Protein sorting upon exit from the endoplasmic reticulum dominates Golgi biogenesis in budding yeast

Cells sense and control the number and quality of their organelles, but the underlying mechanisms of this regulation are not understood. Our recent research in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has shown that long acyl chain ceramides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and the lipid moiety of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor determine the sorting of GPI-anchored proteins in the ER. Here, we show that a mutant strain, which produces shorter ceramides than the wild-type strain, displays a different count of Golgi cisternae. Moreover, deletions of proteins that remodel the lipid portion of GPI anchors resulted in an abnormal number of Golgi cisternae. Thus, our study reveals that protein sorting in the ER plays a critical role in maintaining Golgi biogenesis.

The organization and function of the Golgi apparatus in dendrite development and neurological disorders

Dendrites are specialized neuronal compartments that sense, integrate and transfer information in the neural network. Their development is tightly controlled and abnormal dendrite morphogenesis is strongly linked to neurological disorders. While dendritic morphology ranges from relatively simple to extremely complex for a specified neuron, either requires a functional secretory pathway to continually replenish proteins and lipids to meet dendritic growth demands. The Golgi apparatus occupies the center of the secretory pathway and is regulating posttranslational modifications, sorting, transport, and signal transduction, as well as acting as a non-centrosomal microtubule organization center. The neuronal Golgi apparatus shares common features with Golgi in other eukaryotic cell types but also forms distinct structures known as Golgi outposts that specifically localize in dendrites. However, the organization and function of Golgi in dendrite development and its impact on neurological disorders is just emerging and so far lacks a systematic summary. We describe the organization of the Golgi apparatus in neurons, review the current understanding of Golgi function in dendritic morphogenesis, and discuss the current challenges and future directions.

Regulation of organelle size and organization during development

During early embryogenesis, as cells divide in the developing embryo, the size of intracellular organelles generally decreases to scale with the decrease in overall cell size. Organelle size scaling is thought to be important to establish and maintain proper cellular function, and defective scaling may lead to impaired development and disease. However, how the cell regulates organelle size and organization are largely unanswered questions. In this review, we summarize the process of size scaling at both the cell and organelle levels and discuss recently discovered mechanisms that regulate this process during early embryogenesis. In addition, we describe how some recently developed techniques and Xenopus as an animal model can be used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of size regulation and to uncover the significance of proper organelle size scaling and organization.

Remodeling of organelles and microtubules during spermiogenesis in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha

Gametogenesis is an essential event for sexual reproduction in various organisms. Bryophytes employ motile sperm (spermatozoids) as male gametes, which locomote to the egg cells to accomplish fertilization. The spermatozoids of bryophytes harbor distinctive morphological characteristics, including a cell body with a helical shape and two flagella. During spermiogenesis, the shape and cellular contents of the spermatids are dynamically reorganized. However, the reorganization patterns of each organelle remain obscure. In this study, we classified the developmental processes during spermiogenesis in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha according to changes in cellular and nuclear shapes and flagellar development. We then examined the remodeling of microtubules and the reorganization of endomembrane organelles. The results indicated that the state of glutamylation of tubulin changes during formation of the flagella and spline. We also found that the plasma membrane and endomembrane organelles are drastically reorganized in a precisely regulated manner, which involves the functions of endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machineries in endocytic and vacuolar transport. These findings are expected to provide useful indices to classify developmental and subcellular processes of spermiogenesis in bryophytes.

Glycan processing in the Golgi: optimal information coding and constraints on cisternal number and enzyme specificity

Many proteins that undergo sequential enzymatic modification in the Golgi cisternae are displayed at the plasma membrane as cell identity markers. The modified proteins, called glycans, represent a molecular code. The fidelity of this glycan code is measured by how accurately the glycan synthesis machinery realises the desired target glycan distribution for a particular cell type and niche. In this paper, we construct a simplified chemical synthesis model to quantitatively analyse the tradeoffs between the number of cisternae, and the number and specificity of enzymes, required to synthesize a prescribed target glycan distribution of a certain complexity to within a given fidelity. We find that to synthesize complex distributions, such as those observed in real cells, one needs to have multiple cisternae and precise enzyme partitioning in the Golgi. Additionally, for fixed number of enzymes and cisternae, there is an optimal level of specificity (promiscuity) of enzymes that achieves the target distribution with high fidelity. The geometry of the fidelity landscape in the multidimensional space of the number and specificity of enzymes, inter-cisternal transfer rates, and number of cisternae, provides a measure for robustness and identifies stiff and sloppy directions. Our results show how the complexity of the target glycan distribution and number of glycosylation enzymes places functional constraints on the Golgi cisternal number and enzyme specificity.

Shared and specific functions of Arfs 1-5 at the Golgi revealed by systematic knockouts

ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) are small GTPases regulating membrane traffic in the secretory pathway. They are closely related and appear to have overlapping functions, regulators, and effectors. The functional specificity of individual Arfs and the extent of redundancy are still largely unknown. We addressed these questions by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genomic deletion of the human class I (Arf1/3) and class II (Arf4/5) Arfs, either individually or in combination. Most knockout cell lines were viable with slight growth defects only when lacking Arf1 or Arf4. However, Arf1+4 and Arf4+5 could not be deleted simultaneously. Class I Arfs are nonessential, and Arf4 alone is sufficient for viability. Upon Arf1 deletion, the Golgi was enlarged, and recruitment of vesicle coats decreased, confirming a major role of Arf1 in vesicle formation at the Golgi. Knockout of Arf4 caused secretion of ER-resident proteins, indicating specific defects in coatomer-dependent ER protein retrieval by KDEL receptors. The knockout cell lines will be useful tools to study other Arf-dependent processes.

Profound architectural and functional readjustments of the secretory pathway in decidualization of endometrial stromal cells

Certain cell types must expand their exocytic pathway to guarantee efficiency and fidelity of protein secretion. A spectacular case is offered by decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs). In the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone stimulation induces proliferating EnSCs to differentiate into professional secretors releasing proteins essential for efficient blastocyst implantation. Here, we describe the architectural rearrangements of the secretory pathway of a human EnSC line (TERT-immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (T-HESC)). As in primary cells, decidualization entails proliferation arrest and the coordinated expansion of the entire secretory pathway without detectable activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways. Decidualization proceeds also in the absence of ascorbic acid, an essential cofactor for collagen biogenesis, despite also the secretion of some proteins whose folding does not depend on vitamin C is impaired. However, even in these conditions, no overt UPR induction can be detected. Morphometric analyses reveal that the exocytic pathway does not increase relatively to the volume of the cell. Thus, differently from other cell types, abundant production is guaranteed by a coordinated increase of the cell size following arrest of proliferation.

Spatial and temporal VEGF receptor intracellular trafficking in microvascular and macrovascular endothelial cells

The vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) can shape the neovascular phenotype of vascular endothelial cells when translocated to the nucleus, however the spatial and temporal changes in the intracellular distribution and translocation of VEGFRs to the nucleus and the organelles involved in this process is unclear. This study reports the effect of exogenous VEGF on translocation of VEGFRs and organelles in micro- and macrovascular endothelial cells. We showed that VEGF is responsible for: a rapid and substantial nuclear translocation of VEGFRs; VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 exhibit distinct spatial, temporal and structural translocation characteristics both in vitro and in vivo and this determines the nuclear VEGFR1:VEGFR2 ratio which differs between microvascular and macrovascular cells; VEGFR2 nuclear translocation is associated with the endosomal pathway transporting the receptor from Golgi in microvascular endothelial cells; and an increase in the volume of intracellular organelles. In conclusion, the nuclear translocation of VEGFRs is both receptor and vessel (macro versus micro) dependent and the endosomal pathway plays a key role in the translocation of VEGFRs to the nucleus and the subsequent export to the lysosomal system. Modulating VEGF-mediated VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 intracellular transmigration pathways may offer an alternative for the development of new anti-angiogenic therapies.

Diversity of Balbiani body formation in internally and externally fertilizing representatives of Osteoglossiformes (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha)

During the early stages of oogenesis, the Balbiani body is formed in the primary oocytes. It consists of the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and numerous mitochondria aggregated with germ plasm, but its form may differ among animals. Hypothetically, during oogenesis oocytes become adapted to future development in two different environments depending on internal or external fertilization. We aimed to investigate, using light and transmission electron microscopy, the development of the Balbiani body during oogenesis in representatives of Osteoglossiformes, one of the most basal Teleostei groups. We analyzed the structure of oogonia and primary oocytes in the internally fertilizing butterflyfish Pantodon buchholzi and the externally fertilizing Osteoglossum bicirrhosum and Arapaima gigas to compare formation of the Balbiani body in relation to modes of fertilization. We demonstrated that the presence of the germ plasm as well as the fusion and fission of mitochondria are the conserved features of the Bb. However, each species exhibited also some peculiar features, including the presence of three types of ooplasm with different electron density and mitochondria-associated membranes in P. buchholzi; annulate lamellae, complexes of the Golgi apparatus, ER network, and lysosome-like bodies in O. bicirrhosum; as well as karmellae and whorls formed by the lamellae of the ER in A. gigas. Moreover, the form of the germ plasm observed in close contact with mitochondria differed between osteoglossiforms, with a "net-like" structure in P. buchholzi, the presence of numerous strings in O. bicirrhosum, and irregular accumulations in A. gigas. These unique features indicate that the extreme diversity of gamete structure observed so far only in the spermatozoa of osteoglossiforms is also characteristic for oocyte development in these basal teleosts. Possible reason of this variability is a period of about 150 million years of independent evolution of the lineages.

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-related protein CLN8 regulates endo-lysosomal dynamics and dendritic morphology

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The endo-lysosomal system (ELS) comprises a set of membranous organelles responsible for transporting intracellular and extracellular components within cells. Defects in lysosomal proteins usually affect a large variety of processes and underlie many diseases, most of them with a strong neuronal impact. Mutations in the endoplasmic reticulum-resident CLN8 protein cause CLN8 disease. This condition is one of the 14 known neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), a group of inherited diseases characterised by accumulation of lipofuscin-like pigments within lysosomes. Besides mediating the transport of soluble lysosomal proteins, recent research suggested a role for CLN8 in the transport of vesicles and lipids, and autophagy. However, the consequences of CLN8 deficiency on ELS structure and activity, as well as the potential impact on neuronal development, remain poorly characterised. Therefore, we performed CLN8 knockdown in neuronal and non-neuronal cell models to analyse structural, dynamic and functional changes in the ELS and to assess the impact of CLN8 deficiency on axodendritic development.

RESULTS

CLN8 knockdown increased the size of the Golgi apparatus, the number of mobile vesicles and the speed of endo-lysosomes. Using the fluorescent fusion protein mApple-LAMP1-pHluorin, we detected significant lysosomal alkalisation in CLN8-deficient cells. In turn, experiments in primary rat hippocampal neurons showed that CLN8 deficiency decreased the complexity and size of the somatodendritic compartment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest the participation of CLN8 in vesicular distribution, lysosomal pH and normal development of the dendritic tree. We speculate that the defects triggered by CLN8 deficiency on ELS structure and dynamics underlie morphological alterations in neurons, which ultimately lead to the characteristic neurodegeneration observed in this NCL.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is, to our knowledge, the first characterisation of the effects of CLN8 dysfunction on the structure and dynamics of the ELS. Moreover, our findings suggest a novel role for CLN8 in somatodendritic development, which may account at least in part for the neuropathological manifestations associated with CLN8 disease.

α-Synuclein mutation impairs processing of endomembrane compartments and promotes exocytosis and seeding of α-synuclein pathology

Neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with impaired proteostasis and accumulation of α-syn microaggregates in dopaminergic neurons. These microaggregates promote seeding of α-synuclein (α-syn) pathology between synaptically linked neurons. However, the mechanism by which seeding is initiated is not clear. Using human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models of PD that allow comparison of SNCA mutant cells with isogenic controls, we find that SNCA mutant neurons accumulate α-syn deposits that cluster to multiple endomembrane compartments, specifically multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and lysosomes. We demonstrate that A53T and E46K α-syn variants bind and sequester LC3B monomers into detergent-insoluble microaggregates on the surface of late endosomes, increasing α-syn excretion via exosomes and promoting seeding of α-syn from SNCA mutant neurons to wild-type (WT) isogenic controls. Finally, we show that constitutive inactivation of LC3B promotes α-syn accumulation and seeding, while LC3B activation inhibits these events, offering mechanistic insight into the spread of synucleinopathy in PD.

Multiple roles for actin in secretory and endocytic pathways

Actin filaments play multiple roles in the secretory pathway and in endosome dynamics in mammals, including maintenance of Golgi structure, release of membrane cargo from the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endocytosis, and endosomal sorting dynamics. In addition, TGN carrier transport and endocytosis both occur by multiple mechanisms in mammals. Actin likely plays a role in at least four mammalian endocytic pathways, five pathways for membrane release from the TGN, and three processes involving endosomes. Also, the mammalian Golgi structure is highly dynamic, and actin is likely important for these dynamics. One challenge for many of these processes is the need to deal with other membrane-associated structures, such as the cortical actin network at the plasma membrane or the matrix that surrounds the Golgi. Arp2/3 complex is a major actin assembly factor in most of the processes mentioned, but roles for formins and tandem WH2-motif-containing assembly factors are being elucidated and are anticipated to grow with further study. The specific role for actin has not been defined for most of these processes, but is likely to involve the generation of force for membrane dynamics, either by actin polymerization itself or by myosin motor activity. Defining these processes mechanistically is necessary for understanding membrane dynamics in general, as well as pathways that utilize these processes, such as autophagy.

Coccolith volume of the Southern Ocean coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi as a possible indicator for palaeo-cell volume

Coccolithophores are a key functional phytoplankton group and produce minute calcite plates (coccoliths) in the sunlit layer of the pelagic ocean. Coccoliths significantly contribute to the sediment record since the Triassic and their geometry have been subject to palaeoceanographic and biological studies to retrieve information on past environmental conditions. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of coccolith, coccosphere and cell volume data of the Southern Ocean Emiliania huxleyi ecotype A, subject to gradients of temperature, irradiance, carbonate chemistry and macronutrient limitation. All tested environmental drivers significantly affect coccosphere, coccolith and cell volume with driver-specific sensitivities. However, a highly significant correlation emerged between cell and coccolith volume with V_coccolith  = 0.012 ± 0.001 * V_cell  + 0.234 ± 0.066 (n = 23, r²  = .85, p < .0001, σ_est  = 0.127), indicating a primary control of coccolith volume by physiological modulated changes in cell volume. We discuss the possible application of fossil coccolith volume as an indicator for cell volume/size and growth rate and, additionally, illustrate that macronutrient limitation of phosphorus and nitrogen has the predominant influence on coccolith volume in respect to other environmental drivers. Our results provide a solid basis for the application of coccolith volume and geometry as a palaeo-proxy and shed light on the underlying physiological reasons, offering a valuable tool to investigate the fossil record of the coccolithophore E. huxleyi.

Dynamic organization of intracellular organelle networks

Intracellular organelles are membrane-bound and biochemically distinct compartments constructed to serve specialized functions in eukaryotic cells. Through extensive interactions, they form networks to coordinate and integrate their specialized functions for cell physiology. A fundamental property of these organelle networks is that they constantly undergo dynamic organization via membrane fusion and fission to remodel their internal connections and to mediate direct material exchange between compartments. The dynamic organization not only enables them to serve critical physiological functions adaptively but also differentiates them from many other biological networks such as gene regulatory networks and cell signaling networks. This review examines this fundamental property of the organelle networks from a systems point of view. The focus is exclusively on homotypic networks formed by mitochondria, lysosomes, endosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. First, key mechanisms that drive the dynamic organization of these networks are summarized. Then, several distinct organizational properties of these networks are highlighted. Next, spatial properties of the dynamic organization of these networks are emphasized, and their functional implications are examined. Finally, some representative molecular machineries that mediate the dynamic organization of these networks are surveyed. Overall, the dynamic organization of intracellular organelle networks is emerging as a fundamental and unifying paradigm in the internal organization of eukaryotic cells. This article is categorized under: Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

Chromosome Organization: Making Room in a Crowd

Despite their small size and lack of membrane-based DNA encapsulation, prokaryotic cells still organize and scale their nucleoid in specific subcellular regions. Two studies show that the DNA-free regions in prokaryotes are full of large biomolecules, which exclude DNA via entropic forces.

Organelle size scaling over embryonic development

Cell division without growth results in progressive cell size reductions during early embryonic development. How do the sizes of intracellular structures and organelles scale with cell size and what are the functional implications of such scaling relationships? Model organisms, in particular Caenorhabditis elegans worms, Drosophila melanogaster flies, Xenopus laevis frogs, and Mus musculus mice, have provided insights into developmental size scaling of the nucleus, mitotic spindle, and chromosomes. Nuclear size is regulated by nucleocytoplasmic transport, nuclear envelope proteins, and the cytoskeleton. Regulators of microtubule dynamics and chromatin compaction modulate spindle and mitotic chromosome size scaling, respectively. Developmental scaling relationships for membrane-bound organelles, like the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, mitochondria, and lysosomes, have been less studied, although new imaging approaches promise to rectify this deficiency. While models that invoke limiting components and dynamic regulation of assembly and disassembly can account for some size scaling relationships in early embryos, it will be exciting to investigate the contribution of newer concepts in cell biology such as phase separation and interorganellar contacts. With a growing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of organelle size scaling, future studies promise to uncover the significance of proper scaling for cell function and embryonic development, as well as how aberrant scaling contributes to disease. This article is categorized under: Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing Early Embryonic Development > Fertilization to Gastrulation Comparative Development and Evolution > Model Systems.

Loss of Arabidopsis β-COP Function Affects Golgi Structure, Plant Growth and Tolerance to Salt Stress

The early secretory pathway involves bidirectional transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus and is mediated by coat protein complex I (COPI)-coated and coat protein complex II (COPII)-coated vesicles. COPII vesicles are involved in ER to Golgi transport meanwhile COPI vesicles mediate intra-Golgi transport and retrograde transport from the Golgi apparatus to the ER. The key component of COPI vesicles is the coatomer complex, that is composed of seven subunits (α/β/β'/γ/δ/ε/ζ). In Arabidopsis two genes coding for the β-COP subunit have been identified, which are the result of recent tandem duplication. Here we have used a loss-of-function approach to study the function of β-COP. The results we have obtained suggest that β-COP is required for plant growth and salt tolerance. In addition, β-COP function seems to be required for maintaining the structure of the Golgi apparatus.

Misplaced Golgi Elements Produce Randomly Oriented Microtubules and Aberrant Cortical Arrays of Microtubules in Dystrophic Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Differentiated mammalian cells and tissues, such as skeletal muscle fibers, acquire an organization of Golgi complex and microtubules profoundly different from that in proliferating cells and still poorly understood. In adult rodent skeletal muscle, the multinucleated muscle fibers have hundreds of Golgi elements (GE), small stacks of cisternae that serve as microtubule-organizing centers. We are interested in the role of the GE in organizing a peculiar grid of microtubules located in the fiber cortex, against the sarcolemma. Modifications of this grid in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy have led to identifying dystrophin, the protein missing in both human disease and mouse model, as a microtubule guide. Compared to wild-type (WT), mdx microtubules are disordered and more dense and they have been linked to the dystrophic pathology. GE themselves are disordered in mdx. Here, to identify the causes of GE and microtubule alterations in the mdx muscle, we follow GFP-tagged microtubule markers in live mdx fibers and investigate the recovery of GE and microtubules after treatment with nocodazole. We find that mdx microtubules grow 10% faster but in 30% shorter bouts and that they begin to form a tangled network, rather than an orthogonal grid, right after nucleation from GE. Strikingly, a large fraction of microtubules in mdx muscle fibers seem to dissociate from GE after nucleation. Moreover, we report that mdx GE are mispositioned and increased in number and size. These results were replicated in WT fibers overexpressing the beta-tubulin tubb6, which is elevated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in mdx and in regenerating muscle. Finally, we examine the association of GE with ER exit sites and ER-to-Golgi intermediate compartment, which starts during muscle differentiation, and find it persisting in mdx and tubb6 overexpressing fibers. We conclude that GE are full, small, Golgi complexes anchored, and positioned through ER Exit Sites. We propose a model in which GE mispositioning, together with the absence of microtubule guidance due to the lack of dystrophin, determines the differences in GE and microtubule organization between WT and mdx muscle fibers.

Manganese Mapping Using a Fluorescent Mn2+ Sensor and Nanosynchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Reveals the Role of the Golgi Apparatus as a Manganese Storage Site

Elucidating dynamics in transition-metal distribution and localization under physiological and pathophysiological conditions is central to our understanding of metal-ion regulation. In this Forum Article, we focus on manganese and specifically recent developments that point to the relevance of the Golgi apparatus in manganese detoxification when this essential metal ion is overaccumulated because of either environmental exposure or mutations in manganese efflux transporters. In order to further evaluate the role of the Golgi apparatus as a manganese-ion storage compartment under subcytotoxic manganese levels, we use a combination of confocal microscopy using a sensitive "turn-on" fluorescent manganese sensor, M1, and nanosynchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging to show that manganese ions are stored in the Golgi apparatus under micromolar manganese exposure concentrations. Our results, along with previous reports on manganese accumulation, now indicate a central role of the Golgi apparatus in manganese storage and trafficking under subcytotoxic manganese levels and hint toward a possible role of the Golgi apparatus in manganese storage even under physiological conditions.

A New Look at the Functional Organization of the Golgi Ribbon

A characteristic feature of vertebrate cells is a Golgi ribbon consisting of multiple cisternal stacks connected into a single-copy organelle next to the centrosome. Despite numerous studies, the mechanisms that link the stacks together and the functional significance of ribbon formation remain poorly understood. Nevertheless, these questions are of considerable interest, since there is increasing evidence that Golgi fragmentation – the unlinking of the stacks in the ribbon – is intimately connected not only to normal physiological processes, such as cell division and migration, but also to pathological states, including neurodegeneration and cancer. Challenging a commonly held view that ribbon architecture involves the formation of homotypic tubular bridges between the Golgi stacks, we present an alternative model, based on direct interaction between the biosynthetic (pre-Golgi) and endocytic (post-Golgi) membrane networks and their connection with the centrosome. We propose that the central domains of these permanent pre- and post-Golgi networks function together in the biogenesis and maintenance of the more transient Golgi stacks, and thereby establish “linker compartments” that dynamically join the stacks together. This model provides insight into the reversible fragmentation of the Golgi ribbon that takes place in dividing and migrating cells and its regulation along a cell surface – Golgi – centrosome axis. Moreover, it helps to understand transport pathways that either traverse or bypass the Golgi stacks and the positioning of the Golgi apparatus in differentiated neuronal, epithelial, and muscle cells.

Developmental and transcriptomic features characterize defects of silk gland growth and silk production in silkworm naked pupa mutant

The silkworm Bombyx mori is a well-characterized model organism for studying the silk gland development and silk production process. Using positional cloning and gene sequencing, we have previously reported that a truncated fibroin heavy chain was responsible for silkworm naked pupa (Nd) mutant. However, the mechanisms by which the mutant FibH causes developmental defects and secretion-deficiency of the silk gland remain to be fully elucidated. Here, silk gland's developmental features, histomorphology, and transcriptome analyses were used to characterize changes in its structure and gene expression patterns between Nd mutant and WT/Dazao. Whole larval stage investigation showed that Nd-PSG undergoes an arrested/delayed development, which eventually resulted in a gland degeneration. By using section staining and transmission electron microscope, a blockade in intracellular vesicle transport from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi apparatus (secretion-deficiency) and an increased number of autophagosomes and lysosomes were found in Nd-PSG's cytoplasm. Next, by using RNA sequencing and comparative transcriptomic analysis, 2178 differentially expressed genes were identified between Nd-PSG and WT-PSG, among which most of the DEGs associated with cellular stress responses (autophagy, ubiquitin-proteasome system, and heat shock response) were significantly up-regulated in Nd-PSG, suggesting that mutant FibH perturbed cellular homeostasis and resulted in an activation of adaptive responses in PSG cells. These findings reveal the molecular mechanism of the Naked pupa (Nd) mutation and provide insights into silk gland development as well as silk protein production in silkworm Bombyx mori.

The nucleoporin ELYS regulates nuclear size by controlling NPC number and nuclear import capacity

How intracellular organelles acquire their characteristic sizes is a fundamental question in cell biology. Given stereotypical changes in nuclear size in cancer, it is important to understand the mechanisms that control nuclear size in human cells. Using a high-throughput imaging RNAi screen, we identify and mechanistically characterize ELYS, a nucleoporin required for post-mitotic nuclear pore complex (NPC) assembly, as a determinant of nuclear size in mammalian cells. ELYS knockdown results in small nuclei, reduced nuclear lamin B2 localization, lower NPC density, and decreased nuclear import. Increasing nuclear import by importin α overexpression rescues nuclear size and lamin B2 import, while inhibiting importin α/β-mediated nuclear import decreases nuclear size. Conversely, ELYS overexpression increases nuclear size, enriches nuclear lamin B2 at the nuclear periphery, and elevates NPC density and nuclear import. Consistent with these observations, knockdown or inhibition of exportin 1 increases nuclear size. Thus, we identify ELYS as a novel positive effector of mammalian nuclear size and propose that nuclear size is sensitive to NPC density and nuclear import capacity.

Structure of the Golgi apparatus is not influenced by a GAG deletion mutation in the dystonia-associated gene Tor1a

Autosomal-dominant, early-onset DYT1 dystonia is associated with an in-frame deletion of a glutamic acid codon (ΔE) in the TOR1A gene. The gene product, torsinA, is an evolutionarily conserved AAA+ ATPase. The fact that constitutive secretion from patient fibroblasts is suppressed indicates that the ΔE-torsinA protein influences the cellular secretory machinery. However, which component is affected remains unclear. Prompted by recent reports that abnormal protein trafficking through the Golgi apparatus, the major protein-sorting center of the secretory pathway, is sometimes associated with a morphological change in the Golgi, we evaluated the influence of ΔE-torsinA on this organelle. Specifically, we examined its structure by confocal microscopy, in cultures of striatal, cerebral cortical and hippocampal neurons obtained from wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous ΔE-torsinA knock-in mice. In live neurons, the Golgi was assessed following uptake of a fluorescent ceramide analog, and in fixed neurons it was analyzed by immuno-fluorescence staining for the Golgi-marker GM130. Neither staining method indicated genotype-specific differences in the size, staining intensity, shape or localization of the Golgi. Moreover, no genotype-specific difference was observed as the neurons matured in vitro. These results were supported by a lack of genotype-specific differences in GM130 expression levels, as assessed by Western blotting. The Golgi was also disrupted by treatment with brefeldin A, but no genotype-specific differences were found in the immuno-fluorescence staining intensity of GM130. Overall, our results demonstrate that the ΔE-torsinA protein does not drastically influence Golgi morphology in neurons, irrespective of genotype, brain region (among those tested), or maturation stage in culture. While it remains possible that functional changes in the Golgi exist, our findings imply that any such changes are not severe enough to influence its morphology to a degree detectable by light microscopy.

Golgi stress-induced transcriptional changes mediated by MAPK signaling and three ETS transcription factors regulate MCL1 splicing

The secretory pathway is a major determinant of cellular homoeostasis. While research into secretory stress signaling has so far mostly focused on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), emerging data suggest that the Golgi itself serves as an important signaling hub capable of initiating stress responses. To systematically identify novel Golgi stress mediators, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of cells exposed to three different pharmacological compounds known to elicit Golgi fragmentation: brefeldin A, golgicide A, and monensin. Subsequent gene-set enrichment analysis revealed a significant contribution of the ETS family transcription factors ELK1, GABPA/B, and ETS1 to the control of gene expression following compound treatment. Induction of Golgi stress leads to a late activation of the ETS upstream kinases MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, resulting in enhanced ETS factor activity and the transcription of ETS family target genes related to spliceosome function and cell death induction via alternate MCL1 splicing. Further genetic analyses using loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments suggest that these transcription factors operate in parallel.

CREB3L1-mediated functional and structural adaptation of the secretory pathway in hormone-stimulated thyroid cells

Many secretory cells increase the synthesis and secretion of cargo proteins in response to specific stimuli. How cells couple increased cargo load with a coordinate rise in secretory capacity to ensure efficient transport is not well understood. We used thyroid cells stimulated with thyrotropin (TSH) to demonstrate a coordinate increase in the production of thyroid-specific cargo proteins and ER-Golgi transport factors, and a parallel expansion of the Golgi complex. TSH also increased expression of the CREB3L1 transcription factor, which alone caused amplified transport factor levels and Golgi enlargement. Furthermore, CREB3L1 potentiated the TSH-induced increase in Golgi volume. A dominant-negative CREB3L1 construct hampered the ability of TSH to induce Golgi expansion, implying that this transcription factor contributes to Golgi expansion. Our findings support a model in which CREB3L1 acts as a downstream effector of TSH to regulate the expression of cargo proteins, and simultaneously increases the synthesis of transport factors and the expansion of the Golgi to synchronize the rise in cargo load with the amplified capacity of the secretory pathway.

Cell survival and protein secretion associated with Golgi integrity in response to Golgi stress-inducing agents

The Golgi apparatus is part of the secretory pathway and of central importance for modification, transport and sorting of proteins and lipids. ADP-ribosylation factors, whose activation can be blocked by brefeldin A (BFA), play a major role in functioning of the Golgi network and regulation of membrane traffic and are also involved in proliferation and migration of cancer cells. Due to high cytotoxicity and poor bioavailability, BFA has not passed the preclinical stage of drug development. Recently, AMF-26 and golgicide A have been described as novel inhibitors of the Golgi system with antitumor or bactericidal properties. We provide here further evidence that AMF-26 closely mirrors the mode of action of BFA but is less potent. Using several human cancer cell lines, we studied the effects of AMF-26, BFA and golgicide A on cell homeostasis including Golgi structure, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, secretion and viability, and found overall a significant correlation between these parameters. Furthermore, modulation of ADP-ribosylation factor expression has a profound impact on Golgi organization and survival in response to Golgi stress inducers.

The cellular basis of dendrite pathology in neurodegenerative diseases

One of the characteristics of the neurons that distinguishes them from other cells is their complex and polarized structure consisting of dendrites, cell body, and axon. The complexity and diversity of dendrites are particularly well recognized, and accumulating evidences suggest that the alterations in the dendrite structure are associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Given the importance of the proper dendritic structures for neuronal functions, the dendrite pathology appears to have crucial contribution to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, the cellular and molecular basis of dendritic changes in the neurodegenerative diseases remains largely elusive. Previous studies in normal condition have revealed that several cellular components, such as local cytoskeletal structures and organelles located locally in dendrites, play crucial roles in dendrite growth. By reviewing what has been unveiled to date regarding dendrite growth in terms of these local cellular components, we aim to provide an insight to categorize the potential cellular basis that can be applied to the dendrite pathology manifested in many neurodegenerative diseases. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(1): 5-11].

Nonequilibrium description of de novo biogenesis and transport through Golgi-like cisternae

A central issue in cell biology is the physico-chemical basis of organelle biogenesis in intracellular trafficking pathways, its most impressive manifestation being the biogenesis of Golgi cisternae. At a basic level, such morphologically and chemically distinct compartments should arise from an interplay between the molecular transport and chemical maturation. Here, we formulate analytically tractable, minimalist models, that incorporate this interplay between transport and chemical progression in physical space, and explore the conditions for de novo biogenesis of distinct cisternae. We propose new quantitative measures that can discriminate between the various models of transport in a qualitative manner–this includes measures of the dynamics in steady state and the dynamical response to perturbations of the kind amenable to live-cell imaging.

Effect of heart failure on catecholamine granule morphology and storage in chromaffin cells

One of the key mechanisms involved in sympathoexcitation in chronic heart failure (HF) is the activation of the adrenal glands. Impact of the elevated catecholamines on the hemodynamic parameters has been previously demonstrated. However, studies linking the structural effects of such overactivation with secretory performance and cell metabolism in the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells in vivo have not been previously reported. In this study, HF was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by ligation of the left coronary artery. Five weeks after surgery, cardiac function was assessed by ventricular hemodynamics. HF rats showed increased adrenal weight and adrenal catecholamine levels (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) compared with sham-operated rats. Rats with HF demonstrated increased small synaptic and dense core vesicle in splanchnic-adrenal synapses indicating trans-synaptic activation of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes, increased endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi lumen width to meet the demand of increased catecholamine synthesis and release, and more mitochondria with dilated cristae and glycogen to accommodate for the increased energy demand for the increased biogenesis and exocytosis of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla. These findings suggest that increased trans-synaptic activation of the chromaffin cells within the adrenal medulla may lead to increased catecholamines in the circulation which in turn contributes to the enhanced neurohumoral drive, providing a unique mechanistic insight for enhanced catecholamine levels in plasma commonly observed in chronic HF condition.

Growth of the Mammalian Golgi Apparatus during Interphase

During the cell cycle, genetic materials and organelles are duplicated to ensure that there is sufficient cellular content for daughter cells. While Golgi growth in interphase has been observed in lower eukaryotes, the elaborate ribbon structure of the mammalian Golgi apparatus has made it challenging to monitor. Here we demonstrate the growth of the mammalian Golgi apparatus in its protein content and volume during interphase. Through ultrastructural analyses, physical growth of the Golgi apparatus was revealed to occur by cisternal elongation of the individual Golgi stacks. By examining the timing and regulation of Golgi growth, we established that Golgi growth starts after passage through the cell growth checkpoint at late G1 phase and continues in a manner highly correlated with cell size growth. Finally, by identifying S6 kinase 1 as a major player in Golgi growth, we revealed the coordination between cell size and Golgi growth via activation of the protein synthesis machinery in early interphase.

Stepwise Differentiation of Retinal Ganglion Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Enables Analysis of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, possess the unique ability to readily differentiate into any cell type of the body, including cells of the retina. Although previous studies have demonstrated the ability to differentiate hPSCs to a retinal lineage, the ability to derive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from hPSCs has been complicated by the lack of specific markers with which to identify these cells from a pluripotent source. In the current study, the definitive identification of hPSC-derived RGCs was accomplished by their directed, stepwise differentiation through an enriched retinal progenitor intermediary, with resultant RGCs expressing a full complement of associated features and proper functional characteristics. These results served as the basis for the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a patient with a genetically inherited form of glaucoma, which results in damage and loss of RGCs. Patient-derived RGCs specifically exhibited a dramatic increase in apoptosis, similar to the targeted loss of RGCs in glaucoma, which was significantly rescued by the addition of candidate neuroprotective factors. Thus, the current study serves to establish a method by which to definitively acquire and identify RGCs from hPSCs and demonstrates the ability of hPSCs to serve as an effective in vitro model of disease progression. Moreover, iPSC-derived RGCs can be utilized for future drug screening approaches to identify targets for the treatment of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. Stem Cells 2016;34:1553-1562.

Sensing Size through Clustering in Non-Equilibrium Membranes and the Control of Membrane-Bound Enzymatic Reactions

The formation of dynamical clusters of proteins is ubiquitous in cellular membranes and is in part regulated by the recycling of membrane components. We show, using stochastic simulations and analytic modeling, that the out-of-equilibrium cluster size distribution of membrane components undergoing continuous recycling is strongly influenced by lateral confinement. This result has significant implications for the clustering of plasma membrane proteins whose mobility is hindered by cytoskeletal “corrals” and for protein clustering in cellular organelles of limited size that generically support material fluxes. We show how the confinement size can be sensed through its effect on the size distribution of clusters of membrane heterogeneities and propose that this could be regulated to control the efficiency of membrane-bound reactions. To illustrate this, we study a chain of enzymatic reactions sensitive to membrane protein clustering. The reaction efficiency is found to be a non-monotonic function of the system size, and can be optimal for sizes comparable to those of cellular organelles.

Impact of Chromogranin A deficiency on catecholamine storage, catecholamine granule morphology and chromaffin cell energy metabolism in vivo

Chromogranin A (CgA) is a prohormone and granulogenic factor in neuroendocrine tissues with a regulated secretory pathway. The impact of CgA depletion on secretory granule formation has been previously demonstrated in cell culture. However, studies linking the structural effects of CgA deficiency with secretory performance and cell metabolism in the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells in vivo have not previously been reported. Adrenomedullary content of the secreted adrenal catecholamines norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) was decreased 30-40 % in Chga-KO mice. Quantification of NE and EPI-storing dense core (DC) vesicles (DCV) revealed decreased DCV numbers in chromaffin cells in Chga-KO mice. For both cell types, the DCV diameter in Chga-KO mice was less (100-200 nm) than in WT mice (200-350 nm). The volume density of the vesicle and vesicle number was also lower in Chga-KO mice. Chga-KO mice showed an ~47 % increase in DCV/DC ratio, implying vesicle swelling due to increased osmotically active free catecholamines. Upon challenge with 2 U/kg insulin, there was a diminution in adrenomedullary EPI, no change in NE and a very large increase in the EPI and NE precursor dopamine (DA), consistent with increased catecholamine biosynthesis during prolonged secretion. We found dilated mitochondrial cristae, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, as well as increased synaptic mitochondria, synaptic vesicles and glycogen granules in Chga-KO mice compared to WT mice, suggesting that decreased granulogenesis and catecholamine storage in CgA-deficient mouse adrenal medulla is compensated by increased VMAT-dependent catecholamine update into storage vesicles, at the expense of enhanced energy expenditure by the chromaffin cell.

Novel computer vision algorithm for the reliable analysis of organelle morphology in whole cell 3D images--A pilot study for the quantitative evaluation of mitochondrial fragmentation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The function of intact organelles, whether mitochondria, Golgi apparatus or endoplasmic reticulum (ER), relies on their proper morphological organization. It is recognized that disturbances of organelle morphology are early events in disease manifestation, but reliable and quantitative detection of organelle morphology is difficult and time-consuming. Here we present a novel computer vision algorithm for the assessment of organelle morphology in whole cell 3D images. The algorithm allows the numerical and quantitative description of organelle structures, including total number and length of segments, cell and nucleus area/volume as well as novel texture parameters like lacunarity and fractal dimension. Applying the algorithm we performed a pilot study in cultured motor neurons from transgenic G93A hSOD1 mice, a model of human familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In the presence of the mutated SOD1 and upon excitotoxic treatment with kainate we demonstrate a clear fragmentation of the mitochondrial network, with an increase in the number of mitochondrial segments and a reduction in the length of mitochondria. Histogram analyses show a reduced number of tubular mitochondria and an increased number of small mitochondrial segments. The computer vision algorithm for the evaluation of organelle morphology allows an objective assessment of disease-related organelle phenotypes with greatly reduced examiner bias and will aid the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies on a cellular level.

Connecting the cytoskeleton to the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi

A tendency in cell biology is to divide and conquer. For example, decades of painstaking work have led to an understanding of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi structure, dynamics, and transport. In parallel, cytoskeletal researchers have revealed a fantastic diversity of structure and cellular function in both actin and microtubules. Increasingly, these areas overlap, necessitating an understanding of both organelle and cytoskeletal biology. This review addresses connections between the actin/microtubule cytoskeletons and organelles in animal cells, focusing on three key areas: ER structure and function; ER-to-Golgi transport; and Golgi structure and function. Making these connections has been challenging for several reasons: the small sizes and dynamic characteristics of some components; the fact that organelle-specific cytoskeletal elements can easily be obscured by more abundant cytoskeletal structures; and the difficulties in imaging membranes and cytoskeleton simultaneously, especially at the ultrastructural level. One major concept is that the cytoskeleton is frequently used to generate force for membrane movement, with two potential consequences: translocation of the organelle, or deformation of the organelle membrane. While initially discussing issues common to metazoan cells in general, we subsequently highlight specific features of neurons, since these highly polarized cells present unique challenges for organellar distribution and dynamics.

Intracellular Scaling Mechanisms

Organelle function is often directly related to organelle size. However, it is not necessarily absolute size but the organelle-to-cell-size ratio that is critical. Larger cells generally have increased metabolic demands, must segregate DNA over larger distances, and require larger cytokinetic rings to divide. Thus, organelles often must scale to the size of the cell. The need for scaling is particularly acute during early development during which cell size can change rapidly. Here, we highlight scaling mechanisms for cellular structures as diverse as centrosomes, nuclei, and the mitotic spindle, and distinguish them from more general mechanisms of size control. In some cases, scaling is a consequence of the underlying mechanism of organelle size control. In others, size-control mechanisms are not obviously related to cell size, implying that scaling results indirectly from cell-size-dependent regulation of size-control mechanisms.

Role of tetanus neurotoxin insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein in membrane domains transport and homeostasis

Biological membranes in eukaryotes contain a large variety of proteins and lipids often distributed in domains in plasma membrane and endomembranes. Molecular mechanisms responsible for the transport and the organization of these membrane domains along the secretory pathway still remain elusive. Here we show that vesicular SNARE TI-VAMP/VAMP7 plays a major role in membrane domains composition and transport. We found that the transport of exogenous and endogenous GPI-anchored proteins was altered in fibroblasts isolated from VAMP7-knockout mice. Furthermore, disassembly and reformation of the Golgi apparatus induced by Brefeldin A treatment and washout were impaired in VAMP7-depleted cells, suggesting that loss of VAMP7 expression alters biochemical properties and dynamics of the Golgi apparatus. In addition, lipid profiles from these knockout cells indicated a defect in glycosphingolipids homeostasis. We conclude that VAMP7 is required for effective transport of GPI–anchored proteins to cell surface and that VAMP7-dependent transport contributes to both sphingolipids and Golgi homeostasis.

PAR3 and aPKC regulate Golgi organization through CLASP2 phosphorylation to generate cell polarity

A PAR complex (PAR3, PAR6, and aPKC) plays a central role in the establishment of cell polarity. Another polarity protein, CLASP2, binds directly with PAR3 and is phosphorylated by aPKC. Through CLASP2 phosphorylation, aPKC and PAR3 regulate the localization of CLASP2 to the trans-Golgi network, thereby controlling the Golgi organization.

The organization of the Golgi apparatus is essential for cell polarization and its maintenance. The polarity regulator PAR complex (PAR3, PAR6, and aPKC) plays critical roles in several processes of cell polarization. However, how the PAR complex participates in regulating the organization of the Golgi remains largely unknown. Here we demonstrate the functional cross-talk of the PAR complex with CLASP2, which is a microtubule plus-end–tracking protein and is involved in organizing the Golgi ribbon. CLASP2 directly interacted with PAR3 and was phosphorylated by aPKC. In epithelial cells, knockdown of either PAR3 or aPKC induced the aberrant accumulation of CLASP2 at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) concomitantly with disruption of the Golgi ribbon organization. The expression of a CLASP2 mutant that inhibited the PAR3-CLASP2 interaction disrupted the organization of the Golgi ribbon. CLASP2 is known to localize to the TGN through its interaction with the TGN protein GCC185. This interaction was inhibited by the aPKC-mediated phosphorylation of CLASP2. Furthermore, the nonphosphorylatable mutant enhanced the colocalization of CLASP2 with GCC185, thereby perturbing the Golgi organization. On the basis of these observations, we propose that PAR3 and aPKC control the organization of the Golgi through CLASP2 phosphorylation.

Searching for gold beyond mitosis: Mining intracellular membrane traffic in Aspergillus nidulans

The genetically tractable filamentous ascomycete fungus Aspergillus nidulans has been successfully exploited to gain major insight into the eukaryotic cell cycle. More recently, its amenability to in vivo multidimensional microscopy has fueled a potentially gilded second age of A. nidulans cell biology studies. This review specifically deals with studies on intracellular membrane traffic in A. nidulans. The cellular logistics are subordinated to the needs imposed by the polarized mode of growth of the multinucleated hyphal tip cells, whereas membrane traffic is adapted to the large intracellular distances. Recent work illustrates the usefulness of this fungus for morphological and biochemical studies on endosome and Golgi maturation, and on the role of microtubule-dependent motors in the long-distance movement of endosomes. The fungus is ideally suited for genetic studies on the secretory pathway, as mutations impairing secretion reduce apical extension rates, resulting in phenotypes detectable by visual inspection of colonies.

Control systems of membrane transport at the interface between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi

A fundamental property of cellular processes is to maintain homeostasis despite varying internal and external conditions. Within the membrane transport apparatus, variations in membrane fluxes from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi complex are balanced by opposite fluxes from the Golgi to the ER to maintain homeostasis between the two organelles. Here we describe a molecular device that balances transport fluxes by integrating transduction cascades with the transport machinery. Specifically, ER-to-Golgi transport activates the KDEL receptor at the Golgi, which triggers a cascade that involves Gs and adenylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase isoforms and then PKA activation and results in the phosphorylation of transport machinery proteins. This induces retrograde traffic to the ER and balances transport fluxes between the ER and Golgi. Moreover, the KDEL receptor activates CREB1 and other transcription factors that upregulate transport-related genes. Thus, a Golgi-based control system maintains transport homeostasis through both signaling and transcriptional networks.

Kinesin-II recruits Armadillo and Dishevelled for Wingless signaling in Drosophila

Wingless (Wg)/Wnt signaling is fundamental in metazoan development. Armadillo (Arm)/β-catenin and Dishevelled (Dsh) are key components of Wnt signal transduction. Recent studies suggest that intracellular trafficking of Wnt signaling components is important, but underlying mechanisms are not well known. Here, we show that Klp64D, the Drosophila homolog of Kif3A kinesin II subunit, is required for Wg signaling by regulating Arm during wing development. Mutations in klp64D or RNAi cause wing notching and loss of Wg target gene expression. The wing notching phenotype by Klp64D knockdown is suppressed by activated Arm but not by Dsh, suggesting that Klp64D is required for Arm function. Furthermore, klp64D and arm mutants show synergistic genetic interaction. Consistent with this genetic interaction, Klp64D directly binds to the Arm repeat domain of Arm and can recruit Dsh in the presence of Arm. Overexpression of Klp64D mutated in the motor domain causes dominant wing notching, indicating the importance of the motor activity. Klp64D shows subcellular localization to intracellular vesicles overlapping with Arm and Dsh. In klp64D mutants, Arm is abnormally accumulated in vesicular structures including Golgi, suggesting that intracellular trafficking of Arm is affected. Human KIF3A can also bind β-catenin and rescue klp64D RNAi phenotypes. Taken together, we propose that Klp64D is essential for Wg signaling by trafficking of Arm via the formation of a conserved complex with Arm.

Golgi fragmentation precedes neuromuscular denervation and is associated with endosome abnormalities in SOD1-ALS mouse motor neurons

Background

Fragmentation of stacked cisterns of the Golgi apparatus into dispersed smaller elements is a feature associated with degeneration of neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and some other neurodegenerative disorders. However, the role of Golgi fragmentation in motor neuron degeneration is not well understood.

Results

Here we use a SOD1-ALS mouse model (low-copy Gurney G93A-SOD1 mouse) to show that motor neurons with Golgi fragmentation are retrogradely labeled by intramuscularly injected CTB (beta subunit of cholera toxin), indicating that Golgi fragmentation precedes neuromuscular denervation and axon retraction. We further show that Golgi fragmentation may occur in the absence of and precede two other pathological markers, i.e. somatodendritic SOD1 inclusions, and the induction of ATF3 expression. In addition, we show that Golgi fragmentation is associated with an altered dendritic organization of the Golgi apparatus, does not depend on intact apoptotic machinery, and is facilitated in transgenic mice with impaired retrograde dynein-dependent transport (BICD2-N mice). A connection to altered dynein-dependent transport also is suggested by reduced expression of endosomal markers in neurons with Golgi fragmentation, which also occurs in neurons with impaired dynein function.

Conclusions

Together the data indicate that Golgi fragmentation is a very early event in the pathological cascade in ALS that is associated with altered organization of intracellular trafficking.

Reduction in Golgi apparatus dimension in the absence of a residential protein, N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V

Various proteins are involved in the generation and maintenance of the membrane complex known as the Golgi apparatus. We have used mutant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines Lec4 and Lec4A lacking N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GlcNAcT-V, MGAT5) activity and protein in the Golgi apparatus to study the effects of the absence of a single glycosyltransferase on the Golgi apparatus dimension. Quantification of immunofluorescence in serial confocal sections for Golgi α-mannosidase II and electron microscopic morphometry revealed a reduction in Golgi volume density up to 49 % in CHO Lec4 and CHO Lec4A cells compared to parental CHO cells. This reduction in Golgi volume density could be reversed by stable transfection of Lec4 cells with a cDNA encoding Mgat5. Inhibition of the synthesis of β1,6-branched N-glycans by swainsonine had no effect on Golgi volume density. In addition, no effect on Golgi volume density was observed in CHO Lec1 cells that contain enzymatically active GlcNAcT-V, but cannot synthesize β1,6-branched glycans due to an inactive GlcNAcT-I in their Golgi apparatus. These results indicate that it may be the absence of the GlcNAcT-V protein that is the determining factor in reducing Golgi volume density. No dimensional differences existed in cross-sectioned cisternal stacks between Lec4 and control CHO cells, but significantly reduced Golgi stack hits were observed in cross-sectioned Lec4 cells. Therefore, the Golgi apparatus dimensional change in Lec4 and Lec4A cells may be due to a compaction of the organelle.

Size and position matter

The 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine emphasizes the progress made in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin the vesicular movement of cargo through the exocytic and endocytic pathways. Attention now focuses on those mechanisms that govern the relative size and position of the many different membrane-bound compartments. These homeostatic mechanisms are discussed in this issue of Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology and must be integrated so as to satisfy the needs of the cell and the organism.

Golgi enlargement in Arf-depleted yeast cells is due to altered dynamics of cisternal maturation

Regulation of the size and abundance of membrane compartments is a fundamental cellular activity. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, disruption of the ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) gene yields larger and fewer Golgi cisternae by partially depleting the Arf GTPase. We observed a similar phenotype with a thermosensitive mutation in Nmt1, which myristoylates and activates Arf. Therefore, partial depletion of Arf is a convenient tool for dissecting mechanisms that regulate Golgi structure. We found that in arf1Δ cells, late Golgi structure is particularly abnormal, with the number of late Golgi cisternae being severely reduced. This effect can be explained by selective changes in cisternal maturation kinetics. The arf1Δ mutation causes early Golgi cisternae to mature more slowly and less frequently, but does not alter the maturation of late Golgi cisternae. These changes quantitatively explain why late Golgi cisternae are fewer in number and correspondingly larger. With a stacked Golgi, similar changes in maturation kinetics could be used by the cell to modulate the number of cisternae per stack. Thus, the rates of processes that transform a maturing compartment can determine compartmental size and copy number.