Inhibitors of the V0 subunit of the vacuolar H+-ATPase prevent segregation of lysosomal- and secretory-pathway proteins

HPS6 Deficiency Leads to Reduced Vacuolar-Type H+-ATPase and Impaired Biogenesis of Lamellar Bodies in Alveolar Type II Cells

Lamellar bodies (LBs) are tissue-specific lysosome-related organelles in type II alveolar cells that are the main site for the synthesis, storage, and secretion of pulmonary surfactants. Defects in pulmonary surfactants lead to a variety of respiratory and immune-related disorders. LB biogenesis is closely related to their function, but the underlying regulatory mechanism is largely unclear. Here, we found that deficiency of HPS6, a subunit of BLOC-2 (biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-2), led to a reduction of the steady-state concentration of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase and an increase in the luminal pH of LBs. Furthermore, we observed increased LB size, accumulated surfactant proteins, and altered lipid profiling of lung tissue and BAL fluid due to HPS6 deficiency. These findings suggest that HPS6 regulates the distribution of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase on LBs to maintain its luminal acidity and LB homeostasis. This may provide new insights into the LB pathology.

Islet cell stress induced by insulin-degrading enzyme deficiency promotes regeneration and protection from autoimmune diabetes

Tuning of protein homeostasis through mobilization of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is key to the capacity of pancreatic beta cells to cope with variable demand for insulin. Here, we asked how insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) affects beta cell adaptation to metabolic and immune stress. C57BL/6 and autoimmune non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice lacking IDE were exposed to proteotoxic, metabolic, and immune stress. IDE deficiency induced a low-level UPR with islet hypertrophy at the steady state, rapamycin-sensitive beta cell proliferation enhanced by proteotoxic stress, and beta cell decompensation upon high-fat feeding. IDE deficiency also enhanced the UPR triggered by proteotoxic stress in human EndoC-βH1 cells. In Ide-/- NOD mice, islet inflammation specifically induced regenerating islet-derived protein 2, a protein attenuating autoimmune inflammation. These findings establish a role of IDE in islet cell protein homeostasis, demonstrate how its absence induces metabolic decompensation despite beta cell proliferation, and UPR-independent islet regeneration in the presence of inflammation.

ATP6V0C variants impair V-ATPase function causing a neurodevelopmental disorder often associated with epilepsy

The vacuolar H+-ATPase is an enzymatic complex that functions in an ATP-dependent manner to pump protons across membranes and acidify organelles, thereby creating the proton/pH gradient required for membrane trafficking by several different types of transporters. We describe heterozygous point variants in ATP6V0C, encoding the c-subunit in the membrane bound integral domain of the vacuolar H+-ATPase, in 27 patients with neurodevelopmental abnormalities with or without epilepsy. Corpus callosum hypoplasia and cardiac abnormalities were also present in some patients. In silico modelling suggested that the patient variants interfere with the interactions between the ATP6V0C and ATP6V0A subunits during ATP hydrolysis. Consistent with decreased vacuolar H+-ATPase activity, functional analyses conducted in Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed reduced LysoSensor fluorescence and reduced growth in media containing varying concentrations of CaCl2. Knockdown of ATP6V0C in Drosophila resulted in increased duration of seizure-like behaviour, and the expression of selected patient variants in Caenorhabditis elegans led to reduced growth, motor dysfunction and reduced lifespan. In summary, this study establishes ATP6V0C as an important disease gene, describes the clinical features of the associated neurodevelopmental disorder and provides insight into disease mechanisms.

Nucleic acid uptake occurs independent of lysosomal acidification but dependent on ATP consumption during RNautophagy/DNautophagy

RNautophagy/DNautophagy (RDA) is an autophagic process that refers to the direct uptake of nucleic acids by lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy relies on lysosomes and lysosomal acidification is crucial for the degradation of intracellular components. However, whether lysosomal acidification interferes with nucleic acid uptake during RDA is unclear. In this study, we focused on vacuolar H⁺-ATPase (V-ATPase), the major proton pump responsible for maintaining an acidic pH in lysosomes. Our results show that lysosomes take up nucleic acids independently of the intralysosomal acidic pH during RDA. Isolated lysosomes treated with bafilomycin A1, a potent V-ATPase inhibitor, did not degrade, but took up RNA at similar levels as the control lysosomes. Similarly, the knockdown of Atp6v1a, the gene that encodes V-ATPase catalytic subunit A, did not affect the RNA uptake ability of isolated lysosomes. In addition, we demonstrated that nucleic acid uptake by isolated lysosomes necessitates ATP consumption, although V-ATPase is not required for the uptake process. These results broaden our understanding of the mechanisms underlying nucleic acid degradation via autophagy.

Porphyromonas gingivalis facilitated the foam cell formation via lysosomal integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2)

OBJECTIVE

The involvement of lysosomal integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2) in cholesterol transport and formation of foam cells under the infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is yet to be elucidated. The current study verified the role and explored the mechanism of LIMP2 in promoting foam cell formation by P. gingivalis.

BACKGROUND

An association between periodontitis and atherosclerosis (AS) has been established. P. gingivalis is a key pathogen of periodontitis that promotes foam cell formation by regulating activities of CD36 scavenger receptors expressed on the macrophages. LIMP2, a member of CD36 superfamily, is involved in cholesterol efflux. However, whether LIMP2 is involved in the formation of foam cells promoted by P. gingivalis remains unclear.

METHODS

The formation of foam cells was examined by Oil Red O staining. The knockdown of limp2 was identified by qRT-PCR. The accumulation of cholesterol was monitored by Cholesterol Assay Kit. The location of P. gingivalis was visualized by confocal microscopy. Cathepsin L activity was monitored with Magic Red Cathepsin L Assay Kit. The key genes and pathways in P. gingivalis-infected macrophages were explored by RNA sequencing. The protein level was investigated by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Porphyromonas gingivalis increases foam cells formation and upregulates the expression of LIMP2 in foam cells. The knockdown of limp2 decreases the number of foam cells and increases cholesterol export, which is related to lysosomal functions. In addition, the interaction between LIMP2 and caveolin-1(CAV1) might contribute to this process, and NF-κB and JNK activity is required for increased expression of P. gingivalis-induced LIMP2.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that LIMP2 is involved in the foam cells formation facilitated by P. gingivalis, which favors a close connection between periodontitis and atherosclerosis (AS).

Time-Resolved Luminescent High-Throughput Screening Platform for Lysosomotropic Compounds in Living Cells

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that regulate protein degradation and cellular organelle recycling. Homeostatic alteration by lysosomotropic compounds has been suggested as a potential approach for the treatment of cancer. However, because of the high false-negative rate resulting from strong fluorescent background noise, few luminescent high-throughput screening methods for lysosomotropic compounds have been developed for cancer therapy. Imidazole is a five-membered heterocycle that can act within the acidic interior of lysosomes. To develop an efficient lysosomotropic compound screening system, we introduced an imidazole group to iridium-based complexes and designed a long-lifetime lysosomal probe to monitor lysosomal activity in living cells. By integrating time-resolved emission spectroscopy (TRES) with the novel iridium-based lysosomal probe, a high-throughput screening platform capable of overcoming background fluorescent interference in living cells was developed for discovering lysosomotropic drugs. As a proof-of-concept, 400 FDA/EMA-approved drugs were screened using the TRES system, revealing five compounds as potential lysosomotropic agents. Significantly, the most promising potent lysosomotropic compound (mitoxantrone) identified in this work would have showed less activity if screened using a commercial lysosomal probe because of interference from the intrinsic fluorescence of mitoxantrone. We anticipate that this TRES-based high-throughput screening system could facilitate the development of more lysosomotropic drugs by avoiding false results arising from the intrinsic fluorescence of both bioactive compounds and/or the cell background.

Inhibition of lysosomal vacuolar proton pump down-regulates cellular acidification and enhances E. coli bactofection efficiency

Endosomal escape is considered a crucial barrier that needs to be overcome by integrin-mediated E. coli for gene delivery into mammalian cells. Bafilomycin, a potent inhibitor of the H+ proton pump commonly employed to lower endosomal pH, was evaluated as part of the E. coli protocol during delivery. We found an increase in green fluorescent protein expression up 6.9, 3.2, 5.0, 2.8, and 4.5 fold in HeLa, HEK-293, A549, HT1080, and MCF-7 respectively, compared to untreated cells. Our result showed for the first time that Inhibition of lysosomal V-ATPase enhances E. coli efficiency.

Bafilomycin A1 enhances NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes independent of lysosomal acidification

The release of interleukin (IL)‐1β from primary human monocytes in response to extracellular LPS occurs through the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. In primary monocytes, in response to LPS, NLRP3 inflammasome activation is characterized by an independence of K⁺ efflux and ASC speck formation and has been termed the ‘alternative’ pathway. Here, we report that pharmacological inhibition of V‐ATPase with bafilomycin A1 exacerbated LPS‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary human monocytes. Inhibition of V‐ATPase in the presence of extracellular LPS led to NLRP3‐dependent, K⁺ efflux‐independent, ASC oligomerization and caspase‐1 activation. Although V‐ATPases are required for lysosomal acidification, we found that acidic lysosomal pH and protease activity were dispensable for this altered response, suggesting that V‐ATPase inhibition triggered alternative signalling events. Therefore, V‐ATPases may serve additional roles during NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary human monocytes.

Progress and Challenges in The Use of MAP1LC3 as a Legitimate Marker for Measuring Dynamic Autophagy In Vivo

Tremendous efforts have been made these last decades to increase our knowledge of intracellular degradative systems, especially in the field of autophagy. The role of autophagy in the maintenance of cell homeostasis is well documented and the existence of defects in the autophagic machinery has been largely described in diseases and aging. Determining the alterations occurring in the many forms of autophagy that coexist in cells and tissues remains complicated, as this cellular process is highly dynamic in nature and can vary from organ to organ in the same individual. Although autophagy is extensively studied, its functioning in different tissues and its links with other biological processes is still poorly understood. Several assays have been developed to monitor autophagy activity in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, based on different markers, the use of various inhibitors and activators, and distinct techniques. This review emphasizes the methods applied to measure (macro-)autophagy in tissue samples and in vivo via a protein, which centrally intervenes in the autophagy pathway, the microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (MAP1LC3), which is the most widely used marker and the first identified to associate with autophagosomal structures. These approaches are presented and discussed in terms of pros and cons. Some recommendations are provided to improve the reliability of the interpretation of results.

The emerging roles of vacuolar-type ATPase-dependent Lysosomal acidification in neurodegenerative diseases

Background

Lysosomes digest extracellular material from the endocytic pathway and intracellular material from the autophagic pathway. This process is performed by the resident hydrolytic enzymes activated by the highly acidic pH within the lysosomal lumen. Lysosome pH gradients are mainly maintained by the vacuolar (H⁺) ATPase (or V-ATPase), which pumps protons into lysosomal lumen by consuming ATP. Dysfunction of V-ATPase affects lysosomal acidification, which disrupts the clearance of substrates and leads to many disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Main body

As a large multi-subunit complex, the V-ATPase is composed of an integral membrane V0 domain involved in proton translocation and a peripheral V1 domain catalyzing ATP hydrolysis. The canonical functions of V-ATPase rely on its H⁺-pumping ability in multiple vesicle organelles to regulate endocytic traffic, protein processing and degradation, synaptic vesicle loading, and coupled transport. The other non-canonical effects of the V-ATPase that are not readily attributable to its proton-pumping activity include membrane fusion, pH sensing, amino-acid-induced activation of mTORC1, and scaffolding for protein-protein interaction. In response to various stimuli, V-ATPase complex can reversibly dissociate into V1 and V0 domains and thus close ATP-dependent proton transport. Dysregulation of pH and lysosomal dysfunction have been linked to many human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as well as neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders.

Conclusion

V-ATPase complex is a universal proton pump and plays an important role in lysosome acidification in all types of cells. Since V-ATPase dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, further understanding the mechanisms that regulate the canonical and non-canonical functions of V-ATPase will reveal molecular details of disease process and help assess V-ATPase or molecules related to its regulation as therapeutic targets.

Both Matricaria chamomilla and Metformin Extract Improved the Function and Histological Structure of Thyroid Gland in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats through Antioxidant Mechanism

There is increasing proof that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with the increased frequency of thyroid disturbances. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) herb and metformin showed therapeutic efficacy against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of both chamomile flower extract and metformin against thyroid damage associated with PCOS in rats. The PCOS model was developed in rats by injecting estradiol valerate, and it was confirmed to be associated with thyroid hypofunction biochemically and pathologically. Treatment of PCOS rats with both chamomile extract and metformin resulted in an improvement in serum level of thyroid hormones (TSH, p < 0.01; T3 and T4, p < 0.05) and the disappearance of most thyroid gland pathological changes demonstrated by light and electron microscopes. They also reduced the level of serum estrogen (p < 0.01). Both chamomile extract and metformin decreased MDA (p < 0.05) and increased GPx and CAT (p < 0.01). Only chamomile extract increased GSH (p < 0.01). Both treatments reduced the apoptotic death of thyroid cells as noted by the reduction of caspase-3 immunoexpression (p < 0.01). In conclusion, both Matricariachamomilla extract and metformin ameliorated hypothyroidism associated with PCOS through an antioxidant and antiapoptotic mechanism.

A V0-ATPase-dependent apical trafficking pathway maintains the polarity of the intestinal absorptive membrane

Intestine function relies on the strong polarity of intestinal epithelial cells and the array of microvilli forming a brush border at their luminal pole. Combining a genetic RNA interference (RNAi) screen with in vivo super-resolution imaging in the Caenorhabditiselegans intestine, we found that the V0 sector of the vacuolar ATPase (V0-ATPase) controls a late apical trafficking step, involving Ras-related protein 11 (RAB-11)+ endosomes and the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein receptor (SNARE) synaptosome-associated protein 29 (SNAP-29), and is necessary to maintain the polarized localization of both apical polarity modules and brush border proteins. We show that the V0-ATPase pathway also genetically interacts with glycosphingolipids and clathrin in enterocyte polarity maintenance. Finally, we demonstrate that silencing of the V0-ATPase fully recapitulates the severe structural, polarity and trafficking defects observed in enterocytes from individuals with microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) and use this new in vivo MVID model to follow the dynamics of microvillus inclusions. Thus, we describe a new function for V0-ATPase in apical trafficking and epithelial polarity maintenance and the promising use of the C. elegans intestine as an in vivo model to better understand the molecular mechanisms of rare genetic enteropathies.

The priming factor CAPS1 regulates dense-core vesicle acidification by interacting with rabconnectin3β/WDR7 in neuroendocrine cells

Vacuolar-type H⁺-ATPases (V-ATPases) contribute to pH regulation and play key roles in secretory and endocytic pathways. Dense-core vesicles (DCVs) in neuroendocrine cells are maintained at an acidic pH, which is part of the electrochemical driving force for neurotransmitter loading and is required for hormonal propeptide processing. Genetic loss of CAPS1 (aka calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion, CADPS), a vesicle-bound priming factor required for DCV exocytosis, dissipates the pH gradient across DCV membranes and reduces neurotransmitter loading. However, the basis for CAPS1 binding to DCVs and for its regulation of vesicle pH has not been determined. Here, MS analysis of CAPS1 immunoprecipitates from brain membrane fractions revealed that CAPS1 associates with a rabconnectin3 (Rbcn3) complex comprising Dmx-like 2 (DMXL2) and WD repeat domain 7 (WDR7) proteins. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that Rbcn3α/DMXL2 and Rbcn3β/WDR7 colocalize with CAPS1 on DCVs in human neuroendocrine (BON) cells. The shRNA-mediated knockdown of Rbcn3β/WDR7 redistributed CAPS1 from DCVs to the cytosol, indicating that Rbcn3β/WDR7 is essential for optimal DCV localization of CAPS1. Moreover, cell-free experiments revealed direct binding of CAPS1 to Rbcn3β/WDR7, and cell assays indicated that Rbcn3β/WDR7 recruits soluble CAPS1 to membranes. As anticipated by the reported association of Rbcn3 with V-ATPase, we found that knocking down CAPS1, Rbcn3α, or Rbcn3β in neuroendocrine cells impaired rates of DCV reacidification. These findings reveal a basis for CAPS1 binding to DCVs and for CAPS1 regulation of V-ATPase activity via Rbcn3β/WDR7 interactions.

DGAT1 deficiency disrupts lysosome function in enterocytes during dietary fat absorption

Enterocytes, the absorptive cells of the small intestine, mediate the process of dietary fat absorption by secreting triacylglycerol (TAG) into circulation. When levels of dietary fat are high, TAG is stored in cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs) and sequentially hydrolyzed for ultimate secretion. Mice with deficiency in acyl CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (Dgat1^-/- mice) were previously reported to have a reduced rate of intestinal TAG secretion and abnormal TAG accumulation in enterocyte CLDs. This unique intestinal phenotype is critical to their resistance to diet-induced obesity; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Emerging evidence shows that lysosomal TAG hydrolysis contributes to autophagy-mediated CLD mobilization termed lipophagy, and when disrupted results in CLD accumulation. In order to study how lipophagy contributes to the unique intestinal phenotype of Dgat1^-/- mice, enterocytes from wild-type (WT) and Dgat1^-/- mice were examined at 2 and 6 h after oral oil gavage. Through ultrastructural analysis we observed TAG present within autophagic vesicles (AVs) in mouse enterocytes, suggesting the role of lipophagy in intestinal CLD mobilization during dietary fat absorption. Furthermore, we found that Dgat1^-/- mice had abnormal TAG accumulation within AVs and less acidic lysosomes compared to WT mice. Together these findings suggest that the delayed dietary fat absorption seen in Dgat1^-/- mice is, in part, due to the dysregulated flux of autophagy-mediated CLD mobilization and impairment of lysosomal acidification in enterocytes. The present study highlights the critical role of lysosome in enterocyte CLD mobilization for proper dietary fat absorption.

A pH-sensitive luminal His-cluster promotes interaction of PAM with V-ATPase along the secretory and endocytic pathways of peptidergic cells

The biosynthetic and endocytic pathways of secretory cells are characterized by progressive luminal acidification, a process which is crucial for posttranslational modifications and membrane trafficking. This progressive fall in luminal pH is mainly achieved by the vacuolar-type-H⁺ ATPase (V-ATPase). V-ATPases are large, evolutionarily ancient rotary proton pumps that consist of a peripheral V1 complex, which hydrolyzes ATP, and an integral membrane V0 complex, which transports protons from the cytosol into the lumen. Upon sensing the desired luminal pH, V-ATPase activity is regulated by reversible dissociation of the complex into its V1 and V0 components. Molecular details of how intraluminal pH is sensed and transmitted to the cytosol are not fully understood. Peptidylglycine α-amidating mono-oxygenase (PAM; EC 1.14.17.3), a secretory pathway membrane enzyme which shares similar topology with two V-ATPase accessory proteins (Ac45 and prorenin receptor), has a pH-sensitive luminal linker region. Immunofluorescence and sucrose gradient analysis of peptidergic cells (AtT-20) identified distinct subcellular compartments exhibiting spatial co-occurrence of PAM and V-ATPase. In vitro binding assays demonstrated direct binding of the cytosolic domain of PAM to V1H. Blue native PAGE identified heterogeneous high-molecular weight complexes of PAM and V-ATPase. A PAM-1 mutant (PAM-1/H3A) with altered pH sensitivity had diminished ability to form high-molecular weight complexes. In addition, V-ATPase assembly status was altered in PAM-1/H3A expressing cells. Our analysis of the secretory and endocytic pathways of peptidergic cells supports the hypothesis that PAM serves as a luminal pH-sensor, regulating V-ATPase action by altering its assembly status.

The V-ATPase V1 subunit A1 is required for rhodopsin anterograde trafficking in Drosophila

Synthesis and maturation of the light sensor, rhodopsin, are critical for the maintenance of light sensitivity and for photoreceptor homeostasis. In Drosophila, the main rhodopsin, Rh1, is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and transported to the rhabdomere through the secretory pathway. In an unbiased genetic screen for factors involved in rhodopsin homeostasis, we identified mutations in vha68-1, which encodes the vacuolar proton-translocating ATPase (V-ATPase) catalytic subunit A isoform 1 of the V1 component. Loss of vha68-1 in photoreceptor cells disrupted post-Golgi anterograde trafficking of Rh1, reduced light sensitivity, increased secretory vesicle pH, and resulted in incomplete Rh1 deglycosylation. In addition, vha68-1 was required for activity-independent photoreceptor cell survival. Importantly, vha68-1 mutants exhibited phenotypes similar to those exhibited by mutations in the V0 component of V-ATPase, vha100-1. These data demonstrate that the V1 and V0 components of V-ATPase play key roles in post-Golgi trafficking of Rh1 and that Drosophila may represent an important animal model system for studying diseases associated with V-ATPase dysfunction.

ZnT2 is critical for lysosome acidification and biogenesis during mammary gland involution

Mammary gland involution, a tightly regulated process of tissue remodeling by which a lactating mammary gland reverts to the prepregnant state, is characterized by the most profound example of regulated epithelial cell death in normal tissue. Defects in the execution of involution are associated with lactation failure and breast cancer. Initiation of mammary gland involution requires upregulation of lysosome biogenesis and acidification to activate lysosome-mediated cell death; however, specific mediators of this initial phase of involution are not well described. Zinc transporter 2 [ZnT2 ( SLC30A2)] has been implicated in lysosome biogenesis and lysosome-mediated cell death during involution; however, the direct role of ZnT2 in this process has not been elucidated. Here we showed that ZnT2-null mice had impaired alveolar regression and reduced activation of the involution marker phosphorylated Stat3, indicating insufficient initiation of mammary gland remodeling during involution. Moreover, we found that the loss of ZnT2 inhibited assembly of the proton transporter vacuolar ATPase on lysosomes, thereby decreasing lysosome abundance and size. Studies in cultured mammary epithelial cells revealed that while the involution signal TNFα promoted lysosome biogenesis and acidification, attenuation of ZnT2 impaired the lysosome response to this involution signal, which was not a consequence of cytoplasmic Zn accumulation. Our findings establish ZnT2 as a novel regulator of vacuolar ATPase assembly, driving lysosome biogenesis, acidification, and tissue remodeling during the initiation of mammary gland involution.

F-actin reorganization by V-ATPase inhibition in prostate cancer

The vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) proton pump sustains cellular pH homeostasis, and its inhibition triggers numerous stress responses. However, the cellular mechanisms involved remain largely elusive in cancer cells. We studied V-ATPase in the prostate cancer (PCa) cell line PC-3, which has characteristics of highly metastatic PCa. V-ATPase inhibitors impaired endo-lysosomal pH, vesicle trafficking, migration, and invasion. V-ATPase accrual in the Golgi and recycling endosomes suggests that traffic of internalized membrane vesicles back to the plasma membrane was particularly impaired. Directed movement provoked co-localization of V-ATPase containing vesicles with F-actin near the leading edge of migrating cells. V-ATPase inhibition prompted prominent F-actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Filopodial projections were reduced, which related to reduced migration velocity. F-actin formed novel cytoplasmic rings. F-actin rings increased with extended exposure to sublethal concentrations of V-ATPase inhibitors, from 24 to 48 h, as the amount of alkalinized endo-lysosomal vesicles increased. Studies with chloroquine indicated that F-actin rings formation was pH-dependent. We hypothesize that these novel F-actin rings assemble to overcome widespread traffic defects caused by V-ATPase inhibition, similar to F-actin rings on the surface of exocytic organelles.

Summary: V-ATPase activates multiple stress responses. In prostate cancer, sub-lethal concentrations of V-ATPase inhibitors trigger widespread traffic defects. F-actin assembles into rings that mimic those seen during regulated exocytosis.

Lysosomal enzyme replacement therapies: Historical development, clinical outcomes, and future perspectives

Lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes play a central role in numerous cellular processes, including cellular nutrition, recycling, signaling, defense, and cell death. Genetic deficiencies of lysosomal components, most commonly enzymes, are known as "lysosomal storage disorders" or "lysosomal diseases" (LDs) and lead to lysosomal dysfunction. LDs broadly affect peripheral organs and the central nervous system (CNS), debilitating patients and frequently causing fatality. Among other approaches, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has advanced to the clinic and represents a beneficial strategy for 8 out of the 50-60 known LDs. However, despite its value, current ERT suffers from several shortcomings, including various side effects, development of "resistance", and suboptimal delivery throughout the body, particularly to the CNS, lowering the therapeutic outcome and precluding the use of this strategy for a majority of LDs. This review offers an overview of the biomedical causes of LDs, their socio-medical relevance, treatment modalities and caveats, experimental alternatives, and future treatment perspectives.

V-ATPases Containing a3 Subunit Play a Direct Role in Enamel Development in Mice

Vacuolar H⁺ -ATPases (V-ATPases) are ubiquitous multisubunit proton pumps responsible for organellar pH maintenance. Mutations in the a3 subunit of V-ATPases cause autosomal recessive osteopetrosis, a rare disease due to impaired bone resorption. Patients with osteopetrosis also display dental anomalies, such as enamel defects; however, it is not clear whether these enamel abnormalities are a direct consequence of the a3 mutations. We investigated enamel mineralization, spatiotemporal expression of enamel matrix proteins and the a3 protein during tooth development using an osteopetrotic mouse model with a R740S point mutation in the V-ATPase a3 subunit. Histology revealed aberrations in both crown and root development, whereas SEM analysis demonstrated delayed enamel mineralization in homozygous animals. Enamel thickness and mineralization were significantly decreased in homozygous mice as determined by μCT analysis. The expression patterns of the enamel matrix proteins amelogenin, amelotin, and odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM) suggested a delay in transition to the maturation stage in homozygous animals. Protein expression of the a3 subunit was detected in ameloblasts in all three genotypes, suggesting that a3-containing V-ATPases play a direct role in amelogenesis, and mutations in a3 delay transition from the secretory to the maturation stage, resulting in hypomineralized and hypoplastic enamel. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3328-3340, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Macroautophagy is impaired in old murine brain tissue as well as in senescent human fibroblasts

The overall decrease in proteolytic activity in aging can promote and accelerate protein accumulation and metabolic disturbances. To specifically analyze changes in macroautophagy (MA) we quantified different autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) in young, adult and old murine tissue as well as in young and senescent human fibroblasts. Thus, we revealed significantly reduced levels of ATG5-ATG12, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, Beclin-1 and p62 in old brain tissue and senescent human fibroblasts. To investigate the role of mTOR, the protein itself and its target proteins p70S6 kinase and 4E-BP1 were quantified. Significant increased mTOR protein levels were determined in old tissue and cells. Determination of phosphorylated and basal amount of both proteins suggested higher mTOR activity in old murine tissue and senescent human fibroblasts. Besides the reduced levels of ATGs, mTOR can additionally reduce MA, promoting further acceleration of protein accumulation and metabolic disturbances during aging.

Identification of prostate cancer biomarkers in urinary exosomes

Exosomes have recently appeared as a novel source of non-invasive cancer biomarkers since tumour-specific molecules can be found in exosomes isolated from biological fluids. We have here investigated the proteome of urinary exosomes by using mass spectrometry to identify proteins differentially expressed in prostate cancer patients compared to healthy male controls. In total, 15 control and 16 prostate cancer samples of urinary exosomes were analyzed. Importantly, 246 proteins were differentially expressed in the two groups. The majority of these proteins (221) were up-regulated in exosomes from prostate cancer patients. These proteins were analyzed according to specific criteria to create a focus list that contained 37 proteins. At 100% specificity, 17 of these proteins displayed individual sensitivities above 60%. Even though several of these proteins showed high sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer as individual biomarkers, combining them in a multi-panel test has the potential for full differentiation of prostate cancer from non-disease controls. The highest sensitivity, 94%, was observed for transmembrane protein 256 (TM256; chromosome 17 open reading frame 61). LAMTOR proteins were also distinctly enriched with very high specificity for patient samples. TM256 and LAMTOR1 could be used to augment the sensitivity to 100%. Other prominent proteins were V-type proton ATPase 16 kDa proteolipid subunit (VATL), adipogenesis regulatory factor (ADIRF), and several Rab-class members and proteasomal proteins. In conclusion, this study clearly shows the potential of using urinary exosomes in the diagnosis and clinical management of prostate cancer.

58-F, a flavanone from Ophiopogon japonicus, prevents hepatocyte death by decreasing lysosomal membrane permeability

Lysosome membrane permeabilization (LMP) has been implicated in cell death. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between cell death and H₂O₂-/CCl₄-induced LMP in hepatocytes in vitro and following acute liver injury in vivo. The key finding was that H₂O₂ triggered LMP by oxidative stress, as evidenced by a suppression of LAMP1 expression, a reduction in LysoTracker Green and AO staining, and the leakage of proton and cathepsin B/D from the lysosome to the cytoplasm, resulting in cell death. CCl₄ also triggered hepatocyte death by decreasing lysosome LAMP1 expression and by inducing the accumulation of products of peroxidative lipids and oxidized proteins. Furthermore, a novel compound 5,8-dimethoxy-6-methyl-7-hydroxy-3-3(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl) chroman-4-one (58-F) was extracted from Ophiopogon japonicus and served as a potential therapeutic drug. In vivo and in vitro results showed that 58-F effectively rescued hepatocytes by decreasing LMP and by inducing lysosomal enzyme translocation to the cytosol.

60 YEARS OF POMC: From POMC and α-MSH to PAM, molecular oxygen, copper, and vitamin C

A critical role for peptide C-terminal amidation was apparent when the first bioactive peptides were identified. The conversion of POMC into adrenocorticotropic hormone and then into α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, an amidated peptide, provided a model system for identifying the amidating enzyme. Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), the only enzyme that catalyzes this modification, is essential; mice lacking PAM survive only until mid-gestation. Purification and cloning led to the discovery that the amidation of peptidylglycine substrates proceeds in two steps: peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase catalyzes the copper- and ascorbate-dependent α-hydroxylation of the peptidylglycine substrate; peptidyl-α-hydroxyglycine α-amidating lyase cleaves the N-C bond, producing amidated product and glyoxylate. Both enzymes are contained in the luminal domain of PAM, a type 1 integral membrane protein. The structures of both catalytic cores have been determined, revealing how they interact with metals, molecular oxygen, and substrate to catalyze both reactions. Although not essential for activity, the intrinsically disordered cytosolic domain is essential for PAM trafficking. A phylogenetic survey led to the identification of bifunctional membrane PAM in Chlamydomonas, a unicellular eukaryote. Accumulating evidence points to a role for PAM in copper homeostasis and in retrograde signaling from the lumen of the secretory pathway to the nucleus. The discovery of PAM in cilia, cellular antennae that sense and respond to environmental stimuli, suggests that much remains to be learned about this ancient protein.

O-Glycosylation of a Secretory Granule Membrane Enzyme Is Essential for Its Endocytic Trafficking

Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) (EC 1.14.17.3) catalyzes peptide amidation, a crucial post-translational modification, through the sequential actions of its monooxygenase (peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase) and lyase (peptidyl-α-hydroxyglycine α-amidating lyase (PAL)) domains. Alternative splicing generates two different regions that connect the protease-resistant catalytic domains. Inclusion of exon 16 introduces a pair of Lys residues, providing a site for controlled endoproteolytic cleavage of PAM and the separation of soluble peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase from membrane-associated PAL. Exon 16 also includes two O-glycosylation sites. PAM-1 lacking both glycosylation sites (PAM-1/OSX; where OSX is O-glycan-depleted mutant of PAM-1) was stably expressed in AtT-20 corticotrope tumor cells. In PAM-1/OSX, a cleavage site for furin-like convertases was exposed, generating a shorter form of membrane-associated PAL. The endocytic trafficking of PAM-1/OSX differed dramatically from that of PAM-1. A soluble fragment of the cytosolic domain of PAM-1 was produced in the endocytic pathway and entered the nucleus; very little soluble fragment of the cytosolic domain was produced from PAM-1/OSX. Internalized PAM-1/OSX was rapidly degraded; unlike PAM-1, very little internalized PAM-1/OSX was detected in multivesicular bodies. Blue native PAGE analysis identified high molecular weight complexes containing PAM-1; the ability of PAM-1/OSX to form similar complexes was markedly diminished. By promoting the formation of high molecular weight complexes, O-glycans may facilitate the recycling of PAM-1 through the endocytic compartment.

Actin Filaments Are Involved in the Coupling of V0-V1 Domains of Vacuolar H+-ATPase at the Golgi Complex

We previously reported that actin-depolymerizing agents promote the alkalization of the Golgi stack and thetrans-Golgi network. The main determinant of acidic pH at the Golgi is the vacuolar-type H(+)-translocating ATPase (V-ATPase), whose V1domain subunitsBandCbind actin. We have generated a GFP-tagged subunitB2construct (GFP-B2) that is incorporated into the V1domain, which in turn is coupled to the V0sector. GFP-B2 subunit is enriched at distal Golgi compartments in HeLa cells. Subcellular fractionation, immunoprecipitation, and inversal FRAP experiments show that the actin depolymerization promotes the dissociation of V1-V0domains, which entails subunitB2translocation from Golgi membranes to the cytosol. Moreover, molecular interaction between subunitsB2andC1and actin were detected. In addition, Golgi membrane lipid order disruption byd-ceramide-C6 causes Golgi pH alkalization. We conclude that actin regulates the Golgi pH homeostasis maintaining the coupling of V1-V0domains of V-ATPase through the binding of microfilaments to subunitsBandCand preserving the integrity of detergent-resistant membrane organization. These results establish the Golgi-associated V-ATPase activity as the molecular link between actin and the Golgi pH.

CCDC115 Deficiency Causes a Disorder of Golgi Homeostasis with Abnormal Protein Glycosylation

Disorders of Golgi homeostasis form an emerging group of genetic defects. The highly heterogeneous clinical spectrum is not explained by our current understanding of the underlying cell-biological processes in the Golgi. Therefore, uncovering genetic defects and annotating gene function are challenging. Exome sequencing in a family with three siblings affected by abnormal Golgi glycosylation revealed a homozygous missense mutation, c.92T>C (p.Leu31Ser), in coiled-coil domain containing 115 (CCDC115), the function of which is unknown. The same mutation was identified in three unrelated families, and in one family it was compound heterozygous in combination with a heterozygous deletion of CCDC115. An additional homozygous missense mutation, c.31G>T (p.Asp11Tyr), was found in a family with two affected siblings. All individuals displayed a storage-disease-like phenotype involving hepatosplenomegaly, which regressed with age, highly elevated bone-derived alkaline phosphatase, elevated aminotransferases, and elevated cholesterol, in combination with abnormal copper metabolism and neurological symptoms. Two individuals died of liver failure, and one individual was successfully treated by liver transplantation. Abnormal N- and mucin type O-glycosylation was found on serum proteins, and reduced metabolic labeling of sialic acids was found in fibroblasts, which was restored after complementation with wild-type CCDC115. PSI-BLAST homology detection revealed reciprocal homology with Vma22p, the yeast V-ATPase assembly factor located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Human CCDC115 mainly localized to the ERGIC and to COPI vesicles, but not to the ER. These data, in combination with the phenotypic spectrum, which is distinct from that associated with defects in V-ATPase core subunits, suggest a more general role for CCDC115 in Golgi trafficking. Our study reveals CCDC115 deficiency as a disorder of Golgi homeostasis that can be readily identified via screening for abnormal glycosylation in plasma.

Optimizing production of Fc-amidated peptides by Chinese hamster ovary cells

BACKGROUND

Amidation of the carboxyl terminal of many peptides is essential for full biological potency, often increasing receptor binding and stability. The single enzyme responsible for this reaction is peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM: EC 1.14.17.3), a copper- and ascorbate-dependent Type I membrane protein.

METHODS

To make large amounts of high molecular weight amidated product, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were engineered to express exogenous PAM. To vary access of the enzyme to its substrate, exogenous PAM was targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum, trans-Golgi network, endosomes and lysosomes or to the lumen of the secretory pathway.

RESULTS

PAM was equally active when targeted to each intracellular location and assayed in homogenates. Immunocytochemical analyses of CHO cells and a pituitary cell line demonstrated that targeting of exogenous PAM was partially successful. PAM substrates generated by expressing peptidylglycine substrates (glucagon-like peptide 1-Gly, peptide YY-Gly and neuromedin U-Gly) fused to the C-terminus of immunoglobulin Fc in CHO cell lines producing targeted PAM. The extent of amidation of the Fc-peptides was determined by mass spectrometry and amidation-specific enzyme immunoassays. Amidation was inhibited by copper chelation, but was not enhanced by the addition of additional copper or ascorbate.

CONCLUSIONS

Peptide amidation was increased over endogenous levels by exogenous PAM, and targeting PAM to the endoplasmic reticulum or trans-Golgi network increased peptide amidation compared to endogenous CHO PAM.

Autophagosome-lysosome fusion is independent of V-ATPase-mediated acidification

The ATP-dependent proton pump V-ATPase ensures low intralysosomal pH, which is essential for lysosomal hydrolase activity. Based on studies with the V-ATPase inhibitor BafilomycinA1, lysosomal acidification is also thought to be required for fusion with incoming vesicles from the autophagic and endocytic pathways. Here we show that loss of V-ATPase subunits in the Drosophila fat body causes an accumulation of non-functional lysosomes, leading to a block in autophagic flux. However, V-ATPase-deficient lysosomes remain competent to fuse with autophagosomes and endosomes, resulting in a time-dependent formation of giant autolysosomes. In contrast, BafilomycinA1 prevents autophagosome–lysosome fusion in these cells, and this defect is phenocopied by depletion of the Ca²⁺ pump SERCA, a secondary target of this drug. Moreover, activation of SERCA promotes fusion in a BafilomycinA1-sensitive manner. Collectively, our results indicate that lysosomal acidification is not a prerequisite for fusion, and that BafilomycinA1 inhibits fusion independent of its effect on lysosomal pH.

BafilomycinA1 is an autophagy inhibitor, presumably owing to its blocking effect on the lysosomal proton pump V-ATPase. Here the authors show that V-ATPase-deficient lysosomes can still fuse with autophagosomes, showing that lysosomal acidification and fusion are two separable, independent events.

Copper directs ATP7B to the apical domain of hepatic cells via basolateral endosomes

Physiologic Cu levels regulate the intracellular location of the Cu ATPase ATP7B. Here, we determined the routes of Cu-directed trafficking of endogenous ATP7B in the polarized hepatic cell line WIF-B and in the liver in vivo. Copper (10 µm) caused ATP7B to exit the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in vesicles, which trafficked via large basolateral endosomes to the apical domain within 1 h. Although perturbants of luminal acidification had little effect on the TGN localization of ATP7B in low Cu, they blocked delivery to the apical membrane in elevated Cu. If the vesicular proton-pump inhibitor bafilomycin-A1 (Baf) was present with Cu, ATP7B still exited the TGN, but accumulated in large endosomes located near the coverslip, in the basolateral region. Baf washout restored ATP7B trafficking to the apical domain. If ATP7B was staged apically in high Cu, Baf addition promoted the accumulation of ATP7B in subapical endosomes, indicating a blockade of apical recycling, with concomitant loss of ATP7B at the apical membrane. The retrograde pathway to the TGN, induced by Cu removal, was far less affected by Baf than the anterograde (Cu-stimulated) case. Overall, loss of acidification-impaired Cu-regulated trafficking of ATP7B at two main sites: (i) sorting and exit from large basolateral endosomes and (ii) recycling via endosomes near the apical membrane.

Exosomes from hepatitis C infected patients transmit HCV infection and contain replication competent viral RNA in complex with Ago2-miR122-HSP90

Antibodies targeting receptor-mediated entry of HCV into hepatocytes confer limited therapeutic benefits. Evidence suggests that exosomes can transfer genetic materials between cells; however, their role in HCV infection remains obscure. Here, we show that exosomes isolated from sera of chronic HCV infected patients or supernatants of J6/JFH1-HCV-infected Huh7.5 cells contained HCV RNA. These exosomes could mediate viral receptor-independent transmission of HCV to hepatocytes. Negative sense HCV RNA, indicative of replication competent viral RNA, was present in exosomes of all HCV infected treatment non-responders and some treatment-naïve individuals. Remarkably, HCV RNA was associated with Ago2, HSP90 and miR-122 in exosomes isolated from HCV-infected individuals or HCV-infected Huh7.5 cell supernatants. Exosome-loading with a miR-122 inhibitor, or inhibition of HSP90, vacuolar H+-ATPases, and proton pumps, significantly suppressed exosome-mediated HCV transmission to naïve cells. Our findings provide mechanistic evidence for HCV transmission by blood-derived exosomes and highlight potential therapeutic strategies.

Kalirin-9 and Kalirin-12 Play Essential Roles in Dendritic Outgrowth and Branching

Proteins derived from the Kalrn gene, encoding 2 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) domains, affect dendritic and axonal morphogenesis. The roles of endogenous Kalirin-9 (Kal9) and Kalirin-12 (Kal12), the Kalrn isoforms expressed before synaptogenesis, have not been studied in neurite growth and maturation during early development. The Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster orthologues of Kalrn encode proteins equivalent to Kal9 but, lacking a kinase domain, neither organism expresses a protein equivalent to Kal12. Both in vivo and in vitro analyses of cortical neurons from total Kalrn knockout mice, lacking all major Kalirin isoforms, revealed a simplified dendritic arbor and reduced neurite length. Using isoform-specific shRNAs to reduce Kal9 or Kal12 expression in hippocampal cultures resulted in stunted dendritic outgrowth and branching in vitro, without affecting axonal polarity. Exposing hippocampal cultures to inhibitors of the first GEF domain of Kalirin (ITX3, Z62954982) blunted neurite outgrowth and branching, confirming its essential role, without altering the morphology of neurons not expressing Kalrn. In addition, exogenous expression of the active kinase domain unique to Kal12 increased neurite number and length, whereas that of the inactive kinase domain decreased neurite growth. Our results demonstrate that both endogenous Kal9 and endogenous Kal12 contribute to dendritic maturation in early development.

A histidine-rich linker region in peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase has the properties of a pH sensor

Decreasing luminal pH is thought to play a role in the entry of newly synthesized and endocytosed membrane proteins into secretory granules. The two catalytic domains of peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), a type I integral membrane protein, catalyze the sequential reactions that convert peptidyl-Gly substrates into amidated products. We explored the hypothesis that a conserved His-rich cluster (His-Gly-His-His) in the linker region connecting its two catalytic domains senses pH and affects PAM trafficking by mutating these His residues to Ala (Ala-Gly-Ala-Ala; H3A). Purified recombinant wild-type and H3A linker peptides were examined using circular dichroism and tryptophan fluorescence; mutation of the His cluster largely eliminated its pH sensitivity. An enzymatically active PAM protein with the same mutations (PAM-1/H3A) was expressed in HEK293 cells and AtT-20 corticotrope tumor cells. Metabolic labeling followed by immunoprecipitation revealed more rapid loss of newly synthesized PAM-1/H3A than PAM-1; although release of newly synthesized monofunctional PHM/H3A was increased, release of soluble bifunctional PAM/H3A, a product of the endocytic pathway, was decreased. Surface biotinylation revealed rapid loss of PAM-1/H3A, with no detectable return of the mutant protein to secretory granules. Consistent with its altered endocytic trafficking, little PAM-1/H3A was subjected to regulated intramembrane proteolysis followed by release of a small nuclear-targeted cytosolic fragment. AtT-20 cells expressing PAM-1/H3A adopted the morphology of wild-type AtT-20 cells; secretory products no longer accumulated in the trans-Golgi network and secretory granule exocytosis was more responsive to secretagogue.

The lysosome: from waste bag to potential therapeutic target

Lysosomes are ubiquitous membrane-bound intracellular organelles with an acidic interior. They are central for degradation and recycling of macromolecules delivered by endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy. In contrast to the rather simplified view of lysosomes as waste bags, nowadays lysosomes are recognized as advanced organelles involved in many cellular processes and are considered crucial regulators of cell homeostasis. The function of lysosomes is critically dependent on soluble lysosomal hydrolases (e.g. cathepsins) as well as lysosomal membrane proteins (e.g. lysosome-associated membrane proteins). This review focuses on lysosomal involvement in digestion of intra- and extracellular material, plasma membrane repair, cholesterol homeostasis, and cell death. Regulation of lysosomal biogenesis and function via the transcription factor EB (TFEB) will also be discussed. In addition, lysosomal contribution to diseases, including lysosomal storage disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, is presented.

Eucommia ulmoides cortex, geniposide and aucubin regulate lipotoxicity through the inhibition of lysosomal BAX

In this study we examined the inhibition of hepatic dyslipidemia by Eucommia ulmoides extract (EUE). Using a screening assay for BAX inhibition we determined that EUE regulates BAX-induced cell death. Among various cell death stimuli tested EUE regulated palmitate-induced cell death, which involves lysosomal BAX translocation. EUE rescued palmitate-induced inhibition of lysosomal V-ATPase, α-galactosidase, α-mannosidase, and acid phosphatase, and this effect was reversed by bafilomycin, a lysosomal V-ATPase inhibitor. The active components of EUE, aucubin and geniposide, showed similar inhibition of palmitate-induced cell death to that of EUE through enhancement of lysosome activity. Consistent with these in vitro findings, EUE inhibited the dyslipidemic condition in a high-fat diet animal model by regulating the lysosomal localization of BAX. This study demonstrates that EUE regulates lipotoxicity through a novel mechanism of enhanced lysosomal activity leading to the regulation of lysosomal BAX activation and cell death. Our findings further indicate that geniposide and aucubin, active components of EUE, may be therapeutic candidates for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Role of vacuolar ATPase and Skp1 in Sjögren's syndrome

Immune mechanisms alone cannot directly account for exocrine gland dysfunction and extraglandular features such as renal tubular acidosis, neuropathy, hearing loss and fatigue in Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Absence of Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) has been reported in SS related renal tubular acidosis (RTA). We hypothesise how defect in V-ATPase could account for decreased neurotransmitter release leading onto exocrine dysfunction, neuroendocrine manifestations and hearing loss which are well described manifestations in SS. S-phase-kinase-associated protein-1 (Skp1) is a constituent of RAVE which is involved in V-ATPase assembly. It is also a component of SCF ligase which is crucial in NFκB signalling. SKP1 also interacts with TRIM 21/Ro 52 which is an autoantigen in SS. By virtue of these interactions, we postulate how a defective skp1 could fit into the existing pathogenesis of SS and also account for increased risk of lymphoma in SS as well as congenital heart block in fetus of mothers with SS.

V-ATPase inhibition by archazolid leads to lysosomal dysfunction resulting in impaired cathepsin B activation in vivo

The myxobacterial agent archazolid inhibits the vacuolar proton pump V-ATPase. V-ATPases are ubiquitously expressed ATP-dependent proton pumps, which are known to regulate the pH in endomembrane systems and thus play a crucial role in endo- and exocytotic processes of the cell. As cancer cells depend on a highly active secretion of proteolytic proteins in order to invade tissue and form metastases, inhibition of V-ATPase is proposed to affect the secretion profile of cancer cells and thus potentially abrogate their metastatic properties. Archazolid is a novel V-ATPase inhibitor. Here, we show that the secretion pattern of archazolid treated cancer cells includes various prometastatic lysosomal proteins like cathepsin A, B, C, D and Z. In particular, archazolid induced the secretion of the proforms of cathepsin B and D. Archazolid treatment abrogates the cathepsin B maturation process leading to reduced intracellular mature cathepsin B protein abundance and finally decreased cathepsin B activity, by inhibiting mannose-6-phoshate receptor-dependent trafficking. Importantly, in vivo reduced cathepsin B protein as well as a decreased proteolytic cathepsin B activity was detected in tumor tissue of archazolid-treated mice. Our results show that inhibition of V-ATPase by archazolid reduces the activity of prometastatic proteases like cathepsin B in vitro and in vivo.

Functional vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) proton pumps traffic to the enterocyte brush border membrane and require CFTR

Vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) are highly conserved proton pumps that regulate organelle pH. Epithelial luminal pH is also regulated by cAMP-dependent traffic of specific subunits of the V-ATPase complex from endosomes into the apical membrane. In the intestine, cAMP-dependent traffic of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channels and the sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE3) in the brush border regulate luminal pH. V-ATPase was found to colocalize with CFTR in intestinal CFTR high expresser (CHE) cells recently. Moreover, apical traffic of V-ATPase and CFTR in rat Brunner's glands was shown to be dependent on cAMP/PKA. These observations support a functional relationship between V-ATPase and CFTR in the intestine. The current study examined V-ATPase and CFTR distribution in intestines from wild-type, CFTR(-/-) mice and polarized intestinal CaCo-2BBe cells following cAMP stimulation and inhibition of CFTR/V-ATPase function. Coimmunoprecipitation studies examined V-ATPase interaction with CFTR. The pH-sensitive dye BCECF determined proton efflux and its dependence on V-ATPase/CFTR in intestinal cells. cAMP increased V-ATPase/CFTR colocalization in the apical domain of intestinal cells and redistributed the V-ATPase Voa1 and Voa2 trafficking subunits from the basolateral membrane to the brush border membrane. Voa1 and Voa2 subunits were localized to endosomes beneath the terminal web in untreated CFTR(-/-) intestine but redistributed to the subapical cytoplasm following cAMP treatment. Inhibition of CFTR or V-ATPase significantly decreased pHi in cells, confirming their functional interdependence. These data establish that V-ATPase traffics into the brush border membrane to regulate proton efflux and this activity is dependent on CFTR in the intestine.

The synaptic maintenance problem: membrane recycling, Ca2+ homeostasis and late onset degeneration

Most neurons are born with the potential to live for the entire lifespan of the organism. In addition, neurons are highly polarized cells with often long axons, extensively branched dendritic trees and many synaptic contacts. Longevity together with morphological complexity results in a formidable challenge to maintain synapses healthy and functional. This challenge is often evoked to explain adult-onset degeneration in numerous neurodegenerative disorders that result from otherwise divergent causes. However, comparably little is known about the basic cell biological mechanisms that keep normal synapses alive and functional in the first place. How the basic maintenance mechanisms are related to slow adult-onset degeneration in different diseasesis largely unclear. In this review we focus on two basic and interconnected cell biological mechanisms that are required for synaptic maintenance: endomembrane recycling and calcium (Ca²⁺) homeostasis. We propose that subtle defects in these homeostatic processes can lead to late onset synaptic degeneration. Moreover, the same basic mechanisms are hijacked, impaired or overstimulated in numerous neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the pathogenesis of these disorders requires an understanding of both the initial cause of the disease and the on-going changes in basic maintenance mechanisms. Here we discuss the mechanisms that keep synapses functional over long periods of time with the emphasis on their role in slow adult-onset neurodegeneration.

Vacuolar H+ ATPase expression and activity is required for Rab27B-dependent invasive growth and metastasis of breast cancer

The secretory Rab27B small GTPase promotes invasive growth and metastasis in estrogen receptor (ER) α-positive breast cancer cells by orchestrating the peripheral targeting of vesicles secreting proinvasive growth regulators. Increased Rab27B expression is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. The molecular mechanisms of peripheral Rab27B secretory vesicle distribution are poorly understood. Mass spectrometry analysis on green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Rab27B vesicles prepared from GFP-Rab27B transfected MCF-7 human breast cancer cells detected eight subunits of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) and the presence of V0a1 and V0d1 subunits was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Reversible inhibition of V-ATPase activity by bafilomycin A1 or transient silencing of V0a1 or V0d1 subunits demonstrated that V-ATPase controls peripheral localization and size of Rab27B vesicles. V-ATPase expression and activity further controls Rab27B-induced collagen type I invasion, cell-cycle progression and invasive growth in the chorioallantoic membrane assay. In agreement, Rab27B-dependent extracellular heat shock protein90α release and matrix metalloprotease-2 activation is markedly reduced by bafilomycin A1 and transient silencing of V0a1 and V0d1 subunits. Poor prognosis ERα-positive primary breast tumors expressing high levels of Rab27B also expressed multiple V-ATPase subunits and showed a strong cytoplasmic and peripheral V-ATPase V1E expression. In conclusion, inhibiting V-ATPase activity by interfering agents and drugs might be an effective strategy for blocking Rab27B-dependent proinvasive secretory vesicle trafficking in ERα-positive breast cancer patients.

Inhibitors of vacuolar ATPase proton pumps inhibit human prostate cancer cell invasion and prostate-specific antigen expression and secretion

Vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) comprise specialized and ubiquitously distributed pumps that acidify intracellular compartments and energize membranes. To gain new insights into the roles of V-ATPases in prostate cancer (PCa), we studied the effects of inhibiting V-ATPase pumps in androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (C4-2B) cells of a human PCa progression model. Treatment with nanomolar concentrations of the V-ATPase inhibitors bafilomycin A or concanamycin A reduced the in vitro invasion in both cell types by 80%, regardless that V-ATPase was prominent at the plasma membrane of C4-2B cells and only traces were detected in the low-metastatic LNCaP parental cells. In both cell types, intracellular V-ATPase was excessive and co-localized with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the Golgi compartment. V-ATPase inhibitors reversibly excluded PSA from the Golgi and led to the accumulation of largely dispersed PSA-loaded vesicles of lysosomal composition. Inhibition of acridine orange staining and transferrin receptor recycling suggested defective endosomal and lysosomal acidification. The inhibitors, additionally, interfered with the AR-PSA axis under conditions that reduced invasion. Bafilomycin A significantly reduced steady-state and R1881-induced PSA mRNA expression and secretion in the LNCaP cells which are androgen-dependent, but not in the C4-2B cells which are androgen ablation-resistant. In the C4-2B cells, an increased susceptibility to V-ATPase inhibitors was detected after longer treatments, as proliferation was reduced and reversibility of bafilomycin-induced responses impaired. These findings make V-ATPases attractive targets against early and advanced PCa tumors.

The R740S mutation in the V-ATPase a3 subunit increases lysosomal pH, impairs NFATc1 translocation, and decreases in vitro osteoclastogenesis

Vacuolar H(+) -ATPase (V-ATPase), a multisubunit enzyme located at the ruffled border and in lysosomes of osteoclasts, is necessary for bone resorption. We previously showed that heterozygous mice with an R740S mutation in the a3 subunit of V-ATPase (+/R740S) have mild osteopetrosis resulting from an ∼90% reduction in proton translocation across osteoclast membranes. Here we show that lysosomal pH is also higher in +/R740S compared with wild-type (+/+) osteoclasts. Both osteoclast number and size were decreased in cultures of +/R740S compared with +/+ bone marrow cells, with concomitant decreased expression of key osteoclast markers (TRAP, cathepsin K, OSCAR, DC-STAMP, and NFATc1), suggesting that low lysosomal pH plays an important role in osteoclastogenesis. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of this inhibition, NFATc1 activation was assessed. NFATc1 nuclear translocation was significantly reduced in +/R740S compared with +/+ cells; however, this was not because of impaired enzymatic activity of calcineurin, the phosphatase responsible for NFATc1 dephosphorylation. Protein and RNA expression levels of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1), an endogenous inhibitor of NFATc1 activation and a protein degraded in lysosomes, were not significantly different between +/R740S and +/+ osteoclasts, but the RCAN1/NFATc1 ratio was significantly higher in +/R740S versus +/+ cells. The lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine significantly increased RCAN1 accumulation in +/+ cells, consistent with the hypothesis that higher lysosomal pH impairs RCAN1 degradation, leading to a higher RCAN1/NFATc1 ratio and consequently NFATc1 inhibition. Our data indicate that increased lysosomal pH in osteoclasts leads to decreased NFATc1 signaling and nuclear translocation, resulting in a cell autonomous impairment of osteoclastogenesis in vitro.

Membrane trafficking in neuronal maintenance and degeneration

Defects in membrane trafficking and degradation are hallmarks of most, and maybe all, neurodegenerative disorders. Such defects typically result in the accumulation of undegraded proteins due to aberrant endosomal sorting, lysosomal degradation, or autophagy. The genetic or environmental cause of a specific disease may directly affect these membrane trafficking processes. Alternatively, changes in intracellular sorting and degradation can occur as cellular responses of degenerating neurons to unrelated primary defects such as insoluble protein aggregates or other neurotoxic insults. Importantly, altered membrane trafficking may contribute to the pathogenesis or indeed protect the neuron. The observation of dramatic changes to membrane trafficking thus comes with the challenging need to distinguish pathological from protective alterations. Here, we will review our current knowledge about the protective and destructive roles of membrane trafficking in neuronal maintenance and degeneration. In particular, we will first focus on the question of what type of membrane trafficking keeps healthy neurons alive in the first place. Next, we will discuss what alterations of membrane trafficking are known to occur in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, Parkinson's disease, polyQ diseases, peripheral neuropathies, and lysosomal storage disorders. Combining the maintenance and degeneration viewpoints may yield insight into how to distinguish when membrane trafficking functions protectively or contributes to degeneration.

Lipofuscin is formed independently of macroautophagy and lysosomal activity in stress-induced prematurely senescent human fibroblasts

In the current literature, the lysosomal system is considered to be involved in the intracellular formation and accumulation of lipofuscin, a highly oxidized and covalently cross-linked aggregate of proteins that fills the lysosomal volume during aging. In contrast, our experimental results presented here suggest that both the autophagosomes and the lysosomal system are not mandatory for the formation of lipofuscin, since that material accumulates in the cytosolic volume if autophagy or lysosomal activity is inhibited. However, such an inhibition is accompanied by an enhanced toxicity of the formed protein aggregates. Furthermore, it could be proven that macroautophagy is responsible for the uptake of lipofuscin into the lysosomes.

The host endocytic pathway is essential for Plasmodium berghei late liver stage development

The obligate intracellular liver stage of the Plasmodium parasite represents a bottleneck in the parasite life cycle and remains a promising target for therapeutic intervention. During this stage, parasites undergo dramatic morphological changes and achieve one of the fastest replication rates among eukaryotic species. Nevertheless, relatively little is known about the parasite interactions with the host hepatocyte. Using immunofluorescence, live cell imaging and electron microscopy, we show that Plasmodium berghei parasites are surrounded by vesicles from the host late endocytic pathway. We found that these vesicles are acidic and contain the membrane markers Rab7a, CD63 and LAMP1. When host cell vesicle acidification was disrupted using ammonium chloride or Concanamycin A during the late liver stage of infection, parasite survival was not affected, but schizont size was significantly decreased. Furthermore, when the host cell endocytic pathway was loaded with BSA-gold, gold particles were found within the parasite cytoplasm, showing the transport of material from the host endocytic pathway toward the parasite interior. These observations reveal a novel Plasmodium-host interaction and suggest that vesicles from the host endolysosomal pathway could represent an important source of nutrients exploited by the fast-growing late liver stage parasites.

Active Wnt proteins are secreted on exosomes

Wnt signalling has important roles during development and in many diseases. As morphogens, hydrophobic Wnt proteins exert their function over a distance to induce patterning and cell differentiation decisions. Recent studies have identified several factors that are required for the secretion of Wnt proteins; however, how Wnts travel in the extracellular space remains a largely unresolved question. Here we show that Wnts are secreted on exosomes both during Drosophila development and in human cells. We demonstrate that exosomes carry Wnts on their surface to induce Wnt signalling activity in target cells. Together with the cargo receptor Evi/WIs, Wnts are transported through endosomal compartments onto exosomes, a process that requires the R-SNARE Ykt6. Our study demonstrates an evolutionarily conserved functional role of extracellular vesicular transport of Wnt proteins.

Azithromycin distinctively modulates classical activation of human monocytes in vitro

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Azithromycin has been reported to modify activation of macrophages towards the M2 phenotype. Here, we have sought to identify the mechanisms underlying this modulatory effect of azithromycin on human monocytes, classically activated in vitro.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Human blood monocytes were primed with IFN-γ for 24 h and activated with LPS for 24 h. Azithromycin, anti-inflammatory and lysosome-affecting agents were added 2 h before IFN-γ. Cytokine and chemokine expression was determined by quantitative PCR and protein release by ELISA. Signalling molecules were determined by Western blotting and transcription factor activation quantified with a DNA-binding ELISA kit.

KEY RESULTS

Azithromycin (1.5-50 µM) dose-dependently inhibited gene expression and/or release of M1 macrophage markers (CCR7, CXCL 11 and IL-12p70), but enhanced CCL2, without altering TNF-α or IL-6. Azithromycin also enhanced the gene expression and/or release of M2 macrophage markers (IL-10 and CCL18), and the pan-monocyte marker CD163, but inhibited that of CCL22. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signalling pathway was modulated, down-regulating NF-κB and STAT1 transcription factors. The inhibitory profile of azithromycin differed from that of dexamethasone, the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor roflumilast and the p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 but was similar to that of the lysosomotropic drug chloroquine. Effects of concanamycin and NH4Cl, which also act on lysosomes, differed significantly.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Azithromycin modulated classical activation of human monocytes by inhibition of TLR4-mediated signalling and possible effects on lysosomal function, and generated a mediator expression profile that differs from that of monocyte/macrophage phenotypes so far described.

Identification of domains within the V-ATPase accessory subunit Ac45 involved in V-ATPase transport and Ca2+-dependent exocytosis

The vacuolar (H(+))-ATPase (V-ATPase) is crucial for maintenance of the acidic microenvironment in intracellular organelles, whereas its membrane-bound V(0)-sector is involved in Ca(2+)-dependent membrane fusion. In the secretory pathway, the V-ATPase is regulated by its type I transmembrane and V(0)-associated accessory subunit Ac45. To execute its function, the intact-Ac45 protein is proteolytically processed to cleaved-Ac45 thereby releasing its N-terminal domain. Here, we searched for the functional domains within Ac45 by analyzing a set of deletion mutants close to the in vivo situation, namely in transgenic Xenopus intermediate pituitary melanotrope cells. Intact-Ac45 was poorly processed and accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum of the transgenic melanotrope cells. In contrast, cleaved-Ac45 was efficiently transported through the secretory pathway, caused an accumulation of the V-ATPase at the plasma membrane and reduced dopaminergic inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent peptide secretion. Surprisingly, removal of the C-tail from intact-Ac45 caused cellular phenotypes also found for cleaved-Ac45, whereas C-tail removal from cleaved-Ac45 still allowed its transport to the plasma membrane, but abolished V-ATPase recruitment into the secretory pathway and left dopaminergic inhibition of the cells unaffected. We conclude that domains located in the N- and C-terminal portions of the Ac45 protein direct its trafficking, V-ATPase recruitment and Ca(2+)-dependent-regulated exocytosis.