A role for sphingomyelin-rich lipid domains in the accumulation of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate to the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis

Lysosomal cholesterol accumulation in aged astrocytes impairs cholesterol delivery to neurons and can be rescued by cannabinoids

Cholesterol is crucial for the proper functioning of eukaryotic cells, especially neurons, which rely on cholesterol to maintain their complex structure and facilitate synaptic transmission. However, brain cells are isolated from peripheral cholesterol by the blood-brain barrier and mature neurons primarily uptake the cholesterol synthesized by astrocytes for proper function. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aging on cholesterol trafficking in astrocytes and its delivery to neurons. We found that aged astrocytes accumulated high levels of cholesterol in the lysosomal compartment, and this cholesterol buildup can be attributed to the simultaneous occurrence of two events: decreased levels of the ABCA1 transporter, which impairs ApoE-cholesterol export from astrocytes, and reduced expression of NPC1, which hinders cholesterol release from lysosomes. We show that these two events are accompanied by increased microR-33 in aged astrocytes, which targets ABCA1 and NPC1. In addition, we demonstrate that the microR-33 increase is triggered by oxidative stress, one of the hallmarks of aging. By coculture experiments, we show that cholesterol accumulation in astrocytes impairs the cholesterol delivery from astrocytes to neurons. Remarkably, we found that this altered transport of cholesterol could be alleviated through treatment with endocannabinoids as well as cannabidiol or CBD. Finally, according to data demonstrating that aged astrocytes develop an A1 phenotype, we found that cholesterol buildup is also observed in reactive C3+ astrocytes. Given that reduced neuronal cholesterol affects synaptic plasticity, the ability of cannabinoids to restore cholesterol transport from aged astrocytes to neurons holds significant implications in aging and inflammation.

Linking phosphoinositide function to mitosis

Phosphoinositides (PtdIns) are a family of differentially phosphorylated lipid second messengers localized to the cytoplasmic leaflet of both plasma and intracellular membranes. Kinases and phosphatases can selectively modify the PtdIns composition of different cellular compartments, leading to the recruitment of specific binding proteins, which control cellular homeostasis and proliferation. Thus, while PtdIns affect cell growth and survival during interphase, they are also emerging as key drivers in multiple temporally defined membrane remodeling events of mitosis, like cell rounding, spindle orientation, cytokinesis, and abscission. In this review, we summarize and discuss what is known about PtdIns function during mitosis and how alterations in the production and removal of PtdIns can interfere with proper cell division.

Using lipid binding proteins and advanced microscopy to study lipid domains

Sphingomyelin is postulated to form clusters with glycosphingolipids, cholesterol and other sphingomyelin molecules in biomembranes through hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonds. These clusters form submicron size lipid domains. Proteins that selectively binds sphingomyelin and/or cholesterol are useful to visualize the lipid domains. Due to their small size, visualization of lipid domains requires advanced microscopy techniques in addition to lipid binding proteins. This Chapter describes the method to characterize plasma membrane sphingomyelin-rich and cholesterol-rich lipid domains by quantitative microscopy. This Chapter also compares different permeabilization methods to visualize intracellular lipid domains.

Piezo1 Is Required for Myoblast Migration and Involves Polarized Clustering in Association with Cholesterol and GM1 Ganglioside

A specific plasma membrane distribution of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 is required for cell migration, but the mechanism remains elusive. Here, we addressed this question using WT and Piezo1-silenced C2C12 mouse myoblasts and WT and Piezo1-KO human kidney HEK293T cells. We showed that cell migration in a cell-free area and through a porous membrane decreased upon Piezo1 silencing or deletion, but increased upon Piezo1 activation by Yoda1, whereas migration towards a chemoattractant gradient was reduced by Yoda1. Piezo1 organized into clusters, which were preferentially enriched at the front. This polarization was stimulated by Yoda1, accompanied by Ca2+ polarization, and abrogated by partial cholesterol depletion. Piezo1 clusters partially colocalized with cholesterol- and GM1 ganglioside-enriched domains, the proportion of which was increased by Yoda1. Mechanistically, Piezo1 activation induced a differential mobile fraction of GM1 associated with domains and the bulk membrane. Conversely, cholesterol depletion abrogated the differential mobile fraction of Piezo1 associated with clusters and the bulk membrane. In conclusion, we revealed, for the first time, the differential implication of Piezo1 depending on the migration mode and the interplay between GM1/cholesterol-enriched domains at the front during migration in a cell-free area. These domains could provide the optimal biophysical properties for Piezo1 activity and/or spatial dissociation from the PMCA calcium efflux pump.

HIV-1 Gag targeting to the plasma membrane reorganizes sphingomyelin-rich and cholesterol-rich lipid domains

Although the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 lipid envelope has been reported to be enriched with host cell sphingomyelin and cholesterol, the molecular mechanism of the enrichment is not well understood. Viral Gag protein plays a central role in virus budding. Here, we report the interaction between Gag and host cell lipids using different quantitative and super-resolution microscopy techniques in combination with specific probes that bind endogenous sphingomyelin and cholesterol. Our results indicate that Gag in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane colocalizes with the outer leaflet sphingomyelin-rich domains and cholesterol-rich domains, enlarges sphingomyelin-rich domains, and strongly restricts the mobility of sphingomyelin-rich domains. Moreover, Gag multimerization induces sphingomyelin-rich and cholesterol-rich lipid domains to be in close proximity in a curvature-dependent manner. Our study suggests that Gag binds, coalesces, and reorganizes pre-existing lipid domains during assembly.

Cholesterol, Eukaryotic Lipid Domains, and an Evolutionary Perspective of Transmembrane Signaling

Transmembrane signaling is essential for complex life forms. Communication across a bilayer lipid barrier is elaborately organized to convey precision and to fine-tune strength. Looking back, the steps that it has taken to enable this seemingly mundane errand are breathtaking, and with our survivorship bias, Darwinian. While this review is to discuss eukaryotic membranes in biological functions for coherence and theoretical footing, we are obliged to follow the evolution of the biological membrane through time. Such a visit is necessary for our hypothesis that constraints posited on cellular functions are mainly via the biomembrane, and relaxation thereof in favor of a coordinating membrane environment is the molecular basis for the development of highly specialized cellular activities, among them transmembrane signaling. We discuss the obligatory paths that have led to eukaryotic membrane formation, its intrinsic ability to signal, and how it set up the platform for later integration of protein-based receptor activation.

Passive Translocation of Phospholipids in Asymmetric Model Membranes: Solid-State 1H NMR Characterization of Flip-Flop Kinetics Using Deuterated Sphingomyelin and Phosphatidylcholine

Although lateral and inter-leaflet lipid-lipid interactions in cell membranes play roles in maintaining asymmetric lipid bilayers, the molecular basis of these interactions is largely unknown. Here, we established a method to determine the distribution ratio of phospholipids between the outer and inner leaflets of asymmetric large unilamellar vesicles (aLUVs). The trimethylammonium group, (CH3)3N+, in the choline headgroup of N-palmitoyl-sphingomyelin (PSM) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) gave rise to a relatively sharp signal in magic-angle spinning solid-state 1H NMR (MAS-ss-1H NMR). PSM and DOPC have the same headgroup structure, but one phospholipid was selectively observed by deuterating the trimethylammonium group of the other phospholipid. The addition of Pr3+ to the medium surrounding aLUVs selectively shifted the chemical shift of the (CH3)3N+ group in the outer leaflet from that in the inner leaflet, which allowed estimation of the inter-leaflet distribution ratio of the unlabeled lipid in aLUVs. Using this method, we evaluated the translocation of PSM and DOPC between the outer and inner leaflets of the cholesterol-containing aLUVs, with PSM and DOPC mostly distributed in the outer and inner leaflets, respectively, immediately after aLUV preparation; their flip and flop rates were approximately 2.7 and 6.4 × 10-6 s-1, respectively. During the passive symmetrization of aLUVs, the lipid translocation rate was decreased due to changes in the membrane order, probably through the formation of the registered liquid-ordered domains. Comparison of the result with that of symmetric LUVs revealed that lipid asymmetry may not significantly affect the lipid translocation rates, while the lateral lipid-lipid interaction may be a dominant factor in lipid translocation under these conditions. These findings highlight the importance of considering the effects of lateral lipid interactions within the same leaflet on lipid flip-flop rates when evaluating the asymmetry of phospholipids in the cell membrane.

The plasma membrane of focal adhesions has a high content of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine with saturated acyl chains

Cellular functions, such as differentiation and migration, are regulated by the extracellular microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix (ECM). Cells adhere to ECM through focal adhesions (FAs) and sense the surrounding microenvironments. Although FA proteins have been actively investigated, little is known about the lipids in the plasma membrane at FAs. In this study, we examine the lipid composition at FAs with imaging and biochemical approaches. Using the cholesterol-specific probe D4 with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution microscopy, we show an enrichment of cholesterol at FAs simultaneously with FA assembly. Furthermore, we establish a method to isolate the lipid from FA-rich fractions, and biochemical quantification of the lipids reveals that there is a higher content of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine with saturated fatty acid chains in the lipids of the FA-rich fraction than in either the plasma membrane fraction or the whole-cell membrane. These results demonstrate that plasma membrane at FAs has a locally distinct lipid composition compared to the bulk plasma membrane.

Cell density-dependent membrane distribution of ganglioside GM3 in melanoma cells

Monosialoganglioside GM3 is the simplest ganglioside involved in various cellular signaling. Cell surface distribution of GM3 is thought to be crucial for the function of GM3, but little is known about the cell surface GM3 distribution. It was shown that anti-GM3 monoclonal antibody binds to GM3 in sparse but not in confluent melanoma cells. Our model membrane study evidenced that monoclonal anti-GM3 antibodies showed stronger binding when GM3 was in less fluid membrane environment. Studies using fluorescent GM3 analogs suggested that GM3 was clustered in less fluid membrane. Moreover, fluorescent lifetime measurement showed that cell surface of high density melanoma cells is more fluid than that of low density cells. Lipidomics and fatty acid supplementation experiment suggested that monounsaturated fatty acid-containing phosphatidylcholine contributed to the cell density-dependent membrane fluidity. Our results indicate that anti-GM3 antibody senses GM3 clustering and the number and/or size of GM3 cluster differ between sparse and confluent melanoma cells.

Cholesterol-rich domain formation mediated by ZO proteins is essential for tight junction formation

Tight junctions (TJs) are cell-adhesion structures responsible for the epithelial barrier. We reported that accumulation of cholesterol at the apical junctions is required for TJ formation [K. Shigetomi, Y. Ono, T. Inai, J. Ikenouchi, J. Cell Biol. 217, 2373-2381 (2018)]. However, it is unclear how cholesterol accumulates and informs TJ formation-and whether cholesterol enrichment precedes or follows the assembly of claudins in the first place. Here, we established an epithelial cell line (claudin-null cells) that lacks TJs by knocking out claudins. Despite the lack of TJs, cholesterol normally accumulated in the vicinity of the apical junctions. Assembly of claudins at TJs is thought to require binding to zonula occludens (ZO) proteins; however, a claudin mutant that cannot bind to ZO proteins still formed TJ strands. ZO proteins were however necessary for cholesterol accumulation at the apical junctions through their effect on the junctional actomyosin cytoskeleton. We propose that ZO proteins not only function as scaffolds for claudins but also promote TJ formation of cholesterol-rich membrane domains at apical junctions.

A basic model for the association of ligands with membrane cholesterol: application to cytolysin binding

Almost all the cholesterol in cellular membranes is associated with phospholipids in simple stoichiometric complexes. This limits the binding of sterol ligands such as filipin and Perfringolysin O (PFO) to a small fraction of the total. We offer a simple mathematical model that characterizes this complexity. It posits that the cholesterol accessible to ligands has two forms: active cholesterol, which is that not complexed with phospholipids; and extractable cholesterol, that which ligands can capture competitively from the phospholipid complexes. Simulations based on the model match published data for the association of PFO oligomers with liposomes, plasma membranes and the isolated endoplasmic reticulum. The model shows how the binding of a probe greatly underestimates cholesterol abundance when its affinity for the sterol is so weak that it competes poorly with the membrane phospholipids. Two examples are the under-staining of plasma membranes by filipin and the failure of domain D4 of PFO to label their cytoplasmic leaflets. Conversely, the exaggerated staining of endolysosomes suggests that their cholesterol, being uncomplexed, is readily available. The model is also applicable to the association of cholesterol with intrinsic membrane proteins. For example, it supports the hypothesis that the sharp threshold in the regulation of homeostatic ER proteins by cholesterol derives from the cooperativity of their binding to the sterol weakly held by the phospholipid. § Thus, the model explicates the complexity inherent in the binding of ligands like PFO and filipin to the small accessible fraction of membrane cholesterol.

Cholesterol and Sphingomyelin Polarize at the Leading Edge of Migrating Myoblasts and Involve Their Clustering in Submicrometric Domains

Myoblast migration is crucial for myogenesis and muscular tissue homeostasis. However, its spatiotemporal control remains elusive. Here, we explored the involvement of plasma membrane cholesterol and sphingolipids in this process. In resting C2C12 mouse myoblasts, those lipids clustered in sphingomyelin/cholesterol/GM1 ganglioside (SM/chol/GM1)- and cholesterol (chol)-enriched domains, which presented a lower stiffness than the bulk membrane. Upon migration, cholesterol and sphingomyelin polarized at the front, forming cholesterol (chol)- and sphingomyelin/cholesterol (SM/chol)-enriched domains, while GM1-enriched domains polarized at the rear. A comparison of domain proportion suggested that SM/chol- and GM1-enriched domains originated from the SM/chol/GM1-coenriched domains found at resting state. Modulation of domain proportion (through cholesterol depletion, combined or not with actin polymerization inhibition, or sphingolipid synthesis inhibition) revealed that the higher the chol- and SM/chol-enriched domains, the higher the myoblast migration. At the front, chol- and SM/chol-enriched domains were found in proximity with F-actin fibers and the lateral mobility of sphingomyelin in domains was specifically restricted in a cholesterol- and cytoskeleton-dependent manner while domain abrogation impaired F-actin and focal adhesion polarization. Altogether, we showed the polarization of cholesterol and sphingomyelin and their clustering in chol- and SM/chol-enriched domains with differential properties and roles, providing a mechanism for the spatial and functional control of myoblast migration.

Mapping trasmembrane distribution of sphingomyelin

Our knowledge on the asymmetric distribution of sphingomyelin (SM) in the plasma membrane is largely based on the biochemical analysis of erythrocytes using sphingomyelinase (SMase). However, recent studies showed that the product of SMase, ceramide, disturbs transmembrane lipid distribution. This led to the development of the complimentary histochemical method, which combines electron microscopy and SM-binding proteins. This review discusses the advantages and caveats of published methods of measuring transbilayer distribution of SM. Recent finding of the proteins involved in the transbilayer movement of SM will also be summarized.

Lipid Polarization during Cytokinesis

The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is composed of a large number of lipid species that are laterally segregated into functional domains as well as asymmetrically distributed between the outer and inner leaflets. Additionally, the spatial distribution and organization of these lipids dramatically change in response to various cellular states, such as cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis. Division of one cell into two daughter cells is one of the most fundamental requirements for the sustenance of growth in all living organisms. The successful completion of cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division, is critically dependent on the spatial distribution and organization of specific lipids. In this review, we discuss the properties of various lipid species associated with cytokinesis and the mechanisms involved in their polarization, including forward trafficking, endocytic recycling, local synthesis, and cortical flow models. The differences in lipid species requirements and distribution in mitotic vs. male meiotic cells will be discussed. We will concentrate on sphingolipids and phosphatidylinositols because their transbilayer organization and movement may be linked via the cytoskeleton and thus critically regulate various steps of cytokinesis.

Delivery of ceramide phosphoethanolamine lipids to the cleavage furrow through the endocytic pathway is essential for male meiotic cytokinesis

Cell division, wherein 1 cell divides into 2 daughter cells, is fundamental to all living organisms. Cytokinesis, the final step in cell division, begins with the formation of an actomyosin contractile ring, positioned midway between the segregated chromosomes. Constriction of the ring with concomitant membrane deposition in a specified spatiotemporal manner generates a cleavage furrow that physically separates the cytoplasm. Unique lipids with specific biophysical properties have been shown to localize to intercellular bridges (also called midbody) connecting the 2 dividing cells; however, their biological roles and delivery mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), the structural analog of sphingomyelin, has unique acyl chain anchors in Drosophila spermatocytes and is essential for meiotic cytokinesis. The head group of CPE is also important for spermatogenesis. We find that aberrant central spindle and contractile ring behavior but not mislocalization of phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) at the plasma membrane is responsible for the male meiotic cytokinesis defect in CPE-deficient animals. Further, we demonstrate the enrichment of CPE in multivesicular bodies marked by Rab7, which in turn localize to cleavage furrow. Volume electron microscopy analysis using correlative light and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy shows that CPE-enriched Rab7 positive endosomes are juxtaposed on contractile ring material. Correlative light and transmission electron microscopy reveal Rab7 positive endosomes as a multivesicular body-like organelle that releases its intraluminal vesicles in the vicinity of ingressing furrows. Genetic ablation of Rab7 or Rab35 or expression of dominant negative Rab11 results in significant meiotic cytokinesis defects. Further, we show that Rab11 function is required for localization of CPE positive endosomes to the cleavage furrow. Our results imply that endosomal delivery of CPE to ingressing membranes is crucial for meiotic cytokinesis.

Sphingolipids in embryonic development, cell cycle regulation, and stemness - Implications for polyploidy in tumors

The aberrant biology of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCC) includes dysregulation of the cell cycle, induction of stress responses, and dedifferentiation, all of which are likely accompanied by adaptations in biophysical properties and metabolic activity. Sphingolipids are the second largest class of membrane lipids and play important roles in many aspects of cell biology that are potentially relevant to polyploidy. We have recently shown that the function of the sphingolipid enzyme acid ceramidase (ASAH1) is critical for the ability of PGCC to generate progeny by depolyploidization but mechanisms by which sphingolipids contribute to polyploidy and generation of offspring with stem-like properties remain elusive. This review discusses the role of sphingolipids during embryonic development, cell cycle regulation, and stem cells in an effort to highlight parallels to polyploidy.

A novel sterol-binding protein reveals heterogeneous cholesterol distribution in neurite outgrowth and in late endosomes/lysosomes

We identified a mushroom-derived protein, maistero-2 that specifically binds 3-hydroxy sterol including cholesterol (Chol). Maistero-2 bound lipid mixture in Chol-dependent manner with a binding threshold of around 30%. Changing lipid composition did not significantly affect the threshold concentration. EGFP-maistero-2 labeled cell surface and intracellular organelle Chol with higher sensitivity than that of well-established Chol probe, D4 fragment of perfringolysin O. EGFP-maistero-2 revealed increase of cell surface Chol during neurite outgrowth and heterogeneous Chol distribution between CD63-positive and LAMP1-positive late endosomes/lysosomes. The absence of strictly conserved Thr-Leu pair present in Chol-dependent cytolysins suggests a distinct Chol-binding mechanism for maistero-2.

An update on genetically encoded lipid biosensors

Specific lipid species play central roles in cell biology. Their presence or enrichment in individual membranes can control properties or direct protein localization and/or activity. Therefore, probes to detect and observe these lipids in intact cells are essential tools in the cell biologist's freezer box. Herein, we discuss genetically encoded lipid biosensors, which can be expressed as fluorescent protein fusions to track lipids in living cells. We provide a state-of-the-art list of the most widely available and reliable biosensors and highlight new probes (circa 2018-2021). Notably, we focus on advances in biosensors for phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, and PI 3-kinase lipid products.

PMP2/FABP8 induces PI(4,5)P2-dependent transbilayer reorganization of sphingomyelin in the plasma membrane

Sphingomyelin (SM) is a mammalian lipid mainly distributed in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane (PM). We show that peripheral myelin protein 2 (PMP2), a member of the fatty-acid-binding protein (FABP) family, can localize at the PM and controls the transbilayer distribution of SM. Genetic screening with genome-wide small hairpin RNA libraries identifies PMP2 as a protein involved in the transbilayer movement of SM. A biochemical assay demonstrates that PMP2 is a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P₂)-binding protein. PMP2 induces the tubulation of model membranes in a PI(4,5)P₂-dependent manner, accompanied by the modification of the transbilayer membrane distribution of lipids. In the PM of PMP2-overexpressing cells, inner-leaflet SM is increased whereas outer-leaflet SM is reduced. PMP2 is a causative protein of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). A mutation in PMP2 associated with CMT increases its affinity for PI(4,5)P₂, inducing membrane tubulation and the subsequent transbilayer movement of lipids.

Quantitative FRET Microscopy Reveals a Crucial Role of Cytoskeleton in Promoting PI(4,5)P2 Confinement

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) is an essential plasma membrane component involved in several cellular functions, including membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton organization. This function multiplicity is partially achieved through a dynamic spatiotemporal organization of PI(4,5)P2 within the membrane. Here, we use a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach to quantitatively assess the extent of PI(4,5)P2 confinement within the plasma membrane. This methodology relies on the rigorous evaluation of the dependence of absolute FRET efficiencies between pleckstrin homology domains (PHPLCδ) fused with fluorescent proteins and their average fluorescence intensity at the membrane. PI(4,5)P2 is found to be significantly compartmentalized at the plasma membrane of HeLa cells, and these clusters are not cholesterol-dependent, suggesting that membrane rafts are not involved in the formation of these nanodomains. On the other hand, upon inhibition of actin polymerization, compartmentalization of PI(4,5)P2 is almost entirely eliminated, showing that the cytoskeleton network is the critical component responsible for the formation of nanoscale PI(4,5)P2 domains in HeLa cells.

Cellular cholesterol and how to find it

Cholesterol is an essential component of eukaryotic cellular membranes. Information about its subcellular localization and transport pathways inside cells are key for the understanding and treatment of cholesterol-related diseases. In this review we give an overview over the most commonly used methods that contributed to our current understanding of subcellular cholesterol localization and transport routes. First, we discuss methods that provide insights into cholesterol metabolism based on readouts of downstream effects such as esterification. Subsequently, we focus on the use of cholesterol-binding molecules as probes that facilitate visualization and quantification of sterols inside of cells. Finally, we explore different analogues of cholesterol which, when taken up by living cells, are integrated and transported in a similar fashion as endogenous sterols. Taken together, we highlight the challenges and advantages of each method such that researchers studying aspects of cholesterol transport may choose the most pertinent approach for their problem.

Comparative Analysis of Single-Molecule Dynamics of TRPV1 and TRPV4 Channels in Living Cells

TRPV1 and TRPV4, members of the transient receptor potential vanilloid family, are multimodal ion channels activated by various stimuli, including temperature and chemicals. It has been demonstrated that TRPV channels function as tetramers; however, the dynamics of the diffusion, oligomerization, and endocytosis of these channels in living cells are unclear. Here we undertook single-molecule time-lapse imaging of TRPV1 and TRPV4 in HEK 293 cells. Differences were observed between TRPV1 and TRPV4 before and after agonist stimulation. In the resting state, TRPV4 was more likely to form higher-order oligomers within immobile membrane domains than TRPV1. TRPV1 became immobile after capsaicin stimulation, followed by its gradual endocytosis. In contrast, TRPV4 was rapidly internalized upon stimulation with GSK1016790A. The selective loss of immobile higher-order oligomers from the cell surface through endocytosis increased the proportion of the fast-diffusing state for both subtypes. With the increase in the fast state, the association rate constants of TRPV1 and TRPV4 increased, regenerating the higher-order oligomers. Our results provide a possible mechanism for the different rates of endocytosis of TRPV1 and TRPV4 based on the spatial organization of the higher-order structures of the two TRPV channels.

Cell cycle dependence on the mevalonate pathway: Role of cholesterol and non-sterol isoprenoids

The mevalonate pathway is responsible for the synthesis of isoprenoids, including sterols and other metabolites that are essential for diverse biological functions. Cholesterol, the main sterol in mammals, and non-sterol isoprenoids are in high demand by rapidly dividing cells. As evidence of its importance, many cell signaling pathways converge on the mevalonate pathway and these include those involved in proliferation, tumor-promotion, and tumor-suppression. As well as being a fundamental building block of cell membranes, cholesterol plays a key role in maintaining their lipid organization and biophysical properties, and it is crucial for the function of proteins located in the plasma membrane. Importantly, cholesterol and other mevalonate derivatives are essential for cell cycle progression, and their deficiency blocks different steps in the cycle. Furthermore, the accumulation of non-isoprenoid mevalonate derivatives can cause DNA replication stress. Identification of the mechanisms underlying the effects of cholesterol and other mevalonate derivatives on cell cycle progression may be useful in the search for new inhibitors, or the repurposing of preexisting cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors to target cancer cell division. In this review, we discuss the dependence of cell division on an active mevalonate pathway and the role of different mevalonate derivatives in cell cycle progression.

Sphingomyelin synthase 2 but not sphingomyelin synthase 1 is upregulated in ovarian cancer and involved in migration, growth and survival via different mechanisms

Sphingomyelin synthase 1 (SMS1) and 2 (SMS2) are two enzymes required for sphingomyelin de novo synthesis, and their roles in tumor transformation and development have been recently recognized. In this work, we systematically evaluated the expression patterns of SMS1 and 2 in ovarian cancer patient samples and cell lines. Furthermore, we analyzed the functions of SMS2 and its underlying mechanisms. We observed a specific increase in SMS2 expression in ovarian cancer tissues compared to the adjacent normal ovary tissues in majority of patients' samples. This is regardless of their clinico-pathological characteristics. SMS1 expression was similar between ovarian cancer and its normal counterpart in 30 patients tested. The upregulation of SMS2 but not SMS1 was also reproducible in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines. Functional analysis indicated that SMS2 plays a predominant role in promoting migration rather than proliferation in ovarian cancer. SMS2 depletion suppressed migration, growth and survival, and furthermore this was dependent on SMS2 baseline level in ovarian cancer cells. SMS2 inhibition significantly augmented cisplatin's efficacy. We further found that migration inhibition induced by SMS2 depletion was largely due to the suppression of RhoA/ROCK/LIMK/cofilin and RhoA/ROCK/FAK/paxillin pathways. In addition, lipid metabolism disruption, oxidative stress and damage, and impaired mitochondrial function contributed to the inhibitory effects of SMS2 depletion in ovarian cancer growth and survival. Our work demonstrates that SMS2 but not SMS1 is upregulated in ovarian cancer and involved in migration, growth and survival via different mechanisms. Our findings highlight the therapeutic value of SMS2 inhibition in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

A new role of glutathione peroxidase 4 during human erythroblast enucleation

The selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), the only member of the glutathione peroxidase family able to directly reduce cell membrane-oxidized fatty acids and cholesterol, was recently identified as the central regulator of ferroptosis. GPX4 knockdown in mouse hematopoietic cells leads to hemolytic anemia and to increased spleen erythroid progenitor death. The role of GPX4 during human erythropoiesis is unknown. Using in vitro erythroid differentiation, we show here that GPX4-irreversible inhibition by 1S,3R-RSL3 (RSL3) and its short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown strongly impaired enucleation in a ferroptosis-independent manner not restored by tocopherol or iron chelators. During enucleation, GPX4 localized with lipid rafts at the cleavage furrows between reticulocytes and pyrenocytes. Its inhibition impacted enucleation after nuclear condensation and polarization and was associated with a defect in lipid raft clustering (cholera toxin staining) and myosin-regulatory light-chain phosphorylation. Because selenoprotein translation and cholesterol synthesis share a common precursor, we investigated whether the enucleation defect could represent a compensatory mechanism favoring GPX4 synthesis at the expense of cholesterol, known to be abundant in lipid rafts. Lipidomics and filipin staining failed to show any quantitative difference in cholesterol content after RSL3 exposure. However, addition of cholesterol increased cholera toxin staining and myosin-regulatory light-chain phosphorylation, and improved enucleation despite GPX4 knockdown. In summary, we identified GPX4 as a new actor of human erythroid enucleation, independent of its function in ferroptosis control. We described its involvement in lipid raft organization required for contractile ring assembly and cytokinesis, leading in fine to nucleus extrusion.

The use of pore-forming toxins to image lipids and lipid domains

Very few proteins are reported to bind specific lipids. Because of the high selectivity and strong binding to specific lipids, lipid-targeting pore forming toxins (PFTs) have been employed to study the distribution of lipids in cell- and model-membranes. Non-toxic and monomeric PFT-derivatives are especially useful to study living cells. In this chapter we highlight sphingomyelin (SM)-binding PFT, lysenin (Lys), its derivatives, and newly identified SM/cholesterol binding protein, nakanori. We describe the preparation of non-toxic mutant of Lys (NT-Lys) and its application in optical and super resolution microscopy. We also discuss the observation of nanometer scale lipid domains labeled with nakanori and maltose-binding protein (MBP)-Lys in electron microscopy.

A Model for Primary Cilium Biogenesis by Polarized Epithelial Cells: Role of the Midbody Remnant and Associated Specialized Membranes

Primary cilia are solitary, microtubule-based protrusions surrounded by a ciliary membrane equipped with selected receptors that orchestrate important signaling pathways that control cell growth, differentiation, development and homeostasis. Depending on the cell type, primary cilium assembly takes place intracellularly or at the cell surface. The intracellular route has been the focus of research on primary cilium biogenesis, whereas the route that occurs at the cell surface, which we call the "alternative" route, has been much less thoroughly characterized. In this review, based on recent experimental evidence, we present a model of primary ciliogenesis by the alternative route in which the remnant of the midbody generated upon cytokinesis acquires compact membranes, that are involved in compartmentalization of biological membranes. The midbody remnant delivers part of those membranes to the centrosome in order to assemble the ciliary membrane, thereby licensing primary cilium formation. The midbody remnant's involvement in primary cilium formation, the regulation of its inheritance by the ESCRT machinery, and the assembly of the ciliary membrane from the membranes originally associated with the remnant are discussed in the context of the literature concerning the ciliary membrane, the emerging roles of the midbody remnant, the regulation of cytokinesis, and the role of membrane compartmentalization. We also present a model of cilium emergence during evolution, and summarize the directions for future research.

Imaging Sphingomyelin- and Cholesterol-Enriched Domains in the Plasma Membrane Using a Novel Probe and Super-Resolution Microscopy

In this chapter, we show the visualization of lipid domains using a specific lipid-binding protein and super-resolution microscopy. Lipid rafts are plasma membrane domains enriched in both sphingolipids and sterols that play key roles in various physiological events. We identified a novel protein that specifically binds to a complex of sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol (Chol). The isolated protein, nakanori, labels the SM/Chol complex at the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane in mammalian cells. Structured illumination microscopic images suggested that the influenza virus buds from the edges of the SM/Chol domains in MDCK cells. Furthermore, a photoactivated localization microscopy analysis indicated that the SM/Chol complex forms domains in the outer leaflet, just above the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate domains in the inner leaflet. These observations provide significant insight into the structure and function of lipid rafts.

Quantification of Genetically Encoded Lipid Biosensors

Lipids, like phosphoinositides, can be visualized in living cells in real time using genetically encoded biosensors and fluorescence microscopy. Sensor localization can be quantified by determining the fluorescence intensity of each fluorophore. Enrichment of lipids at membranes can be determined by generating and applying an organelle-specific binary mask. In this chapter, we provide a detailed list of reagents and methods to visualize and quantify relative lipid levels. Applying this approach, changes in lipid levels can be assessed in cases when lipid metabolizing enzymes are mutated or otherwise altered.

Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Cellular Sphingomyelin Imaging with Specific Reporter Proteins

Sphingomyelin (SM) is a major sphingolipid in mammalian cells. Although SM is enriched in the outer leaflet of the cell plasma membrane, lipids are also observed in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles such as endolysosomes, the Golgi apparatus and nuclei. SM is postulated to form clusters with glycosphingolipids (GSLs), cholesterol (Chol), and other SM molecules through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Thus, different clusters composed of SM, SM/Chol, SM/GSL and SM/GSL/Chol with different stoichiometries may exist in biomembranes. In addition, SM monomers may be located in the glycerophospholipid-rich areas of membranes. Recently developed SM-binding proteins (SBPs) distinguish these different SM assemblies. Here, we summarize the effects of intrinsic factors regulating the lipid-binding specificity of SBPs and extrinsic factors, such as the lipid phase and lipid density, on SM recognition by SBPs. The combination of different SBPs revealed the heterogeneity of SM domains in biomembranes.

Structural and functional consequences of reversible lipid asymmetry in living membranes

Maintenance of lipid asymmetry across the two leaflets of the plasma membrane (PM) bilayer is a ubiquitous feature of eukaryotic cells. Loss of this asymmetry has been widely associated with cell death. However, increasing evidence points to the physiological importance of non-apoptotic, transient changes in PM asymmetry. Such transient scrambling events are associated with a range of biological functions, including intercellular communication and intracellular signaling. Thus, regulation of interleaflet lipid distribution in the PM is a broadly important but underappreciated cellular process with key physiological and structural consequences. Here, we compile the mounting evidence revealing multifaceted, functional roles of PM asymmetry and transient loss thereof. We discuss the consequences of reversible asymmetry on PM structure, biophysical properties and interleaflet coupling. We argue that despite widespread recognition of broad aspects of membrane asymmetry, its importance in cell biology demands more in-depth investigation of its features, regulation, and physiological and pathological implications.

Animal Cell Cytokinesis: The Rho-Dependent Actomyosin-Anilloseptin Contractile Ring as a Membrane Microdomain Gathering, Compressing, and Sorting Machine

Cytokinesis is the last step of cell division that partitions the cellular organelles and cytoplasm of one cell into two. In animal cells, cytokinesis requires Rho-GTPase-dependent assembly of F-actin and myosin II (actomyosin) to form an equatorial contractile ring (CR) that bisects the cell. Despite 50 years of research, the precise mechanisms of CR assembly, tension generation and closure remain elusive. This hypothesis article considers a holistic view of the CR that, in addition to actomyosin, includes another Rho-dependent cytoskeletal sub-network containing the scaffold protein, Anillin, and septin filaments (collectively termed anillo-septin). We synthesize evidence from our prior work in Drosophila S2 cells that actomyosin and anillo-septin form separable networks that are independently anchored to the plasma membrane. This latter realization leads to a simple conceptual model in which CR assembly and closure depend upon the micro-management of the membrane microdomains to which actomyosin and anillo-septin sub-networks are attached. During CR assembly, actomyosin contractility gathers and compresses its underlying membrane microdomain attachment sites. These microdomains resist this compression, which builds tension. During CR closure, membrane microdomains are transferred from the actomyosin sub-network to the anillo-septin sub-network, with which they flow out of the CR as it advances. This relative outflow of membrane microdomains regulates tension, reduces the circumference of the CR and promotes actomyosin disassembly all at the same time. According to this hypothesis, the metazoan CR can be viewed as a membrane microdomain gathering, compressing and sorting machine that intrinsically buffers its own tension through coordination of actomyosin contractility and anillo-septin-membrane relative outflow, all controlled by Rho. Central to this model is the abandonment of the dogmatic view that the plasma membrane is always readily deformable by the underlying cytoskeleton. Rather, the membrane resists compression to build tension. The notion that the CR might generate tension through resistance to compression of its own membrane microdomain attachment sites, can account for numerous otherwise puzzling observations and warrants further investigation using multiple systems and methods.

Common and Differential Traits of the Membrane Lipidome of Colon Cancer Cell Lines and their Secreted Vesicles: Impact on Studies Using Cell Lines

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the world. Despite the screening programs, its incidence in the population below the 50s is increasing. Therefore, new stratification protocols based on multiparametric approaches are highly needed. In this scenario, the lipidome is emerging as a powerful tool to classify tumors, including CRC, wherein it has proven to be highly sensitive to cell malignization. Hence, the possibility to describe the lipidome at the level of lipid species has renewed the interest to investigate the role of specific lipid species in pathologic mechanisms, being commercial cell lines, a model still heavily used for this purpose. Herein, we characterize the membrane lipidome of five commercial colon cell lines and their extracellular vesicles (EVs). The results demonstrate that both cell and EVs lipidome was able to segregate cells according to their malignancy. Furthermore, all CRC lines shared a specific and strikingly homogenous impact on ether lipid species. Finally, this study also cautions about the need of being aware of the singularities of each cell line at the level of lipid species. Altogether, this study firmly lays the groundwork of using the lipidome as a solid source of tumor biomarkers.

Cholesterol asymmetry at the tip of filopodia during cell adhesion

During adhesion, cells develop filopodia to facilitate the attachment to the extracellular matrix. The small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein, Cdc42, plays a central role in the formation of filopodia. It has been reported that Cdc42 activity is regulated by cholesterol (Chol). We examined Chol distribution in filopodia using Chol-binding domain 4 (D4) fragment of bacterial toxin, perfringolysin O that senses high membrane concentration of Chol. Our results indicate that fluorescent D4 was enriched at the tip of the outer leaflet of filopodia in the initiation phase of cell adhesion. This enrichment was accompanied by a defect of D4 labeling in the inner leaflet. Steady phase adhered cell experiment indicated that both Cdc42 and ATP-binding cassette transporter, ABCA1, were involved in the binding of D4 to the cell surface. Depletion of Chol activated Cdc42. Our results suggest that asymmetric distribution of Chol at the tip of filopodia induces activation of Cdc42, and thus, facilitates filopodia formation.

Plasma membrane sphingomyelin modulates thymocyte development by inhibiting TCR-induced apoptosis

Sphingomyelin (SM) in combination with cholesterol forms specialized membrane lipid microdomains in which specific receptors and signaling molecules are localized or recruited to mediate intracellular signaling. SM-microdomain levels in mouse thymus were low in the early CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) stage prior to thymic selection and increased >10-fold during late selection. T-cell receptor (TCR) signal strength is a key factor determining whether DP thymocytes undergo positive or negative selection. We examined the role of SM-microdomains in thymocyte development and related TCR signaling, using SM synthase 1 (SMS1)-deficient (SMS1-/-) mice which display low SM expression in all thymocyte populations. SMS1 deficiency caused reduced cell numbers after late DP stages in TCR transgenic models. TCR-dependent apoptosis induced by anti-CD3 treatment was enhanced in SMS1-/- DP thymocytes both in vivo and in vitro. SMS1-/- DP thymocytes, relative to controls, showed increased phosphorylation of TCR-proximal kinase ZAP-70 and increased expression of Bim and Nur77 proteins involved in negative selection following TCR stimulation. Addition of SM to cultured normal DP thymocytes led to greatly increased surface expression of SM-microdomains, with associated reduction of TCR signaling and TCR-induced apoptosis. Our findings indicate that SM-microdomains are increased in late DP stages, function as negative regulators of TCR signaling and modulate the efficiency of TCR-proximal signaling to promote thymic selection events leading to subsequent developmental stages.

Mechanisms behind the polarized distribution of lipids in epithelial cells

Epithelial cells are polarized cells and typically display distinct plasma membrane domains: basal plasma membrane domains face the underlying tissue, lateral domains contact adjacent cells and apical domains face the exterior lumen. Each membrane domain is endowed with a specific macromolecular composition that constitutes the functional identity of that domain. Defects in apical-basal plasma membrane polarity altogether or more subtle defects in the composition of either apical or basal plasma membrane domain can give rise to severe diseases. Lipids are the main component of cellular membranes and mechanisms that control their polarized distribution in epithelial cells are emerging. In particular sphingolipids and phosphatidylinositol lipids have taken center stage in the organization of the apical and basolateral plasma membrane domain. This short review article discusses mechanisms that contribute to the polarized distribution of lipids in epithelial cells.

NPC1 enables cholesterol mobilization during long-term potentiation that can be restored in Niemann-Pick disease type C by CYP46A1 activation

NPC is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cholesterol accumulation in endolysosomal compartments. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding NPC1, an endolysosomal protein mediating intracellular cholesterol trafficking. Cognitive and psychiatric alterations are hallmarks in NPC patients pointing to synaptic defects. However, the role of NPC1 in synapses has not been explored. We show that NPC1 is present in the postsynaptic compartment and is locally translated during LTP. A mutation in a region of the NPC1 gene commonly altered in NPC patients reduces NPC1 levels at synapses due to enhanced NPC1 protein degradation. This leads to shorter postsynaptic densities, increased synaptic cholesterol and impaired LTP in NPC1nmf164 mice with cognitive deficits. NPC1 mediates cholesterol mobilization and enables surface delivery of CYP46A1 and GluA1 receptors necessary for LTP, which is defective in NPC1nmf164 mice. Pharmacological activation of CYP46A1 normalizes synaptic levels of cholesterol, LTP and cognitive abilities, and extends life span of NPC1nmf164 mice. Our results unveil NPC1 as a regulator of cholesterol dynamics in synapses contributing to synaptic plasticity, and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for NPC patients.

Phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein regulates cytokinesis by protecting phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate from metabolism in the cleavage furrow

Cytokinesis is initiated by the formation and ingression of the cleavage furrow. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P₂] accumulation followed by RhoA translocation to the cleavage furrow are prerequisites for cytokinesis progression. Here, we investigated whether phospholipase C (PLC)-related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP), a metabolic modulator of PI(4,5)P₂, regulates PI(4,5)P₂-mediated cytokinesis. We found that PRIP localised to the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis. Moreover, HeLa cells with silenced PRIP displayed abnormal cytokinesis. Importantly, PI(4,5)P₂ accumulation at the cleavage furrow, as well as the localisation of RhoA and phospho-myosin II regulatory light chain to the cleavage furrow, were reduced in PRIP-silenced cells. The overexpression of oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe-1 (OCRL1), a phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphatase, in cells decreased PI(4,5)P₂ levels during early cytokinesis and resulted in cytokinesis abnormalities. However, these abnormal cytokinesis phenotypes were ameliorated by the co-expression of PRIP but not by co-expression of a PI(4,5)P₂-unbound PRIP mutant. Collectively, our results indicate that PRIP is a component at the cleavage furrow that maintains PI(4,5)P₂ metabolism and regulates RhoA-dependent progression of cytokinesis. Thus, we propose that PRIP regulates phosphoinositide metabolism correctively and mediates normal cytokinesis progression.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase secreted from microglia via exosome during ischemic injury

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the key enzyme of the salvage pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthesis. NAMPT can also be secreted and functions as a cytokine. We have previously shown that in the brain, NAMPT expression and secretion can be induced in microglia upon neuroinflammation and injury. Yet the mechanism for NAMPT secretion remains unclear. Here we show that NAMPT can be actively secreted from microglia upon the treatment of ischemia-like injury - oxygen-glucose deprivation and recovery (OGD/R). We confirmed that classical ER-Golgi pathway is not involved in NAMPT secretion. NAMPT secretion was further enhanced by ATP, and the secretion was mediated by P2X₇ receptor and by intracellular Ca²⁺ . Importantly, we found that phospholipase D inhibitor, n-butanol, phospholipase D siRNA, and wortmannin significantly decreased OGD/R-induced and ATP-enhanced release of NAMPT in microglia. After excluding the mechanisms of involving secretory autophagy, endosomes, and secretory lysosome, we have concluded that microglial NAMPT is secreted mainly via exosome. Immune-electron microscopy identifies NAMPT in extracellular vesicles with the size and morphology characteristic of exosome. With the vesicles harvested by ultra-centrifugation, exosomal NAMPT is further confirmed by Western blotting analysis. Intriguingly, the amount of NAMPT relative to exosomal protein markers remains unchanged upon the treatment of OGD/R, suggesting a constant load of exosomal NAMPT in microglia. Taken together, we have identified NAMPT is actively secreted via exosome from microglia during neuroinflammation of ischemic injury.

Sphingomyelin synthase 1 enhances BCR signaling to promote lupus-like autoimmune response

BACKGROUND

Sphingomyelin synthase 1 (SMS1) has been reported to participate in hepatitis and atherosclerosis. However, its role in autoimmune response is not clear. This study investigates the possible involvement of SMS1 in B-cell activation and lupus-like autoimmunity.

METHODS

SMS1 knockout lupus-like animal model and SLE patient samples were utilized. B-cell activation and associated signal transduction were detected by flow cytometry, confocal analysis and western blotting. The SMS1 expression in B cells was measured by real-time qPCR.

FINDINGS

SMS1 deficiency suppressed B-cell activation in culture, which was restored by exogenous SM supplementation. The BCR-mediated early signal transduction including the colocalization of BCR with F-actin or pY/pBtk, and the phosphorylation of intracellular Fyn and Syk were impaired in SMS1 knockout B cells. Furthermore, SMS1 knockout mice showed reduced production and deposition of autoantibodies, accompanied by less severe kidney pathological changes after pristane induction. SMS1 deficiency also displayed lower autoantibody titers and 24 h urine protein excretion in bm12-induced lupus, which were associated with reduced B-cell activation. Adoptively transferred wide-type B cells partially recovered B-cell activation and autoantibody production in SMS1 deficient bm12-induced lupus mice. Moreover, the SMS1 mRNA level in B cells of SLE patients was increased and positively correlated with the serum anti-dsDNA level, IgG and globulin titers.

INTERPRETATION

These data suggest that SMS1 is involved in lupus-like autoimmunity via regulating BCR signal transduction and B cell activation. (Word count for the abstract: 230).

An extracellular matrix protein promotes anillin-dependent processes in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline

The extracellular matrix protein Hemicentin (HIM-4) is an extracellular factor that regulates anillin (ANI-1) for germ cell membrane stabilization and contractile ring formation in C.elegans germline cells.

Cell division requires constriction of an actomyosin ring to segregate the genetic material equally into two daughter cells. The spatial and temporal regulation of the contractile ring at the division plane primarily depends on intracellular signals mediated by the centralspindlin complex and astral microtubules. Although much investigative work has elucidated intracellular factors and mechanisms controlling this process, the extracellular regulation of cytokinesis remains unclear. Thus far, the extracellular matrix protein Hemicentin (HIM-4) has been proposed to be required for cleavage furrow stabilization. The underlying molecular mechanism, however, has remained largely unknown. Here, we show that HIM-4 and anillin (ANI-1) genetically act in the same pathway to maintain the rachis bridge stability in the germline. Our FRAP experiments further reveal that HIM-4 restricts the motility of ANI-1. In addition, we demonstrate that HIM-4 is recruited to the cleavage site in dividing germ cells and promotes the proper ingression of the cleavage membrane. Collectively, we propose that HIM-4 is an extracellular factor that regulates ANI-1 for germ cell membrane stabilization and contractile ring formation in Caenorhabditis elegans germline cells.

Formation of tubules and helical ribbons by ceramide phosphoethanolamine-containing membranes

Ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), a major sphingolipid in invertebrates, is crucial for axonal ensheathment in Drosophila. Darkfield microscopy revealed that an equimolar mixture of bovine buttermilk CPE (milk CPE) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (diC18:1 PC) tends to form tubules and helical ribbons, while pure milk CPE mainly exhibits amorphous aggregates and, at low frequency, straight needles. Negative staining electron microscopy indicated that helices and tubules were composed of multilayered 5–10 nm thick slab-like structures. Using different molecular species of PC and CPE, we demonstrated that the acyl chain length of CPE but not of PC is crucial for the formation of tubules and helices in equimolar mixtures. Incubation of the lipid suspensions at the respective phase transition temperature of CPE facilitated the formation of both tubules and helices, suggesting a dynamic lipid rearrangement during formation. Substituting diC18:1 PC with diC18:1 PE or diC18:1 PS failed to form tubules and helices. As hydrated galactosylceramide (GalCer), a major lipid in mammalian myelin, has been reported to spontaneously form tubules and helices, it is believed that the ensheathment of axons in mammals and Drosophila is based on similar physical processes with different lipids.

Genetically encoded lipid biosensors

Lipids convey both structural and functional properties to eukaryotic membranes. Understanding the basic lipid composition and the dynamics of these important molecules, in the context of cellular membranes, can shed light on signaling, metabolism, trafficking, and even membrane identity. The development of genetically encoded lipid biosensors has allowed for the visualization of specific lipids inside individual, living cells. However, a number of caveats and considerations have emerged with the overexpression of these biosensors. In this Technical Perspective, we provide a current list of available genetically encoded lipid biosensors, together with criteria that determine their veracity. We also provide some suggestions for the optimal utilization of these biosensors when both designing experiments and interpreting results.

Intracellular and Plasma Membrane Cholesterol Labeling and Quantification Using Filipin and GFP-D4

Cholesterol, a major component of biological membranes, is rapidly trafficked and unevenly distributed between organelles. Anomalies of intracellular cholesterol distribution are the hallmark of a number of lysosomal lipid storage disorders. A major methodological obstacle for studying cholesterol trafficking is tracing this molecule in situ. The use of fluorescent probes that specifically bind cholesterol allows the visualization and imaging of cellular cholesterol. Here, we describe a series of assays optimized for quantifying free cholesterol in cell populations and at the single cell level, both at the plasma membrane and inside cells. These methods use two fluorescent probes: the D4 fragment of perfringolysin O fused to GFP (GFP-D4) and the polyene macrolide filipin. First, we report a robust method for quantifying plasma membrane cholesterol by flow cytometry using the GFP-D4 probe. Second, to optically distinguish and quantify intracellular cholesterol accumulation, we have adapted the classical filipin cholesterol staining protocol. Indeed, we observed that treatment of living cells with methyl-β-cyclodextrin, a chemical known to extract cholesterol from the plasma membrane, improves the visualization of the intracellular cholesterol pool with filipin. To complement these staining procedures, we developed an image analysis protocol based on image segmentation to quantify, in a robust manner, intracellular cholesterol stained with filipin. Thus, this chapter is a guideline for cellular cholesterol staining and signal quantification.

Comment on 'Orthogonal lipid sensors identify transbilayer asymmetry of plasma membrane cholesterol'

The plasma membrane in mammalian cells is rich in cholesterol, but how the cholesterol is partitioned between the two leaflets of the plasma membrane remains a matter of debate. Recently, Liu et al. used domain 4 (D4) of perfringolysin O as a cholesterol sensor to argue that cholesterol is mostly in the exofacial leaflet (Liu et al., 2017). This conclusion was made by interpreting D4 binding in live cells using in vitro calibrations with liposomes. However, liposomes may be unfaithful in mimicking the plasma membrane, as we demonstrate here. Also, D4 binding is highly sensitive to the presence of cytosolic proteins. In addition, we find that a D4 variant, which requires >35 mol% cholesterol to bind to liposomes in vitro, does in fact bind to the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Thus, we believe, based on the current evidence, that it is unlikely that there is a significantly higher proportion of cholesterol in the exofacial leaflet of the plasma membrane compared to the cytosolic leaflet.

Transverse distribution of plasma membrane bilayer cholesterol: Picking sides

The transverse asymmetry (sidedness) of phospholipids in plasma membrane bilayers is well characterized, distinctive, actively maintained and functionally important. In contrast, numerous studies using a variety of techniques have concluded that plasma membrane bilayer cholesterol is either mostly in the outer leaflet or the inner leaflet or is fairly evenly distributed. Sterols might simply partition according to their differing affinities for the asymmetrically disposed phospholipids, but some studies have proposed that it is actively transported to the outer leaflet. Other work suggests that the sterol is enriched in the inner leaflet, driven by either positive interactions with the phosphatidylethanolamine on that side or by its exclusion from the outer leaflet by the long chain sphingomyelin molecules therein. This uncertainty raises three questions: is plasma membrane cholesterol sidedness fixed in a given cell or cell type; is it generally the same among mammalian species; and does it serve specific physiological functions? This review grapples with these issues.