Transfer of the cholera toxin A1 polypeptide from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol is a rapid process facilitated by the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathway

Sortase-Modified Cholera Toxoids Show Specific Golgi Localization

Cholera toxoid is an established tool for use in cellular tracing in neuroscience and cell biology. We use a sortase labeling approach to generate site-specific N-terminally modified variants of both the A2-B5 heterohexamer and B5 pentamer forms of the toxoid. Both forms of the toxoid are endocytosed by GM1-positive mammalian cells, and while the heterohexameric toxoid was principally localized in the ER, the B5 pentamer showed an unexpectedly specific localization in the medial/trans-Golgi. This study suggests a future role for specifically labeled cholera toxoids in live-cell imaging beyond their current applications in neuronal tracing and labeling of lipid rafts in fixed cells.

Targeting the Inside of Cells with Biologicals: Toxin Routes in a Therapeutic Context

Numerous toxins translocate to the cytosol in order to fulfil their function. This demonstrates the existence of routes for proteins from the extracellular space to the cytosol. Understanding these routes is relevant to multiple aspects related to therapeutic applications. These include the development of anti-toxin treatments, the potential use of toxins as shuttles for delivering macromolecular cargo to the cytosol or the use of drugs based on toxins. Compared with other strategies for delivery, such as chemicals as carriers for macromolecular delivery or physical methods like electroporation, toxin routes present paths into the cell that potentially cause less damage and can be specifically targeted. The efficiency of delivery via toxin routes is limited. However, low-delivery efficiencies can be entirely sufficient, if delivered cargoes possess an amplification effect or if very few molecules are sufficient for inducing the desired effects. This is known for example from RNA-based vaccines that have been developed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic as well as for other approved RNA-based drugs, which elicited the desired effect despite their typically low delivery efficiencies. The different mechanisms by which toxins enter cells may have implications for their technological utility. We review the mechanistic principles of the translocation pathway of toxins from the extracellular space to the cytosol, the delivery efficiencies, and therapeutic strategies or applications that exploit toxin routes for intracellular delivery.

Therapeutic Uses of Bacterial Subunit Toxins

The B subunit pentamer verotoxin (VT aka Shiga toxin-Stx) binding to its cellular glycosphingolipid (GSL) receptor, globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb₃) mediates internalization and the subsequent receptor mediated retrograde intracellular traffic of the AB5 subunit holotoxin to the endoplasmic reticulum. Subunit separation and cytosolic A subunit transit via the ER retrotranslocon as a misfolded protein mimic, then inhibits protein synthesis to kill cells, which can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome clinically. This represents one of the most studied systems of prokaryotic hijacking of eukaryotic biology. Similarly, the interaction of cholera AB5 toxin with its GSL receptor, GM1 ganglioside, is the key component of the gastrointestinal pathogenesis of cholera and follows the same retrograde transport pathway for A subunit cytosol access. Although both VT and CT are the cause of major pathology worldwide, the toxin–receptor interaction is itself being manipulated to generate new approaches to control, rather than cause, disease. This arena comprises two areas: anti neoplasia, and protein misfolding diseases. CT/CTB subunit immunomodulatory function and anti-cancer toxin immunoconjugates will not be considered here. In the verotoxin case, it is clear that Gb₃ (and VT targeting) is upregulated in many human cancers and that there is a relationship between GSL expression and cancer drug resistance. While both verotoxin and cholera toxin similarly hijack the intracellular ERAD quality control system of nascent protein folding, the more widespread cell expression of GM1 makes cholera the toxin of choice as the means to more widely utilise ERAD targeting to ameliorate genetic diseases of protein misfolding. Gb₃ is primarily expressed in human renal tissue. Glomerular endothelial cells are the primary VT target but Gb₃ is expressed in other endothelial beds, notably brain endothelial cells which can mediate the encephalopathy primarily associated with VT2-producing E. coli infection. The Gb₃ levels can be regulated by cytokines released during EHEC infection, which complicate pathogenesis. Significantly Gb₃ is upregulated in the neovasculature of many tumours, irrespective of tumour Gb₃ status. Gb₃ is markedly increased in pancreatic, ovarian, breast, testicular, renal, astrocytic, gastric, colorectal, cervical, sarcoma and meningeal cancer relative to the normal tissue. VT has been shown to be effective in mouse xenograft models of renal, astrocytoma, ovarian, colorectal, meningioma, and breast cancer. These studies are herein reviewed. Both CT and VT (and several other bacterial toxins) access the cell cytosol via cell surface ->ER transport. Once in the ER they interface with the protein folding homeostatic quality control pathway of the cell -ERAD, (ER associated degradation), which ensures that only correctly folded nascent proteins are allowed to progress to their cellular destinations. Misfolded proteins are translocated through the ER membrane and degraded by cytosolic proteosome. VT and CT A subunits have a C terminal misfolded protein mimic sequence to hijack this transporter to enter the cytosol. This interface between exogenous toxin and genetically encoded endogenous mutant misfolded proteins, provides a new therapeutic basis for the treatment of such genetic diseases, e.g., Cystic fibrosis, Gaucher disease, Krabbe disease, Fabry disease, Tay-Sachs disease and many more. Studies showing the efficacy of this approach in animal models of such diseases are presented.

cAMP-Independent Activation of the Unfolded Protein Response by Cholera Toxin

Cholera toxin (CT) is an AB₅ protein toxin that activates the stimulatory alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein (Gsα) through ADP-ribosylation. Activation of Gsα produces a cytopathic effect by stimulating adenylate cyclase and the production of cAMP. To reach its cytosolic Gsα target, CT binds to the plasma membrane of a host cell and travels by vesicle carriers to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The catalytic CTA1 subunit then exploits the quality control mechanism of ER-associated degradation to move from the ER to the cytosol. ER-associated degradation is functionally linked to another quality control system, the unfolded protein response (UPR). However, the role of the UPR in cholera intoxication is unclear. We report here that CT triggers the UPR after 4 h of toxin exposure. A functional toxin was required to induce the UPR, but, surprisingly, activation of the adenylate cyclase signaling pathway was not sufficient to trigger the process. Toxin-induced activation of the UPR coincided with increased toxin accumulation in the cytosol. Chemical activation of the heterotrimeric G protein or the UPR also enhanced the onset of CTA1 delivery to the cytosol, thus producing a toxin-sensitive phenotype. These results indicate there is a cAMP-independent response to CT that activates the UPR and thereby enhances the efficiency of intoxication.

A binding motif for Hsp90 in the A chains of ADP-ribosylating toxins that move from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol

Cholera toxin (Ctx) is an AB-type protein toxin that acts as an adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosyltransferase to disrupt intracellular signalling in the target cell. It moves by vesicle carriers from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of an intoxicated cell. The catalytic CtxA1 subunit then dissociates from the rest of the toxin, unfolds, and activates the ER-associated degradation system for export to the cytosol. Translocation occurs through an unusual ratchet mechanism in which the cytosolic chaperone Hsp90 couples CtxA1 refolding with CtxA1 extraction from the ER. Here, we report that Hsp90 recognises two peptide sequences from CtxA1: an N-terminal RPPDEI sequence (residues 11-16) and an LDIAPA sequence in the C-terminal region (residues 153-158) of the 192 amino acid protein. Peptides containing either sequence effectively blocked Hsp90 binding to full-length CtxA1. Both sequences were necessary for the ER-to-cytosol export of CtxA1. Mutagenesis studies further demonstrated that the RPP residues in the RPPDEI motif are required for CtxA1 translocation to the cytosol. The LDIAPA sequence is unique to CtxA1, but we identified an RPPDEI-like motif at the N- or C-termini of the A chains from four other ER-translocating toxins that act as ADP-ribosyltransferases: pertussis toxin, Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ADP-ribosylating toxin. Hsp90 plays a functional role in the intoxication process for most, if not all, of these toxins. Our work has established a defined RPPDEI binding motif for Hsp90 that is required for the ER-to-cytosol export of CtxA1 and possibly other toxin A chains as well.

HSC70 and HSP90 chaperones perform complementary roles in translocation of the cholera toxin A1 subunit from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol

Cholera toxin (CT) travels by vesicle carriers from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where the catalytic A1 subunit of CT (CTA1) dissociates from the rest of the toxin, unfolds, and moves through a membrane-spanning translocon pore to reach the cytosol. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) binds to the N-terminal region of CTA1 and facilitates its ER-to-cytosol export by refolding the toxin as it emerges at the cytosolic face of the ER membrane. HSP90 also refolds some endogenous cytosolic proteins as part of a foldosome complex containing heat shock cognate 71-kDa protein (HSC70) and the HSC70/HSP90-organizing protein (HOP) linker that anchors HSP90 to HSC70. We accordingly predicted that HSC70 and HOP also function in CTA1 translocation. Inactivation of HSC70 by drug treatment disrupted CTA1 translocation to the cytosol and generated a toxin-resistant phenotype. In contrast, the depletion of HOP did not disrupt CT activity against cultured cells. HSC70 and HSP90 could bind independently to disordered CTA1, even in the absence of HOP. This indicated HSP90 and HSC70 recognize distinct regions of CTA1, which was confirmed by the identification of a YYIYVI-binding motif for HSC70 that spans residues 83-88 of the 192-amino acid CTA1 polypeptide. Refolding of disordered CTA1 occurred in the presence of HSC70 alone, indicating that HSC70 and HSP90 can each independently refold CTA1. Our work suggests a novel translocation mechanism in which sequential interactions with HSP90 and HSC70 drive the N- to C-terminal extraction of CTA1 from the ER.

Detection of ADP-Ribosylating Bacterial Toxins

Many bacterial toxins catalyze the transfer of ADP-ribose from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to a host protein. Greater than 35 bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase toxins (bARTTs) have been identified. ADP-ribosylation of host proteins may be specific or promiscuous. Despite this diversity, bARTTs share a common reaction mechanism, three-dimensional active site structure, and a conserved active site glutamic acid. Here, we describe how to measure the ADP-ribosylation of host proteins as purified proteins or within a cell lysate.

Engineering an AB5 Protein Carrier

The promise of biologic therapeutics is hindered by the challenge to deliver their activity to biochemically relevant sites within diseased cells. The favourable application of the natural protein carriers of the AB₅ toxin family to this challenge has been restricted owing to still unresolved requirements for assembling non-native cargo into carrier complexes. Here, we clarify the properties of fusion peptides which allow co-assembly of a selected fluorescent protein cargo with the non-toxic B subunit of a heat-labile enterotoxin. We establish the influence of sequence length, sequence identity and secondary structure of these linking domains on the assembly and disassembly of the complexes. Through our engineering framework we identify several non-native, reduced length fusion sequences that robustly assemble with the native carriers, maintain their ability to deliver protein cargo to cells, and demonstrate substantially refined in vitro properties. Constructs based upon these sequences should prove directly applicable to a variety of protein delivery challenges, and the described design framework should find immediate application to other members of the AB₅ protein carrier family.

Protein Toxins That Utilize Gangliosides as Host Receptors

Subsets of protein toxins utilize gangliosides as host receptors. Gangliosides are preferred receptors due to their extracellular localization on the eukaryotic cell and due to their essential nature in host physiology. Glycosphingolipids, including gangliosides, are mediators of signal transduction within and between eukaryotic cells. Protein toxins possess AB structure-function organization, where the A domain encodes a catalytic function for the posttranslational modification of a host macromolecule, including proteins and nucleic acids, and a B domain, which encodes host receptor recognition, including proteins and glycosphingolipids, alone or in combination. Protein toxins use similar strategies to bind glycans by pockets and loops, generally employing hydrogen bonding and aromatic stacking to stabilize interactions with sugars. In some cases, glycan binding facilitates uptake, while in other cases, cross-linking or a second receptor is necessary to stimulate entry. The affinity that protein toxins have for host glycans is necessary for tissue targeting, but not always sufficient to cause disease. In addition to affinity for binding the glycan, the lipid moiety also plays an important role in productive uptake and tissue tropism. Upon endocytosis, the protein toxin must escape to another intracellular compartment or into cytosol to modify a host substrate, modulating host signaling, often resulting in cytotoxic or apoptotic events in the cell, and a unique morbidity for the organism. The study of protein toxins that utilize gangliosides as host receptors has illuminated numerous eukaryotic cellular processes, identified the basis for developing interventions to prevent disease through vaccines and control bacterial diseases through therapies. In addition, subsets of these protein toxins have been utilized as therapeutic agents to treat numerous human inflictions.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Targeted Subunit Toxins Provide a New Approach to Rescue Misfolded Mutant Proteins and Revert Cell Models of Genetic Diseases

Many germ line diseases stem from a relatively minor disturbance in mutant protein endoplasmic reticulum (ER) 3D assembly. Chaperones are recruited which, on failure to correct folding, sort the mutant for retrotranslocation and cytosolic proteasomal degradation (ER-associated degradation-ERAD), to initiate/exacerbate deficiency-disease symptoms. Several bacterial (and plant) subunit toxins, retrograde transport to the ER after initial cell surface receptor binding/internalization. The A subunit has evolved to mimic a misfolded protein and hijack the ERAD membrane translocon (dislocon), to effect cytosolic access and cytopathology. We show such toxins compete for ERAD to rescue endogenous misfolded proteins. Cholera toxin or verotoxin (Shiga toxin) containing genetically inactivated (± an N-terminal polyleucine tail) A subunit can, within 2–4 hrs, temporarily increase F508delCFTR protein, the major cystic fibrosis (CF) mutant (5-10x), F508delCFTR Golgi maturation (<10x), cell surface expression (20x) and chloride transport (2x) in F508del CFTR transfected cells and patient-derived F508delCFTR bronchiolar epithelia, without apparent cytopathology. These toxoids also increase glucocerobrosidase (GCC) in N370SGCC Gaucher Disease fibroblasts (3x), another ERAD–exacerbated misfiling disease. We identify a new, potentially benign approach to the treatment of certain genetic protein misfolding diseases.

Inhibition of Cholera Toxin and Other AB Toxins by Polyphenolic Compounds

Cholera toxin (CT) is an AB-type protein toxin that contains a catalytic A1 subunit, an A2 linker, and a cell-binding B homopentamer. The CT holotoxin is released into the extracellular environment, but CTA1 attacks a target within the cytosol of a host cell. We recently reported that grape extract confers substantial resistance to CT. Here, we used a cell culture system to identify twelve individual phenolic compounds from grape extract that inhibit CT. Additional studies determined the mechanism of inhibition for a subset of the compounds: two inhibited CT binding to the cell surface and even stripped CT from the plasma membrane of a target cell; two inhibited the enzymatic activity of CTA1; and four blocked cytosolic toxin activity without directly affecting the enzymatic function of CTA1. Individual polyphenolic compounds from grape extract could also generate cellular resistance to diphtheria toxin, exotoxin A, and ricin. We have thus identified individual toxin inhibitors from grape extract and some of their mechanisms of inhibition against CT.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Cholera Toxin A-1 Polypeptide

A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study of the enzymatic portion of cholera toxin; cholera toxin A-1 polypeptide (CTA1) was performed at 283, 310 and 323 K. From total energy analysis it was observed that this toxin is stable thermodynamically and these outcomes were likewise confirmed by root mean square deviations (RMSD) investigations. The Cα root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) examinations revealed that there are a number of residues inside CTA1, which can be used as target for designing and synthesizing inhibitory drugs, in order to inactivate cholera toxin inside the human body. The fluctuations in the radius of gyration and hydrogen bonding in CTA1 proved that protein unfolding and refolding were normal routine phenomena in its structure at all temperatures. Solvent accessible surface area study identified the hydrophilic nature of the CTA1, and due to this property it can be a potential biological weapon. The structural identification (STRIDE) algorithm for proteins was successfully used to determine the partially disordered secondary structure of CTA1. On account of this partially disordered secondary structure, it can easily deceive the proteolytic enzymes of the endoplasmic reticulum of host cells.

Map-based comparative genomic analysis of virulent haemophilus parasuis serovars 4 and 5

Haemophilus parasuis is a commensal bacterium of the upper respiratory tract of healthy pigs. However, in conjunction with viral infections in immunocompromised animals H. parasuis can transform into a pathogen that is responsible for causing Glasser's disease which is typically characterized by fibrinous polyserositis, polyarthritis, meningitis and sometimes acute pneumonia and septicemia in pigs. Haemophilus parasuis serovar 5 is highly virulent and more frequently isolated from respiratory and systemic infection in pigs. Recently a highly virulent H. parasuis serovar 4 was isolated from the tissues of diseased pigs. To understand the differences in virulence and virulence-associated genes between H. parasuis serovar 5 and highly virulent H. parasuis serovar 4 strains, a genomic library was generated by TruSeq preparation and sequenced on Illumina HiSeq 2000 obtaining 50 bp PE reads. A three-way comparative genomic analysis was conducted between two highly virulent H. parasuis serovar 4 strains and H. parasuis serovar 5. Haemophilus parasuis serovar 5 GenBank isolate SH0165 (GenBank accession number CP001321.1) was used as reference strain for assembly.

Results of these analysis revealed the highly virulent H. parasuis serovar 4 lacks genes encoding for, glycosyl transferases, polysaccharide biosynthesis protein capD, spore coat polysaccharide biosynthesis protein C, polysaccharide export protein and sialyltransferase which can modify the lipopolysaccharide forming a short-chain LPS lacking O-specific polysaccharide chains often referred to as lipooligosaccharide (LOS). In addition, it can modify the outer membrane protein (OMP) structure. The lack of sialyltransferase significantly reduced the amount of sialic acid incorporated into LOS, a major and essential component of the cell wall and an important virulence determinant. These molecules may be involved in various stages of pathogenesis through molecular mimicry and by causing host cell cytotoxicity, reduced inflammatory and immunological response to infection with this organism. The mechanism by which sialyation of LPS contributes to virulence is a key to understanding the pathogenesis of this highly virulent H. parasuis serovar 4. This analysis also revealed the presence of virulence associated genes similar to the MerR family transcriptional regulators, macrophage infectivity potentiator protein, hemolysin, opacity associated protein, toxin antitoxin system, and virulence associated protein D and colicins. Haemophilus parasuis serovar 4 variants also possess extensive metal ion uptake and regulation mechanism which controls various virulence and virulence associated genes. A combination of virulence associated factors and/or genes and proteins with overlapping functions may be responsible for the apparent enhanced virulence of this organism.

The extensive structural modification of LOS and OMP of variant H. parasuis serovar 4 strains appear to aid in nasal colonization, are associated with the organisms' ability to evade the host immune response and provide serum-resistance. In addition, the combination of capsule modification and phase variation due to LOS substitutions could help variant H. parasuis serovar 4 transform into a highly virulent pathogen. Based on these results, the variant H. parasuis serovar 4 strains harbor a diverse repertoire of virulence associated genes which have not been previously reported.

Toxin instability and its role in toxin translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol

AB toxins enter a host cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The catalytic A chain then crosses the endosome or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane to reach its cytosolic target. Dissociation of the A chain from the cell-binding B chain occurs before or during translocation to the cytosol, and only the A chain enters the cytosol. In some cases, AB subunit dissociation is facilitated by the unique physiology and function of the ER. The A chains of these ER-translocating toxins are stable within the architecture of the AB holotoxin, but toxin disassembly results in spontaneous or assisted unfolding of the isolated A chain. This unfolding event places the A chain in a translocation-competent conformation that promotes its export to the cytosol through the quality control mechanism of ER-associated degradation. A lack of lysine residues for ubiquitin conjugation protects the exported A chain from degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and an interaction with host factors allows the cytosolic toxin to regain a folded, active state. The intrinsic instability of the toxin A chain thus influences multiple steps of the intoxication process. This review will focus on the host-toxin interactions involved with A chain unfolding in the ER and A chain refolding in the cytosol.

CD4 and BST-2/tetherin proteins retro-translocate from endoplasmic reticulum to cytosol as partially folded and multimeric molecules

CD4 and BST-2/Tetherin are cellular membrane proteins targeted to degradation by the HIV-1 protein Vpu. In both cases proteasomal degradation following recruitment into the ERAD pathway has been described. CD4 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, with four extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains containing three intrachain disulfide bridges. BST-2/Tetherin is an atypical type II transmembrane glycoprotein with an N-terminal transmembrane domain and a C-terminal glycophosphatidylinositol anchor, which dimerizes through three interchain bridges. We investigated spontaneous and Vpu-induced retro-translocation of CD4 and BST-2/Tetherin using our novel biotinylation technique in living cells to determine ER-to-cytosol retro-translocation of proteins. We found that CD4 retro-translocates with oxidized intrachain disulfide bridges, and only upon proteasomal inhibition does it accumulate in the cytosol as already reduced and deglycosylated molecules. Similarly, BST-2/Tetherin is first exposed to the cytosol as a dimeric oxidized complex and then becomes deglycosylated and reduced to monomers. These results raise questions on the required features of the putative retro-translocon, suggesting alternative retro-translocation mechanisms for membrane proteins in which complete cysteine reduction and unfolding are not always strictly required before ER to cytosol dislocation.

A component of the Sec61 ER protein transporting pore is required for plant susceptibility to powdery mildew

Biotrophic pathogens, like the powdery mildew fungi, require living plant cells for their growth and reproduction. During infection, a specialized structure called the haustorium is formed by the fungus. The haustorium is surrounded by a plant cell-derived extrahaustorial membrane (EHM). Over the EHM, the fungus obtains nutrients from and secretes effector proteins into the plant cell. In the plant cell these effectors interfere with cellular processes such as pathogen defense and membrane trafficking. However, the mechanisms behind effector delivery are largely unknown. This paper provides a model for and new insights into a putative transfer mechanism of effectors into the plant cell. We show that silencing of the barley Sec61βa transcript results in decreased susceptibility to the powdery mildew fungus. HvSec61βa is a component of both the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) translocon and retrotranslocon pores, the latter being part of the ER-associated protein degradation machinery. We provide support for a model suggesting that the retrotranslocon function of HvSec61βa is required for successful powdery mildew fungal infection. HvSec61βa-GFP and a luminal ER marker were co-localized to the ER, which was found to be in close proximity to the EHM around the haustorial body, but not the haustorial fingers. This differential EHM proximity suggests that the ER, including HvSec61βa, may be actively recruited by the haustorium, potentially to provide efficient effector transfer to the cytosol. Effector transport across this EHM-ER interface may occur by a vesicle-mediated process, while the Sec61 retrotranslocon pore potentially provides an escape route for these proteins to reach the cytosol.

The delicate balance between secreted protein folding and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation in human physiology

Protein folding is a complex, error-prone process that often results in an irreparable protein by-product. These by-products can be recognized by cellular quality control machineries and targeted for proteasome-dependent degradation. The folding of proteins in the secretory pathway adds another layer to the protein folding "problem," as the endoplasmic reticulum maintains a unique chemical environment within the cell. In fact, a growing number of diseases are attributed to defects in secretory protein folding, and many of these by-products are targeted for a process known as endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). Since its discovery, research on the mechanisms underlying the ERAD pathway has provided new insights into how ERAD contributes to human health during both normal and diseases states. Links between ERAD and disease are evidenced from the loss of protein function as a result of degradation, chronic cellular stress when ERAD fails to keep up with misfolded protein production, and the ability of some pathogens to coopt the ERAD pathway. The growing number of ERAD substrates has also illuminated the differences in the machineries used to recognize and degrade a vast array of potential clients for this pathway. Despite all that is known about ERAD, many questions remain, and new paradigms will likely emerge. Clearly, the key to successful disease treatment lies within defining the molecular details of the ERAD pathway and in understanding how this conserved pathway selects and degrades an innumerable cast of substrates.

Identification of host cell factors required for intoxication through use of modified cholera toxin

We describe a novel labeling strategy to site-specifically attach fluorophores, biotin, and proteins to the C terminus of the A1 subunit (CTA1) of cholera toxin (CTx) in an otherwise correctly assembled and active CTx complex. Using a biotinylated N-linked glycosylation reporter peptide attached to CTA1, we provide direct evidence that ~12% of the internalized CTA1 pool reaches the ER. We also explored the sortase labeling method to attach the catalytic subunit of diphtheria toxin as a toxic warhead to CTA1, thus converting CTx into a cytolethal toxin. This new toxin conjugate enabled us to conduct a genetic screen in human cells, which identified ST3GAL5, SLC35A2, B3GALT4, UGCG, and ELF4 as genes essential for CTx intoxication. The first four encode proteins involved in the synthesis of gangliosides, which are known receptors for CTx. Identification and isolation of the ST3GAL5 and SLC35A2 mutant clonal cells uncover a previously unappreciated differential contribution of gangliosides to intoxication by CTx.

How viruses and toxins disassemble to enter host cells

Many viruses and toxins disassemble to enter host cells and cause disease. These conformational changes must be orchestrated temporally and spatially during entry to avoid premature disassembly leading to nonproductive pathways. Although viruses and toxins are evolutionarily distinct toxic agents, emerging findings in their respective fields have revealed that the cellular locations supporting disassembly, the host factors co-opted during disassembly, the nature of the conformational changes, and the physiological function served by disassembly are strikingly conserved. Here, we examine some of the shared disassembly principles observed in model viruses and toxins. Where appropriate, we also underscore their differences. Our major intention is to draw together the fields of viral and toxin cell entry by using lessons gleaned from each field to inform and benefit one another.

Detection of toxin translocation into the host cytosol by surface plasmon resonance

AB toxins consist of an enzymatic A subunit and a cell-binding B subunit(1). These toxins are secreted into the extracellular milieu, but they act upon targets within the eukaryotic cytosol. Some AB toxins travel by vesicle carriers from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) before entering the cytosol(2-4). In the ER, the catalytic A chain dissociates from the rest of the toxin and moves through a protein-conducting channel to reach its cytosolic target(5). The translocated, cytosolic A chain is difficult to detect because toxin trafficking to the ER is an extremely inefficient process: most internalized toxin is routed to the lysosomes for degradation, so only a small fraction of surface-bound toxin reaches the Golgi apparatus and ER(6-12). To monitor toxin translocation from the ER to the cytosol in cultured cells, we combined a subcellular fractionation protocol with the highly sensitive detection method of surface plasmon resonance (SPR)(13-15). The plasma membrane of toxin-treated cells is selectively permeabilized with digitonin, allowing collection of a cytosolic fraction which is subsequently perfused over an SPR sensor coated with an anti-toxin A chain antibody. The antibody-coated sensor can capture and detect pg/mL quantities of cytosolic toxin. With this protocol, it is possible to follow the kinetics of toxin entry into the cytosol and to characterize inhibitory effects on the translocation event. The concentration of cytosolic toxin can also be calculated from a standard curve generated with known quantities of A chain standards that have been perfused over the sensor. Our method represents a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative detection system that does not require radiolabeling or other modifications to the target toxin.

Structural and functional interactions between the cholera toxin A1 subunit and ERdj3/HEDJ, a chaperone of the endoplasmic reticulum

Cholera toxin (CT) is endocytosed and transported by vesicle carriers to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The catalytic CTA1 subunit then crosses the ER membrane and enters the cytosol, where it interacts with its Gsα target. The CTA1 membrane transversal involves the ER chaperone BiP, but few other host proteins involved with CTA1 translocation are known. BiP function is regulated by ERdj3, an ER-localized Hsp40 chaperone also known as HEDJ. ERdj3 can also influence protein folding and translocation by direct substrate binding. In this work, structural and functional assays were used to examine the putative interaction between ERdj3 and CTA1. Cell-based assays demonstrated that expression of a dominant negative ERdj3 blocks CTA1 translocation into the cytosol and CT intoxication. Binding assays with surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that monomeric ERdj3 interacts directly with CTA1. This interaction involved the A1(2) subdomain of CTA1 and was further dependent upon the overall structure of CTA1: ERdj3 bound to unfolded but not folded conformations of the isolated CTA1 subunit. This was consistent with the chaperone function of ERdj3, as was the ability of ERdj3 to mask the solvent-exposed hydrophobic residues of CTA1. Our data identify ERdj3 as a host protein involved with the CT intoxication process and provide new molecular details regarding CTA1-chaperone interactions.

Protein-disulfide isomerase displaces the cholera toxin A1 subunit from the holotoxin without unfolding the A1 subunit

Protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) has been proposed to exhibit an "unfoldase" activity against the catalytic A1 subunit of cholera toxin (CT). Unfolding of the CTA1 subunit is thought to displace it from the CT holotoxin and to prepare it for translocation to the cytosol. To date, the unfoldase activity of PDI has not been demonstrated for any substrate other than CTA1. An alternative explanation for the putative unfoldase activity of PDI has been suggested by recent structural studies demonstrating that CTA1 will unfold spontaneously upon its separation from the holotoxin at physiological temperature. Thus, PDI may simply dislodge CTA1 from the CT holotoxin without unfolding the CTA1 subunit. To evaluate the role of PDI in CT disassembly and CTA1 unfolding, we utilized a real-time assay to monitor the PDI-mediated separation of CTA1 from the CT holotoxin and directly examined the impact of PDI binding on CTA1 structure by isotope-edited Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Our collective data demonstrate that PDI is required for disassembly of the CT holotoxin but does not unfold the CTA1 subunit, thus uncovering a new mechanism for CTA1 dissociation from its holotoxin.

A therapeutic chemical chaperone inhibits cholera intoxication and unfolding/translocation of the cholera toxin A1 subunit

Cholera toxin (CT) travels as an intact AB(5) protein toxin from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of an intoxicated cell. In the ER, the catalytic A1 subunit dissociates from the rest of the toxin. Translocation of CTA1 from the ER to the cytosol is then facilitated by the quality control mechanism of ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Thermal instability in the isolated CTA1 subunit generates an unfolded toxin conformation that acts as the trigger for ERAD-mediated translocation to the cytosol. In this work, we show by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy that exposure to 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) inhibited the thermal unfolding of CTA1. This, in turn, blocked the ER-to-cytosol export of CTA1 and productive intoxication of either cultured cells or rat ileal loops. In cell culture studies PBA did not affect CT trafficking to the ER, CTA1 dissociation from the holotoxin, or functioning of the ERAD system. PBA is currently used as a therapeutic agent to treat urea cycle disorders. Our data suggest PBA could also be used in a new application to prevent or possibly treat cholera.

Characterization of a mutant Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin, LT(R192G/L211A), as a safe and effective oral adjuvant

Despite the fact that the adjuvant properties of the heat-labile enterotoxins of Escherichia coli (LT) and Vibrio cholerae (CT) have been known for more than 20 years, there are no available oral vaccines containing these molecules as adjuvants, primarily because they are both very potent enterotoxins. A number of attempts with various degrees of success have been made to reduce or eliminate the enterotoxicity of LT and CT so they can safely be used as oral adjuvants or immunogens. In this report we characterize the structural, enzymatic, enterotoxic, and adjuvant properties of a novel mutant of LT, designated LT(R192G/L211A), or dmLT. dmLT was not sensitive to trypsin activation, had reduced enzymatic activity for induction of cyclic AMP in Caco-2 cells, and exhibited no enterotoxicity in the patent mouse assay. Importantly, dmLT retained the ability to function as an oral adjuvant for a coadministered antigen (tetanus toxoid) and to elicit anti-LT antibodies. In vitro and in vivo data suggest that the reduced enterotoxicity of this molecule compared to native LT or the single mutant, LT(R192G), is a consequence of increased sensitivity to proteolysis and rapid intracellular degradation in mammalian cells. In conclusion, dmLT is a safe and powerful detoxified enterotoxin with the potential to function as a mucosal adjuvant for coadministered antigens and to elicit anti-LT antibodies without undesirable side effects.

Contribution of subdomain structure to the thermal stability of the cholera toxin A1 subunit

The catalytic A1 subunit of cholera toxin (CTA1) is an ADP-ribosyltransferase with three distinct subdomains: CTA1(1) forms the catalytic core of the toxin, CTA1(2) is an extended linker between CTA1(1) and CTA1(3), and CTA1(3) is a compact globular region. CTA1 crosses the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane to enter the cytosol where it initiates a cytopathic effect. Toxin translocation involves ER-associated degradation (ERAD), a quality control system that exports misfolded proteins from the ER to the cytosol. At the physiological temperature of 37 °C, the free CTA1 subunit is in a partially unfolded conformation that triggers its ERAD-mediated translocation to the cytosol. Thus, the temperature sensitivity of CTA1 structure is an important determinant of its function. Here, we examined the contribution of CTA1 subdomain structure to the thermal unfolding of CTA1. Biophysical measurements demonstrated that the CTA1(1) subdomain is thermally unstable and that the CTA1(2) subdomain provides a degree of conformational stability to CTA1(1). The CTA1(3) subdomain does not affect the overall stability of CTA1, but the thermal unfolding of CTA1 appears to begin with a local loss of structure in the CTA1(3) subdomain: glycerol and acidic pH both inhibited the thermal disordering of full-length CTA1 but not the disordering of a CTA1 construct lacking the A1(3) subdomain. These observations provide mechanistic insight regarding the thermal unfolding of CTA1, an event which facilitates its subsequent translocation to the cytosol.

Hsp90 is required for transfer of the cholera toxin A1 subunit from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol

Cholera toxin (CT) is an AB(5) toxin that moves from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by retrograde vesicular transport. In the ER, the catalytic A1 subunit dissociates from the rest of the toxin and enters the cytosol by exploiting the quality control system of ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The driving force for CTA1 dislocation into the cytosol is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the cytosolic chaperone Hsp90 is required for CTA1 passage into the cytosol. Hsp90 bound to CTA1 in an ATP-dependent manner that was blocked by geldanamycin (GA), an established Hsp90 inhibitor. CT activity against cultured cells and ileal loops was also blocked by GA, as was the ER-to-cytosol export of CTA1. Experiments using RNA interference or N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, a drug that inhibits ER-localized GRP94 but not cytosolic Hsp90, confirmed that the inhibitory effects of GA resulted specifically from the loss of Hsp90 activity. This work establishes a functional role for Hsp90 in the ERAD-mediated dislocation of CTA1.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, inhibits cholera toxin-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in Vero cells

Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene), a natural polyphenol found in red grapes, berries and peanuts, exhibits anti-inflammatory, cell-growth modulatory, and anticarcinogenic effects. In this report, we show that resveratrol inhibited cholera toxin (CT)-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in Vero cells. Resveratrol suppressed the CT activity by suppressing the internalization of CT and traffic to the Golgi apparatus without affecting CT binding to cells. Further, resveratrol partially precipitated CT from solution, and suppressed CT ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. These data suggest that resveratrol may inhibit CT-induced activity directly by associating with CT and suppressing its enzymatic activity, and indirectly by inhibiting CT endocytosis into cells.

Cholera toxin: an intracellular journey into the cytosol by way of the endoplasmic reticulum

Cholera toxin (CT), an AB(5)-subunit toxin, enters host cells by binding the ganglioside GM1 at the plasma membrane (PM) and travels retrograde through the trans-Golgi Network into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In the ER, a portion of CT, the enzymatic A1-chain, is unfolded by protein disulfide isomerase and retro-translocated to the cytosol by hijacking components of the ER associated degradation pathway for misfolded proteins. After crossing the ER membrane, the A1-chain refolds in the cytosol and escapes rapid degradation by the proteasome to induce disease by ADP-ribosylating the large G-protein Gs and activating adenylyl cyclase. Here, we review the mechanisms of toxin trafficking by GM1 and retro-translocation of the A1-chain to the cytosol.

Stabilization of the tertiary structure of the cholera toxin A1 subunit inhibits toxin dislocation and cellular intoxication

Cholera toxin (CT) moves from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by retrograde vesicular transport. The catalytic subunit of CT (CTA1) then crosses the ER membrane and enters the cytosol in a process that involves the quality control mechanism of ER-associated degradation. The molecular details of this dislocation event have not been fully characterized. Here, we report that thermal instability in the CTA1 subunit-specifically, the loss of CTA1 tertiary structure at 37 degrees C-triggers toxin dislocation. Biophysical studies found that glycerol preferentially stabilized the tertiary structure of CTA1 without having any noticeable effect on the thermal stability of its secondary structure. The thermal disordering of CTA1 tertiary structure normally preceded the perturbation of its secondary structure, but in the presence of 10% glycerol the temperature-induced loss of CTA1 tertiary structure occurred at higher temperatures in tandem with the loss of CTA1 secondary structure. The glycerol-induced stabilization of CTA1 tertiary structure blocked CTA1 dislocation from the ER and instead promoted CTA1 secretion into the extracellular medium. This, in turn, inhibited CT intoxication. Glycerol treatment also inhibited the in vitro degradation of CTA1 by the core 20S proteasome. Collectively, these findings indicate that toxin thermal instability plays a key role in the intoxication process. They also suggest the stabilization of CTA1 tertiary structure is a potential goal for novel antitoxin therapeutic agents.

Cholera toxin: A paradigm for multi-functional engagement of cellular mechanisms (Review)

Cholera toxin (Ctx) from Vibrio cholerae and its closely related homologue, heat-labile enterotoxin (Etx) from Escherichia coli have become superb tools for illuminating pathways of cellular trafficking and immune cell function. These bacterial protein toxins should be viewed as conglomerates of highly evolved, multi-functional elements equipped to engage the trafficking and signalling machineries of cells. Ctx and Etx are members of a larger family of A-B toxins of bacterial (and plant) origin that are comprised of structurally and functionally distinct enzymatically active A and receptor-binding B sub-units or domains. Intoxication of mammalian cells by Ctx and Etx involves B pentamer-mediated receptor binding and entry into a vesicular pathway, followed by translocation of the enzymatic A1 domain of the A sub-unit into the target cell cytosol, where covalent modification of intracellular targets leads to activation of adenylate cyclase and a sequence of events culminating in life-threatening diarrhoeal disease. Importantly, Ctx and Etx also have the capacity to induce a wide spectrum of remarkable immunological processes. With respect to the latter, it has been found that these toxins activate signalling pathways that modulate the immune system. This review explores the complexities of the cellular interactions that are engaged by these bacterial protein toxins, and highlights some of the new insights to have recently emerged.

Ricin A chain insertion into endoplasmic reticulum membranes is triggered by a temperature increase to 37 {degrees}C

After endocytic uptake by mammalian cells, the heterodimeric plant toxin ricin is transported to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where the ricin A chain (RTA) must cross the ER membrane to reach its ribosomal substrates. Here, using gel filtration chromatography, sedimentation, fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and circular dichroism, we show that both fluorescently labeled and unlabeled RTA bind both to ER microsomal membranes and to negatively charged liposomes. The binding of RTA to the membrane at 0-30 °C exposes certain RTA residues to the nonpolar lipid core of the bilayer with little change in the secondary structure of the protein. However, major structural rearrangements in RTA occur when the temperature is increased. At 37 °C, membrane-bound toxin loses some of its helical content, and its C terminus moves closer to the membrane surface where it inserts into the bilayer. RTA is then stably bound to the membrane because it is nonextractable with carbonate. The sharp temperature dependence of the structural changes does not coincide with a lipid phase change because little change in fluorescence-detected membrane mobility occurred between 30 and 37 °C. Instead, the structural rearrangements may precede or initiate toxin retrotranslocation through the ER membrane to the cytosol. The sharp temperature dependence of these changes in RTA further suggests that they occur optimally in mammalian targets of the plant toxin.

A novel mode of translocation for cytolethal distending toxin

Thermal instability in the toxin catalytic subunit may be a common property of toxins that exit the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by exploiting the mechanism of ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The Haemophilus ducreyi cytolethal distending toxin (HdCDT) does not utilize ERAD to exit the ER, so we predicted the structural properties of its catalytic subunit (HdCdtB) would differ from other ER-translocating toxins. Here, we document the heat-stable properties of HdCdtB which distinguish it from other ER-translocating toxins. Cell-based assays further suggested that HdCdtB does not unfold before exiting the ER and that it may move directly from the ER lumen to the nucleoplasm. These observations suggest a novel mode of ER exit for HdCdtB.

Order-disorder-order transitions mediate the activation of cholera toxin

Cholera toxin (CT) holotoxin must be activated to intoxicate host cells. This process requires the intracellular dissociation of the enzymatic CTA1 domain from the holotoxin components CTA2 and B5, followed by subsequent interaction with the host factor ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6)-GTP. We report the first NMR-based solution structural data for the CT enzymatic domain (CTA1). We show that this free enzymatic domain partially unfolds at the C-terminus and binds its protein partners at both the beginning and the end of this activation process. Deviations from random coil chemical shifts (Delta delta(coil)) indicate helix formation in the activation loop, which is essential to open the toxin's active site and occurs prior to its association with human protein ARF6. We performed NMR titrations of both free CTA1 and an active CTA1:ARF6-GTP complex with NAD(+), which revealed that the formation of the complex does not significantly enhance NAD(+) binding. Partial unfolding of CTA1 is further illustrated by using 4,4'-bis(1-anilinonaphthalene 8-sulfonate) fluorescence as an indicator of the exposed hydrophobic character of the free enzyme, which is substantially reduced when bound to ARF6-GTP. We propose that the primary role of ARF6's allostery is to induce refolding of the C-terminus of CTA1. Thus, as a folded globular toxin complex, CTA1 escapes the chaperone and proteasomal components of the endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation pathway in the cytosol and then proceeds to ADP ribosylate its target G(s)alpha, triggering the downstream events associated with the pathophysiology of cholera.

Conformational instability of the cholera toxin A1 polypeptide

Cholera toxin (CT) moves from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by vesicular transport. In the ER, the catalytic CTA1 subunit dissociates from the holotoxin and enters the cytosol by exploiting the quality control system of ER-associated degradation (ERAD). It is hypothesized that CTA1 triggers its ERAD-mediated translocation into the cytosol by masquerading as a misfolded protein, but the process by which CTA1 activates the ERAD system remains unknown. Here, we directly assess the thermal stability of the isolated CTA1 polypeptide by biophysical and biochemical methods and correlate its temperature-dependent conformational state with susceptibility to degradation by the 20S proteasome. Measurements with circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that CTA1 is a thermally unstable protein with a disordered tertiary structure and a disturbed secondary structure at 37 degrees C. A protease sensitivity assay likewise detected the temperature-induced loss of native CTA1 structure. This protease-sensitive conformation was not apparent when CTA1 remained covalently associated with the CTA2 subunit. Thermal instability in the dissociated CTA1 polypeptide could thus allow it to appear as a misfolded protein for ERAD-mediated export to the cytosol. In vitro, the disturbed conformation of CTA1 at 37 degrees C rendered it susceptible to ubiquitin-independent degradation by the core 20S proteasome. In vivo, CTA1 was also susceptible to degradation by a ubiquitin-independent proteasomal mechanism. ADP-ribosylation factor 6, a cytosolic eukaryotic protein that enhances the enzymatic activity of CTA1, stabilized the heat-labile conformation of CTA1 and protected it from in vitro degradation by the 20S proteasome. Thermal instability in the reduced CTA1 polypeptide has not been reported before, yet both the translocation and degradation of CTA1 may depend upon this physical property.

Evading the proteasome: absence of lysine residues contributes to pertussis toxin activity by evasion of proteasome degradation

Pertussis toxin (PT) is an important virulence factor produced by Bordetella pertussis. PT holotoxin comprises one enzymatically active A subunit (S1), associated with a pentamer of B subunits. PT is an ADP-ribosyltransferase that modifies several mammalian heterotrimeric G proteins. Some bacterial toxins are believed to undergo retrograde intracellular transport through the Golgi apparatus to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway involves the removal of misfolded proteins from the ER and degradation upon their return to the cytosol; this pathway may be exploited by PT and other toxins. In the cytosol, ERAD substrates are ubiquitinated at lysine residues, targeting them to the proteasome for degradation. We hypothesize that S1 avoids ubiquitination and proteasome degradation due to its lack of lysine residues. We predicted that the addition of lysine residues would reduce PT toxicity by allowing ubiquitination and degradation to occur. Variant forms of PT were engineered, replacing one, two, or three arginines with lysines in a variety of locations on S1. Several variants were identified with wild-type in vitro enzymatic activity but reduced cellular activity, consistent with our hypothesis. Significant recovery of the cellular activity of these variants was observed when CHO cells were pretreated with a proteasome inhibitor. We concluded that the replacement of arginine residues with lysine in the S1 subunit of PT renders the toxin subject to proteasomal degradation, suggesting that wild-type PT avoids proteasome degradation due to an absence of lysine residues.

The cholera toxin A1(3) subdomain is essential for interaction with ADP-ribosylation factor 6 and full toxic activity but is not required for translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol

Cholera toxin (CT) moves from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by retrograde vesicular traffic. In the ER, the catalytic CTA1 polypeptide dissociates from the rest of the toxin and enters the cytosol by a process that involves the quality control mechanism of ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The cytosolic CTA1 then ADP ribosylates Gsalpha, resulting in adenylate cyclase activation and intoxication of the target cell. It is hypothesized that the C-terminal A1(3) subdomain of CTA1 plays two crucial roles in the intoxication process: (i) it contains a hydrophobic domain that triggers the ERAD mechanism and (ii) it facilitates interaction with the cytosolic ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) that serve as allosteric activators of CTA1. In this study, we examined the role(s) of the CTA1(3) subdomain in CT intoxication. Full-length CTA1 constructs and truncated CTA1 constructs lacking the A1(3) subdomain were generated and used to conduct two-hybrid studies of interactions with ARF6, in vitro enzyme assays, in vivo toxicity assays, and in vivo processing/degradation assays. Direct, plasmid-mediated expression of CTA1 constructs in the ER or cytosol of transfected CHO cells was used to perform the in vivo assays. With these methods, we found that the A1(3) subdomain of CTA1 is important both for interaction with ARF6 and for full expression of enzyme activity in vivo. Surprisingly, however, the A1(3) subdomain was not required for ERAD-mediated passage of CTA1 from the ER to the cytosol. A possible alternative trigger for CTA1 to activate the ERAD mechanism is discussed.

The association of Shiga-like toxin with detergent-resistant membranes is modulated by glucosylceramide and is an essential requirement in the endoplasmic reticulum for a cytotoxic effect

Receptor-mediated internalization to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and subsequent retro-translocation to the cytosol are essential sequential processes required for the productive intoxication of susceptible mammalian cells by Shiga-like toxin-1 (SLTx). Recently, it has been proposed that the observed association of certain ER-directed toxins and viruses with detergent-resistant membranes (DRM) may provide a general mechanism for their retrograde transport to endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we show that DRM recruitment of SLTx bound to its globotriosylceramide (Gb(3)) receptor is mediated by the availability of other glycosphingolipids. Reduction in glucosylceramide (GlcCer) levels led to complete protection against SLTx and a reduced cell surface association of bound toxin with DRM. This reduction still allowed efficient binding and transport of the toxin to the ER. However, toxin sequestration within DRM of the ER was abolished under reduced GlcCer conditions, suggesting that an association of toxin with lipid microdomains or rafts in the ER (where these are defined by detergent insolubility) is essential for a later step leading to or involving retro-translocation of SLTx across the ER membrane. In support of this, we show that a number of ER residents, proteins intimately involved in the process of ER dislocation of misfolded proteins, are present in DRM.

Differential Activities of Plant Polyphenols on the Binding and Internalization of Cholera Toxin in Vero Cells

Plant polyphenols, RG-tannin, and applephenon had been reported to inhibit cholera toxin (CT) ADP-ribosyltransferase activity and CT-induced fluid accumulation in mouse ileal loops. A high molecular weight fraction of hop bract extract (HBT) also inhibited CT ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. We report here the effect of those polyphenols on the binding and entry of CT into Vero cells. Binding of CT to Vero cells or to ganglioside GM1, a CT receptor, was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by HBT and applephenon but not RG-tannin. These observations were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy using Cy3-labeled CT. Following toxin binding to cells, applephenon, HBT, and RG-tannin suppressed its internalization. HBT or applephenon precipitated CT, CTA, and CTB from solution, creating aggregates larger than 250 kDa. In contrast, RG-tannin precipitated CT poorly; it formed complexes with CT, CTA, or CTB, which were demonstrated with sucrose density gradient centrifugation and molecular weight exclusion filters. In agreement, CTA blocked the inhibition of CT internalization by RG-tannin. These data suggest that some plant polyphenols, similar to applephenon and HBT, bind CT, forming large aggregates in solution or, perhaps, on the cell surface and thereby suppress CT binding and internalization. In contrast, RG-tannin binding to CT did not interfere with its binding to Vero cells or GM1, but it did inhibit internalization.

Vesicular transport is not required for the cytoplasmic pool of cholera toxin to interact with the stimulatory alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric g protein

Cholera toxin (CT) moves from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by retrograde vesicular transport. The catalytic A1 polypeptide of CT (CTA1) then crosses the ER membrane, enters the cytosol, ADP-ribosylates the stimulatory alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein (Gsalpha) at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane, and activates adenylate cyclase. The cytosolic pool of CTA1 may reach the plasma membrane and its Gsalpha target by traveling on anterograde-directed transport vesicles. We examined this possibility with the use of a plasmid-based transfection system that directed newly synthesized CTA1 to either the ER lumen or the cytosol of CHO cells. Such a system allowed us to bypass the CT retrograde trafficking itinerary from the cell surface to the ER. Previous work has shown that the ER-localized pool of CTA1 is rapidly exported from the ER to the cytosol. Expression of CTA1 in either the ER or the cytosol led to the activation of Gsalpha, and Gsalpha activation was not inhibited in transfected cells exposed to drugs that inhibit vesicular traffic. Thus, anterograde transport from the ER to the plasma membrane is not required for the cytotoxic action of CTA1.

Gangliosides that associate with lipid rafts mediate transport of cholera and related toxins from the plasma membrane to endoplasmic reticulm

Cholera toxin (CT) travels from the plasma membrane of intestinal cells to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where a portion of the A-subunit, the A1 chain, crosses the membrane into the cytosol to cause disease. A related toxin, LTIIb, binds to intestinal cells but does not cause toxicity. Here, we show that the B-subunit of CT serves as a carrier for the A-subunit to the ER where disassembly occurs. The B-subunit binds to gangliosides in lipid rafts and travels with the ganglioside to the ER. In many cells, LTIIb follows a similar pathway, but in human intestinal cells it binds to a ganglioside that fails to associate with lipid rafts and it is sorted away from the retrograde pathway to the ER. Our results explain why LTIIb does not cause disease in humans and suggest that gangliosides with high affinity for lipid rafts may provide a general vehicle for the transport of toxins to the ER.

A class of mutant CHO cells resistant to cholera toxin rapidly degrades the catalytic polypeptide of cholera toxin and exhibits increased endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation

After binding to the eukaryotic cell surface, cholera toxin undergoes retrograde transport to the endoplasmic reticulum. The catalytic A1 polypeptide of cholera toxin (CTA1) then crosses the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and enters the cytosol in a process that may involve the quality control mechanism known as endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation. Other toxins such as Pseudomonas exotoxin A and ricin are also thought to exploit endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation for entry into the cytosol. To test this model, we mutagenized Chinese hamster ovary cells and selected clones that survived a prolonged coincubation with Pseudomonas exotoxin A and ricin. These lethal endoplasmic reticulum-translocating toxins bind different surface receptors and target different cytosolic substrates, so resistance to both would likely result from disruption of a shared trafficking or translocation event. Here we characterize two Pseudomonas exotoxin A/ricin-resistant clones that exhibited increased endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation. Both clones acquired the following unselected traits: (i) resistance to cholera toxin; (ii) increased degradation of an endoplasmic reticulum-localized CTA1 construct; (iii) increased degradation of an established endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation substrate, the Z variant of alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1AT-Z); and (iv) reduced secretion of both alpha1AT-Z and the transport-competent protein alpha1AT-M. Proteosome inhibition partially rescued the alpha1AT-M secretion deficiencies. However, the mutant clones did not exhibit increased proteosomal activity against cytosolic proteins, including a second CTA1 construct that was expressed in the cytosol rather than in the endoplasmic reticulum. These results suggested that accelerated endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation in the mutant clones produced a cholera toxin/Pseudomonas exotoxin A/ricin-resistant phenotype by increasing the coupling efficiency between toxin translocation and toxin degradation.

Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation in CHO cells resistant to cholera toxin, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A, and ricin

Many plant and bacterial toxins act upon cytosolic targets and must therefore penetrate a membrane barrier to function. One such class of toxins enters the cytosol after delivery to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These proteins, which include cholera toxin (CT), Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA), and ricin, move from the plasma membrane to the endosomes, pass through the Golgi apparatus, and travel to the ER. Translocation from the ER to the cytosol is hypothesized to involve the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. We developed a genetic strategy to assess the role of mammalian ERAD in toxin translocation. Populations of CHO cells were mutagenized and grown in the presence of two lethal toxins, ETA and ricin. Since these toxins bind to different surface receptors and attack distinct cytoplasmic targets, simultaneous acquisition of resistance to both would likely result from the disruption of a shared trafficking or translocation mechanism. Ten ETA- and ricin-resistant cell lines that displayed unselected resistance to CT and continued sensitivity to diphtheria toxin, which enters the cytosol directly from acidified endosomes, were screened for abnormalities in the processing of a known ERAD substrate, the Z form of alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1AT-Z). Compared to the parental CHO cells, the rate of alpha1AT-Z degradation was decreased in two independent mutant cell lines. Both of these cell lines also exhibited, in comparison to the parental cells, decreased translocation and degradation of a recombinant CTA1 polypeptide. These findings demonstrated that decreased ERAD function was associated with increased cellular resistance to ER-translocating protein toxins in two independently derived mutant CHO cell lines.