Selective effects of calcium chelators on anterograde and retrograde protein transport in the cell

Vesicle fusion and release in neurons under dynamic mechanical equilibrium

Vesicular fusion plays a pivotal role in cellular processes, involving stages like vesicle trafficking, fusion pore formation, content release, and membrane integration or separation. This dynamic process is regulated by a complex interplay of protein assemblies, osmotic forces, and membrane tension, which together maintain a mechanical equilibrium within the cell. Changes in cellular mechanics or external pressures prompt adjustments in this equilibrium, highlighting the system's adaptability. This review delves into the synergy between intracellular proteins, structural components, and external forces in facilitating vesicular fusion and release. It also explores how cells respond to mechanical stress, maintaining equilibrium and offering insights into vesicle fusion mechanisms and the development of neurological disorders.

Physiological Functions of the Volume-Regulated Anion Channel VRAC/LRRC8 and the Proton-Activated Chloride Channel ASOR/TMEM206

Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) and the acid-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (ASOR) mediate flux of chloride and small organic anions. Although known for a long time, they were only recently identified at the molecular level. VRACs are heteromers consisting of LRRC8 proteins A to E. Combining the essential LRRC8A with different LRRC8 paralogues changes key properties of VRAC such as conductance or substrate selectivity, which is how VRACs are involved in multiple physiological functions including regulatory volume decrease, cell proliferation and migration, cell death, purinergic signalling, fat and glucose metabolism, insulin signalling, and spermiogenesis. VRACs are also involved in pathological conditions, such as the neurotoxic release of glutamate and aspartate. Certain VRACs are also permeable to larger, organic anions, including antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs, making them an interesting therapeutic target. ASOR, also named proton-activated chloride channel (PAC), is formed by TMEM206 homotrimers on the plasma membrane and on endosomal compartments where it mediates chloride flux in response to extracytosolic acidification and plays a role in the shrinking and maturation of macropinosomes. ASOR has been shown to underlie neuronal swelling which causes cell death after stroke as well as promoting the metastasis of certain cancers, making them intriguing therapeutic targets as well.

The yeast Gdt1 protein mediates the exchange of H+ for Ca2+ and Mn2+ influencing the Golgi pH

The GDT1 family is broadly spread and highly conserved among living organisms. GDT1 members have functions in key processes like glycosylation in humans and yeasts, and photosynthesis in plants. These functions are mediated by their ability to transport ions. While transport of Ca²⁺ or Mn²⁺ is well established for several GDT1 members, their transport mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that H⁺ ions are transported in exchange for Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺ cations by the Golgi-localized yeast Gdt1 protein. We performed direct transport measurement across a biological membrane by expressing Gdt1p in Lactococcus lactis bacterial cells and by recording either the extracellular pH or the intracellular pH during the application of Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺ or H⁺ gradients. Besides, in vivo cytosolic and Golgi pH measurements were performed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with genetically encoded pH probes targeted to those subcellular compartments. These data point out that the flow of H⁺ ions carried by Gdt1p could be reversed according to the physiological conditions. Together, our experiments unravel the influence of the relative concentration gradients for Gdt1p-mediated H⁺ transport and pave the way to decipher the regulatory mechanisms driving the activity of GDT1 orthologs in various biological contexts.

The role of metal ions in the Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus is a membrane-bound organelle that functions as a central role in the secretory pathway. Since the discovery of the Golgi apparatus, its structure and function have attracted ever-increasing attention from researchers. Recently, it has been demonstrated that metal ions are necessary for the Golgi apparatus to maintain its proper structure and functions. Given that metal ions play an important role in various biological processes, their abnormal homeostasis is related to many diseases. Therefore, in this paper, we reviewed the uptake and release mechanisms of the Golgi apparatus Ca²⁺ , Cu, and Zn²⁺ . Furthermore, we describe the diseases associated with Golgi apparatus Ca²⁺ , Cu, and Zn²⁺ imbalance.

Endocytic BDNF secretion regulated by Vamp3 in astrocytes

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates diverse brain functions via TrkB receptor signaling. Due to the expression of TrkB receptors, astrocytes can internalize extracellular BDNF proteins via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Endocytosed BDNF can be re-secreted upon stimulation, but the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unrecognized. Our study reveals that vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 (Vamp3) selectively regulates the release of endocytic BDNF from astrocytes. By using quantum dot (QD)-conjugated mature BDNF (QD-BDNF) as a proxy for the extracellular BDNF protein, we monitored the uptake, transport, and secretion of BDNF from cultured cortical astrocytes. Our data showed that endocytic QD-BDNF particles were enriched in Vamp3-containing vesicles in astrocytes and that ATP treatment sufficiently triggered either the antero- or retrograde transport and exocytosis of QD-BDNF-containing vesicles. Downregulation of Vamp3 expression disrupted endocytic BDNF secretion from astrocytes but did not affect uptake or transport. Collectively, these results provide evidence of the selective ability of astrocytic Vamp3 to control endocytic BDNF secretion during BDNF recycling.

From the Uncharacterized Protein Family 0016 to the GDT1 family: Molecular insights into a newly-characterized family of cation secondary transporters

The Uncharacterized Protein Family 0016 (UPF0016) gathers poorly studied membrane proteins well conserved through evolution that possess one or two copies of the consensus motif Glu-x-Gly-Asp-(Arg/Lys)-(Ser/Thr). Members are found in many eukaryotes, bacteria and archaea. The interest for this protein family arose in 2012 when its human member TMEM165 was linked to the occurrence of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDGs) when harbouring specific mutations. Study of the UPF0016 family is undergone through the characterization of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae (MneA), cyanobacterium Synechocystis (SynPAM71), yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Gdt1p), plant Arabidopsis thaliana (PAM71 and CMT1), and human (TMEM165) members. These proteins have all been identified as transporters of cations, more precisely of Mn²⁺, with an extra reported function in Ca²⁺ and/or H⁺ transport for some of them. Apart from glycosylation in humans, the UPF0016 members are required for lactation in humans, photosynthesis in plants and cyanobacteria, Ca²⁺ signaling in yeast, and Mn²⁺ homeostasis in the five aforementioned species. The requirement of the UPF0016 members for key physiological processes most likely derives from their transport activity at the Golgi membrane in human and yeast, the chloroplasts membranes in plants, the thylakoid and plasma membranes in cyanobacteria, and the cell membrane in bacteria. In the light of these studies on various UPF0016 members, this family is not considered as uncharacterized anymore and has been renamed the Gdt1 family according to the name of its S. cerevisiae member. This review aims at assembling and confronting the current knowledge in order to identify shared and distinct features in terms of transported molecules, mode of action, structure, etc., as well as to better understand their corresponding physiological roles.

The yeast protein Gdt1p transports Mn2+ ions and thereby regulates manganese homeostasis in the Golgi

The uncharacterized protein family 0016 (UPF0016) is a family of secondary ion transporters implicated in calcium homeostasis and some diseases. More precisely, genetic variants of the human UPF0016 ortholog transmembrane protein 165 (TMEM165) have been linked to congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog Gdt1p has been shown to be involved in calcium homeostasis and protein glycosylation. Moreover, plant and bacterial UPF0016 members appear to have putative roles in Mn²⁺ homeostasis. Here, we produced the yeast UPF0016 member Gdt1p in the bacterial host Lactococcus lactis Using Mn²⁺-induced quenching of Fura-2-emitted fluorescence, we observed that Gdt1p mediates Mn²⁺ influx, in addition to its previously reported regulation of Ca²⁺ influx. The estimated K_m values of Gdt1p of 15.6 ± 2.6 μm for Ca²⁺ and 83.2 ± 9.8 μm for Mn²⁺ indicated that Gdt1p has a higher affinity for Ca²⁺ than for Mn²⁺ In yeast cells, we found that Gdt1p is involved in the resistance to high Mn²⁺ concentration and controls total Mn²⁺ stores. Lastly, we demonstrated that GDT1 deletion affects the activity of the yeast Mn²⁺-dependent Sod2p superoxide dismutase, most likely by modulating cytosolic Mn²⁺ concentrations. Taken together, we obtained first evidence that Gdt1p from yeast directly transports manganese, which strongly reinforces the suggested link between the UPF0016 family and Mn²⁺ homeostasis and provides new insights into the molecular causes of human TMEM165-associated CDGs. Our results also shed light on how yeast cells may regulate Golgi intraluminal concentrations of manganese, a key cofactor of many enzymes involved in protein glycosylation.

Inseparable tandem: evolution chooses ATP and Ca2+ to control life, death and cellular signalling

From the very dawn of biological evolution, ATP was selected as a multipurpose energy-storing molecule. Metabolism of ATP required intracellular free Ca(2+) to be set at exceedingly low concentrations, which in turn provided the background for the role of Ca(2+) as a universal signalling molecule. The early-eukaryote life forms also evolved functional compartmentalization and vesicle trafficking, which used Ca(2+) as a universal signalling ion; similarly, Ca(2+) is needed for regulation of ciliary and flagellar beat, amoeboid movement, intracellular transport, as well as of numerous metabolic processes. Thus, during evolution, exploitation of atmospheric oxygen and increasingly efficient ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation by bacterial endosymbionts were a first step for the emergence of complex eukaryotic cells. Simultaneously, Ca(2+) started to be exploited for short-range signalling, despite restrictions by the preset phosphate-based energy metabolism, when both phosphates and Ca(2+) interfere with each other because of the low solubility of calcium phosphates. The need to keep cytosolic Ca(2+) low forced cells to restrict Ca(2+) signals in space and time and to develop energetically favourable Ca(2+) signalling and Ca(2+) microdomains. These steps in tandem dominated further evolution. The ATP molecule (often released by Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis) rapidly grew to be the universal chemical messenger for intercellular communication; ATP effects are mediated by an extended family of purinoceptors often linked to Ca(2+) signalling. Similar to atmospheric oxygen, Ca(2+) must have been reverted from a deleterious agent to a most useful (intra- and extracellular) signalling molecule. Invention of intracellular trafficking further increased the role for Ca(2+) homeostasis that became critical for regulation of cell survival and cell death. Several mutually interdependent effects of Ca(2+) and ATP have been exploited in evolution, thus turning an originally unholy alliance into a fascinating success story.This article is part of the themed issue 'Evolution brings Ca(2+) and ATP together to control life and death'.

The calcium-binding protein ALG-2 regulates protein secretion and trafficking via interactions with MISSL and MAP1B proteins

Mobilization of intracellular calcium is essential for a wide range of cellular processes, including signal transduction, apoptosis, and vesicular trafficking. Several lines of evidence have suggested that apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2, also known as PDCD6), a calcium-binding protein, acts as a calcium sensor linking calcium levels with efficient vesicular trafficking, especially at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi transport step. However, how ALG-2 regulates these processes remains largely unclear. Here, we report that MAPK1-interacting and spindle-stabilizing (MISS)-like (MISSL), a previously uncharacterized protein, interacts with ALG-2 in a calcium-dependent manner. Live-cell imaging revealed that upon a rise in intracellular calcium levels, GFP-tagged MISSL (GFP-MISSL) dynamically relocalizes in a punctate pattern and colocalizes with ALG-2. MISSL knockdown caused disorganization of the components of the ER exit site, the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment, and Golgi. Importantly, knockdown of either MISSL or ALG-2 attenuated the secretion of secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP), a model secreted cargo protein, with similar reductions in secretion by single- and double-protein knockdowns, suggesting that MISSL and ALG-2 act in the same pathway to regulate the secretion process. Furthermore, ALG-2 or MISSL knockdown delayed ER-to-Golgi transport of procollagen type I. We also found that ALG-2 and MISSL interact with microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) and that MAP1B knockdown reverts the reduced secretion of SEAP caused by MISSL or ALG-2 depletion. These results suggest that a change in the intracellular calcium level plays a role in regulation of the secretory pathway via interaction of ALG-2 with MISSL and MAP1B.

Ride the wave: Retrograde trafficking becomes Ca2+ dependent with BAIAP3

The functions of four of the five proteins in the mammalian uncoordinated-13 (Munc13) family have been identified as priming factors in SNARE-dependent exocytosis. In this issue, Zhang et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201702099) show that the fifth member, BAIAP3 (brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor I-associated protein 3), acts in retrograde trafficking by returning secretory vesicle material to the trans-Golgi network. In its absence, secretory vesicle formation is impaired, leading to accumulation of immature vesicles, or lysosomal vesicle degradation.

Annexins as Overlooked Regulators of Membrane Trafficking in Plant Cells

Annexins are an evolutionary conserved superfamily of proteins able to bind membrane phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner. Their physiological roles are still being intensively examined and it seems that, despite their general structural similarity, individual proteins are specialized toward specific functions. However, due to their general ability to coordinate membranes in a calcium-sensitive fashion they are thought to participate in membrane flow. In this review, we present a summary of the current understanding of cellular transport in plant cells and consider the possible roles of annexins in different stages of vesicular transport.

Penta-EF-Hand Protein Peflin Is a Negative Regulator of ER-To-Golgi Transport

Luminal calcium regulates vesicle transport early in the secretory pathway. In ER-to-Golgi transport, depletion of luminal calcium leads to significantly reduced transport and a buildup of budding and newly budded COPII vesicles and vesicle proteins. Effects of luminal calcium on transport may be mediated by cytoplasmic calcium sensors near ER exits sites (ERES). The penta-EF-hand (PEF) protein apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2) stabilizes sec31A at ER exit sites (ERES) and promotes the assembly of inner and outer shell COPII components. However, in vitro and intact cell approaches have not determined whether ALG-2 is a negative or positive regulator, or a regulator at all, under basal physiological conditions. ALG-2 interacts with another PEF protein, peflin, to form cytosolic heterodimers that dissociate in response to calcium. However, a biological function for peflin has not been demonstrated and whether peflin and the ALG-2/peflin interaction modulates transport has not been investigated. Using an intact, single cell, morphological assay for ER-to-Golgi transport in normal rat kidney (NRK) cells, we found that depletion of peflin using siRNA resulted in significantly faster transport of the membrane cargo VSV-G. Double depletion of peflin and ALG-2 blocked the increased transport resulting from peflin depletion, demonstrating a role for ALG-2 in the increased transport. Furthermore, peflin depletion caused increased targeting of ALG-2 to ERES and increased ALG-2/sec31A interactions, suggesting that peflin may normally inhibit transport by preventing ALG-2/sec31A interactions. This work identifies for the first time a clear steady state role for a PEF protein in ER-to-Golgi transport—peflin is a negative regulator of transport.

Overexpression of Sly41 suppresses COPII vesicle-tethering deficiencies by elevating intracellular calcium levels

SLY41 is a multicopy suppressor of mutations in the essential Ypt1 GTPase. Overexpression of Sly41 elevates cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, which stimulates SNARE-dependent fusion of COPII vesicles with Golgi membranes and suppresses deficiencies in Ypt1-dependent vesicle tethering. Thus Ca²⁺ positively regulates vesicle fusion with Golgi membranes.

SLY41 was identified as a multicopy suppressor of loss of Ypt1, a Rab GTPase essential for COPII vesicle tethering at the Golgi complex. SLY41 encodes a polytopic membrane protein with homology to a class of solute transporter proteins, but how overexpression suppresses vesicle-tethering deficiencies is not known. Here we show that Sly41 is efficiently packaged into COPII vesicles and actively cycles between the ER and Golgi compartments. SLY41 displays synthetic negative genetic interactions with PMR1, which encodes the major Golgi-localized Ca²⁺/Mn²⁺ transporter and suggests that Sly41 influences cellular Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺ homeostasis. Experiments using the calcium probe aequorin to measure intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations in live cells reveal that Sly41 overexpression significantly increases cytosolic calcium levels. Although specific substrates of the Sly41 transporter were not identified, our findings indicate that localized overexpression of Sly41 to the early secretory pathway elevates cytosolic calcium levels to suppress vesicle-tethering mutants. In vitro SNARE cross-linking assays were used to directly monitor the influence of Ca²⁺ on tethering and fusion of COPII vesicles with Golgi membranes. Strikingly, calcium at suppressive concentrations stimulated SNARE-dependent membrane fusion when vesicle-tethering activity was reduced. These results show that calcium positively regulates the SNARE-dependent fusion stage of ER–Golgi transport.

Shear stress mediates exocytosis of functional TRPV4 channels in endothelial cells

Mechanosensitive ion channels are implicated in the biology of touch, pain, hearing and vascular reactivity; however, the identity of these ion channels and the molecular basis of their activation is poorly understood. We previously found that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a receptor operated ion channel that is sensitised and activated by mechanical stress. Here, we investigated the effects of mechanical stimulation on TRPV4 localisation and activation in native and recombinant TRPV4-expressing cells. We used a combination of total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, cell surface biotinylation assay and Ca(2+) imaging with laser scanning confocal microscope to show that TRPV4 is expressed in primary vascular endothelial cells and that shear stress sensitises the response of TRPV4 to its agonist, GSK1016790A. The sensitisation was attributed to the recruitment of intracellular pools of TRPV4 to the plasma membrane, through the clathrin and dynamin-mediated exocytosis. The translocation was dependent on ILK/Akt signalling pathway, release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and we demonstrated that shear stress stimulated phosphorylation of TRPV4 at tyrosine Y110. Our findings implicate calcium-sensitive TRPV4 translocation in the regulation of endothelial responses to mechanical stimulation.

Examination of Sec22 Homodimer Formation and Role in SNARE-dependent Membrane Fusion

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein complexes play essential roles in catalyzing intracellular membrane fusion events although the assembly pathway and molecular arrangement of SNARE complexes in membrane fusion reactions are not well understood. Here we monitored interactions of the R-SNARE protein Sec22 through a cysteine scanning approach and detected efficient formation of cross-linked Sec22 homodimers in cellular membranes when cysteine residues were positioned in the SNARE motif or C terminus of the transmembrane domain. When specific Sec22 cysteine derivatives are present on both donor COPII vesicles and acceptor Golgi membranes, the formation of disulfide cross-links provide clear readouts on trans- and cis-SNARE arrangements during this fusion event. The Sec22 transmembrane domain was required for efficient homodimer formation and for membrane fusion suggesting a functional role for Sec22 homodimers. We propose that Sec22 homodimers promote assembly of higher-order SNARE complexes to catalyze membrane fusion. Sec22 is also reported to function in macroautophagy and in formation of endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contact sites therefore homodimer assembly may regulate Sec22 activity across a range of cellular processes.

Manganese redistribution by calcium-stimulated vesicle trafficking bypasses the need for P-type ATPase function

Regulation of intracellular ion homeostasis is essential for eukaryotic cell physiology. An example is provided by loss of ATP2C1 function, which leads to skin ulceration, improper keratinocyte adhesion, and cancer formation in Hailey-Hailey patients. The yeast ATP2C1 orthologue PMR1 codes for a Mn(2+)/Ca(2+) transporter that is crucial for cis-Golgi manganese supply. Here, we present evidence that calcium overcomes the lack of Pmr1 through vesicle trafficking-stimulated manganese delivery and requires the endoplasmic reticulum Mn(2+) transporter Spf1 and the late endosome/trans-Golgi Nramp metal transporter Smf2. Smf2 co-localizes with the putative Mn(2+) transporter Atx2, and ATX2 overexpression counteracts the beneficial impact of calcium treatment. Our findings suggest that vesicle trafficking promotes organelle-specific ion interchange and cytoplasmic metal detoxification independent of calcineurin signaling or metal transporter re-localization. Our study identifies an alternative mode for cis-Golgi manganese supply in yeast and provides new perspectives for Hailey-Hailey disease treatment.

PLCγ1 participates in protein transport and diacylglycerol production triggered by cargo arrival at the Golgi

Diacylglycerol (DAG) is required for membrane traffic and structural organization at the Golgi. DAG is a lipid metabolite of several enzymatic reactions present at this organelle, but the mechanisms by which they are regulated are still unknown. Here, we show that cargo arrival at the Golgi increases the recruitment of the DAG-sensing constructs C1-PKCθ-GFP and the PKD-wt-GFP. The recruitment of both constructs was reduced by PLCγ1 silencing. Post-Golgi trafficking of transmembrane and soluble proteins was impaired in PLCγ1-silenced cells. Under basal conditions, PLCγ1 contributed to the maintenance of the pool of DAG associated with the Golgi and to the structural organization of the organelle. Finally, we show that cytosolic phospholipase C (PLC) can hydrolyse phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate in isolated Golgi membranes. Our results indicate that PLCγ1 is part of the molecular mechanism that couples cargo arrival at the Golgi with DAG production to co-ordinate the formation of transport carriers for post-Golgi traffic.

A new role for annexin A11 in the early secretory pathway via stabilizing Sec31A protein at the endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES)

Exit of cargo molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for transport to the Golgi is the initial step in intracellular vesicular trafficking. The coat protein complex II (COPII) machinery is recruited to specialized regions of the ER, called ER exit sites (ERES), where it plays a central role in the early secretory pathway. It has been known for more than two decades that calcium is an essential factor in vesicle trafficking from the ER to Golgi apparatus. However, the role of calcium in the early secretory pathway is complicated and poorly understood. We and others previously identified Sec31A, an outer cage component of COPII, as an interacting protein for the penta-EF-hand calcium-binding protein ALG-2. In this study, we show that another calcium-binding protein, annexin A11 (AnxA11), physically associates with Sec31A by the adaptor function of ALG-2. Depletion of AnxA11 or ALG-2 decreases the population of Sec31A that is stably associated with the ERES and causes scattering of juxtanuclear ERES to the cell periphery. The synchronous ER-to-Golgi transport of transmembrane cargoes is accelerated in AnxA11- or ALG-2-knockdown cells. These findings suggest that AnxA11 maintains architectural and functional features of the ERES by coordinating with ALG-2 to stabilize Sec31A at the ERES.

Apoptosis-linked gene-2 (ALG-2)/Sec31 interactions regulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi transport: a potential effector pathway for luminal calcium

Luminal calcium released from secretory organelles has been suggested to play a regulatory role in vesicle transport at several steps in the secretory pathway; however, its functional roles and effector pathways have not been elucidated. Here we demonstrate for the first time that specific luminal calcium depletion leads to a significant decrease in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi transport rates in intact cells. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that luminal calcium depletion is accompanied by increased accumulation of intermediate compartment proteins in COPII buds and clusters of unfused COPII vesicles at ER exit sites. Furthermore, we present several lines of evidence suggesting that luminal calcium affected transport at least in part through calcium-dependent interactions between apoptosis-linked gene-2 (ALG-2) and the Sec31A proline-rich region: 1) targeted disruption of ALG-2/Sec31A interactions caused severe defects in ER-to-Golgi transport in intact cells; 2) effects of luminal calcium and ALG-2/Sec31A interactions on transport mutually required each other; and 3) Sec31A function in transport required luminal calcium. Morphological phenotypes of disrupted ALG-2/Sec31A interactions were characterized. We found that ALG-2/Sec31A interactions were not required for the localization of Sec31A to ER exit sites per se but appeared to acutely regulate the stability and trafficking of the cargo receptor p24 and the distribution of the vesicle tether protein p115. These results represent the first outline of a mechanism that connects luminal calcium to specific protein interactions regulating vesicle trafficking machinery.

Calcium-dependent regulation of Rab activation and vesicle fusion by an intracellular P2X ion channel

Rab GTPases play key roles in the delivery, docking and fusion of intracellular vesicles. However, the mechanism by which spatial and temporal regulation of Rab GTPase activity is controlled is poorly understood. Here we describe a mechanism by which localized calcium release through a vesicular ion channel controls Rab GTPase activity. We show that activation of P2XA, an intracellular ion channel localized to the Dictyostelium discoideum contractile vacuole system, results in calcium efflux required for downregulation of Rab11a activity and efficient vacuole fusion. Vacuole fusion and Rab11a downregulation require the activity of CnrF, an EF-hand-containing Rab GAP found in a complex with Rab11a and P2XA. CnrF Rab GAP activity for Rab11a is enhanced by the presence of calcium and the EF-hand domain. These findings suggest that P2XA activation results in vacuolar calcium release, which triggers activation of CnrF Rab GAP activity and subsequent downregulation of Rab11a to allow vacuole fusion.

Necrotic cell death and neurodegeneration: The involvement of endocytosis and intracellular trafficking

Necrosis, one of the two main types of cell death, contributes critically in many devastating pathological conditions in human, including stroke, ischemia, trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. However, unlike apoptosis, the molecular mechanisms underlying necrotic cell death and neurodegeneration are poorly understood. Caenorhabditis elegans offers a powerful platform for a thorough and systematic dissection of the molecular basis of necrotic cell death. Similarly to humans, neuronal necrosis can be induced by several well-characterized genetic lesions and by adverse environmental conditions in the nematode. The availability of precisely-defined C. elegans neurodegeneration models provides a unique opportunity for comprehensive delineation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating necrotic cell death. Through genetic dissection of such models, we recently uncovered an unexpected requirement for specific proteins involved in endocytosis and intracellular trafficking, in the execution of necrosis. Moreover, initiation of necrotic cell death is accompanied by a sharp increase in the formation of early and recycling endosomes, which subsequently disintegrate during the final stage of cell death. These findings implicate endocytic and intracellular trafficking processes in the cellular destruction during necrosis. Indeed, endocytosis synergizes with two other essential cellular processes, autophagy and lysosomal proteolysis to facilitate necrotic neurodegeneration. In this commentary, we consider the contribution of endocytosis and intracellular trafficking to cell injury and discuss the crosstalk between these processes and other molecular mechanisms that mediate necrosis.

Regulation of membrane trafficking by signalling on endosomal and lysosomal membranes

  Endosomal and lysosomal membrane trafficking requires the coordination of multiple signalling events to control cargo sorting and processing, and endosome maturation. The initiation and termination of signalling events in endosomes and lysosomes is not well understood, but several key regulators have been identified, which include small GTPases, phosphoinositides, and Ca2+. Small GTPases act as master regulators and molecular switches in a GTP-dependent manner, initiating signalling cascades to regulate the direction and specificity of endosomal trafficking. Phosphoinositides are membrane-bound lipids that indicate vesicular identities for recruiting specific cytoplasmic proteins to endosomal membranes, thus allowing specificity of membrane fusion, fission, and cargo sorting to occur within and between specific vesicle compartments. In addition, phosphoinositides regulate the function of membrane proteins such as ion channels and transporters in a compartment-specific manner to mediate transport and signalling. Finally, Ca2+, a locally acting second messenger released from intracellular ion channels, may provide precise spatiotemporal regulation of endosomal signalling and trafficking events. Small GTPase signalling can regulate phosphoinositide conversion during endosome maturation, and electrophysiological studies on isolated endosomes have shown that endosomal and lysosomal Ca2+ channels are directly modulated by endosomal lipids. Thus trafficking and maturation of endosomes and lysosomes can be precisely regulated by dynamic changes in GTPases and membrane lipids, as well as Ca2+ signalling. Importantly, impaired phosphoinositide and Ca2+ signalling can cause endosomal and lysosomal trafficking defects at the cellular level, and a spectrum of lysosome storage diseases.

Shiga toxins

Shiga toxins are virulence factors produced by the bacteria Shigella dysenteriae and certain strains of Escherichia coli. There is currently no available treatment for disease caused by these toxin-producing bacteria, and understanding the biology of the Shiga toxins might be instrumental in addressing this issue. In target cells, the toxins efficiently inhibit protein synthesis by inactivating ribosomes, and they may induce signaling leading to apoptosis. To reach their cytoplasmic target, Shiga toxins are endocytosed and transported by a retrograde pathway to the endoplasmic reticulum, before the enzymatically active moiety is translocated to the cytosol. The toxins thereby serve as powerful tools to investigate mechanisms of intracellular transport. Although Shiga toxins are a serious threat to human health, the toxins may be exploited for medical purposes such as cancer therapy or imaging.

Calcineurin homologous protein: a multifunctional Ca2+-binding protein family

The calcineurin homologous protein (CHP) belongs to an evolutionarily conserved Ca(2+)-binding protein subfamily. The CHP subfamily is composed of CHP1, CHP2, and CHP3, which in vertebrates share significant homology at the protein level with each other and between other Ca(2+)-binding proteins. The CHP structure consists of two globular domains containing from one to four EF-hand structural motifs (calcium-binding regions composed of two helixes, E and F, joined by a loop), the myristoylation, and nuclear export signals. These structural features are essential for the function of the three members of the CHP subfamily. Indeed, CHP1-CHP3 have multiple and diverse essential functions, ranging from the regulation of the plasma membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchanger protein function, to carrier vesicle trafficking and gene transcription. The diverse functions attributed to the CHP subfamily rendered an understanding of its action highly complex and often controversial. This review provides a comprehensive and organized examination of the properties and physiological roles of the CHP subfamily with a view to revealing a link between CHP diverse functions.

Calcium around the Golgi apparatus: implications for intracellular membrane trafficking

As with other complex cellular functions, intracellular membrane transport involves the coordinated engagement of a series of organelles and machineries; in the last couple of decades more importance has been given to the role of calcium (Ca(2+)) in the regulation of membrane trafficking, which is directly involved in coordinating the endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi-to-plasma membrane delivery of cargo. Consequently, the Golgi apparatus (GA) is now considered not just the place proteins mature in as they move to their final destination(s), but it is increasingly viewed as an intracellular Ca(2+) store. In the last few years the mechanisms regulating the homeostasis of Ca(2+) in the GA and its role in membrane trafficking have begun to be elucidated. Here, these recent discoveries that shed light on the role Ca(2+) plays as of trigger of different steps during membrane trafficking has been reviewed. This includes recruitment of proteins and SNARE cofactors to the Golgi membranes, which are both fundamental for the membrane remodeling and the regulation of fusion/fission events occurring during the passage of cargo across the GA. I conclude by focusing attention on Ca(2+) homeostasis dysfunctions in the GA and their related pathological implications.

Hormone-stimulated modulation of endocytic trafficking in osteoclasts

A precise control of vesicular trafficking is crucial not only for osteoclastic bone resorption, but also for the crosstalk between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, which regulates bone homeostasis. In addition to the release of growth factors and modulators, such as glutamate, flux through the intracellular trafficking routes could also provide the osteoclast with a monitoring function of its resorption activity. To establish the signaling pathways regulating trafficking events in resorbing osteoclasts, we used the bone conserving hormone calcitonin, which has the unique property of inducing osteoclast quiescence. Calcitonin acts through the calcitonin receptor and activates multiple signaling pathways. By monitoring trafficking of a fluorescent low molecular weight probe in mature, bone resorbing osteoclasts we show for the first time that calcitonin blocks endocytosis from the ruffled border by phospholipase C (PLC) activation. Furthermore, we identify a requirement for polyunsaturated fatty acids in endocytic trafficking in osteoclasts. Inhibition of PLC prior to calcitonin treatment restores endocytosis to 75% of untreated rates. This effect is independent of protein kinase C activation and can be mimicked by an increase in intracellular calcium. We thus define an essential role for intracellular calcium levels in the maintenance of endocytosis in osteoclasts.

Pairing phosphoinositides with calcium ions in endolysosomal dynamics: phosphoinositides control the direction and specificity of membrane trafficking by regulating the activity of calcium channels in the endolysosomes

The direction and specificity of endolysosomal membrane trafficking is tightly regulated by various cytosolic and membrane-bound factors, including soluble NSF attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), Rab GTPases, and phosphoinositides. Another trafficking regulatory factor is juxta-organellar Ca(2+) , which is hypothesized to be released from the lumen of endolysosomes and to be present at higher concentrations near fusion/fission sites. The recent identification and characterization of several Ca(2+) channel proteins from endolysosomal membranes has provided a unique opportunity to examine the roles of Ca(2+) and Ca(2+) channels in the membrane trafficking of endolysosomes. SNAREs, Rab GTPases, and phosphoinositides have been reported to regulate plasma membrane ion channels, thereby suggesting that these trafficking regulators may also modulate endolysosomal dynamics by controlling Ca(2+) flux across endolysosomal membranes. In this paper, we discuss the roles of phosphoinositides, Ca(2+) , and potential interactions between endolysosomal Ca(2+) channels and phosphoinositides in endolysosomal dynamics.

Role of neuronal Ca2+-sensor proteins in Golgi-cell-surface membrane traffic

The regulated local synthesis of PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P(2) is crucial for TGN (trans-Golgi network)-plasma membrane trafficking. The activity of PI4Kbeta (phosphoinositide 4-kinase IIIbeta) at the Golgi membrane is a first mandatory step in this process. In addition to PI4Kbeta activity, elevated Ca(2+) levels are also needed for the exit of vesicles from the TGN. The reason for this Ca(2+) requirement is at present unclear. In the present review, we discuss the role of neuronal Ca(2+)-sensor proteins in the regulation of PI4Kbeta and suggest that this regulation might impose a need for elevated Ca(2+) levels for a late step of vesicle assembly.

TRP channels of intracellular membranes

Ion channels are classically understood to regulate the flux of ions across the plasma membrane in response to a variety of environmental and intracellular cues. Ion channels serve a number of functions in intracellular membranes as well. These channels may be temporarily localized to intracellular membranes as a function of their biosynthetic or secretory pathways, i.e., en route to their destination location. Intracellular membrane ion channels may also be located in the endocytic pathways, either being recycled back to the plasma membrane or targeted to the lysosome for degradation. Several channels do participate in intracellular signal transduction; the most well known example is the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) in the endoplasmic reticulum. Some organellar intracellular membrane channels are required for the ionic homeostasis of their residing organelles. Several newly-discovered intracellular membrane Ca(2+) channels actually play active roles in membrane trafficking. Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are a superfamily (28 members in mammal) of Ca(2+)-permeable channels with diverse tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and physiological functions. Almost all mammalian TRP channels studied thus far, like their ancestor yeast TRP channel (TRPY1) that localizes to the vacuole compartment, are also (in addition to their plasma membrane localization) found to be localized to intracellular membranes. Accumulated evidence suggests that intracellularly-localized TRP channels actively participate in regulating membrane traffic, signal transduction, and vesicular ion homeostasis. This review aims to provide a summary of these recent works. The discussion will also be extended to the basic membrane and electrical properties of the TRP-residing compartments.

Vesicular calcium regulates coat retention, fusogenicity, and size of pre-Golgi intermediates

This study establishes a role for luminal Ca²⁺ in ER/Golgi transport organelles and elucidates an effector mechanism involving the EF-hand protein ALG-2 and regulation of COPII coat retention.

The significance and extent of Ca²⁺ regulation of the biosynthetic secretory pathway have been difficult to establish, and our knowledge of regulatory relationships integrating Ca²⁺ with vesicle coats and function is rudimentary. Here, we investigated potential roles and mechanisms of luminal Ca²⁺ in the early secretory pathway. Specific depletion of luminal Ca²⁺ in living normal rat kidney cells using cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) resulted in the extreme expansion of vesicular tubular cluster (VTC) elements. Consistent with this, a suppressive role for vesicle-associated Ca²⁺ in COPII vesicle homotypic fusion was demonstrated in vitro using Ca²⁺ chelators. The EF-hand–containing protein apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2), previously implicated in the stabilization of sec31 at endoplasmic reticulum exit sites, inhibited COPII vesicle fusion in a Ca²⁺-requiring manner, suggesting that ALG-2 may be a sensor for the effects of vesicular Ca²⁺ on homotypic fusion. Immunoisolation established that Ca²⁺ chelation inhibits and ALG-2 specifically favors residual retention of the COPII outer shell protein sec31 on pre-Golgi fusion intermediates. We conclude that vesicle-associated Ca²⁺, acting through ALG-2, favors the retention of residual coat molecules that seem to suppress membrane fusion. We propose that in cells, these Ca²⁺-dependent mechanisms temporally regulate COPII vesicle interactions, VTC biogenesis, cargo sorting, and VTC maturation.

Exocytosis of post-Golgi vesicles is regulated by components of the endocytic machinery

Post-Golgi vesicles target and deliver most biosynthetic cargoes to the cell surface. However, the molecules and mechanisms involved in fusion of these vesicles are not well understood. We have employed a system to simultaneously monitor release of luminal and membrane biosynthetic cargoes from individual post-Golgi vesicles. Exocytosis of these vesicles is not calcium triggered. Release of luminal cargo can be accompanied by complete, partial, or no release of membrane cargo. Partial and no release of membrane cargo of a fusing vesicle are fates associated with kiss-and-run exocytosis, and we find that these are the predominant mode of post-Golgi vesicle exocytosis. Partial cargo release by post-Golgi vesicles occurs because of premature closure of the fusion pore and is modulated by the activity of clathrin, actin, and dynamin. Our results demonstrate that these components of the endocytic machinery modulate the nature and extent of biosynthetic cargo delivery by post-Golgi vesicles at the cell membrane.

Calneurons provide a calcium threshold for trans-Golgi network to plasma membrane trafficking

Phosphatidylinositol 4-OH kinase IIIbeta (PI-4Kbeta) is involved in the regulated local synthesis of phospholipids that are crucial for trans-Golgi network (TGN)-to-plasma membrane trafficking. In this study, we show that the calcium sensor proteins calneuron-1 and calneuron-2 physically associate with PI-4Kbeta, inhibit the enzyme profoundly at resting and low calcium levels, and negatively interfere with Golgi-to-plasma membrane trafficking. At high calcium levels this inhibition is released and PI-4Kbeta is activated via a preferential association with neuronal calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1). In accord to its supposed function as a filter for subthreshold Golgi calcium transients, neuronal overexpression of calneuron-1 enlarges the size of the TGN caused by a build-up of vesicle proteins and reduces the number of axonal Piccolo-Bassoon transport vesicles, large dense core vesicles that carry a set of essential proteins for the formation of the presynaptic active zone during development. A corresponding protein knockdown has the opposite effect. The opposing roles of calneurons and NCS-1 provide a molecular switch to decode local calcium transients at the Golgi and impose a calcium threshold for PI-4Kbeta activity and vesicle trafficking.

Increasing the expression of calcium-permeable TRPC3 and TRPC7 channels enhances constitutive secretion

The hTRPC [human TRPC (canonical transient receptor potential)] family of non-selective cation channels is proposed to mediate calcium influx across the plasma membrane via PLC (phospholipase C)-coupled receptors. Heterologously expressed hTRPC3 and hTRPC7 have been localized at the cell surface; however, a large intracellular component has also been noted but not characterized. In the present study, we have investigated the intracellular pool in COS-7 cells and have shown co-localization with markers for both the TGN (trans-Golgi network) and the cis-Golgi cisternae by immunofluorescence microscopy. Addition of BFA (Brefeldin A) to cells expressing hTRPC3 or hTRPC7 resulted in the redistribution of the Golgi component to the endoplasmic reticulum, indicating that this pool is present in both the Golgi stack and the TGN. Expression of either TRPC3 or TRPC7, but not TRPC1 or the cell surface marker CD8, resulted in a 2–4-fold increase in secreted alkaline phosphatase in the extracellular medium. Based on these results, we propose that an additional function of these members of the hTRPC family may be to enhance secretion either by affecting transport through the Golgi stack or by increasing fusion at the plasma membrane.

The Mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 links Shiga Toxin-dependent signaling and trafficking

Shiga toxin (Stx) binds to the cell, and it is transported via endosomes and the Golgi apparatus to the endoplasmic reticulum and cytosol, where it exerts its toxic effect. We have recently shown that Stx activates the tyrosine kinase Syk, which in turn induces clathrin phosphorylation and up-regulates Stx uptake. Here, we show that toxin-induced signaling can also regulate another step in intracellular Stx transport. We demonstrate that transport of Stx to the Golgi apparatus is dependent on the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38. Treatment of cells with chemical inhibitors or small interfering RNA targeting p38 inhibited Stx transport to the Golgi and reduced Stx toxicity. This p38 dependence is specific to Stx, because transport of the related toxin ricin was not affected by p38 inhibition. Stx rapidly activated p38, and recruited it to early endosomes in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Furthermore, agonist-induced oscillations in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels were inhibited upon Stx stimulation, possibly reflecting Stx-dependent local alterations in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels. Intracellular transport of Stx is Ca(2+) dependent, and we provide evidence that Stx activates a signaling cascade involving cross talk between Ca(2+) and p38, to regulate its trafficking to the Golgi apparatus.

Calcium: a fundamental regulator of intracellular membrane fusion?

For many years, it has been known that an increase in cytosolic calcium triggers the fusion of secretory granules and synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane. However, the role of calcium in the intracellular membrane-fusion reactions that coordinate the secretory and endocytic pathways has been less clear. Initially, there was accumulating evidence to indicate that a focally localized and transient calcium signal is required to trigger even those fusion events formerly classified as 'constitutive'-that is, those that normally occur in the absence of global cytosolic calcium increases. Therefore, calcium seemed to be a required fundamental co-factor underlying all biological membrane-fusion steps, perhaps with a conserved mechanism of action. However, although such unification would be gratifying, new data indicate that several intracellular fusion events do not require calcium after all. In this review, the evidence for calcium requirements and its modes of action in constitutive trafficking are discussed. As a challenging perspective, I suggest that the specific absence of calcium requirements for some transport steps in fact expands the function of calcium in trafficking, because divergent luminal calcium concentrations and requirements for fusion might increase the specificity with which intracellular membrane-fusion partners are determined.

Calcium gradients and the Golgi

Changes in intracellular free calcium regulate many intracellular processes. With respect to the secretory pathway and the Golgi apparatus, changes in calcium concentration occurring either in the adjacent cytosol or within the lumen of the Golgi act to regulate Golgi function. Conversely, the Golgi sequesters calcium to shape cytosolic calcium signals as well as initiate them by releasing calcium via inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3)) receptors, located on Golgi membranes. Local calcium transients juxtaposed to the Golgi (arising from release by the Golgi or other organelles) can activate calcium dependent signalling molecules located on or around the Golgi. This review focuses on the reciprocal relationship between the cell biology of the Golgi apparatus and intracellular calcium homeostasis.

The Ca2+-binding protein ALG-2 is recruited to endoplasmic reticulum exit sites by Sec31A and stabilizes the localization of Sec31A

The formation of transport vesicles that bud from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites is dependent on the COPII coat made up of three components: the small GTPase Sar1, the Sec23/24 complex, and the Sec13/31 complex. Here, we provide evidence that apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2), a Ca(2+)-binding protein of unknown function, regulates the COPII function at ER exit sites in mammalian cells. ALG-2 bound to the Pro-rich region of Sec31A, a ubiquitously expressed mammalian orthologue of yeast Sec31, in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner and colocalized with Sec31A at ER exit sites. A Ca(2+) binding-deficient ALG-2 mutant, which did not bind Sec31A, lost the ability to localize to ER exit sites. Overexpression of the Pro-rich region of Sec31A or RNA interference-mediated Sec31A depletion also abolished the ALG-2 localization at these sites. In contrast, depletion of ALG-2 substantially reduced the level of Sec31A associated with the membrane at ER exit sites. Finally, treatment with a cell-permeable Ca(2+) chelator caused the mislocalization of ALG-2, which was accompanied by a reduced level of Sec31A at ER exit sites. We conclude that ALG-2 is recruited to ER exit sites via Ca(2+)-dependent interaction with Sec31A and in turn stabilizes the localization of Sec31A at these sites.

Shiga toxin facilitates its retrograde transport by modifying microtubule dynamics

The bacterial exotoxin Shiga toxin is endocytosed by mammalian host cells and transported retrogradely through the secretory pathway before entering the cytosol. Shiga toxin also increases the levels of microfilaments and microtubules (MTs) upon binding to the cell surface. The purpose for this alteration in cytoskeletal dynamics is unknown. We have investigated whether Shiga toxin-induced changes in MT levels facilitate its intracellular transport. We have tested the effects of the Shiga toxin B subunit (STB) on MT-dependent and -independent transport steps. STB increases the rate of MT-dependent Golgi stack repositioning after nocodazole treatment. It also enhances the MT-dependent accumulation of transferrin in a perinuclear recycling compartment. By contrast, the rate of MT-independent transferrin recycling is not significantly different when STB is present. We found that STB normally requires MTs and dynein for its retrograde transport to the juxtanuclear Golgi complex and that STB increases MT assembly. Furthermore, we find that MT polymerization is limiting for STB transport in cells. These results show that STB-induced changes in cytoskeletal dynamics influence intracellular transport. We conclude that the increased rate of MT assembly upon Shiga toxin binding facilitates the retrograde transport of the toxin through the secretory pathway.

Mechanism of intracellular delivery by acoustic cavitation

Using conditions different from conventional medical imaging or laboratory cell lysis, ultrasound has recently been shown to reversibly increase plasma membrane permeability to drugs, proteins and DNA in living cells and animals independently of cell or drug type, suggesting a ubiquitous mechanism of action. To determine the mechanism of these effects, we examined cells exposed to ultrasound by flow cytometry coupled with electron and fluorescence microscopies. The results show that cavitation generated by ultrasound facilitates cellular incorporation of macromolecules up to 28 nm in radius through repairable micron-scale disruptions in the plasma membrane with lifetimes >1 min, which is a period similar to the kinetics of membrane repair after mechanical wounding. Further data suggest that cells actively reseal these holes using a native healing response involving endogenous vesicle-based membrane resealing. In this way, noninvasively focused ultrasound could deliver drugs and genes to targeted tissues, thereby minimizing side effects, lowering drug dosages, and improving efficacy.

Coatomer-bound Cdc42 regulates dynein recruitment to COPI vesicles

Cytoskeletal dynamics at the Golgi apparatus are regulated in part through a binding interaction between the Golgi-vesicle coat protein, coatomer, and the regulatory GTP-binding protein Cdc42 (Wu, W.J., J.W. Erickson, R. Lin, and R.A. Cerione. 2000. Nature. 405:800–804; Fucini, R.V., J.L. Chen, C. Sharma, M.M. Kessels, and M. Stamnes. 2002. Mol. Biol. Cell. 13:621–631). The precise role of this complex has not been determined. We have analyzed the protein composition of Golgi-derived coat protomer I (COPI)–coated vesicles after activating or inhibiting signaling through coatomer-bound Cdc42. We show that Cdc42 has profound effects on the recruitment of dynein to COPI vesicles. Cdc42, when bound to coatomer, inhibits dynein binding to COPI vesicles whereas preventing the coatomer–Cdc42 interaction stimulates dynein binding. Dynein recruitment was found to involve actin dynamics and dynactin. Reclustering of nocodazole-dispersed Golgi stacks and microtubule/dynein-dependent ER-to-Golgi transport are both sensitive to disrupting Cdc42 mediated signaling. By contrast, dynein-independent transport to the Golgi complex is insensitive to mutant Cdc42. We propose a model for how proper temporal regulation of motor-based vesicle translocation could be coupled to the completion of vesicle formation.

Energy- and temperature-dependent transport of integral proteins to the inner nuclear membrane via the nuclear pore

Resident integral proteins of the inner nuclear membrane (INM) are synthesized as membrane-integrated proteins on the peripheral endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are transported to the INM throughout interphase using an unknown trafficking mechanism. To study this transport, we developed a live cell assay that measures the movement of transmembrane reporters from the ER to the INM by rapamycin-mediated trapping at the nuclear lamina. Reporter constructs with small (<30 kD) cytosolic and lumenal domains rapidly accumulated at the INM. However, increasing the size of either domain by 47 kD strongly inhibited movement. Reduced temperature and ATP depletion also inhibited movement, which is characteristic of membrane fusion mechanisms, but pharmacological inhibition of vesicular trafficking had no effect. Because reporter accumulation at the INM was inhibited by antibodies to the nuclear pore membrane protein gp210, our results support a model wherein transport of integral proteins to the INM involves lateral diffusion in the lipid bilayer around the nuclear pore membrane, coupled with active restructuring of the nuclear pore complex.

Residues within the myristoylation motif determine intracellular targeting of the neuronal Ca2+ sensor protein KChIP1 to post-ER transport vesicles and traffic of Kv4 K+ channels

KChIPs (K+ channel interacting proteins) regulate the function of A-type Kv4 potassium channels by modifying channel properties and by increasing their cell surface expression. We have explored factors affecting the localisation of Kv4.2 and the targeting of KChIP1 and other NCS proteins by using GFP-variant fusion proteins expressed in HeLa cells. ECFP-Kv4.2 expressed alone was not retained in the ER but reached the Golgi complex. In cells co-expressing ECFP-Kv4.2 and KChIP1-EYFP, the two proteins were co-localised and were mainly present on the plasma membrane. When KChIP1-EYFP was expressed alone it was instead targeted to punctate structures. This was distinct from the localisation of the NCS proteins NCS-1 and hippocalcin, which were targeted to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and plasma membrane. The membrane localisation of each NCS protein required myristoylation and minimal myristoylation motifs of hippocalcin or KChIP1 were sufficient to target fusion proteins to either TGN/plasma membrane or to punctate structures. The existence of targeting information within the N-terminal motifs was confirmed by mutagenesis of residues corresponding to three conserved basic amino acids in hippocalcin and NCS-1 at positions 3, 7 and 9. Residues at these positions determined intracellular targeting to the different organelles. Myristoylation and correct targeting of KChIP1 was required for the efficient traffic of ECFP-Kv4.2 to the plasma membrane. Expression of KChIP1(1-11)-EYFP resulted in the formation of enlarged structures that were positive for ERGIC-53 and beta-COP. ECFP-Kv4.2 was also accumulated in these structures suggesting that KChIP1(1-11)-EYFP inhibited traffic out of the ERGIC. We suggest that KChIP1 is targeted by its myristoylation motif to post-ER transport vesicles where it could interact with and regulate the traffic of Kv4 channels to the plasma membrane under the influence of localised Ca2+ signals.

The EF-hand Ca2+-binding protein p22 plays a role in microtubule and endoplasmic reticulum organization and dynamics with distinct Ca2+-binding requirements

We have reported that p22, an N-myristoylated EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding protein, associates with microtubules and plays a role in membrane trafficking. Here, we show that p22 also associates with membranes of the early secretory pathway membranes, in particular endoplasmic reticulum (ER). On binding of Ca(2+), p22's ability to associate with membranes increases in an N-myristoylation-dependent manner, which is suggestive of a nonclassical Ca(2+)-myristoyl switch mechanism. To address the intracellular functions of p22, a digitonin-based "bulk microinjection" assay was developed to load cells with anti-p22, wild-type, or mutant p22 proteins. Antibodies against a p22 peptide induce microtubule depolymerization and ER fragmentation; this antibody-mediated effect is overcome by preincubation with the respective p22 peptide. In contrast, N-myristoylated p22 induces the formation of microtubule bundles, the accumulation of ER structures along the bundles as well as an increase in ER network formation. An N-myristoylated Ca(2+)-binding p22 mutant, which is unable to undergo Ca(2+)-mediated conformational changes, induces microtubule bundling and accumulation of ER structures along the bundles but does not increase ER network formation. Together, these data strongly suggest that p22 modulates the organization and dynamics of microtubule cytoskeleton in a Ca(2+)-independent manner and affects ER network assembly in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner.

Tuning exocytosis for speed: fast and slow modes

Exocytic fusion reactions triggered by Ca(2+) are widespread in neural, endocrine, exocrine, hemapoetic and perhaps all cell types. These processes exhibit tremendous variation in latencies to fusion following a Ca(2+) rise and in rates of fusion. We review reported differences for synaptic vesicle (SV) and dense-core vesicle (DCV) exocytosis and attempt to identify key features in the molecular mechanisms of docking, priming and fusion of SVs and DCVs that may account for differences in speed.

Calcium and calmodulin in membrane fusion

Regulated exocytosis was the first intracellular membrane fusion step that was suggested to involve both Ca(2+) and calmodulin. In recent years, it has become clear that calmodulin is not an essential Ca(2+) sensor for exocytosis but that it is likely to have a more regulatory role. A requirement for cytosolic Ca(2+) in other vesicle fusion events within cells has become apparent and in certain cases, such as homotypic fusion of early endosomes and yeast vacuoles, calmodulin may be the primary Ca(2+) sensor. A number of distinct targets for calmodulin have been identified including SNARE proteins and subunits of the vacuolar ATPase. The extent to which calmodulin regulates different intracellular fusion events through conserved SNARE-dependent or other mechanisms remains to be resolved.

Retrograde traffic in the biosynthetic-secretory route: pathways and machinery

In the secretory pathway, the forward (anterograde) membrane flow is compensated by retrograde transport of proteins and lipids. Membrane recycling is required for the maintenance of organelle homeostasis and the re-use of components of the transport machineries for the generation of new transport intermediates. However, the molecular mechanisms and other cellular functions of retrograde traffic are still poorly understood. In recent years, a multitude of protein factors that function in the secretory pathway have been discovered, most of them originally suggested to play a role in forward trafficking. However, in many cases subsequent studies have revealed that these proteins participate (also) in retrograde traffic. It is likely that this shift will continue, reflecting the fact that the two pathways are intimately connected.

Myosin motors and not actin comets are mediators of the actin-based Golgi-to-endoplasmic reticulum protein transport

We have previously reported that actin filaments are involved in protein transport from the Golgi complex to the endoplasmic reticulum. Herein, we examined whether myosin motors or actin comets mediate this transport. To address this issue we have used, on one hand, a combination of specific inhibitors such as 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) and 1-[5-isoquinoline sulfonyl]-2-methyl piperazine (ML7), which inhibit myosin and the phosphorylation of myosin II by the myosin light chain kinase, respectively; and a mutant of the nonmuscle myosin II regulatory light chain, which cannot be phosphorylated (MRLC2(AA)). On the other hand, actin comet tails were induced by the overexpression of phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinase. Cells treated with BDM/ML7 or those that express the MRLC2(AA) mutant revealed a significant reduction in the brefeldin A (BFA)-induced fusion of Golgi enzymes with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This delay was not caused by an alteration in the formation of the BFA-induced tubules from the Golgi complex. In addition, the Shiga toxin fragment B transport from the Golgi complex to the ER was also altered. This impairment in the retrograde protein transport was not due to depletion of intracellular calcium stores or to the activation of Rho kinase. Neither the reassembly of the Golgi complex after BFA removal nor VSV-G transport from ER to the Golgi was altered in cells treated with BDM/ML7 or expressing MRLC2(AA). Finally, transport carriers containing Shiga toxin did not move into the cytosol at the tips of comet tails of polymerizing actin. Collectively, the results indicate that 1) myosin motors move to transport carriers from the Golgi complex to the ER along actin filaments; 2) nonmuscle myosin II mediates in this process; and 3) actin comets are not involved in retrograde transport.