GDP/GTP exchange factor MADD drives activation and recruitment of secretory Rab GTPases to Weibel-Palade bodies

Variant mapping using mass spectrometry-based proteotyping as a diagnostic tool in von Willebrand disease

BACKGROUND

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, characterized by either partial or complete von Willebrand factor (VWF) deficiency or by the occurrence of VWF proteoforms of altered functionality. The gene encoding VWF is highly polymorphic, giving rise to a variety of proteoforms with varying plasma concentrations and clinical significance.

OBJECTIVES

To address this complexity, we translated genomic variation in VWF to corresponding VWF proteoforms circulating in blood.

METHODS

VWF was characterized in VWD patients (n = 64) participating in the Willebrand in the Netherlands study by conventional laboratory testing, DNA sequencing and complementary discovery, and targeted mass spectrometry-based plasma proteomic strategies.

RESULTS

Unbiased plasma profiling combined with immune enrichment of VWF verified VWF and its binding partner factor VIII as key determinants of VWD and revealed a remarkable heterogeneity in VWF amino acid sequence coverage among patients. Subsequent VWF proteotyping enabled identification of both polymorphisms (eg, p.Thr789Ala, p.Gln852Arg, and p.Thr1381Ala), as well as pathogenic variants (n = 16) along with their corresponding canonical sequences. Targeted proteomics using stable isotope-labeled peptides confirmed unbiased proteotyping for 5 selected variants and suggested differential proteoform quantities in plasma. The variant-to-wild-type peptide ratio was determined in 6 type 2B patients heterozygous for p.Arg1306Trp, confirming the relatively low proteoform concentration of the pathogenic variant. The elevated VWF propeptide/VWF ratio indicated increased clearance of specific VWF proteoforms.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights how VWF proteotyping from plasma could be the first step to bridge the gap between genotyping and functional testing in VWD.

RAB3 phosphorylation by pathogenic LRRK2 impairs trafficking of synaptic vesicle precursors

Gain-of-function mutations in the LRRK2 gene cause Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms. Increased phosphorylation of a subset of RAB GTPases by LRRK2 is implicated in PD pathogenesis. We find that increased phosphorylation of RAB3A, a cardinal synaptic vesicle precursor (SVP) protein, disrupts anterograde axonal transport of SVPs in iPSC-derived human neurons (iNeurons) expressing hyperactive LRRK2-p.R1441H. Knockout of the opposing protein phosphatase 1H (PPM1H) in iNeurons phenocopies this effect. In these models, the compartmental distribution of synaptic proteins is altered; synaptophysin and synaptobrevin-2 become sequestered in the neuronal soma with decreased delivery to presynaptic sites along the axon. We find that RAB3A phosphorylation disrupts binding to the motor adaptor MADD, potentially preventing the formation of the RAB3A-MADD-KIF1A/1Bβ complex driving anterograde SVP transport. RAB3A hyperphosphorylation also disrupts interactions with RAB3GAP and RAB-GDI1. Our results reveal a mechanism by which pathogenic hyperactive LRRK2 may contribute to the altered synaptic homeostasis associated with characteristic non-motor and cognitive manifestations of PD.

A splice site variant in MADD affects hormone expression in pancreatic β cells and pituitary gonadotropes

MAPK activating death domain (MADD) is a multifunctional protein regulating small GTPases RAB3 and RAB27, MAPK signaling, and cell survival. Polymorphisms in the MADD locus are associated with glycemic traits, but patients with biallelic variants in MADD manifest a complex syndrome affecting nervous, endocrine, exocrine, and hematological systems. We identified a homozygous splice site variant in MADD in 2 siblings with developmental delay, diabetes, congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and growth hormone deficiency. This variant led to skipping of exon 30 and in-frame deletion of 36 amino acids. To elucidate how this mutation causes pleiotropic endocrine phenotypes, we generated relevant cellular models with deletion of MADD exon 30 (dex30). We observed reduced numbers of β cells, decreased insulin content, and increased proinsulin-to-insulin ratio in dex30 human embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic islets. Concordantly, dex30 led to decreased insulin expression in human β cell line EndoC-βH1. Furthermore, dex30 resulted in decreased luteinizing hormone expression in mouse pituitary gonadotrope cell line LβT2 but did not affect ontogeny of stem cell-derived GnRH neurons. Protein-protein interactions of wild-type and dex30 MADD revealed changes affecting multiple signaling pathways, while the GDP/GTP exchange activity of dex30 MADD remained intact. Our results suggest MADD-specific processes regulate hormone expression in pancreatic β cells and pituitary gonadotropes.

MADD regulates natural killer cell degranulation through Rab27a activation

Natural killer (NK) cells have the ability to lyse other cells through the release of lytic granules (LGs). This is in part mediated by the small GTPase Rab27a, which was first identified to play a crucial role in degranulation through the study of individuals harboring mutations in the gene encoding Rab27a. However, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) regulating the activation of Rab27a in cytotoxic lymphocytes was unknown. Here, we show that knockout of MADD significantly decreased the levels of GTP-bound Rab27a in both resting and stimulated NK cells, and MADD-deficient NK cells and CD8+ T cells displayed severely reduced degranulation and cytolytic ability, similar to that seen with Rab27a deficiency. Although MADD colocalized with Rab27a on LGs and was enriched at the cytolytic synapse, the loss of MADD did not impact Rab27a association with LGs nor their recruitment to the cytolytic synapse. Together, our results demonstrate an important role for MADD in cytotoxic lymphocyte killing.

RAB3 phosphorylation by pathogenic LRRK2 impairs trafficking of synaptic vesicle precursors

Gain-of-function mutations in the LRRK2 gene cause Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms. Increased phosphorylation of a subset of RAB GTPases by LRRK2 is implicated in PD pathogenesis. We find that increased phosphorylation of RAB3A, a cardinal synaptic vesicle precursor (SVP) protein, disrupts anterograde axonal transport of SVPs in iPSC-derived human neurons (iNeurons) expressing hyperactive LRRK2-p.R1441H. Knockout of the opposing protein phosphatase 1H (PPM1H) in iNeurons phenocopies this effect. In these models, the compartmental distribution of synaptic proteins is altered; synaptophysin and synaptobrevin-2 become sequestered in the neuronal soma with decreased delivery to presynaptic sites along the axon. We find that RAB3A phosphorylation disrupts binding to the motor adapter MADD, potentially preventing formation of the RAB3A-MADD-KIF1A/1Bβ complex driving anterograde SVP transport. RAB3A hyperphosphorylation also disrupts interactions with RAB3GAP and RAB-GDI1. Our results reveal a mechanism by which pathogenic hyperactive LRRK2 may contribute to the altered synaptic homeostasis associated with characteristic non-motor and cognitive manifestations of PD.

Automated segmentation and quantitative analysis of organelle morphology, localization and content using CellProfiler

One of the most used and versatile methods to study number, dimensions, content and localization of secretory organelles is confocal microscopy analysis. However, considerable heterogeneity exists in the number, size and shape of secretory organelles that can be present in the cell. One thus needs to analyze large numbers of organelles for valid quantification. Properly evaluating these parameters requires an automated, unbiased method to process and quantitatively analyze microscopy data. Here, we describe two pipelines, run by CellProfiler software, called OrganelleProfiler and OrganelleContentProfiler. These pipelines were used on confocal images of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), which contain unique secretory organelles called Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs), and on early endosomes in ECFCs and human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells. Results show that the pipelines can quantify the cell count, size, organelle count, organelle size, shape, relation to cells and nuclei, and distance to these objects in both endothelial and HEK293T cells. Additionally, the pipelines were used to measure the reduction in WPB size after disruption of the Golgi and to quantify the perinuclear clustering of WPBs after triggering of cAMP-mediated signaling pathways in ECFCs. Furthermore, the pipeline is able to quantify secondary signals located in or on the organelle or in the cytoplasm, such as the small WPB GTPase Rab27A. Cell profiler measurements were checked for validity using Fiji. To conclude, these pipelines provide a powerful, high-processing quantitative tool for the characterization of multiple cell and organelle types. These pipelines are freely available and easily editable for use on different cell types or organelles.

Mutations in Neurobeachin-like 2 do not impact Weibel-Palade body biogenesis and von Willebrand factor secretion in gray platelet syndrome Endothelial Colony Forming Cells

Background

Patients with gray platelet syndrome (GPS) and Neurobeachin-like 2 (NBEAL2) deficiency produce platelets lacking alpha-granules (AGs) and present with lifelong bleeding symptoms. AGs are lysosome-related organelles and store the hemostatic protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) and the transmembrane protein P-selectin. Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) are lysosome-related organelles of endothelial cells and also store VWF and P-selectin. In megakaryocytes, NBEAL2 links P-selectin on AGs to the SNARE protein SEC22B on the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby preventing premature release of cargo from AG precursors. In endothelial cells, SEC22B drives VWF trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi and promotes the formation of elongated WPBs, but it is unclear whether this requires NBEAL2.

Objectives

To investigate a potential role for NBEAL2 in WPB biogenesis and VWF secretion using NBEAL2-deficient endothelial cells.

Methods

The interaction of SEC22B with NBEAL2 in endothelial cells was investigated by interatomic mass spectrometry and pull-down analysis. Endothelial colony forming cells were isolated from healthy controls and 3 unrelated patients with GPS and mutations in NBEAL2.

Results

We showed that SEC22B binds to NBEAL2 in ECs. Endothelial colony forming cells derived from a patient with GPS are deficient in NBEAL2 but reveal normal formation and maturation of WPBs and normal WPB cargo recruitment. Neither basal nor histamine-induced VWF secretion is altered in the absence of NBEAL2.

Conclusions

Although NBEAL2 deficiency causes the absence of AGs in patients with GPS, it does not impact WPB functionality in ECs. Our data highlight the differences in the regulatory mechanisms between these 2 hemostatic storage compartments.

[miR-125b-5p inhibits proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells by negatively regulating RAB3D expression]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effect of miR-125b-5p on proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma and the role of RAB3D in mediating this effect.

METHODS

The expression level of miR-125b-5p was detected by qRT-PCR in a normal bone cell line (hFOB1.19) and in two osteosarcoma OS cell lines (MG63 and HOS). A miR-125b-5p mimic or inhibitor was transfected in the osteosarcoma cell lines via liposome and the changes in cell proliferation and migration were detected with EDU and Transwell experiments. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted for predicting the target gene of miR-125b-5p, and the expression level of RAB3D in hFOB1.19, MG63, and HOS cells was detected by Western blotting. In the two osteosarcoma cell lines transfected with miR-125b-5p mimic or inhibitor, the expression levels of RAB3D mRNA and protein in osteosarcoma cells were examined with qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The effects of RAB3D overexpression, RAB3D knockdown, or overexpression of both miR-125b-5p and RAB3D on the proliferation and migration of cells were assessed using EDU and Transwell experiments.

RESULTS

The two osteosarcoma cell lines had significantly lower expression levels of miR-125b-5p (P < 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis predicted that RAB3D was a possible target gene regulated by miR-125b-5p. In osteosarcoma cells, overexpression of miR-125b-5p significantly lowered the expression of RAB3D protein (P < 0.05); inhibiting miR-125b-5p expression significantly decreased RAB3D expression only at the protein level (P < 0.05) without obviously affecting its mRNA level. Modulation of miR-125b-5p and RAB3D levels produced opposite effects on proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells, and in cells with overexpression of both miR-125b-5p and RAB3D, the effect of RAB3D on cell proliferation and migration was blocked by miR-125b-5p overexpression (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of miR-125b-5p inhibits the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells by regulating the expression of RAB3D at the post-transcriptional level.

Dispatch and delivery at the ER-Golgi interface: how endothelial cells tune their hemostatic response

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a glycoprotein that is secreted into the circulation and controls bleeding by promoting adhesion and aggregation of blood platelets at sites of vascular injury. Substantial inter-individual variation in VWF plasma levels exists among the healthy population. Prior to secretion, VWF polymers are assembled and condensed into helical tubules, which are packaged into Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs), a highly specialized post-Golgi storage compartment in vascular endothelial cells. In the inherited bleeding disorder Von Willebrand disease (VWD), mutations in the VWF gene can cause qualitative or quantitative defects, limiting protein function, secretion, or plasma survival. However, pathogenic VWF mutations cannot be found in all VWD cases. Although an increasing number of genetic modifiers have been identified, even more rare genetic variants that impact VWF plasma levels likely remain to be discovered. Here, we summarize recent evidence that modulation of the early secretory pathway has great impact on the biogenesis and release of WPBs. Based on these findings, we propose that rare, as yet unidentified quantitative trait loci influencing intracellular VWF transport contribute to highly variable VWF levels in the population. These may underlie the thrombotic complications linked to high VWF levels, as well as the bleeding tendency in individuals with low VWF levels.

Rab3 and synaptotagmin proteins in the regulation of vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release

Ca²⁺-triggered neurotransmitter release involves complex regulatory mechanisms, including a series of protein-protein interactions. Three proteins, synaptobrevin (VAMP), synaptosomal-associated protein of 25kDa (SNAP-25) and syntaxin, constitute the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) core complex that plays key roles in controlling vesicle fusion and exocytosis. Many other proteins participate in the regulation of the processes via direct and/or indirect interaction with the SNARE complex. Although much effort has been made, the regulatory mechanism for exocytosis is still not completely clear. Accumulated evidence indicates that the small GTPase Rab3 and synaptotagmin proteins play important regulatory roles during vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release. This review outlines our present understanding of the two regulatory proteins, with the focus on the interaction of Rab3 with synaptotagmin in the regulatory process.

Tip-end fusion of a rod-shaped secretory organelle

Weibel–Palade bodies (WPB) are elongated, rod-like secretory organelles unique to endothelial cells that store the pro-coagulant von-Willebrand factor (VWF) and undergo regulated exocytosis upon stimulation with Ca2+- or cAMP-raising agonists. We show here that WPB preferentially initiate fusion with the plasma membrane at their tips and identify synaptotagmin-like protein 2-a (Slp2-a) as a positive regulator of VWF secretion most likely mediating this topological selectivity. Following secretagogue stimulation, Slp2-a accumulates at one WPB tip before fusion occurs at this site. Depletion of Slp2-a reduces Ca2+-dependent secretion of highly multimeric VWF and interferes with the formation of actin rings at WPB–plasma membrane fusion sites that support the expulsion of the VWF multimers and most likely require a tip-end fusion topology. Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] binding via the C2A domain of Slp2-a is required for accumulation of Slp2-a at the tip ends of fusing WPB, suggesting that Slp2-a mediates polar exocytosis by initiating contacts between WPB tips and plasma membrane PI(4,5)P2.

Weibel Palade Bodies: Unique Secretory Organelles of Endothelial Cells that Control Blood Vessel Homeostasis

Vascular endothelial cells produce and release compounds regulating vascular tone, blood vessel growth and differentiation, plasma composition, coagulation and fibrinolysis, and also engage in interactions with blood cells thereby controlling hemostasis and acute inflammatory reactions. These interactions have to be tightly regulated to guarantee smooth blood flow in normal physiology, but also allow specific and often local responses to blood vessel injury and infectious or inflammatory insults. To cope with these challenges, endothelial cells have the remarkable capability of rapidly changing their surface properties from non-adhesive (supporting unrestricted blood flow) to adhesive (capturing circulating blood cells). This is brought about by the evoked secretion of major adhesion receptors for platelets (von-Willebrand factor, VWF) and leukocytes (P-selectin) which are stored in a ready-to-be-used form in specialized secretory granules, the Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB). WPB are unique, lysosome related organelles that form at the trans-Golgi network and further mature by receiving material from the endolysosomal system. Failure to produce correctly matured VWF and release it through regulated WPB exocytosis results in pathologies, most importantly von-Willebrand disease, the most common inherited blood clotting disorder. The biogenesis of WPB, their intracellular motility and their fusion with the plasma membrane are regulated by a complex interplay of proteins and lipids, involving Rab proteins and their effectors, cytoskeletal components as well as membrane tethering and fusion machineries. This review will discuss aspects of WPB biogenesis, trafficking and exocytosis focussing on recent findings describing factors contributing to WPB maturation, WPB-actin interactions and WPB-plasma membrane tethering and fusion.