Molecular dissection of guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor function in vivo. Rab-independent binding to membranes and role of Rab recycling factors

Genome-Wide Association of Stem Carbohydrate Accumulation and Remobilization during Grain Growth in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Mediterranean Environments

Water deficit represents an important challenge for wheat production in many regions of the world. Accumulation and remobilization of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) in stems are part of the physiological responses regulated by plants to cope with water stress and, in turn, determine grain yield (GY). The genetic mechanisms underlying the variation in WSC are only partially understood. In this study, we aimed to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers that account for variation in a suite of WSC and GY, evaluated in 225 cultivars and advanced lines of spring wheat. These genotypes were established in two sites in the Mediterranean region of Central Chile, under water-limited and full irrigation conditions, and assessed in two growing seasons, namely anthesis and maturity growth periods. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed by using 3243 SNP markers. Genetic variance accounted for 5 to 52% of phenotypic variation of the assessed traits. A rapid linkage disequilibrium decay was observed across chromosomes (r² ≤ 0.2 at 2.52 kbp). Marker-trait association tests identified 96 SNPs related to stem weight (SW), WSCs, and GY, among other traits, at the different sites, growing seasons, and growth periods. The percentage of SNPs that were part of the gene-coding regions was 34%. Most of these genes are involved in the defensive response to drought and biotic stress. A complimentary analysis detected significant effects of different haplotypes on WSC and SW, in anthesis and maturity. Our results evidence both genetic and environmental influence on WSC dynamics in spring wheat. At the same time, they provide a series of markers suitable for supporting assisted selection approaches and functional characterization of genes.

Rab-Effector-Kinase Interplay Modulates Intralumenal Fragment Formation during Vacuole Fusion

Upon vacuolar lysosome (or vacuole) fusion in S. cerevisiae, a portion of membrane is internalized and catabolized. Formation of this intralumenal fragment (ILF) is important for organelle protein and lipid homeostasis and remodeling. But how ILF formation is optimized for membrane turnover is not understood. Here, we show that fewer ILFs form when the interaction between the Rab-GTPase Ypt7 and its effector Vps41 (a subunit of the tethering complex HOPS) is interrupted by a point mutation (Ypt7-D44N). Subsequent phosphorylation of Vps41 by the casein kinase Yck3 prevents stabilization of trans-SNARE complexes needed for lipid bilayer pore formation. Impairing ILF formation prevents clearance of misfolded proteins from vacuole membranes and promotes organelle permeability and cell death. We propose that HOPS coordinates Rab, kinase, and SNARE cycles to modulate ILF size during vacuole fusion, regulating lipid and protein turnover important for quality control and membrane integrity.

A Sensitized Screen for Genes Promoting Invadopodia Function In Vivo: CDC-42 and Rab GDI-1 Direct Distinct Aspects of Invadopodia Formation

Invadopodia are specialized membrane protrusions composed of F-actin, actin regulators, signaling proteins, and a dynamically trafficked invadopodial membrane that drive cell invasion through basement membrane (BM) barriers in development and cancer. Due to the challenges of studying invasion in vivo, mechanisms controlling invadopodia formation in their native environments remain poorly understood. We performed a sensitized genome-wide RNAi screen and identified 13 potential regulators of invadopodia during anchor cell (AC) invasion into the vulval epithelium in C. elegans. Confirming the specificity of this screen, we identified the Rho GTPase cdc-42, which mediates invadopodia formation in many cancer cell lines. Using live-cell imaging, we show that CDC-42 localizes to the AC-BM interface and is activated by an unidentified vulval signal(s) that induces invasion. CDC-42 is required for the invasive membrane localization of WSP-1 (N-WASP), a CDC-42 effector that promotes polymerization of F-actin. Loss of CDC-42 or WSP-1 resulted in fewer invadopodia and delayed BM breaching. We also characterized a novel invadopodia regulator, gdi-1 (Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor), which mediates membrane trafficking. We show that GDI-1 functions in the AC to promote invadopodia formation. In the absence of GDI-1, the specialized invadopodial membrane was no longer trafficked normally to the invasive membrane, and instead was distributed to plasma membrane throughout the cell. Surprisingly, the pro-invasive signal(s) from the vulval cells also controls GDI-1 activity and invadopodial membrane trafficking. These studies represent the first in vivo screen for genes regulating invadopodia and demonstrate that invadopodia formation requires the integration of distinct cellular processes that are coordinated by an extracellular cue.

During animal development specialized cells acquire the ability move and invade into other tissues to form complex organs and structures. Understanding this cellular behavior is important medically, as cancer cells can hijack the developmental program of invasion to metastasize throughout the body. One of the most formidable barriers invasive cells face is basement membrane–-a thin, dense, sheet-like assembly of proteins and carbohydrates that surrounds most tissues. Cells deploy small, protrusive, membrane associated structures called invadopodia (invasive feet) to breach basement membranes. How invadopodia are formed and controlled during invasion has been challenging to understand, as it is difficult to examine these dynamic structures in live animals. Using the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, we have conducted the first large-scale screen to isolate genes that control invadopodia in live animals. Our screen isolated 13 genes and we confirmed two are key invadopodia regulators: the Rho GTPase CDC-42 that promotes F-actin polymerization at invadopodia to generate the force to breach basement membranes, and the Rab GDI-1 that promotes membrane addition at invadopodia that may allow invadopodia to extend through basement membranes. This work provides new insights into invadopodia construction and identifies potential novel targets for anti-metastasis therapies.

ITSN2L Interacts with and Negatively Regulates RABEP1

Intersectin-2Long (ITSN2L) is a multi-domain protein participating in endocytosis and exocytosis. In this study, RABEP1 was identified as a novel ITSN2L interacting protein using a yeast two-hybrid screen from a human brain cDNA library and this interaction, specifically involving the ITSN2L CC domain and RABEP1 CC3 regions, was further confirmed by in vitro GST (glutathione-S-transferase) pull-down and in vivo co-immunoprecipitation assays. Corroboratively, we observed that these two proteins co-localize in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. Furthermore, over-expression of ITSN2L promotes RABEP1 degradation and represses RABEP1-enhanced endosome aggregation, indicating that ITSN2L acts as a negative regulator of RABEP1. Finally, we showed that ITSN2L and RABEP1 play opposite roles in regulating endocytosis. Taken together, our results indicate that ITSN2L interacts with RABEP1 and stimulates its degradation in regulation of endocytosis.

Tumor-specific mutations in low-frequency genes affect their functional properties

Causal genetic changes in oligodendrogliomas (OD) with 1p/19q co-deletion include mutations in IDH1, IDH2, CIC, FUBP1, TERT promoter and NOTCH1. However, it is generally assumed that more somatic mutations are required for tumorigenesis. This study aimed to establish whether genes mutated at low frequency can be involved in OD initiation and/or progression. We performed whole-genome sequencing on three anaplastic ODs with 1p/19q co-deletion. To estimate mutation frequency, we performed targeted resequencing on an additional 39 ODs. Whole-genome sequencing identified a total of 55 coding mutations (range 8-32 mutations per tumor), including known abnormalities in IDH1, IDH2, CIC and FUBP1. We also identified mutations in genes, most of which were previously not implicated in ODs. Targeted resequencing on 39 additional ODs confirmed that these genes are mutated at low frequency. Most of the mutations identified were predicted to have a deleterious functional effect. Functional analysis on a subset of these genes (e.g. NTN4 and MAGEH1) showed that the mutation affects the subcellular localization of the protein (n = 2/12). In addition, HOG cells stably expressing mutant GDI1 or XPO7 showed altered cell proliferation compared to those expressing wildtype constructs. Similarly, HOG cells expressing mutant SASH3 or GDI1 showed altered migration. The significantly higher rate of predicted deleterious mutations, the changes in subcellular localization and the effects on proliferation and/or migration indicate that many of these genes functionally may contribute to gliomagenesis and/or progression. These low-frequency genes and their affected pathways may provide new treatment targets for this tumor type.

α-Synuclein membrane association is regulated by the Rab3a recycling machinery and presynaptic activity

α-Synuclein is an abundant presynaptic protein and a primary component of Lewy bodies in Parkinson disease. Although its pathogenic role remains unclear, in healthy nerve terminals α-synuclein undergoes a cycle of membrane binding and dissociation. An α-synuclein binding assay was used to screen for vesicle proteins involved in α-synuclein membrane interactions and showed that antibodies directed to the Ras-related GTPase Rab3a and its chaperone RabGDI abrogated α-synuclein membrane binding. Biochemical analyses, including density gradient sedimentation and co-immunoprecipitation, suggested that α-synuclein interacts with membrane-associated GTP-bound Rab3a but not to cytosolic GDP-Rab3a. Accumulation of membrane-bound α-synuclein was induced by the expression of a GTPase-deficient Rab3a mutant, by a dominant-negative GDP dissociation inhibitor mutant unable to recycle Rab3a off membranes, and by Hsp90 inhibitors, radicicol and geldanamycin, which are known to inhibit Rab3a dissociation from membranes. Thus, all treatments that inhibited Rab3a recycling also increased α-synuclein sequestration on intracellular membranes. Our results suggest that membrane-bound GTP-Rab3a stabilizes α-synuclein on synaptic vesicles and that the GDP dissociation inhibitor·Hsp90 complex that controls Rab3a membrane dissociation also regulates α-synuclein dissociation during synaptic activity.

Non-SCF-type F-box protein Roy1/Ymr258c interacts with a Rab5-like GTPase Ypt52 and inhibits Ypt52 function

Skp1/Cul1/F-box (SCF)-type F-box proteins are a component of the Cullin-RING SCF ubiquitin E3 ligase, which is involved in numerous cellular processes. However, the function of non-SCF-type F-box proteins remains largely unknown. The Rab5-like small guanosine 5'-triphosphatase Vps21/Ypt51 is a key regulator of intracellular transportation; however, deletion of its isoforms, Ypt52 and Ypt53, results in only a modest inhibition of intracellular trafficking. The function of these proteins therefore remains largely elusive. Here we analyze the role of a previously uncharacterized non-SCF-type F-box protein, Roy1/Ymr258c, in cell growth and intracellular transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Roy1 binds to Ypt52 under physiological conditions, and Skp1 is indispensable for the association of Roy1 with Ypt52. The vps21Δ yeast cells exhibit severe deficiencies in cell growth and intracellular trafficking, whereas simultaneous deletion of roy1 alleviates the defects caused by deletion of vps21. However, additional disruption of ypt52 in roy1Δvps21Δ cells largely suppresses the cell growth and trafficking observed in roy1Δvps21Δ cells. We demonstrate that Roy1 interacts with guanosine 5'-diphosphate-bound and nucleotide-free Ypt52 and thereby inhibits the formation of guanosine 5'-triphosphate-bound, active Ypt52. These results thus indicate that Roy1 negatively modulates cell viability and intracellular transport by suppressing Ypt52.

Actin assembly controlled by GDP-Rab27a is essential for endocytosis of the insulin secretory membrane

We have recently reported that GDP-bound Rab27a regulates endocytosis of the insulin secretory membrane via its binding to coronin 3, an actin-binding protein. The aim of this study was to examine the participation of actin assembly in the Rab27a-dependent regulation of endocytosis using a pancreatic beta cell line, MIN6. Coronin 3 promoted F-actin bundling only in the presence of GDP-Rab27a. This effect was independent of coronin-3-binding to the actin-related proteins 2 and 3 (Arp2/3). Uptake of anti-phogrin-lumen antibody into MIN6 was inhibited by anti-coronin-3-C antibody which recognizes the actin-binding site. This inhibition was also observed with coronin-3-R28D, which lacks in actin binding. These results suggest that coronin 3 is a genuine GDP-Rab27a effector, and that controls endocytosis of the secretory membrane via modulating actin assembly in pancreatic beta-cells.

Hsp90 Co-localizes with Rab-GDI-1 and regulates agonist-induced amylase release in AR42J cells

Rab proteins are small GTPases required for vesicle trafficking through the secretory and endocytic pathways. Rab GDP-dissociation inhibitor (rab-GDI) regulates Rab protein function and localization by maintaining Rab proteins in the GDP-bound conformation. Two isoforms of rab-GDI are present in most mammalian cells: GDI-1 and GDI-2. It has recently been demonstrated that a Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) chaperone complex regulates the interactions between Rab proteins and Rab-GDI-1. The AR42J cell line is derived from rat pancreatic exocrine tumor cells and develops an acinar-like phenotype when treated with dexamethasone (Dex). The aim of the present study was to examine the expression of rab-GDI isoforms and Hsp90 in AR42J cells in the presence or absence of Dex. Rab-GDI:Hsp90 interactions were also examined. Both rab-GDI isoforms were detected in AR42J cells by immunoblotting. In Dex-treated cells, quantitative immunoblotting revealed that rab-GDI-1 expression increased by 28%, although this change was not statistically significant. Rab-GDI-2 levels were unaltered by Dex treatment. Approximately 21% rab-GDI-1 was membrane associated, whereas rab-GDI-2 was exclusively cytosolic. Dex treatment did not affect the subcellular distribution of rab-GDI isoforms. Hsp90 was present in the cytosolic and membrane fractions of AR42J cells and co-immunoprecipitated with cytosolic rab-GDI-1. Moreover, density gradient centrifugation of AR42J cell membranes revealed that Hsp90 and rab-GDI-1 co-localize on low- and high-density membrane fractions, including amylase-containing secretory granules. The Hsp90 inhibitor, geldanamycin, inhibited CCK-8-induced amylase release from these cells in a dose-dependent manner. Our results indicate that as AR42J cells differentiate into acinar-like cells, rab-GDI isoform expression and localization is not significantly altered. Moreover, our findings suggest that Hsp90 regulates agonist-induced secretion in exocrine cells by interacting with rab-GDI-1.

AtRAB-H1b and AtRAB-H1c GTPases, homologues of the yeast Ypt6, target reporter proteins to the Golgi when expressed in Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana

Ypt/Rab GTPases act as key regulators of intracellular traffic through the conformational differences exhibited by their GTP or GDP-bound forms. In this paper, two Arabidopsis Ypt6 homologues, AtRAB-H1(b) and AtRAB-H1(c) were characterized and compared. Using a live cell imaging approach, it is shown that yellow fluorescent protein-fusions (YFP) of AtRAB-H1(b) and AtRAB-H1(c) locate to the Golgi and to the cytosol in both Nicotiana tabacum and in Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition, YFP-AtRAB-H1(b) targets an as yet unknown compartment not labelled by YFP-AtRAB-H1(c) or Golgi markers. It is also shown that the subcellular location of YFP-AtRAB-H1(b) and YFP-AtRAB-H1(c) is affected by the state of GTP-binding and that expression of a GTP-deficient mutant results in increased apoplastic fluorescence of a secretory form of YFP.

Proteomics-determined differences in the concanavalin-A-fractionated proteome of hippocampus and inferior parietal lobule in subjects with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: implications for progression of AD

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, comprising 60-80% of all reported cases, and currently affects 5.2 million Americans. AD is characterized pathologically by the accumulation of senile plaques (SPs), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and synapse loss. The early stages of memory loss associated with AD have been studied in a condition known as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), arguably the earliest form of AD. In spite of extensive research across a variety of disciplines, the cause of AD remains elusive. Proteomics techniques have helped to advance knowledge about AD by identifying irregularities in protein expression and post-translational modifications (PTMs) in AD brain. Glycosylation is a less studied PTM with regards to AD and MCI. This PTM is important to study because glycosylation is involved in proper protein folding, protein anchoring to cell membranes, and the delivery of proteins to organelles, and these processes are impaired in AD. Concanavalin-A (Con-A) binds to N-linked glycoproteins, but hydrophobic sites on nonglycoproteins are also known to bind Con-A. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to examine Con-A-associated brain proteins in MCI and AD with focus on the hippocampus and inferior parietal lobule (IPL) brain regions. Proteins found in AD hippocampus with altered levels are glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tropomyosin 3 (TPM3), Rab GDP-dissociation inhibitor XAP-4 (XAP4), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Proteins found with altered levels in AD IPL are alpha-enolase, gamma-enolase, and XAP-4. MCI hippocampal proteins with altered levels are dihydropyrimidase-2 (DRP2), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP-78), protein phosphatase related protein Sds-22 (Sds22), and GFAP and the only protein found with altered levels in MCI IPL was beta-synuclein. These results are discussed with reference to biochemical and pathological alterations in and progression of AD.

The Rab27 effector Rabphilin, unlike Granuphilin and Noc2, rapidly exchanges between secretory granules and cytosol in PC12 cells

Rab proteins are GTPases that transit between GTP- and GDP-bound states. In the GTP-bound form they can recruit specific effector to membrane domains. It is possible that the exchange of Rab effectors between membranes and cytosol would be determined by the exchange of the particular Rab partner. We have compared the cycling of three Rab3/27 effectors, Granuphilin, Noc2, and Rabphilin, in PC12 cells using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching of EGFP-tagged proteins. All three effectors become localised to secretory granules. Granuphilin and Noc2 showed little or no exchange between secretory granules and cytosol whereas Rabphilin showed rapid and complete exchange. Both Noc2 and Rabphilin were found to be recruited to granules by Rab27 but the data suggest that Rabphilin did not form stable complexes with Rab27 on secretory granules and so Rab effector cycling between membranes and cytosol can be independent of that of the Rab protein.

Differential dynamics of Rab3A and Rab27A on secretory granules

We have assessed the dynamics of the association of Rab3A and Rab27A with secretory granules at various stages of their life in PC12 cells. Endogenous Rab3A colocalised with the secretory granule marker secretogranin II (SGII) and expressed EGFP-Rab3A and ECFP-Rab27A colocalised with one another. The extent of colocalisation between EGFP-Rab3A or EGFP-Rab27 and SGII increased after longer times post transfection suggesting that these Rab proteins are preferentially recruited to newly synthesised granules. Following the release of immature secretory granules from the trans-Golgi network, Rab3A and Rab27A became associated with the immature granules after a lag period of around 20 minutes. Rab dynamics on granules were analysed in fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments. The recovery profile of EGFP-Rab27A was comparable to that of ppANF-EGFP, whereas the recovery profile of EGFP-Rab3A was significantly faster, indicating that Rab3A but not Rab27A might be rapidly exchanged between granules and cytosol. Inhibition of heat-shock protein 90 with 10 muM geldanamycin did not affect the exchange process or regulated exocytosis. Rab dynamics during stimulation with 300 muM ATP were analysed in live cells. Loss of granular ppANF-EGFP fluorescence was seen at the cell periphery after stimulation but only limited changes in EGFP-Rab3A and EGFP-Rab27A fluorescence was observed, indicating that the Rab proteins do not immediately dissociate or disperse on stimulation. The data suggest potentially distinct roles for Rab3A and Rab27A and we suggest that the finding that young secretory granules have a higher capacity for binding Rab3A and Rab27A is functionally important for preferential exocytosis from these granules.

Genetic evidence for phospholipid-mediated regulation of the Rab GDP-dissociation inhibitor in fission yeast

We have previously identified mutant alleles of genes encoding two Rab proteins, Ypt3 and Ryh1, through a genetic screen using the immunosuppressant drug FK506 in fission yeast. In the same screen, we isolated gdi1-i11, a mutant allele of the essential gdi1+ gene encoding Rab GDP-dissociation inhibitor. In gdi1-i11, a conserved Gly267 was substituted by Asp. The Gdi1G267D protein failed to extract Rabs from membrane and Rabs were depleted from the cytosolic fraction in the gdi1-i11 mutant cells. Consistently, the Gdi1G267D protein was found mostly in the membrane fraction, whereas wild-type Gdi1 was found in both the cytosolic and the membrane fraction. Notably, overexpression of spo20+, encoding a phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, rescued gdi1-i11 mutation, but not ypt3-i5 or ryh1-i6. The gdi1-i11 and spo20-KC104 mutations are synthetically lethal, and the wild-type Gdi1 failed to extract Rabs from the membrane in the spo20-KC104 mutant. The phosphatidylinositol-transfer activity of Spo20 is dispensable for the suppression of the gdi1-i11 mutation, suggesting that the phosphatidylcholine-transfer activity is important for the suppression. Furthermore, knockout of the pct1+ gene encoding a choline phosphate cytidyltransferase rescued the gdi1-i11 mutation. Together, our findings suggest that Spo20 modulates Gdi1 function via regulation of phospholipid metabolism of the membranes.

The Hsp90 chaperone complex regulates GDI-dependent Rab recycling

Rab GTPase regulated hubs provide a framework for an integrated coding system, the membrome network, that controls the dynamics of the specialized exocytic and endocytic membrane architectures found in eukaryotic cells. Herein, we report that Rab recycling in the early exocytic pathways involves the heat-shock protein (Hsp)90 chaperone system. We find that Hsp90 forms a complex with guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) to direct recycling of the client substrate Rab1 required for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi transport. ER-to-Golgi traffic is inhibited by the Hsp90-specific inhibitors geldanamycin (GA), 17-(dimethylaminoethylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG), and radicicol. Hsp90 activity is required to form a functional GDI complex to retrieve Rab1 from the membrane. Moreover, we find that Hsp90 is essential for Rab1-dependent Golgi assembly. The observation that the highly divergent Rab GTPases Rab1 involved in ER-to-Golgi transport and Rab3A involved in synaptic vesicle fusion require Hsp90 for retrieval from membranes lead us to now propose that the Hsp90 chaperone system may function as a general regulator for Rab GTPase recycling in exocytic and endocytic trafficking pathways involved in cell signaling and proliferation.

GDIs: central regulatory molecules in Rho GTPase activation

The GDP dissociation inhibitors (GDIs) are pivotal regulators of Rho GTPase function. GDIs control the access of Rho GTPases to regulatory guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GTPase-activating proteins, to effector targets and to membranes where such effectors reside. We discuss here our current understanding of how Rho GTPase-GDI complexes are regulated by various proteins, lipids and enzymes that exert GDI displacement activity. We propose that phosphorylation mediated by diverse kinases might provide a means of controlling and coordinating Rho GTPase activation.

Molecular cloning and characterisation of a Rab-binding GDP-dissociation inhibitor from Medicago truncatula

We have isolated and sequenced the full-length cDNA of a GDP-dissociation inhibitor (GDI) from the model legume Medicago truncatula L. The cDNA (MtGDI) contains an open reading frame of 1335 bp, coding for a protein of 444 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 49,785 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence shows significant homology to other plant GDIs, the highest homology being found to GDI from the legume Cicer arietinum (96% identity). The MtGDI was expressed as a N-terminal FLAG-fusion protein in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Its direct interaction with a small G protein of Rab type from Medicago sativa, MsRab11f, was demonstrated in vitro by co-immunoprecipitation using a peptide-specific antibody raised against MtGDI. The dissociation constant of the MtGDI-MsRab11f complex (4 muM) was determined by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses suggested that MtGDI is ubiquitously expressed in M. truncatula. High levels of MtGDI mRNA were detected in uninfected roots, leaves and root nodules. In etiolated seedlings and cell cultures, the amount of MtGDI mRNA was much lower. In all tissues tested, the peptide-specific anti-MtGDI antibody detected the expected 50 kDa protein in the total protein extracts. MtGDI was found in the cytosol; however, a significant fraction was associated with the intracellular membranes in seedlings and roots indicating a membrane localisation of the protein. A second immunoreactive band was detected in leaves suggesting that more than one GDI isoform exist in M. truncatula.

Ethanol-induced alterations in Rab proteins: possible implications for pituitary dysfunction

Chronic exposure of pubertal male rats to ethanol results in a decline in serum testosterone, increased gonadotropins, pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) content, and decreased or inappropriately normal serum LH and FSH levels, suggesting impaired secretory release of gonadotropins. The molecular mechanisms behind this disorder are undefined, but a disruption of vesicle-mediated secretory processes is possible because intracellular protein trafficking pathways are involved in secretion of glycoproteins such as FSH and LH. Because small GTP-binding proteins of Rab family have been implicated as key regulators of membrane and protein trafficking in mammalian cells, this study was designed to test if ethanol-impaired pituitary FSH and LH secretion is associated with changes in Rab proteins, particularly Rab1B, Rab3B, Rab6, and Rab11. Male Sprague-Dawley rats 35 days old were pair-fed a Lieber-DeCarli diet with ethanol or without ethanol for 5 to 60 days. After ethanol exposure, serum testosterone levels decreased while LH and FSH were inappropriately unchanged. Immunohistochemical staining showed decreased Rab1B, Rab3B, and Rab11 protein levels in ethanol-treated pituitaries. Immunoblotting showed that ethanol induced a transient reduction in Rab6 after 5 days of ethanol exposure, whereas Rab3B decreased after 20 days, Rab11 after 30 days, and Rab1B after 60 days. Despite these changes in Rab proteins, mRNA levels were unaffected by ethanol exposure. We concluded that reductions in key Rab proteins may lead to altered vesicle trafficking and may play a role in disruption of pituitary FSH and LH secretion caused by ethanol.

AtRabF2b (Ara7) acts on the vacuolar trafficking pathway in tobacco leaf epidermal cells

Rab GTPases are universal key regulators of intracellular secretory trafficking events. In particular, Rab 5 homologues have been implicated in endocytic events and in the vacuolar pathway. In this study, we investigate the location and function of a member of this family, AtRabF2b (Ara7) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaf epidermal cells using a live cell imaging approach. Fluorescent-tagged AtRabF2b[wt] localized to the prevacuolar compartment and Golgi apparatus, as determined by coexpression studies with fluorescent markers for these compartments. Mutations that impair AtRabF2b function also alter the subcellular location of the GTPase. In addition, coexpression studies of the protein with the vacuole-targeted aleurain-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and rescue experiments with wild-type AtRabF2b indicate that the dominant-negative mutant of AtRabF2b causes the vacuolar marker to be secreted to the apoplast. Our results indicate a clear role of AtRabF2b in the vacuolar trafficking pathway.

Targeting Rab GTPases to distinct membrane compartments

Rab GTPases are key to membrane-trafficking events in eukaryotic cells, and human cells contain more than 60 Rab proteins that are localized to distinct compartments. The recent determination of the structure of a monoprenylated Rab GTPase bound to GDP-dissociation inhibitor provides new molecular details that are relevant to models of Rab delivery. The further discovery of an integral membrane protein that can dissociate prenylated Rab proteins from GDP-dissociation inhibitor gives new insights into the mechanisms of Rab localization.

Identification of genes regulated by memantine and MK-801 in adult rat brain by cDNA microarray analysis

In this study, we monitored gene expression profiles using cDNA microarrays after an acute systemic administration of the high affinity N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) uncompetitive antagonist MK-801 (1 mg/kg; 4 h), and the clinically used moderate affinity antagonist memantine (25 mg/kg; 4 h) in adult rat brains. From a microarray containing 1090 known genes, 13 genes were regulated by both treatments of which 12 were upregulated and one was downregulated. In addition, 28 and 34 genes were regulated (> or = 1.5- or < or = 0.67-fold change) by either memantine or MK-801, respectively. Genes commonly regulated by both treatments and not previously reported were confirmed by in situ hybridization (ISH) and include regenerating liver inhibitory factor-1 (RL/IF-1), GDP-dissociation inhibitor 1 (GDI-1), neural visinin Ca2+-binding protein 2 (NVP-2), neuromedin B receptor, and Na+/K+ transporting ATPase 2beta. ISH with memantine (5-50 mg/kg) revealed regulation of these genes in other cortical and hippocampal regions. RL/IF-1 induction occurred at 1 h and returned to basal levels by 8 h, consistent with the profile of an immediate early gene. Western blot analysis showed increases (approximately 30-65%) in GDI-1 protein present in both cytosolic and membrane fractions that were significant in the 84-kDa Rab bound form, suggesting that memantine influences Ras-like GTPase function. Genes regulated by a 5 mg/kg dose of memantine might be important in its therapeutic effects. These findings increase the number of known, differentially altered genes after treatment of uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists and suggest broader actions of these agents than previously realized.

Tying everything together: the multiple roles of cysteine string protein (CSP) in regulated exocytosis

In addition to the core vesicle fusion machinery, the SNARE proteins, a large number of regulatory proteins have been implicated in the process of Ca2+-dependent exocytosis. How these exocytotic proteins are properly targeted and how their myriad interactions are temporally and spatially coordinated is poorly understood. Cysteine string protein (CSP), a secretory vesicle membrane protein and a member of the dnaJ family of co-chaperones, may assist in performing this function. Through its interaction with the ubiquitous chaperone, Hsc70, it is thought that cysteine string protein targets chaperone complexes to the exocytotic machinery to facilitate the correct folding of polypeptides or to regulate the assembly of protein complexes. Since its discovery, there have been conflicting reports from different systems concerned with whether cysteine string protein exerts its effects on exocytosis either up- or down-stream of Ca2+-influx. In this review, we summarize recent experiments that associate cysteine string protein with the regulation of vesicle filling, vesicle docking, Ca2+-channels and the SNARE proteins themselves, hence supporting a role for cysteine string protein as a multifunctional secretory co-chaperone. In addition, we provide an update on the mammalian isoforms of cysteine string protein following the recent discovery of two novel cysteine string proteins.

Dominant negative Rab3D mutants reduce GTP-bound endogenous Rab3D in pancreatic acini

Two dominant negative mutants of Rab3D, N135I and T36N were recently reported to inhibit the early phase of regulated amylase secretion from mouse pancreatic acini (Chen, X., Edwards, J. A., Logsdon, C. D., Ernst, S. A., and Williams, J. A. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 18002-18009). Immunocytochemical studies showed that while the wild-type Rab3D localized to zymogen granules, the two dominant negative mutants did not localize to granules and were primarily in the basolateral regions of the cell. The present study, therefore, evaluated the potential mechanisms by which the dominant negative mutants might act. An affinity precipitation assay based on the property of the Rab3 effector Rim1 to interact only with GTP-bound Rab3D was developed. 78.9 +/- 4.5% of total endogenous Rab3D was found in the GTP-bound form. Overexpression of HA-tagged Rab3D, and its Q81L, N135I, and T36N mutants had no effect on the total amount of endogenous Rab3D. However, the dominant negative mutants, T36N and N135I, reduced GTP-bound endogenous Rab3D by 70.0 +/- 3.5% and 72.7 +/- 1.2%, respectively, while the wild-type Rab3D and Q81L mutant had no effect. Triton X-114 phase separation and cell fractionation studies showed that dominant negative Rab3D mutants did not alter isoprenylation or membrane association of endogenous Rab3D. The dominant negative Rab3D did not affect the amount of endogenous Rab3D on purified zymogen granules as assessed by either Western blotting or immunocytochemistry, but reduced the GTP-bound form by 78.6 +/- 3.3%. The two dominant negative Rab3D mutants, therefore, interfere with endogenous Rab3D function by blocking the GDP/GTP exchange but not zymogen granule targeting of endogenous Rab3D.

Molecular evolution of the Rab-escort-protein/guanine-nucleotide-dissociation-inhibitor superfamily

Prenylation of Rab GTPases regulating vesicle traffic by Rab geranylgeranyltransferase (RabGGTase) requires a complex formed by the association of newly synthesized Rab proteins with Rab-escort-protein (REP), the choroideremia-gene-product that is mutated in disease, leading to loss of vision. After delivery to the membrane by the REP-Rab complex, subsequent recycling to the cytosol requires the REP-related guanine-nucleotide-dissociation-inhibitor (GDI). Although REP and GDI share common Rab-binding properties, GDI cannot assist in Rab prenylation and REP cannot retrieve Rab proteins from the membranes. We have now isolated REP mutant proteins that are able to partially function as both REP and GDI. These results provide molecular insight into the functional and evolutionary organization of the REP/GDI superfamily.

A novel rabconnectin-3-binding protein that directly binds a GDP/GTP exchange protein for Rab3A small G protein implicated in Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis of neurotransmitter

BACKGROUND

Rab3A, a member of the Rab3 small G protein family, regulates Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of neurotransmitter. The cyclical activation and inactivation of Rab3A are essential for the Rab3A action in exocytosis. GDP-Rab3A is activated to GTP-Rab3A by Rab3 GDP/GTP exchange protein (Rab3 GEP) and GTP-Rab3A is inactivated to GDP-Rab3A by Rab3 GTPase-activating protein (Rab3 GAP). We have recently found a novel protein, named rabconnectin-3, which is co-immunoprecipitated with Rab3 GEP or GAP from the extract of the crude synaptic vesicle (CSV) fraction of rat brain. Rabconnectin-3 is abundantly expressed in the brain where it is associated with synaptic vesicles. We have found that two more proteins are co-immunoprecipitated with Rab3 GEP from the CSV fraction of rat brain. We attempted here to isolate and characterize one of them.

RESULTS

We determined its partial amino acid sequence, cloned its cDNA from a human cDNA library, and determined its primary structure. The protein consisted of 1490 amino acids (aa) and showed a calculated molecular weight of 163808. The protein had 7 WD domains. The protein was abundantly expressed in the brain where it co-localized with rabconnectin-3 on synaptic vesicles. The protein formed a stable complex with rabconnectin-3. We named this protein rabconnectin-3beta and renamed rabconnectin-3 rabconnectin-3alpha. Rabconnectin-3beta, but not rabconnectin-3alpha, directly bound Rab3 GEP. Neither rabconnectin-3alpha nor -3beta directly bound Rab3 GAP.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that rabconnectin-3 consists of the alpha and beta subunits and binds directly Rab3 GEP through the beta subunit and indirectly Rab3 GAP through an unidentified molecule(s).

Molecular evolution of the Rab-escort-protein/guanine-nucleotide-dissociation-inhibitor superfamily

Prenylation of Rab GTPases regulating vesicle traffic by Rab geranylgeranyltransferase (RabGGTase) requires a complex formed by the association of newly synthesized Rab proteins with Rab-escort-protein (REP), the choroideremia-gene-product that is mutated in disease, leading to loss of vision. After delivery to the membrane by the REP-Rab complex, subsequent recycling to the cytosol requires the REP-related guanine-nucleotide-dissociation-inhibitor (GDI). Although REP and GDI share common Rab-binding properties, GDI cannot assist in Rab prenylation and REP cannot retrieve Rab proteins from the membranes. We have now isolated REP mutant proteins that are able to partially function as both REP and GDI. These results provide molecular insight into the functional and evolutionary organization of the REP/GDI superfamily.

Membrane targeting of Rab GTPases is influenced by the prenylation motif

Rab GTPases are regulators of membrane traffic. Rabs specifically associate with target membranes via the attachment of (usually) two geranylgeranyl groups in a reaction involving Rab escort protein and Rab geranylgeranyl transferase. In contrast, related GTPases are singly prenylated by CAAX prenyl transferases. We report that di-geranylgeranyl modification is important for targeting of Rab5a and Rab27a to endosomes and melanosomes, respectively. Transient expression of EGFP-Rab5 mutants containing two prenylatable cysteines (CGC, CC, CCQNI, and CCA) in HeLa cells did not affect endosomal targeting or function, whereas mono-cysteine mutants (CSLG, CVLL, or CVIM) were mistargeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and were nonfunctional. Similarly, Rab27aCVLL mutant is also mistargeted to the ER and transgenic expression on a Rab27a null background (Rab27aash) did not rescue the coat color phenotype, suggesting that Rab27aCVLL is not functional in vivo. CAAX prenyl transferase inhibition and temperature-shift experiments further suggest that Rabs, singly or doubly modified are recruited to membranes via a Rab escort protein/Rab geranylgeranyl transferase-dependent mechanism that is distinct from the insertion of CAAX-containing GTPases. Finally, we show that both singly and doubly modified Rabs are extracted from membranes by RabGDIalpha and propose that the mistargeting of Rabs to the ER results from loss of targeting information.

Geranylgeranyl switching regulates GDI-Rab GTPase recycling

Rab GTPases, key regulators of membrane targeting and fusion, require the covalent attachment of geranylgeranyl lipids to their C terminus for function. To elucidate the role of lipid in Rab recycling, we have determined the crystal structure of Rab guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (alphaGDI) in complex with a geranylgeranyl (GG) ligand (H(2)N-Cys-(S-GG)-OMe). The lipid is bound beneath the Rab binding platform in a shallow hydrophobic groove. Mutation of the binding pocket in the brain-specific alphaGDI leads to mental retardation. Strikingly, lipid binding acts through a conserved allosteric switching mechanism to promote release of the GDI-Rab[GDP] complex from the membrane.

Rab-alphaGDI activity is regulated by a Hsp90 chaperone complex

The Rab-specific alphaGDP-dissociation inhibitor (alphaGDI) regulates the recycling of Rab GTPases. We have now identified a novel alphaGDI complex from synaptic membranes that contains three chaperone components: Hsp90, Hsc70 and cysteine string protein (CSP). We find that the alphaGDI-chaperone complex is dissociated in response to Ca(2+)-induced neurotransmitter release, that chaperone complex dissociation is sensitive to the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) and that GA inhibits the ability of alphaGDI to recycle Rab3A during neurotransmitter release. We propose that alphaGDI interacts with a specialized membrane-associated Rab recycling Hsp90 chaperone system on the vesicle membrane to coordinate the Ca(2+)-dependent events triggering Rab-GTP hydrolysis with retrieval of Rab-GDP to the cytosol.

Giardia lamblia: identification and characterization of Rab and GDI proteins in a genome survey of the ER to Golgi endomembrane system

To investigate the complexity of the endomembrane transport system in the early diverging eukaryote, Giardia lamblia, we characterized homologues of the GTP-binding proteins, Rab1 and Rab2, involved in regulating vesicular trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi in higher eukaryotes, and GDI, which plays a key role in the cycling of Rab proteins. G. lamblia Rab1, 2.1, and GDI sequences largely resemble yeast and mammalian homologues, are transcribed as 0.66-, 0.62-, and 1.4-kb messages, respectively, and are expressed during growth and encystation. Western analyses detected an abundant Rab/GDI complex at approximately 80 kDa, and free GDI (60 kDa) in both trophozoites and encysting cells. Immunoelectron microscopy with antibody to Rab1 localized Rab with ER, encystation secretory vesicles, and lysosome-like peripheral vesicles. GDI associated with these structures, and with small vesicles found throughout the cytoplasm, consistent with GDI's key role in Rab cycling between organelles within the cell.

Rabconnectin-3, a novel protein that binds both GDP/GTP exchange protein and GTPase-activating protein for Rab3 small G protein family

Rab3A, a member of the Rab3 small G protein family, regulates Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis of neurotransmitter. The cyclical activation and inactivation of Rab3A are essential for the Rab3A action in exocytosis. GDP-Rab3A is activated to GTP-Rab3A by Rab3 GDP/GTP exchange protein (Rab3 GEP), and GTP-Rab3A is inactivated to GDP-Rab3A by Rab3 GTPase-activating protein (Rab3 GAP). It remains unknown how or in which step of the multiple exocytosis steps these regulators are activated and inactivated. We isolated here a novel protein that was co-immunoprecipitated with Rab3 GEP and GAP by their respective antibodies from the crude synaptic vesicle fraction of rat brain. The protein, named rabconnectin-3, bound both Rab3 GEP and GAP. The cDNA of rabconnectin-3 was cloned from a human cDNA library and its primary structure was determined. Human rabconnectin-3 consisted of 3,036 amino acids and showed a calculated M(r) of 339,753. It had 12 WD domains. Tissue and subcellular distribution analyses in rat indicated that rabconnectin-3 was abundantly expressed in the brain where it was enriched in the synaptic vesicle fraction. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that rabconnectin-3 was concentrated on synaptic vesicles at synapses. These results indicate that rabconnectin-3 serves as a scaffold molecule for both Rab3 GEP and GAP on synaptic vesicles.

Rab3B in human platelet is membrane bound and interacts with Ca(2+)/calmodulin

The subcellular distribution of Rab3B in fresh and aged platelets was determined and majority of the protein was localized with the particulate fraction with only a minor amount detected in the cytosol. Rab3B was pulled out from platelet particulate fraction with GST-RabGDI-alpha fusion protein. Using GST-Rab3B in in vitro pull-down experiments, the binding of calmodulin from platelet cytosol to Rab3B was demonstrated. In the reverse experiment, binding of Rab3B from platelet particulate and cytosolic fractions to Sepharose-CaM beads was also observed. The interaction between Rab3B and calmodulin was Ca(2+)-dependent but independent of the guanine nucleotide status of Rab3B. These findings provide evidence that Rab3B is primarily localized with the particulate fraction and that Ca(2+)/calmodulin could regulate function of this GTPase in the platelet.

Modification of Rab5 with a photoactivatable analog of geranylgeranyl diphosphate

A photoprobe analog of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (2-diazo-3,3,3-trifluoropropionyloxy-farnesyl diphosphate or DATFP-FPP) inhibits mevalonate-dependent prenylation of in vitro translated Rab5 in rabbit reticulocyte lysate, suggesting that it competes for lipid binding to the Rab geranylgeranyl transferase. Modification of Rab5 with DATFP-FPP, demonstrated by gel mobility shift and Triton X-114 phase separation experiments, confirms that the enzyme uses the analog as a substrate. The sedimentation of DATFP-modified Rab5 as a larger mass complex on sucrose density gradients indicates that it binds to other factors in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Most importantly, DATFP-Rab5 cross-links to these soluble factors upon exposure to UV light. Immunoprecipitation with antibodies raised against proteins known to interact with Rab5 reveals that the cross-linked complexes contain Rab escort protein and GDI-1. DATFP-Rab5 also associates with membranes in a guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-stimulated manner. However, although prenylated Rab5 can be cross-linked to two unknown membrane-associated factors by the chemical cross-linker disuccinimidyl suberate, these proteins fail to be UV cross-linked to membrane-bound DATFP-Rab5. These results strongly suggest that membrane-associated factors bind Rab5 through protein-protein interactions rather than protein-prenyl interactions. The modification of Rab5 with DATFP-FPP establishes a novel photoaffinity technique for the characterization of prenyl-binding sites.

Drosophila rab GDI mutants disrupt development but have normal Rab membrane extraction

Rab GTPases are essential for vesicular transport. Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI) binds to GDP-bound rabs, removes rabs from acceptor membranes and delivers rabs to donor membranes. We isolated lethal GDI mutations in Drosophila and analyzed their developmental phenotypes. To learn how these mutations affect GDI structure, the crystal structure of Drosophila GDI was determined by molecular replacement to a resolution of 3.0 A. Two hypomorphic, missense mutations are located in domain II of GDI at highly conserved positions, but not in previously identified sequence conserved regions. The mutant GDIs were tested for ability to extract rabs from membranes and showed wild-type levels of rab membrane extraction. The two missense alleles showed intragenic complementation, indicating that domain II of GDI may have two separable functions. This study indicates that GDI function is essential for development of a complex, multicellular organism and that puparium formation and pole cell formation are especially dependent on GDI function.

Organization of the Rab-GDI/CHM superfamily: the functional basis for choroideremia disease

Choroideremia is an X-chromosome-linked disease that leads to the degeneration of the choriocapillaris, the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptor layer in the eye. The gene product defective in choroideremia, CHM, is identical to Rab escort protein 1 (REP1). CHM/REP1 is an essential component of the catalytic geranylgeranyltransferase II complex (GGTrII) that delivers newly synthesized small GTPases belonging to the RAB gene family to the catalytic complex for post-translational modification. CHM/REP family members are evolutionarily related to members of the guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) family, proteins involved in the recycling of Rab proteins required for vesicular membrane trafficking through the exocytic and endocytic pathways, forming the GDI/CHM superfamily. Biochemical and structural analyses have now revealed a striking parallel in the organization and function of these two families allowing us to generate a general model for GDI/CHM superfamily function in health and disease.

Ypt and Rab GTPases: insight into functions through novel interactions

Ypt/Rab GTPases are key regulators of vesicular transport in eukaryotic cells. During the past two years, a number of new Ypt/Rab-interacting proteins have been identified and shown to serve as either upstream regulators or downstream effectors. Proteins that interact with these regulators and effectors of Ypt/Rabs have also been identified, and together they provide new insights into Ypt/Rab mechanisms of action. The picture that emerges from these studies suggests that Ypt/Rabs function in multiple and diverse aspects of vesicular transport. In addition, not only are Ypt/Rabs highly conserved, but their functions and interactions are as well. Interestingly, crosstalk among Ypt/Rabs and between Ypt/Rabs and other signaling factors, suggest the possibility of coordination of the individual vesicular transport steps and of the protein transport machinery with other cellular processes.

The GDI1 genes from Kluyveromyces lactis and Pichia pastoris: cloning and functional expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The nucleotide sequences of 2.8 kb and 2.9 kb fragments containing the Kluyveromyces lactis and Pichia pastoris GDI1 genes, respectively, were determined. K. lactis GDI1 was found during sequencing of a genomic library clone, whereas the P. pastoris GDI1 was obtained from a genomic library by complementing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae sec19-1 mutant strain. The sequenced DNA fragments contain open reading frames of 1338 bp (K.lactis) and 1344 bp (P. pastoris), coding for polypeptides of 445 and 447 residues, respectively. Both sequences fully complement the S. cerevisiae sec19-1 mutation. They have high degrees of homology with known GDP dissociation inhibitors from yeast species and other eukaryotes.

GDP dissociation inhibitor domain II required for Rab GTPase recycling

Rab GTPases are localized to distinct subsets of organelles within the cell, where they regulate SNARE-mediated membrane trafficking between organelles. One factor required for Rab localization and function is Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI), which is proposed to recycle Rab after vesicle fusion by extracting Rab from the membrane and loading Rab onto newly formed transport intermediates. GDI is composed of two domains; Rab binding is mediated by Domain I, and the function of Domain II is not known. In this study, Domain II of yeast GDI, encoded by the essential GDI1/SEC19 gene, was targeted in a genetic screen to obtain mutants that might lend insight into the function of this domain. In one gdi1 mutant, the cytosolic pools of all Rabs tested were depleted, and Rab accumulated on membranes, suggesting that this mutant Gdi1 protein has a general defect in extraction of Rab from membranes. In a second gdi1 mutant, the endosomal/vacuolar Rabs Vps21/Ypt51p and Ypt7p accumulated in the cytosol bound to Gdi1p, but localization of Ypt1p and Sec4p were not significantly affected. Using an in vitro assay which reconstitutes Gdi1p-mediated membrane loading of Rab, this mutant Gdi1p was found to be defective in loading of Vps21p but not Ypt1p. Loading of Vps21p by loading-defective Gdi1p was restored when acceptor membranes prepared from a deletion strain lacking Vps21p were used. These results suggest that membrane-associated Rab may regulate recruitment of GDI-Rab from the cytosol, possibly by regulating a GDI-Rab receptor. We conclude that Domain II of Gdi1p is essential for Rab loading and Rab extraction, and confirm that each of these activities is required for Gdi1p function in vivo.

Mouse prenylated Rab acceptor is a novel Golgi membrane protein

We have cloned a mouse prenylated Rab acceptor (mPRA), which interacts with various Rab proteins in the yeast two-hybrid system. This study investigated its intracellular localization and characterized the localization signal. The mPRA was found to be an integral membrane protein that was localized to the Golgi complex at steady state as determined by confocal fluorescence microscopy. With green fluorescent protein attached to the N-terminus of mPRA, the fusion protein was expressed in BHK cells and was shown to exhibit the same Golgi localization as the native mPRA. Systematic truncations from the N- and C-termini of mPRA revealed that the entire N-terminal half (91 residues) of the protein was dispensable for the Golgi localization. In contrast, deletion of only 5 residues from the C-terminus diminished the Golgi localization of mPRA, leading to its accumulation in the ER. The data indicate that the C-terminal half (94 residues) of mPRA is necessary and sufficient for proper folding, ER export, and Golgi localization. The Golgi localization of mPRA suggests that it may play a role in the structural organization and function of the Golgi complex.

Molecular basis for Rab prenylation

Rab escort proteins (REP) 1 and 2 are closely related mammalian proteins required for prenylation of newly synthesized Rab GTPases by the cytosolic heterodimeric Rab geranylgeranyl transferase II complex (RabGG transferase). REP1 in mammalian cells is the product of the choroideremia gene (CHM). CHM/REP1 deficiency in inherited disease leads to degeneration of retinal pigmented epithelium and loss of vision. We now show that amino acid residues required for Rab recognition are critical for function of the yeast REP homologue Mrs6p, an essential protein that shows 50% homology to mammalian REPs. Mutant Mrs6p unable to bind Rabs failed to complement growth of a mrs6Delta null strain and were found to be dominant inhibitors of growth in a wild-type MRS6 strain. Mutants were identified that did not affect Rab binding, yet prevented prenylation in vitro and failed to support growth of the mrs6Delta null strain. These results suggest that in the absence of Rab binding, REP interaction with RabGG transferase is maintained through Rab-independent binding sites, providing a molecular explanation for the kinetic properties of Rab prenylation in vitro. Analysis of the effects of thermoreversible temperature-sensitive (mrs6(ts)) mutants on vesicular traffic in vivo showed prenylation activity is only transiently required to maintain normal growth, a result promising for therapeutic approaches to disease.

Binding of Rab3A to synaptic vesicles

Prenylated Rab GTPases cycle between membrane-bound and soluble forms. Membrane-bound GDP-Rabs interact with GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI), resulting in the dissociation of a Rab.GDI complex, which in turn serves as a precursor for the membrane re-association of Rabs. We have now characterized the binding of Rab3A to synaptic vesicles in vitro using either purified complexes or rat brain cytosol as source for GDI.Rab3A. Binding of Rab3A results in the immediate release of GDI from the membrane. Furthermore, binding does not require the presence of additional guanine nucleotides (GDP or GTP) or of cytosolic factors. Although nucleotide exchange follows binding, binding is initially reversible, suggesting that binding of GDP-Rab3A and nucleotide exchange are separate and independent events. Comparison with the binding of Rab1B revealed that both Rab proteins bind preferentially to their respective resident membranes although some promiscuity was observable. Binding is saturable and involves a protease-sensitive binding site that is tightly associated with the vesicle membrane.

A new functional domain of guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (alpha-GDI) involved in Rab recycling

Guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) is a 55-kDa protein that functions in vesicular membrane transport to recycle Rab GTPases. We have now determined the crystal structure of bovine alpha-GDI at ultra-high resolution (1.04 A). Refinement at this resolution highlighted a region with high mobility of its main-chain residues. This corresponded to a surface loop in the primarily alpha-helical domain II at the base of alpha-GDI containing the previously uncharacterized sequence-conserved region (SCR) 3A. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that this mobile loop plays a crucial role in binding of GDI to membranes and extraction of membrane-bound Rab. This domain, referred to as the mobile effector loop, in combination with Rab-binding residues found in the multi-sheet domain I at the apex of alpha-GDI may provide flexibility for recycling of diverse Rab GTPases. We propose that conserved residues in domains I and II synergize to form the functional face of GDI, and that domain II mediates a critical step in Rab recycling during vesicle fusion.

Rab GTPases coordinate endocytosis

Endocytosis is characterized by vesicular transport along numerous pathways. Common steps in each pathway include membrane budding to form vesicles, transport to a particular destination, and ultimately docking and fusion with the target membrane. Specificity of vesicle targeting is rendered in part by associated Rab GTPases. This review summarizes current knowledge about Rab GTPase functions in the endocytic pathways and provides insight into the regulation of Rab GTPase activity and mechanisms of Rab protein function. Functional assays have identified some Rab proteins that operate on individual pathways, but Rab proteins in several pathways remain controversial or have not been identified. Control of Rab GTPase activity is exerted through multiple levels of regulation. Significant new information pertaining to Rab protein function in regulating transport has emerged. Remarkably, Rab5 GTPase links budding, cytoskeletal transport and docking/fusion activities. This paradigm will most likely be generally applicable to other Rab GTPase pathways. Together with the cross-talk between different Rab proteins and their effectors, this may provide an integrated system for the general coordination of endocytic pathways to maintain organelle homeostasis.