protein 1 (PACS-1), a cytosolic protein which interacts with both AP-1A and cargo that has been phosphorylated by casein kinase II. A cargo/PACS-1/AP-1A complex is necessary to drive the appropriate transport of several cargo proteins within the regulated secretory pathway. The Golgi-localized, γ-ear containing, ADP-ribosylation factor binding (GGA) family of APs serve a similar role. We review the functions of AP-1A, PACS-1, and GGAs in facilitating the retrieval of proteins from immature SGs and review examples of cargo proteins whose trafficking within the regulated secretory pathway is governed by APs.

Role of AP-1 in developmentally regulated lysosomal trafficking in Trypanosoma brucei

African trypanosomes are the causative agents of human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). The pathogenic stage of the parasite has unique adaptations to life in the bloodstream of the mammalian host, including upregulation of endocytic and lysosomal activities. We investigated stage-specific requirements for cytoplasmic adaptor/clathrin machinery in post-Golgi apparatus biosynthetic sorting to the lysosome using RNA interference silencing of the Tbmu1 subunit of adaptor complex 1 (AP-1), in conjunction with immunolocalization, kinetic analyses of reporter transport, and quantitative endocytosis assays. Tbmu1 silencing was lethal in both stages, indicating a critical function(s) for the AP-1 machinery. Transport of soluble and membrane-bound secretory cargoes was Tbmu1 independent in both stages. In procyclic parasites, trafficking of the lysosomal membrane protein, p67, was disrupted, leading to cell surface mislocalization. The lysosomal protease trypanopain was also secreted, suggesting a transmembrane-sorting receptor for this soluble hydrolase. In bloodstream trypanosomes, both p67 and trypanopain trafficking were unaffected by Tbmu1 silencing, suggesting that AP-1 is not necessary for biosynthetic lysosomal trafficking. Endocytosis in bloodstream cells was also unaffected, indicating that AP-1 does not function at the flagellar pocket. These results indicate that post-Golgi apparatus sorting to the lysosome is critically dependent on the AP-1/clathrin machinery in procyclic trypanosomes but that this machinery is not necessary in bloodstream parasites. We propose a simple model for stage-specific default secretory trafficking in trypanosomes that is consistent with the behavior of other soluble and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cargos and which is influenced by upregulation of endocytosis in bloodstream parasites as an adaptation to life in the mammalian bloodstream.

Phospholipase C-epsilon augments epidermal growth factor-dependent cell growth by inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor down-regulation

The down-regulation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is critical for the termination of EGF-dependent signaling, and the dysregulation of this process can lead to oncogenesis. In the present study, we suggest a novel mechanism for the regulation of EGF receptor down-regulation by phospholipase C-epsilon. The overexpression of PLC-epsilon led to an increase in receptor recycling and decreased the down-regulation of the EGF receptor in COS-7 cells. Adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2) was identified as a novel binding protein that associates with the PLC-epsilon RA2 domain independently of Ras. The interaction of PLC-epsilon with AP2 was responsible for the suppression of EGF receptor down-regulation, since a perturbation in this interaction abolished this effect. Enhanced EGF receptor stability by PLC-epsilon led to the potentiation of EGF-dependent growth in COS-7 cells. Finally, the knockdown of PLC-epsilon in mouse embryo fibroblast cells elicited a severe defect in EGF-dependent growth. Our results indicated that PLC-epsilon could promote EGF-dependent cell growth by suppressing receptor down-regulation.

Cell biology of membrane trafficking in human disease

Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying membrane traffic pathways is crucial to the treatment and cure of human disease. Various human diseases caused by changes in cellular homeostasis arise through a single gene mutation(s) resulting in compromised membrane trafficking. Many pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites have evolved mechanisms to subvert the host cell response to infection, or have hijacked cellular mechanisms to proliferate and ensure pathogen survival. Understanding the consequence of genetic mutations or pathogenic infection on membrane traffic has also enabled greater understanding of the interactions between organisms and the surrounding environment. This review focuses on human genetic defects and molecular mechanisms that underlie eukaryote exocytosis and endocytosis and current and future prospects for alleviation of a variety of human diseases.

Control of scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis by novel ligands of different length

The scavenger receptor recognized as a multiligand family of receptors falls in the group that is internalised through endocytosis. In this report we used several recombinant fragments of the tapeworm protein paramyosin, known to form filamentous dimers that bind collagenous structures as ligands of different length for the class A type I scavenger receptor (SR-AI). While native CHO cells are unresponsive to any of the recombinant fragments, it is shown that CHO cells transfected with this receptor efficiently internalise recombinant fragments that correspond to two thirds of the full-length paramyosin. In contrast, recombinant products corresponding to one-third of the full-length paramyiosin are not internalised. It is also shown that important molecules in the organization of the coated pit, are enriched when the two-thirds long paramyosin fragments were bound and internalised through the SR-AI. Moreover, internalisation of these fragments trigger a classical apoptotic pathway shown by the presence of TUNEL positive cells and the appearance of apoptotic bodies. We report paramyosin as a new ligand for the scavenger receptor and provide evidence supporting the notion that these receptors upon the formation of arrays with length-specific molecules, not only trigger endocytosis but also seem to regulate the synthesis of molecules involved in the organization of coated pits.

The adaptor protein AP-4 as a component of the clathrin coat machinery: a morphological study

The four members of the AP (adaptor protein) family are heterotetrameric cytosolic complexes that are involved in the intracellular trafficking of cargo proteins between different organelles. They interact with motifs present in the cytoplasmic tails of their specific cargo proteins at different intracellular locations. While AP-1, AP-2 and AP-3 have been investigated extensively, very few studies have focused on the fourth member, AP-4. In the present study, we report on the intracellular localization of AP-4 in the MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) and MelJuSo cell lines after immunogold labelling of ultrathin cryosections. We find that AP-4 is localized mainly in the Golgi complex, as well as on endosomes and transport vesicles. Interestingly, we show for the first time that AP-4 is localized with the clathrin coat machinery in the Golgi complex and in the endocytic pathway. Furthermore, we find that AP-4 is localized with the CI-MPR (cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor), but not with the transferrin receptor, LAMP-2 (lysosomal-associated membrane protein-2) or invariant chain. The difference in morphology between CI-MPR/AP-4-positive vesicles and CI-MPR/AP-1-positive vesicles raises the possibility that AP-4 acts at a location different from that of AP-1 in the intracellular trafficking pathway of CI-MPR.

Caspases and nitric oxide broadly regulate dendritic cell maturation and surface expression of class II MHC proteins

The passage of dendritic cells (DC) from immature to terminally differentiated antigen-presenting cells is accompanied by numerous morphological, phenotypic, and functional changes. These changes include, for example, expression of "empty" class II MHC proteins (MHCII) at the surface in immature DC, whereas a much larger amount of peptide-loaded MHCII is expressed at the surface in mature DC. Here we show that, in cultured immature DC derived from murine bone-marrow precursors, a number of molecules involved in intracellular trafficking were present in a cleaved form, degraded by caspase-like proteases. Cleavage was either inhibited or reduced significantly during maturation of DC induced by either LPS and TNF-alpha or by peptides that inhibit caspase activities. Inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthetase up-regulated by LPS was essential for inhibiting the caspase-like activity during the maturation of DC. Moreover, treatment with LPS or caspase inhibitor resulted in expression of MHCII/peptide complexes at the cell surface. Thus, the alteration of the endosomal trafficking pathways during the development of DC that parallels the changes in surface expression of MHCII is regulated at least in part by the activities of caspases, inducible NO synthetase, and its product NO.

Internalization of pseudorabies virus glycoprotein B is mediated by an interaction between the YQRL motif in its cytoplasmic domain and the clathrin-associated AP-2 adaptor complex

The cytoplasmic domain of pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoprotein B (gB) contains three putative internalization motifs. Previously, we demonstrated that the tyrosine-based YQRL motif at positions 902 to 905, but not the YMSI motif at positions 864 to 867 or the LL doublet at positions 887 and 888, is required for correct functioning of gB during antibody-mediated internalization of PRV cell surface-bound glycoproteins. In the present study, we demonstrate that the YQRL motif is also crucial to allow spontaneous internalization of PRV gB, and thus, that spontaneous and antibody-mediated internalizations of PRV gB occur through closely related mechanisms. Furthermore, we found that PRV gB colocalizes with the cellular clathrin-associated AP-2 adaptor complex and that this colocalization depends on the YQRL motif. In addition, by coimmunoprecipitation assays, we found that during both spontaneous and antibody-dependent internalization, PRV gB physically interacts with AP-2, and that efficient interaction between gB and AP-2 required an intact YQRL motif. Collectively, these findings demonstrate for the first time that during internalization of an alphaherpesvirus envelope protein, i.e., PRV gB, a specific amino acid sequence in the cytoplasmic tail of the protein interacts with AP-2 and may constitute a common AP-2-mediated mechanism of internalization of alphaherpesvirus envelope proteins.

Domains of the TGN: Coats, Tethers and G Proteins

The trans-Golgi network is the major sorting compartment of the secretory pathway for protein, lipid and membrane traffic. There is a constant flow of membrane and cargo to and from this compartment. Evidence is emerging that the trans-Golgi network has multiple biochemically and functionally distinct subdomains, each of which contributes to the combined sorting and transport requirements of this dynamic compartment. The recruitment of distinct arrays of protein complexes to trans-Golgi network membranes is likely to produce the diversity of structure and biochemistry observed amongst subdomains that serve to generate different carriers or maintain resident trans-Golgi network components. This review discusses how these subdomains may be formed and examines the molecular players involved, including G proteins, clathrin adaptors and golgin tethers. Diversity within these protein families is highlighted and shown to be critical for the functionality of the trans-Golgi network, as a mediator of protein sorting and membrane transport, and for the maintenance of Golgi structure.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta2 subunit of clathrin adaptor complex AP-2 reveals the role of a di-leucine motif in the epidermal growth factor receptor trafficking

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta2 subunit of clathrin adaptor complex AP-2 was detected in three types of cells treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF). The tyrosine phosphorylation was observed during recruitment of EGF receptors into coated pits at 4 degrees C and reached maximum at 37 degrees C at post-recruitment stages of endocytosis. An inhibitor of EGF receptor kinase completely abolished this phosphorylation in all cell types, whereas the inhibitor of Src family kinases partially inhibited beta2 phosphorylation in A-431 cells but not in HeLa cells. By using beta2 subunit tagged with yellow fluorescent protein that is effectively assembled into AP-2 complex, the major phosphorylation site of beta2 was mapped to Tyr-6. Analysis of cells expressing dominant-interfering mutant mu2 subunit of AP-2 suggested that beta2 phosphorylation is partially mediated by the receptor interaction with the mu2 subunit. Mutation of leucine residues 1010 and 1011 motif in the EGF receptor resulted in the severe inhibition of beta2 tyrosine phosphorylation. From these data, we propose that interactions of the EGF receptor with AP-2 mediated by the receptor 974YRAL and di-leucine motifs may contribute to beta2 tyrosine phosphorylation. Surprisingly, mutation of the Leu-1010/Leu-1011 motif resulted in impaired degradation of EGF receptors, suggesting the role of this motif in lysosomal targeting of the receptor.

Phosphorylation of the AP2 mu subunit by AAK1 mediates high affinity binding to membrane protein sorting signals

During receptor-mediated endocytosis, AP2 complexes act as a bridge between the cargo membrane proteins and the clathrin coat by binding to sorting signals via the mu 2 subunit and to clathrin via the beta subunit. Here we show that binding of AP2 to sorting signals in vitro is regulated by phosphorylation of the mu 2 subunit of AP2. Phosphorylation of mu 2 enhances the binding affinity of AP2 for sorting motifs as much as 25-fold compared with dephosphorylated AP2. The recognition of sorting signals was not affected by the phosphorylation status of the alpha or beta 2 subunit, suggesting that phosphorylation of mu 2 is critical for regulation of AP2 binding to sorting signals. Phosphorylation of mu 2 occurs at a single threonine residue (Thr-156) and is mediated by the newly discovered adaptor-associated kinase, AAK1, which copurifies with AP2. We propose that phosphorylation of the AP2 mu 2 subunit by AAK1 ensures high affinity binding of AP2 to sorting signals of cargo membrane proteins during the initial steps of receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Assembly and function of AP-3 complexes in cells expressing mutant subunits

The mouse mutants mocha and pearl are deficient in the AP-3 delta and beta3A subunits, respectively. We have used cells from these mice to investigate both the assembly of AP-3 complexes and AP-3 function. In mocha cells, the beta3 and mu3 subunits coassemble into a heterodimer, whereas the sigma3 subunit remains monomeric. In pearl cells, the delta and sigma3 subunits coassemble into a heterodimer, whereas mu3 gets destroyed. The yeast two hybrid system was used to confirm these interactions, and also to demonstrate that the A (ubiquitous) and B (neuronal-specific) isoforms of beta3 and mu3 can interact with each other. Pearl cell lines were generated that express beta3A, beta3B, a beta3Abeta2 chimera, two beta3A deletion mutants, and a beta3A point mutant lacking a functional clathrin binding site. All six constructs assembled into complexes and were recruited onto membranes. However, only beta3A, beta3B, and the point mutant gave full functional rescue, as assayed by LAMP-1 sorting. The beta3Abeta2 chimera and the beta3A short deletion mutant gave partial functional rescue, whereas the beta3A truncation mutant gave no functional rescue. These results indicate that the hinge and/or ear domains of beta3 are important for function, but the clathrin binding site is not needed.

GGAs: roles of the different domains and comparison with AP-1 and clathrin

We have previously identified a novel family of proteins called the GGAs (Golgi-localized, gamma-ear-containing, ADP-ribosylation factor-binding proteins). These proteins consist of an NH(2)-terminal VHS domain, followed by a GAT domain, a variable domain, and a gamma-adaptin ear homology domain. Studies from our own laboratory and others, making use of both yeast and mammals cells, indicate that the GGAs facilitate trafficking from the trans-Golgi network to endosomes. Here we have further investigated the function of the GGAs. We find that GGA-deficient yeast are not only defective in vacuolar protein sorting but they are also impaired in their ability to process alpha-factor. Using deletion mutants and chimeras, we show that the VHS domain is required for GGA function and that the VHS domain from Vps27p will not substitute for the GGA VHS domain. In contrast, the gamma-adaptin ear homology domain contributes to GGA function but is not absolutely required, and full function can be restored by replacing the GGA ear domain with the gamma-adaptin ear domain. Deleting the gamma-adaptin gene together with the two GGA genes exacerbates the phenotype in yeast, suggesting that they function on parallel pathways. In mammalian cells, the association of GGAs with the membrane is extremely unstable, which may account for their absence from purified clathrin-coated vesicles. Double- and triple-labeling immunofluorescence experiments indicate that the GGAs and AP-1 are associated with distinct populations of clathrin-coated vesicles budding from the trans-Golgi network. Together with results from other studies, our findings suggest that the GGAs act as monomeric adaptors, with the four domains involved in cargo selection, membrane localization, clathrin binding, and accessory protein recruitment.

Clathrin interactions with C-terminal regions of the yeast AP-1 beta and gamma subunits are important for AP-1 association with clathrin coats

Heterotetrameric adaptor (AP) complexes are thought to coordinate cargo recruitment and clathrin assembly during clathrin-coated vesicle biogenesis. We have identified, and characterized the physiological significance of clathrin-binding activities in the two large subunits of the AP-1 complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using GST-fusion chromatography, two clathrin-binding sites were defined in the beta1 subunit that match consensus clathrin-binding sequences in other mammalian and yeast clathrin-binding proteins. Clathrin interactions were also identified with the C-terminal region of the gamma subunit. When introduced into chromosomal genes, point mutations in the beta1 clathrin-binding motifs, or deletion of the gamma C-terminal region, reduced association of AP-1 with clathrin in coimmunoprecipitation assays. The beta1 mutations or the gamma truncation individually produced minor effects on AP-1 distribution by subcellular fractionation. However, when beta1 and gamma mutations were combined, severe defects were observed in AP-1 association with membranes and incorporation into clathrin-coated vesicles. The combination of subunit mutations accentuated growth and alpha-factor pheromone maturation defects in chc1-ts cells, though not to the extent caused by complete loss of AP-1 activity. Our results suggest that both the beta1 and gamma subunits contribute interactions with clathrin that are important for stable assembly of AP-1 complexes into clathrin coats in vivo.

Adaptor-related proteins

Two new adaptor-related protein complexes, AP-3 and AP-4, have recently been identified, and both have been implicated in protein sorting at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and/or endosomes. In addition, two families of monomeric proteins with adaptor-related domains, the GGAs and the stoned B family, have also been identified and shown to act at the TGN and plasma membrane, respectively. Together with the two conventional adaptors, AP-1 and AP-2, these proteins may act to direct different types of cargo proteins to different post-Golgi membrane compartments.

Binding of AP2 to sorting signals is modulated by AP2 phosphorylation

The two clathrin-associated adaptor complexes AP1 and AP2 are known to participate in the formation of clathrin-coated vesicles at the trans-Golgi network and at the plasma membrane. During this process adaptors are involved in the sequestration of vesicle cargo by binding to the sorting signals within the cytoplasmic domains of the cargo proteins and in the recruitment of the clathrin coat. After budding of the clathrin-coated vesicles, the clathrin and adaptors dissociate from the vesicles. Here we show that in vitro binding of AP2 to sorting signals, which is one of the initial steps in receptor-mediated endocytosis, is modulated by adaptor phosphorylation. AP2 was phosphorylated by incubating purified AP2 in the presence of ATP and dephosphorylated by incubation with alkaline phosphatase. Affinity for tyrosine-, leucine-based and noncanonical sorting motifs was 15-33 times higher for phosphorylated than for dephosphorylated AP2. Also the binding of AP2 to membranes was regulated by adaptor phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and was about 8-fold higher for phosphorylated than for dephosphorylated AP2. Moreover, AP2 isolated from cytosol is higher phosphorylated than membrane-extracted and exhibits a 5-fold higher binding affinity than AP2 extracted from membranes. Taken together these data point to a cycle of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation as a mechanism for regulating the reversible association of AP2 with membranes and sorting signals during the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis.

A conserved clathrin assembly motif essential for synaptic vesicle endocytosis

Although clathrin assembly by adaptor proteins (APs) plays a major role in the recycling of synaptic vesicles, the molecular mechanism that allows APs to assemble clathrin is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that AP180, like AP-2 and AP-3, binds to the N-terminal domain of clathrin. Sequence analysis reveals a motif, containing the sequence DLL, that exists in multiple copies in many clathrin APs. Progressive deletion of these motifs caused a gradual reduction in the ability of AP180 to assemble clathrin in vitro. Peptides from AP180 or AP-2 containing this motif also competitively inhibited clathrin assembly by either protein. Microinjection of these peptides into squid giant presynaptic terminals reversibly blocked synaptic transmission and inhibited synaptic vesicle endocytosis by preventing coated pit formation at the plasma membrane. These results indicate that the DLL motif confers clathrin assembly properties to AP180 and AP-2 and, perhaps, to other APs. We propose that APs promote clathrin assembly by cross-linking clathrin triskelia via multivalent interactions between repeated DLL motifs in the APs and complementary binding sites on the N-terminal domain of clathrin. These results reveal the structural basis for clathrin assembly and provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of clathrin-mediated synaptic vesicle endocytosis.

Identification of a motif in the carboxyl terminus of CXCR2 that is involved in adaptin 2 binding and receptor internalization

Agonist treatment of cells expressing the chemokine receptor, CXCR2, induces receptor phosphorylation and internalization through a dynamin-dependent mechanism. In the present study, we demonstrate that a carboxyl terminus-truncated mutant of CXCR2 (331T), which no longer undergoes agonist-induced phosphorylation, continues to undergo ligand-induced internalization in HEK293 cells. This mutant receptor exhibits reduced association with beta-arrestin 1 but continues to exhibit association with adaptin 2 alpha and beta subunits. Replacing Leu320-321 and/or Ile323-Leu324 with Ala (LL320,321AA, IL323,324AA, and LLIL320,321,323,324AAAA) in wild-type CXCR2 or 331T causes little change in ligand binding and signaling through Ca(2+) mobilization but greatly impairs the agonist-induced receptor sequestration and ligand-mediated chemotaxis. The LL320,321AA, IL323,324AA, and LLIL320,321,323,324AAAA mutants of CXCR2 exhibit normal binding to beta-arrestin 1 but exhibit decreased binding to adaptin 2alpha and beta. These data demonstrate a role for the LLKIL motif in the carboxyl terminus of CXCR2 in receptor internalization and cell chemotaxis and imply a role for adaptin 2 in the endocytosis of CXCR2.

The class II phosphoinositide 3-kinase PI3K-C2alpha is concentrated in the trans-Golgi network and present in clathrin-coated vesicles

In recent years, a large family of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) isozymes has been characterized and cloned. Several of these PI3K enzymes have overlapping tissue distributions and it remains unclear if and how their 3-phosphoinositide products elicit differential, intracellular effects. One possibility is that the PI3K enzymes display a restricted distribution within the cell to produce their 3-phospholipid products in specific, subcellular compartments. In the present study we characterize the subcellular distribution of the novel class II PI3K isozyme PI3K-C2alpha in several mammalian cell types. Differential centrifugation of COS-1 and U937 cells together with Western blot analysis demonstrated that PI3K-C2alpha is constitutively associated with phospholipid membranes. Centrifugation of rat brain homogenates and Western blotting revealed that in contrast to the class IA PI3K enzymes, PI3K-C2alpha could be co-purified with a population of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs). Furthermore, a PI3K activity refractory to wortmannin treatment was detected in CCV preparations consistent with the presence of the PI3K-C2alpha isozyme. These biochemical observations were supported by immunofluorescence analysis that revealed PI3K-C2alpha to have a punctate distribution and an enrichment of immunoreactivity within a perinuclear site consistent with its presence in the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus. Dual label immunofluorescence demonstrated that in this region, the distribution of PI3K-C2alpha closely paralleled that of gamma-adaptin, a component of the AP-1 adaptor that is present in the trans-Golgi and the trans-Golgi network (TGN) resident protein TGN-46. Neither the phospholipid association nor the subcellular localization of PI3K-C2alpha was dependent upon either its COOH-terminal PX or C2 domains. Mutants lacking these domains demonstrated a similar distribution to the wild type enzyme when expressed as recombinant proteins. Treatment of cells with brefeldin A disrupted the perinuclear staining pattern of both PI3K-C2alpha and the AP-1 complex demonstrating that the localization of both molecules at the TGN is dependent upon ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase activity.

Phosphoinositide-AP-2 interactions required for targeting to plasma membrane clathrin-coated pits

The clathrin-associated AP-2 adaptor protein is a major polyphosphoinositide-binding protein in mammalian cells. A high affinity binding site has previously been localized to the NH(2)-terminal region of the AP-2 alpha subunit (Gaidarov et al. 1996. J. Biol. Chem. 271:20922-20929). Here we used deletion and site- directed mutagenesis to determine that alpha residues 21-80 comprise a discrete folding and inositide-binding domain. Further, positively charged residues located within this region are involved in binding, with a lysine triad at positions 55-57 particularly critical. Mutant peptides and protein in which these residues were changed to glutamine retained wild-type structural and functional characteristics by several criteria including circular dichroism spectra, resistance to limited proteolysis, and clathrin binding activity. When expressed in intact cells, mutated alpha subunit showed defective localization to clathrin-coated pits; at high expression levels, the appearance of endogenous AP-2 in coated pits was also blocked consistent with a dominant-negative phenotype. These results, together with recent work indicating that phosphoinositides are also critical to ligand-dependent recruitment of arrestin-receptor complexes to coated pits (Gaidarov et al. 1999. EMBO (Eur. Mol. Biol. Organ.) J. 18:871-881), suggest that phosphoinositides play a critical and general role in adaptor incorporation into plasma membrane clathrin-coated pits.

The downregulation of CD4 and MHC-I by primate lentiviruses: a paradigm for the modulation of cell surface receptors

The human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV and SIV) downregulate the cell surface expression of CD4, their primary receptor, and of class I histocompatibility complex (MHC-I), a critical mediator of immune recognition. While the first of these effects seems important to preserve viral infectivity, the second likely promotes immune evasion. Three HIV-1 proteins, Nef, Env and Vpu, contribute to downregulate CD4, Env forms a complex with CD4 in the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby retaining the receptor in this compartment. Nef and Vpu, on the other hand, act as connectors between CD4 and specific intracellular trafficking pathways, targeting the receptor for degradation in the lysosome and the proteasome, respectively. Some of the downstream partners of the viral proteins in these events have been identified, and include the adaptor complex of clathrin-coated pits, the beta subunit of COP-I coatomer, and the ubiquitin pathway-related h-beta TrCP protein. HIV-induced MHC-I downregulation, mostly the effect of Nef, also reflects a redistribution of this receptor, with its accumulation in the Golgi. The modalities of this process, however, are as yet imperfectly understood. New evidence indicates that the mechanisms employed by primate lentiviruses to downmodulate CD4 and MHC-I are also exploited by a number of cellular regulatory processes.

The beta2-adrenergic receptor/betaarrestin complex recruits the clathrin adaptor AP-2 during endocytosis

betaarrestins mediate the desensitization of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) and many other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Additionally, betaarrestins initiate the endocytosis of these receptors via clathrin coated-pits and interact directly with clathrin. Consequently, it has been proposed that betaarrestins serve as clathrin adaptors for the GPCR family by linking these receptors to clathrin lattices. AP-2, the heterotetrameric clathrin adaptor protein, has been demonstrated to mediate the internalization of many types of plasma membrane proteins other than GPCRs. AP-2 interacts with the clathrin heavy chain and cytoplasmic domains of receptors such as those for epidermal growth factor and transferrin. In the present study we demonstrate the formation of an agonist-induced multimeric complex containing a GPCR, betaarrestin 2, and the beta2-adaptin subunit of AP-2. beta2-Adaptin binds betaarrestin 2 in a yeast two-hybrid assay and coimmunoprecipitates with betaarrestins and beta2AR in an agonist-dependent manner in HEK-293 cells. Moreover, beta2-adaptin translocates from the cytosol to the plasma membrane in response to the beta2AR agonist isoproterenol and colocalizes with beta2AR in clathrin-coated pits. Finally, expression of betaarrestin 2 minigene constructs containing the beta2-adaptin interacting region inhibits beta2AR endocytosis. These findings point to a role for AP-2 in GPCR endocytosis, and they suggest that AP-2 functions as a clathrin adaptor for the endocytosis of diverse classes of membrane receptors.

Nef-induced CD4 and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) down-regulation are governed by distinct determinants: N-terminal alpha helix and proline repeat of Nef selectively regulate MHC-I trafficking

The Nef protein of primate lentiviruses triggers the accelerated endocytosis of CD4 and of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I), thereby down-modulating the cell surface expression of these receptors. Nef acts as a connector between the CD4 cytoplasmic tail and intracellular sorting pathways both in the Golgi and at the plasma membrane, triggering the de novo formation of CD4-specific clathrin-coated pits (CCP). The downstream partners of Nef in this event are the adapter protein complex (AP) of CCP and possibly a subunit of the vacuolar ATPase. Whether Nef-induced MHC-I down-regulation stems from a similar mechanism is unknown. By comparing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Nef mutants for their ability to affect either CD4 or MHC-I expression, both in transient-transfection assays and in the context of HIV-1 infection, it was determined that Nef-induced CD4 and MHC-I down-regulation constitute genetically and functionally separate properties. Mutations affecting only CD4 regulation mapped to residues previously shown to mediate the binding of Nef to this receptor, such as W57 and L58, as well as to an AP-recruiting dileucine motif and to an acidic dipeptide in the C-terminal region of the protein. In contrast, mutation of residues in an alpha-helical region in the proximal portion of Nef and amino acid substitutions in a proline-based SH3 domain-binding motif selectively affected MHC-I down-modulation. Although both the N-terminal alpha-helix and the proline-rich region of Nef have been implicated in recruiting Src family protein kinases, the inhibitor herbimycin A did not block MHC-I down-regulation, suggesting that the latter process is not mediated through an activation of this family of tyrosine kinases.

Arrestin function in G protein-coupled receptor endocytosis requires phosphoinositide binding

Internalization of agonist-activated G protein-coupled receptors is mediated by non-visual arrestins, which also bind to clathrin and are therefore thought to act as adaptors in the endocytosis process. Phosphoinositides have been implicated in the regulation of intracellular receptor trafficking, and are known to bind to other coat components including AP-2, AP180 and COPI coatomer. Given these observations, we explored the possibility that phosphoinositides play a role in arrestin's function as an adaptor. High-affinity binding sites for phosphoinositides in beta-arrestin (arrestin2) and arrestin3 (beta-arrestin2) were identified, and dissimilar effects of phosphoinositide and inositol phosphate on arrestin interactions with clathrin and receptor were characterized. Alteration of three basic residues in arrestin3 abolished phosphoinositide binding with complete retention of clathrin and receptor binding. Unlike native protein, upon agonist activation, this mutant arrestin3 expressed in COS1 cells neither supported beta2-adrenergic receptor internalization nor did it concentrate in coated pits, although it was recruited to the plasma membrane. These findings indicate that phosphoinositide binding plays a critical regulatory role in delivery of the receptor-arrestin complex to coated pits, perhaps by providing, with activated receptor, a multi-point attachment of arrestin to the plasma membrane.

Molecular aspects of the endocytic pathway

Observation of the flow of material along the endocytic pathway has lead to the description of the basic architecture of the pathway and provided insight into the relationship between compartments. Significant advances have been made in the study of endocytic transport steps at the molecular level, of which studies of cargo selection, vesicle budding and membrane fusion events comprise the major part. Progress in this area has been driven by two approaches, yeast genetics and in vitro or cell-free assays, which reconstitute particular transport steps and allow biochemical manipulation. The complex protein machineries that control vesicle budding and fusion are significantly conserved between the secretory and endocytic pathways such that proteins that regulate particular steps are often part of a larger family of proteins which exercise a conserved function at other locations within the cell. Well characterized examples include vesicle coat proteins, rabs (small GTPases) and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptors (SNAREs). Intracompartmental pH, lipid composition and cytoskeletal organization have also been identified as important determinants of the orderly flow of material within the endocytic pathway.

Probing the phosphoinositide binding site of the clathrin assembly protein AP-2 with photoaffinity labels

The relative binding specificities of the subunitsof bovine assembly protein AP-2 for the phosphatidylinositol polyphosphates (PtdInsPn) and inositol polyphosphates (InsPn) were determined by photoaffinitylabeling. Three types of benzophenone-containing photoprobes were employed: (i) the water-solubleP-1- or P-2-tethered p-benzoyldihydrocinnamoyl-InsPn (BZDC-InsPn) analogs, (ii) P-1-linked phosphotriester PtdInsPn analogs that sampled the interface between the water and lipid phases, and (iii) sn-1-O-acyl-linked PtdInsPn analogs that interacted with proteins penetrating the bilayer. The InsPn and PtdInsPn probes bind with highest selectivity and affinity to the two alpha subunit isoforms, with certain probes and conditions resulting in strong labeling of the 50-kDa mu subunit. Three main conclusions were reached: (i) head group recognition predominated over acyl chain recognition, (ii) the PtdInsPn binding site of alpha-AP-2 prefers more highly phosphorylated species, and (iii) the protein-acyl chain interactions showed high capacity but low selectivity.

Endothelial Ca2+ waves preferentially originate at specific loci in caveolin-rich cell edges

Stimulation of endothelial cells (ECs) with ATP evoked an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In a single bovine aortic EC, the [Ca2+]i rise started at a specific peripheral locus and propagated throughout the entire cell as a Ca2+ wave. The initiation locus was constant upon repeated stimulation with ATP or other agonists (bradykinin and thrombin). The Ca2+ wave was unaffected by the removal of extracellular Ca2+, demonstrating its dependence on intracellular Ca2+ release. Microinjection of heparin into the cell inhibited the ATP-induced Ca2+ responses, indicating that the Ca2+ wave is at least partly mediated by the inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate receptor. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that caveolin, a marker protein for caveolae, is distributed heterogeneously in the cell and that Ca2+ waves preferentially originate at caveolin-rich cell edges. In contrast to caveolin, internalized transferrin and subunits of the clathrin-associated adaptor complexes such as adaptor protein-1 and -2 were diffusely distributed. Disruption of microtubules by Colcemid led to redistribution of caveolin away from the edges into the perinuclear center of the cell, and the ATP-induced [Ca2+]i increase was initiated on the rim of the centralized caveolin. Thus, caveolae may be involved in the initiation of ATP-induced Ca2+ waves in ECs.

An image correlation analysis of the distribution of clathrin associated adaptor protein (AP-2) at the plasma membrane

Clathrin associated adaptor protein is involved in endocytosis at the plasma membrane (AP-2) and protein sorting at the Golgi membrane (AP-1). There is a great deal of information available on the structure, function and binding characteristics of AP-2, however, there is little quantitative data on the AP-2 distribution at the membrane. Image correlation spectroscopy is a technique which yields number counts from an autocorrelation analysis of intensity fluctuations within confocal microscopy images. Image correlation spectroscopy analysis of the indirect immunofluorescence from AP-2 at the plasma membrane of CV-1 cells shows that AP-2 is in a bimodal distribution consisting of large coated pit associated aggregates of approximately 60 AP-2 molecules, and smaller aggregates containing approximately 20 AP-2 molecules, which we propose are coated pit nucleation sites. Following hypertonic treatment 25% of the AP-2 molecules dissociate from the large AP-2 aggregates and form AP-2 dimers, leaving the remaining AP-2 as large aggregates with approximately 45 molecules. The smaller AP-2 aggregates completely dissociate forming AP-2 dimers. Dispersion of AP-2 with hypertonic treatment is not seen qualitatively because the number of large AP-2 aggregates is unchanged, the aggregates are just 25% smaller. Change in temperature from 37 degrees C to 4 degrees C has no affect on the number of AP-2 aggregates or the AP-2 distribution between the two populations. These data and estimates of the coated pit size suggest that coated pits cover approximately 0.9% of the cell membrane. Combination of image correlation spectroscopy analysis and measurements of the CV-1 cell surface area show that there are approximately 6x10(5) AP-2 molecules per CV-1 cell with approximately 2x10(5) AP-2 molecules within coated pit structures.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis of the beta-adrenergic receptor is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of beta-arrestin1

beta-Arrestins serve a dual regulatory role in the life cycle of G protein-coupled receptors such as the beta2-adrenergic receptor. First, they mediate rapid desensitization by binding to G protein-coupled receptor kinase-phosphorylated receptors. Second, they target the receptors for internalization into endosomal vesicles, wherein receptor dephosphorylation and resensitization occur. Here we report that phosphorylation of a carboxyl-terminal serine (Ser-412) in beta-arrestin1 regulates its endocytotic but not its desensitization function. Cytoplasmic beta-arrestin1 is constitutively phosphorylated and is recruited to the plasma membrane by agonist stimulation of the receptors. At the plasma membrane, beta-arrestin1 is rapidly dephosphorylated, a process that is required for its clathrin binding and receptor endocytosis but not for its receptor binding and desensitization. Once internalized, beta-arrestin1 is rephosphorylated. Thus, as with the classical endocytic adaptor protein complex AP2, beta-arrestin1 functions as a clathrin adaptor in receptor endocytosis which is regulated by dephosphorylation at the plasma membrane.

Functional domain mapping of the clathrin-associated adaptor medium chains mu1 and mu2

The clathrin-associated adaptors AP-1 and AP-2 are heterotetrameric complexes involved in the recognition of sorting signals present within the cytosolic domain of integral membrane proteins. The medium chains of these complexes, mu1 and mu2, have been implicated in two types of interaction: assembly with the beta1 and beta2 chains of the corresponding complexes and recognition of tyrosine-based sorting signals. In this study, we report the results of a structure-function analysis of the mu1 and mu2 chains aimed at identifying regions of the molecules that are responsible for each of the two interactions. Analyses using the yeast two-hybrid system and proteolytic digestion experiments suggest that mu1 and mu2 have a bipartite structure, with the amino-terminal one-third (residues 1-145 of mu1 and mu2) being involved in assembly with the beta chains and the carboxyl-terminal two-thirds (residues 147-423 of mu1 and 164-435 of mu2) binding tyrosine-based sorting signals. These observations support a model in which the amino-terminal one-third of mu2 is embedded within the core of the AP-2 complex, while the carboxyl-terminal two-thirds of the protein are exposed to the medium, placing this region in a position to interact with tyrosine-based sorting signals.

Linking cargo to vesicle formation: receptor tail interactions with coat proteins

How soluble cargo molecules concentrate into budding vesicles is the subject of intensive current research. Clathrin-based vesiculation from the plasma membrane and the trans-Golgi network constitutes the best described system that supports this sorting process. Soluble ligands bind to specific transmembrane receptors which have been shown to interact directly with clathrin adaptor complexes, components of clathrin coats. At the same time, these clathrin adaptors facilitate clathrin coat assembly and probably regulate the recruitment of the rest of the coat components. Recent studies have looked at both the interaction of receptor tails with adaptors and the assembly of the clathrin coat. Progress has also been made in elucidating how soluble cargo molecules may be concentrated for exit from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Arrestin/clathrin interaction. Localization of the arrestin binding locus to the clathrin terminal domain

Previously we demonstrated that nonvisual arrestins exhibit a high affinity interaction with clathrin, consistent with an adaptor function in the internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (Goodman, O. B., Jr., Krupnick, J. G., Santini, F., Gurevich, V. V., Penn, R. B., Gagnon, A. W., Keen, J. H., and Benovic, J. L. (1996) Nature 383, 447-450). In this report we show that a short sequence of highly conserved residues within the globular clathrin terminal domain is responsible for arrestin binding. Limited proteolysis of clathrin cages results in the release of terminal domains and concomitant abrogation of arrestin binding. The nonvisual arrestins, beta-arrestin and arrestin3, but not visual arrestin, bind specifically to a glutathione S-transferase-clathrin terminal domain fusion protein. Deletion analysis and alanine scanning mutagenesis localize the binding site to residues 89-100 of the clathrin heavy chain and indicate that residues 1-100 can function as an independent arrestin binding domain. Site-directed mutagenesis identifies an invariant glutamine (Glu-89) and two highly conserved lysines (Lys-96 and Lys-98) as residues critical for arrestin binding, complementing hydrophobic and acidic residues in arrestin3 which have been implicated in clathrin binding (Krupnick, J. G., Goodman, O. B., Jr., Keen, J. H., and Benovic, J. L. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 15011-15016). Despite exhibiting high affinity clathrin binding, arrestins do not induce coat assembly. The terminal domain is oriented toward the plasma membrane in coated pits, and its binding of both arrestins and AP-2 suggests that this domain is the anchor responsible for adaptor-receptor recruitment to the coated pit.

Arrestin/clathrin interaction. Localization of the clathrin binding domain of nonvisual arrestins to the carboxy terminus

We have recently demonstrated that the nonvisual arrestins, beta-arrestin and arrestin3, interact with high affinity and stoichiometrically with clathrin, and we postulated that this interaction mediates internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (Goodman, O. B., Jr., Krupnick, J. G., Santini, F., Gurevich, V. V., Penn, R. B., Gagnon, A. W., Keen, J. H., and Benovic, J. L. (1996) Nature 383, 447-450). In this study, we localized the clathrin binding domain of arrestin3 using a variety of approaches. Truncation mutagenesis demonstrated that the COOH-terminal half of arrestin3 is required for clathrin interaction. Assessment of the clathrin binding properties of various glutathione S-transferase-arrestin3 fusion proteins indicated that the predominant clathrin binding domain is contained within residues 367-385. Alanine scanning mutagenesis further localized this domain to residues 371-379, and site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated the critical importance of both hydrophobic (Leu-373, Ile-374, and Phe-376) and acidic (Glu-375 and Glu-377) residues in the arrestin3/clathrin interaction. These results are complementary to the observation that hydrophobic and basic residues in clathrin are critical for its interaction with nonvisual arrestins (Goodman, O. B. , Jr., Krupnick, J. G., Gurevich, V. V., Benovic, J. L., and Keen, J. H. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 15017-15022). Lastly, an arrestin3 mutant in which Leu-373, Ile-374, and Phe-376 were mutated to Ala was significantly defective in its ability to promote beta2-adrenergic receptor internalization in COS-1 cells when compared with wild-type arrestin3. Taken together, these results implicate a discrete region of arrestin3 in high affinity binding to clathrin, an interaction critical for agonist-promoted internalization of the beta2-adrenergic receptor.

Regulatory interactions in the recognition of endocytic sorting signals by AP-2 complexes

Many plasma membrane proteins destined for endocytosis are concentrated into clathrin-coated pits through the recognition of a tyrosine-based motif in their cytosolic domains by an adaptor (AP-2) complex. The mu2 subunit of isolated AP-2 complexes binds specifically, but rather weakly, to proteins bearing the tyrosine-based signal. We now demonstrate, using peptides with a photoreactive probe, that this binding is strengthened significantly when the AP-2 complex is present in clathrin coats, indicating that there is cooperativity between receptor-AP-2 interactions and coat formation. Phosphoinositides with a phosphate at the D-3 position of the inositol ring, but not other isomers, also increase the affinity of the AP-2 complex for the tyrosine-based motif. AP-2 is the first protein known (in any context) to interact with phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. Our findings indicate that receptor recruitment can be coupled to clathrin coat assembly and suggest a mechanism for regulation of membrane traffic by lipid products of phosphoinositide 3-kinases.

Regulation of AP-3 function by inositides. Identification of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate as a potent ligand

As part of the growing effort to understand the role inositol phosphates and inositol lipids play in the regulation of vesicle traffic within nerve terminals, we determined whether or not the synapse-specific clathrin assembly protein AP-3 can interact with inositol lipids. We found that soluble dioctanoyl-phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (DiC8PtdIns(3,4, 5)P3) was only 7.5-fold weaker a ligand than D-myo-inositol hexakisphosphate in assays that measured the displacement of D-myo-[3H]inositol hexakisphosphate. In functional assays we found that both of these ligands inhibited clathrin assembly, but DiC8-PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 was more potent and exhibited a larger maximal effect. We also examined the structural features of DiC8-PtdIns(3,4, 5)P3 that establish specificity. Dioctanoyl-phosphatidylinositol 3, 4-bisphosphate, which does not have a 5-phosphate, and 4, 5-O-bisphosphoryl-D-myo-inosityl 1-O-(1, 2-O-diundecyl)-sn-3-glycerylphosphate, which does not have a 3-phosphate, were, respectively, 2-fold and 4-fold less potent than DiC8-PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 as inhibitors of clathrin assembly. Deacylation of DiC8-PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 reduced its affinity for AP-3 almost 20-fold, and also dramatically lowered its ability to inhibit clathrin assembly. The deacylated products of the soluble derivatives of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate were both not significant inhibitors of clathrin assembly. It therefore appears that the interactions of inositides with AP-3 should not be considered simply in terms of electrostatic effects of the highly charged phosphate groups. Ligand specificity appears also to be mediated by hydrophobic interactions with the fatty-acyl chains of the inositol lipids.

Clathrin-coated vesicle formation and protein sorting: an integrated process

Clathrin-coated vesicles were the first discovered and remain the most extensively characterized transport vesicles. They mediate endocytosis of transmembrane receptors and transport of newly synthesized lysosomal hydrolases from the trans-Golgi network to the lysosome. Cell-free assays for coat assembly, membrane binding, and coated vesicle budding have provided detailed functional and structural information about how the major coat constituents, clathrin and the adaptor protein complexes, interact with each other, with membranes, and with the sorting signals found on cargo molecules. Coat constituents not only serve to shape the budding vesicle, but also play a direct role in the packaging of cargo, suggesting that protein sorting and vesicle budding are functionally integrated. The functional interplay between the coated vesicle machinery and its cargo could ensure sorting fidelity and packaging efficiency and might enable modulation of vesicular trafficking in response to demand.

Eps15 is a component of clathrin-coated pits and vesicles and is located at the rim of coated pits

Eps15, a phosphorylation substrate of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor kinase, has been shown to bind to the alpha-subunit of the clathrin-associated protein complex AP-2. Here we report that in cells, virtually all Eps15 interacts with the cytosol and membrane-bound forms of AP-2. This association is not affected by the treatment of cells with EGF. Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals nearly absolute co-localization of Eps15 with AP-2 and clathrin, and analysis by immunoelectron microscopy shows that the localization of membrane-associated Eps15 is restricted to the profiles corresponding to endocytic coated pits and vesicles. Unexpectedly, Eps15 was found at the edge of forming coated pits and at the rim of budding coated vesicles. This asymmetric distribution is in sharp contrast to the localization of AP-2 that shows an even distribution along the same types of clathrin-coated structures. These findings suggest several possible regulatory roles of Eps15 during the formation of coated pits.

In vivo phosphorylation of adaptors regulates their interaction with clathrin

The coat proteins of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCV) spontaneously self-assemble in vitro, but, in vivo, their self-assembly must be regulated. To determine whether phosphorylation might influence coat formation in the cell, the in vivo phosphorylation state of CCV coat proteins was analyzed. Individual components of the CCV coat were isolated by immunoprecipitation from Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells, labeled with [32P]orthophosphate under normal culture conditions. The predominant phosphoproteins identified were subunits of the AP1 and AP2 adaptors. These included three of the four 100-kD adaptor subunits, alpha and beta 2 of AP2 and beta 1 of AP1, but not the gamma subunit of AP1. In addition, the mu 1 and mu 2 subunits of AP1 and AP2 were phosphorylated under these conditions. Lower levels of in vivo phosphorylation were detected for the clathrin heavy and light chains. Analysis of phosphorylation sites of the 100-kD adaptor subunits indicated they were phosphorylated on serines in their hinge regions, domains that have been implicated in clathrin binding. In vitro clathrin-binding assays revealed that, upon phosphorylation, adaptors no longer bind to clathrin. In vivo analysis further revealed that adaptors with phosphorylated 100-kD subunits predominated in the cytosol, in comparison with adaptors associated with cellular membranes, and that phosphorylated beta 2 subunits of AP2 were exclusively cytosolic. Kinase activity, which converts adaptors to a phosphorylated state in which they no longer bind clathrin, was found associated with the CCV coat. These results suggest that adaptor phosphorylation influences adaptor-clathrin interactions in vivo and could have a role in controlling coat disassembly and reassembly.

Beta-arrestin acts as a clathrin adaptor in endocytosis of the beta2-adrenergic receptor

The ability of a system to regulate its responsiveness in the presence of a continuous stimulus, often termed desensitization, has been extensively characterized for the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR). beta2AR signalling is rapidly attenuated through receptor phosphorylation and subsequent binding of the protein beta-arrestin. Ultimately the receptor undergoes internalization, and although the molecular mechanism is unclear, receptor phosphorylation and beta-arrestin binding have been implicated in this processs. Here we report that beta-arrestin and arrestin-3, but not visual arrestin, promote beta2AR internalization and bind with high affinity directly and stoichiometrically to clathrin, the major structural protein of coated pits. Moreover, beta-arrestin/arrestin chimaeras that are defective in either beta2AR or clathrin binding show a reduced ability to promote beta2AR endocytosis. Immunofluorescence microscopy of intact cells indicates an agonist-dependent colocalization of the beta2AR and beta-arrestin with clathrin. These results show that beta-arrestin functions as an adaptor in the receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway, and suggest a general mechanism for regulating the trafficking of G-protein-coupled receptors.

A functional phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate/phosphoinositide binding domain in the clathrin adaptor AP-2 alpha subunit. Implications for the endocytic pathway

Clathrin-coated pits are sites of concentration of ligand-bound signaling receptors. Several such receptors are known to recruit, bind, and activate the heterodimeric phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, resulting in the generation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4, 5-trisphosphate. We report here that dioctanoyl-phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-P3 binds specifically and saturably to soluble AP-2 and with greater affinity to AP-2 within assembled coat structures. Soluble -myo-inositol hexakisphosphate shows converse behavior. Binding to bovine brain clathrin-coated vesicles is evident only after detergent extraction. These observations and evidence for recognition of the diacylglyceryl backbone as well as the inositol phosphate headgroup are consistent with AP-2 interaction with membrane phosphoinositides in coated vesicles and with soluble inositol phosphates in cytoplasm. A discrete binding domain is identified near the N terminus of the AP-2 alpha subunit, and an expressed fusion protein containing this sequence exhibits specific, high affinity binding that is virtually identical to the parent protein. This region of the AP-2 alpha sequence also shows the greatest conservation between a Caenorhabditis elegans homolog and mammalian alpha, consistent with a function in recognition of an evolutionarily unchanging low molecular weight ligand. Binding of phosphatidylinositol 3,4, 5-trisphosphate to AP-2 inhibits the protein's clathrin binding and assembly activities. These findings are discussed in the context of the potential roles of phosphoinositides and AP-2 in the internalization and trafficking of cell surface receptors.

The ear of alpha-adaptin interacts with the COOH-terminal domain of the Eps 15 protein

The role of Eps15 in clathrin-mediated endocytosis is supported by two observations. First, it interacts specifically and constitutively with the plasma membrane adaptor AP-2. Second, its NH2 terminus shows significant homology to the NH2 terminus of yeast End3p, necessary for endocytosis of alpha-factor. To gain further insight into the role of Eps15-AP-2 association, we have now delineated their sites of interactions. AP-2 binds to a domain of 72 amino acids (767-739) present in the COOH terminus of Eps15. This domain contains 4 of the 15 DPF repeats characteristic of the COOH-terminal domain of Eps15 and shares no homology with known proteins, including the related Epsl5r protein. Precipitation of proteolytic fragments of AP-2 with Eps15-derived fusion proteins containing the binding site for AP-2 showed that Eps15 binds specifically to a 40-kDa fragment corresponding to the ear of alpha-adaptin, a result confirmed by precipitation of Eps15 by alpha-adaptin-derived fusion proteins. Our data indicate that this specific part of AP-2 binds to a cellular component and provide the tools for investigating the functions of the association between AP-2 and Eps15.