μ1A deficiency induces a profound increase in MPR300/IGF-II receptor internalization rate

The role of the AP-1 adaptor complex in outgoing and incoming membrane traffic

The AP-1 adaptor complex is found in all eukaryotes, but it has been implicated in different pathways in different organisms. To look directly at AP-1 function, we generated stably transduced HeLa cells coexpressing tagged AP-1 and various tagged membrane proteins. Live cell imaging showed that AP-1 is recruited onto tubular carriers trafficking from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane, as well as onto transferrin-containing early/recycling endosomes. Analysis of single AP-1 vesicles showed that they are a heterogeneous population, which starts to sequester cargo 30 min after exit from the ER. Vesicle capture showed that AP-1 vesicles contain transmembrane proteins found at the TGN and early/recycling endosomes, as well as lysosomal hydrolases, but very little of the anterograde adaptor GGA2. Together, our results support a model in which AP-1 retrieves proteins from post-Golgi compartments back to the TGN, analogous to COPI's role in the early secretory pathway. We propose that this is the function of AP-1 in all eukaryotes.

AP-1γ2 is an adaptor protein 1 variant required for endosome-to-Golgi trafficking of the mannose-6-P receptor (CI-MPR) and ATP7B copper transporter

Selective retrograde transport from endosomes back to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) is important for maintaining protein homeostasis, recycling receptors, and returning molecules that were transported to the wrong compartments. Two important transmembrane proteins directed to this pathway are the Cation-Independent Mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) and the ATP7B copper transporter. Among CI-MPR functions is the delivery of acid hydrolases to lysosomes, while ATP7B facilitates the transport of cytosolic copper ions into organelles or the extracellular space. Precise subcellular localization of CI-MPR and ATP7B is essential for the proper functioning of these proteins. This study shows that both CI-MPR and ATP7B interact with a variant of the clathrin adaptor 1 (AP-1) complex that contains a specific isoform of the γ-adaptin subunit called γ2. Through synchronized anterograde trafficking and cell-surface uptake assays, we demonstrated that AP-1γ2 is dispensable for ATP7B and CI-MPR exit from the TGN while being critically required for ATP7B and CI-MPR retrieval from endosomes to the TGN. Moreover, AP-1γ2 depletion leads to the retention of endocytosed CI-MPR in endosomes enriched in retromer complex subunits. These data underscore the importance of AP-1γ2 as a key component in the sorting and trafficking machinery of CI-MPR and ATP7B, highlighting its essential role in the transport of proteins from endosomes.

Deficiency of AP1 Complex Ap1g1 in Zebrafish Model Led to Perturbation of Neurodevelopment, Female and Male Fertility; New Insight to Understand Adaptinopathies

In vertebrates, two homologous heterotetrameric AP1 complexes regulate the intracellular protein sorting via vesicles. AP-1 complexes are ubiquitously expressed and are composed of four different subunits: γ, β1, μ1 and σ1. Two different complexes are present in eukaryotic cells, AP1G1 (contains γ1 subunit) and AP1G2 (contains γ2 subunit); both are indispensable for development. One additional tissue-specific isoform exists for μ1A, the polarized epithelial cells specific to μ1B; two additional tissue-specific isoforms exist for σ1A: σ1B and σ1C. Both AP1 complexes fulfil specific functions at the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. The use of different animal models demonstrated their crucial role in the development of multicellular organisms and the specification of neuronal and epithelial cells. Ap1g1 (γ1) knockout mice cease development at the blastocyst stage, while Ap1m1 (μ1A) knockouts cease during mid-organogenesis. A growing number of human diseases have been associated with mutations in genes encoding for the subunits of adaptor protein complexes. Recently, a new class of neurocutaneous and neurometabolic disorders affecting intracellular vesicular traffic have been referred to as adaptinopathies. To better understand the functional role of AP1G1 in adaptinopathies, we generated a zebrafish ap1g1 knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Zebrafish ap1g1 knockout embryos cease their development at the blastula stage. Interestingly, heterozygous females and males have reduced fertility and showed morphological alterations in the brain, gonads and intestinal epithelium. An analysis of mRNA profiles of different marker proteins and altered tissue morphologies revealed dysregulated cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. These data demonstrate that the zebrafish model organism enables us to study the molecular details of adaptinopathies and thus also develop treatment strategies.

Clathrin adapters AP-1 and GGA2 support expression of epidermal growth factor receptor for cell growth

The role of Golgi/endosome-localized clathrin adapters in the maintenance of steady-state cell surface epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is not well known. Here, we show that EGFR associates preferentially with both AP-1 and GGA2 in vitro. AP-1 depletion caused a reduction in the EGFR protein by promoting its lysosomal degradation. Triple immunofluorescence microscopy and proximity ligation assays demonstrated that the interaction of EGFR with AP-1 or GGA2 occurred more frequently in Rab11-positive recycling endosomes than in Rab5-positive early endosomes. Biochemical recycling assay revealed that the depletion of AP-1 or GGA2 significantly suppressed EGFR recycling to the plasma membrane regardless of the EGF stimulation. Depletion of AP-1 or GGA2 also reduced cell contents of other tyrosine kinases, MET and ErbB4, and therefore, suppressed the growth of H1975 cancer cells in culture and xenograft model. Moreover, AP-1 was expressed in endosomes at higher levels in some cancer tissues. Collectively, these results suggest that AP-1 and GGA2 function in recycling endosomes to retrieve endocytosed EGFR, thereby sustaining its cell surface expression and, consequently, cancer cell growth.

Contribution of the clathrin adaptor AP-1 subunit µ1 to acidic cluster protein sorting

Acidic clusters act as sorting signals for packaging cargo into clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs), and also facilitate down-regulation of MHC-I by HIV-1 Nef. To find acidic cluster sorting machinery, we performed a gene-trap screen and identified the medium subunit (µ1) of the clathrin adaptor AP-1 as a top hit. In µ1 knockout cells, intracellular CCVs still form, but acidic cluster proteins are depleted, although several other CCV components were either unaffected or increased, indicating that cells can compensate for long-term loss of AP-1. In vitro experiments showed that the basic patch on µ1 that interacts with the Nef acidic cluster also contributes to the binding of endogenous acidic cluster proteins. Surprisingly, µ1 mutant proteins lacking the basic patch and/or the tyrosine-based motif binding pocket could rescue the µ1 knockout phenotype completely. In contrast, these mutants failed to rescue Nef-induced down-regulation of MHC class I, suggesting a possible mechanism for attacking the virus while sparing the host cell.

Bidirectional apical-basal traffic of the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor in brain endothelial cells

Brain capillary endothelium mediates the exchange of nutrients between blood and brain parenchyma. This barrier function of the brain capillaries also limits passage of pharmaceuticals from blood to brain, which hinders treatment of several neurological disorders. Receptor-mediated transport has been suggested as a potential pharmaceutical delivery route across the brain endothelium, e.g. reports have shown that the transferrin receptor (TfR) facilitates transcytosis of TfR antibodies, but it is not known whether this recycling receptor itself traffics from apical to basal membrane in the process. Here, we elucidate the endosomal trafficking of the retrograde transported cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (MPR300) in primary cultures of brain endothelial cells (BECs) of porcine and bovine origin. Receptor expression and localisation of MPR300 in the endo-lysosomal system and trafficking of internalised receptor are analysed. We also demonstrate that MPR300 can undergo bidirectional apical-basal trafficking in primary BECs in co-culture with astrocytes. This is, to our knowledge, the first detailed study of retrograde transported receptor trafficking in BECs, and the study demonstrates that MPR300 can be transported from the luminal to abluminal membrane and reverse. Such trafficking of MPR300 suggests that retrograde transported receptors in general may provide a mechanism for transport of pharmaceuticals into the brain.

γ2 and γ1AP-1 complexes: Different essential functions and regulatory mechanisms in clathrin-dependent protein sorting

γ2 adaptin is homologous to γ1, but is only expressed in vertebrates while γ1 is found in all eukaryotes. We know little about γ2 functions and their relation to γ1. γ1 is an adaptin of the heterotetrameric AP-1 complexes, which sort proteins in and do form clathrin-coated transport vesicles and they also regulate maturation of early endosomes. γ1 knockout mice develop only to blastocysts and thus γ2 does not compensate γ1-deficiency in development. γ2 has not been classified as a clathrin-coated vesicle adaptor protein in proteome analyses and functions for monomeric γ2 in endosomal protein sorting have been proposed, but adaptin interaction studies suggested formation of heterotetrameric AP-1/γ2 complexes. We detected γ2 at the trans-Golgi network, on peripheral vesicles and identified γ2 clathrin-coated vesicles in mice. Ubiquitous σ1A and tissue-specific σ1B adaptins bind γ2 and γ1. σ1B knockout in mice does not effect γ1/σ1A AP-1 levels, but γ2/σ1A AP-1 levels are increased in brain and adipocytes. Also γ2 is essential in development. In zebrafish AP-1/γ2 and AP-1/γ1 fulfill different, essential functions in brain and the vascular system.

The cytoplasmic tail of L-selectin interacts with the adaptor-protein complex AP-1 subunit μ1A via a novel basic binding motif

L-selectin regulates leukocyte adhesion and rolling along the endothelium. Proteins binding to the cytoplasmic tail of L-selectin regulate L-selectin functions. We used L-selectin cytoplasmic tail peptide pulldown assays combined with high sensitivity liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify novel L-selectin tail-binding proteins. Incubation of the L-selectin tail with cell extracts from phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated Raw 264.7 macrophages resulted in the binding of μ1A of the clathrin-coated vesicle AP-1 complex. Furthermore, full-length GST-μ1A and the GST-μ1A C-terminal domain, but not the GST-μ1A N-terminal domain, bind to L-selectin tail peptide, and the intracellular pool of L-selectin colocalizes with AP-1 at the trans-Golgi network. We identified a novel basic protein motif consisting of a cluster of three dibasic residues (³⁵⁶RR³⁵⁷, ³⁵⁹KK³⁶⁰, and ³⁶²KK³⁶³) in the membrane-proximal domain of the L-selectin tail as well as a doublet of aspartic acid residues (³⁶⁹DD³⁷⁰) in the membrane-distal end of the L-selectin tail involved in μ1A binding. Stimulation of Raw 264.7 macrophages with PMA augmented the amount of μ1A associated with anti-L-selectin immunoprecipitates. However, full-length GST-μ1A did not bind to the phospho-L-selectin tail or phospho-mimetic S364D L-selectin tail. Accordingly, we propose that phosphorylation of μ1A is required for interaction with the L-selectin tail and that L-selectin tail phosphorylation may regulate this interaction in vivo Molecular docking of the L-selectin tail to μ1A was used to identify the μ1A surface domain binding the L-selectin tail and to explain how phosphorylation of the L-selectin tail abrogates μ1A interaction. Our findings indicate that L-selectin is transported constitutively by the AP-1 complex, leading to the formation of a trans-Golgi network reserve pool and that phosphorylation of the L-selectin tail blocks AP-1-dependent retrograde transport of L-selectin.

Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor Is Reduced in -Synuclein Overexpressing Models of Parkinsons Disease

Increasing evidence points to defects in autophagy as a common denominator in most neurodegenerative conditions. Progressive functional decline in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) occurs with age, and the consequent impairment in protein processing capacity has been associated with a higher risk of neurodegeneration. Defects in cathepsin D (CD) processing and α-synuclein degradation causing its accumulation in lysosomes are particularly relevant for the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanism by which alterations in CD maturation and α-synuclein degradation leads to autophagy defects in PD neurons is still uncertain. Here we demonstrate that MPR300 shuttling between endosomes and the trans Golgi network is altered in α-synuclein overexpressing neurons. Consequently, CD is not correctly trafficked to lysosomes and cannot be processed to generate its mature active form, leading to a reduced CD-mediated α-synuclein degradation and α-synuclein accumulation in neurons. MPR300 is downregulated in brain from α-synuclein overexpressing animal models and in PD patients with early diagnosis. These data indicate MPR300 as crucial player in the autophagy-lysosomal dysfunctions reported in PD and pinpoint MRP300 as a potential biomarker for PD.

Initial characterization of a Syap1 knock-out mouse and distribution of Syap1 in mouse brain and cultured motoneurons

Synapse-associated protein 1 (Syap1/BSTA) is the mammalian homologue of Sap47 (synapse-associated protein of 47 kDa) in Drosophila. Sap47 null mutant larvae show reduced short-term synaptic plasticity and a defect in associative behavioral plasticity. In cultured adipocytes, Syap1 functions as part of a complex that phosphorylates protein kinase Bα/Akt1 (Akt1) at Ser(473) and promotes differentiation. The role of Syap1 in the vertebrate nervous system is unknown. Here, we generated a Syap1 knock-out mouse and show that lack of Syap1 is compatible with viability and fertility. Adult knock-out mice show no overt defects in brain morphology. In wild-type brain, Syap1 is found widely distributed in synaptic neuropil, notably in regions rich in glutamatergic synapses, but also in perinuclear structures associated with the Golgi apparatus of specific groups of neuronal cell bodies. In cultured motoneurons, Syap1 is located in axons and growth cones and is enriched in a perinuclear region partially overlapping with Golgi markers. We studied in detail the influence of Syap1 knockdown and knockout on structure and development of these cells. Importantly, Syap1 knockout does not affect motoneuron survival or axon growth. Unexpectedly, neither knockdown nor knockout of Syap1 in cultured motoneurons is associated with reduced Ser(473) or Thr(308) phosphorylation of Akt. Our findings demonstrate a widespread expression of Syap1 in the mouse central nervous system with regionally specific distribution patterns as illustrated in particular for olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cerebellum.

Role of the epithelial cell-specific clathrin adaptor complex AP-1B in cell polarity

Epithelial cells are important for organ development and function. To this end, they polarize their plasma membrane into biochemically and physically distinct membrane domains. The apical membrane faces the luminal site of an organ and the basolateral domain is in contact with the basement membrane and neighboring cells. To establish and maintain this polarity it is important that newly synthesized and endocytic cargos are correctly sorted according to their final destinations at either membrane. Sorting takes place at one of 2 major sorting stations in the cells, the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and recycling endosomes (REs). Polarized sorting may involve epithelial cell-specific sorting adaptors like the AP-1B clathrin adaptor complex. AP-1B facilitates basolateral sorting from REs. This review will discuss various aspects of basolateral sorting in epithelial cells with a special emphasis on AP-1B.

Adaptor Protein-1 Complex Affects the Endocytic Trafficking and Function of Peptidylglycine α-Amidating Monooxygenase, a Luminal Cuproenzyme

The adaptor protein-1 complex (AP-1), which transports cargo between the trans-Golgi network and endosomes, plays a role in the trafficking of Atp7a, a copper-transporting P-type ATPase, and peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), a copper-dependent membrane enzyme. Lack of any of the four AP-1 subunits impairs function, and patients with MEDNIK syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by lack of expression of the σ1A subunit, exhibit clinical and biochemical signs of impaired copper homeostasis. To explore the role of AP-1 in copper homeostasis in neuroendocrine cells, we used corticotrope tumor cells in which AP-1 function was diminished by reducing expression of its μ1A subunit. Copper levels were unchanged when AP-1 function was impaired, but cellular levels of Atp7a declined slightly. The ability of PAM to function was assessed by monitoring 18-kDa fragment-NH2 production from proopiomelanocortin. Reduced AP-1 function made 18-kDa fragment amidation more sensitive to inhibition by bathocuproine disulfonate, a cell-impermeant Cu(I) chelator. The endocytic trafficking of PAM was altered, and PAM-1 accumulated on the cell surface when AP-1 levels were reduced. Reduced AP-1 function increased the Atp7a presence in early/recycling endosomes but did not alter the ability of copper to stimulate its appearance on the plasma membrane. Co-immunoprecipitation of a small fraction of PAM and Atp7a supports the suggestion that copper can be transferred directly from Atp7a to PAM, a process that can occur only when both proteins are present in the same subcellular compartment. Altered luminal cuproenzyme function may contribute to deficits observed when the AP-1 function is compromised.

σ1B adaptin regulates adipogenesis by mediating the sorting of sortilin in adipose tissue

Here, we describe altered sorting of sortilin in adipocytes deficient for the σ1B-containing AP-1 complex, leading to the inhibition of adipogenesis. The AP-1 complex mediates protein sorting between the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. Vertebrates express three AP1 σ1 subunit isoforms - σ1A, σ1B and σ1C (also known as AP1S1, AP1S2 and AP1S3, respectively). σ1B-deficient mice display impaired recycling of synaptic vesicles and lipodystrophy. Here, we show that sortilin is overexpressed in adipose tissue from σ1B(-/-) mice, and that its overexpression in wild-type cells is sufficient to suppress adipogenesis. σ1B-specific binding of sortilin requires the sortilin DxxD-x12-DSxxxL motif. σ1B deficiency does not lead to a block of sortilin transport out of a specific organelle, but the fraction that reaches lysosomes is reduced. Sortilin binds to the receptor DLK1, an inhibitor of adipocyte differentiation, and the overexpression of sortilin prevents DLK1 downregulation, leading to enhanced inhibition of adipogenesis. DLK1 and sortilin expression are not increased in the brain tissue of σ1B(-/-) mice, although this is the tissue with the highest expression of σ1B and sortilin. Thus, adipose-tissue-specific and σ1B-dependent routes for the transport of sortilin exist and are involved in the regulation of adipogenesis and adipose-tissue mass.

The cytosolic adaptor AP-1A is essential for the trafficking and function of Niemann-Pick type C proteins

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by over-accumulation of low-density lipoprotein-derived cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in late endosomes/lysosomes (LE/L) throughout the body. Human mutations in either NPC1 or NPC2 genes have been directly associated with impaired cholesterol efflux from LE/L. Independent from its role in cholesterol homeostasis and its NPC2 partner, NPC1 was unexpectedly identified as a critical player controlling intracellular entry of filoviruses such as Ebola. In this study, a yeast three-hybrid system revealed that the NPC1 cytoplasmic tail directly interacts with the clathrin adaptor protein AP-1 via its acidic/di-leucine motif. Consequently, a nonfunctional AP-1A cytosolic complex resulted in a typical NPC-like phenotype mainly due to a direct impairment of NPC1 trafficking to LE/L and a partial secretion of NPC2. Furthermore, the mislocalization of NPC1 was not due to cholesterol accumulation in LE/L, as it was not rescued upon treatment with Mβ-cyclodextrin, which almost completely eliminated intracellular free cholesterol. Our cumulative data demonstrate that the cytosolic clathrin adaptor AP-1A is essential for the lysosomal targeting and function of NPC1 and NPC2.

Single-transmembrane domain IGF-II/M6P receptor: potential interaction with G protein and its association with cholesterol-rich membrane domains

The IGF-II/mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) receptor is a single-transmembrane domain glycoprotein that plays an important role in the intracellular trafficking of lysosomal enzymes and endocytosis-mediated degradation of IGF-II. The receptor may also mediate certain biological effects in response to IGF-II binding by interacting with G proteins. However, the nature of the IGF-II/M6P receptor's interaction with the G protein or with G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) interacting proteins such as β-arrestin remains unclear. Here we report that [(125)I]IGF-II receptor binding in the rat hippocampal formation is sensitive to guanosine-5'-[γ-thio]triphosphate, mastoparan, and Mas-7, which are known to interfere with the coupling of the classical GPCR with G protein. Monovalent and divalent cations also influenced [(125)I]IGF-II receptor binding. The IGF-II/M6P receptor, as observed for several GPCRs, was found to be associated with β-arrestin 2, which exhibits sustained ubiquitination after stimulation with Leu(27)IGF-II, an IGF-II analog that binds rather selectively to the IGF-II/M6P receptor. Activation of the receptor by Leu(27)IGF-II induced stimulation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 via a pertussis toxin-dependent pathway. Additionally, we have shown that IGF-II/M6P receptors under normal conditions are associated mostly with detergent-resistant membrane domains, but after stimulation with Leu(27)IGF-II, are translocated to the detergent-soluble fraction along with a portion of β-arrestin 2. Collectively these results suggest that the IGF-II/M6P receptor may interact either directly or indirectly with G protein as well as β-arrestin 2, and activation of the receptor by an agonist can lead to alteration in its subcellular distribution along with stimulation of an intracellular signaling cascade.

The 5-phosphatase OCRL mediates retrograde transport of the mannose 6-phosphate receptor by regulating a Rac1-cofilin signalling module

Mutations in the OCRL gene encoding the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) 5-phosphatase OCRL cause Lowe syndrome (LS), which is characterized by intellectual disability, cataracts and selective proximal tubulopathy. OCRL localizes membrane-bound compartments and is implicated in intracellular transport. Comprehensive analysis of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in fibroblasts of patients with LS did not reveal any difference in trafficking of epidermal growth factor, low density lipoprotein or transferrin, compared with normal fibroblasts. However, LS fibroblasts displayed reduced mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR)-mediated re-uptake of the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase B. In addition, endosome-to-trans Golgi network (TGN) transport of MPRs was decreased significantly, leading to higher levels of cell surface MPRs and their enrichment in enlarged, retromer-positive endosomes in OCRL-depleted HeLa cells. In line with the higher steady-state concentration of MPRs in the endosomal compartment in equilibrium with the cell surface, anterograde transport of the lysosomal enzyme, cathepsin D was impaired. Wild-type OCRL counteracted accumulation of MPR in endosomes in an activity-dependent manner, suggesting that PI(4,5)P(2) modulates the activity state of proteins regulated by this phosphoinositide. Indeed, we detected an increased amount of the inactive, phosphorylated form of cofilin and lower levels of the active form of PAK3 upon OCRL depletion. Levels of active Rac1 and RhoA were reduced or enhanced, respectively. Overexpression of Rac1 rescued both enhanced levels of phosphorylated cofilin and MPR accumulation in enlarged endosomes. Our data suggest that PI(4,5)P(2) dephosphorylation through OCRL regulates a Rac1-cofilin signalling cascade implicated in MPR trafficking from endosomes to the TGN.

The clathrin adaptor AP-1A mediates basolateral polarity

Clathrin and the epithelial-specific clathrin adaptor AP-1B mediate basolateral trafficking in epithelia. However, several epithelia lack AP-1B, and mice knocked out for AP-1B are viable, suggesting the existence of additional mechanisms that control basolateral polarity. Here, we demonstrate a distinct role of the ubiquitous clathrin adaptor AP-1A in basolateral protein sorting. Knockdown of AP-1A causes missorting of basolateral proteins in MDCK cells, but only after knockdown of AP-1B, suggesting that AP-1B can compensate for lack of AP-1A. AP-1A localizes predominantly to the TGN, and its knockdown promotes spillover of basolateral proteins into common recycling endosomes, the site of function of AP-1B, suggesting complementary roles of both adaptors in basolateral sorting. Yeast two-hybrid assays detect interactions between the basolateral signal of transferrin receptor and the medium subunits of both AP-1A and AP-1B. The basolateral sorting function of AP-1A reported here establishes AP-1 as a major regulator of epithelial polarity.

AP-1/sigma1B-adaptin mediates endosomal synaptic vesicle recycling, learning and memory

Synaptic vesicle recycling involves AP-2/clathrin-mediated endocytosis, but it is not known whether the endosomal pathway is also required. Mice deficient in the tissue-specific AP-1-sigma1B complex have impaired synaptic vesicle recycling in hippocampal synapses. The ubiquitously expressed AP-1-sigma1A complex mediates protein sorting between the trans-Golgi network and early endosomes. Vertebrates express three sigma1 subunit isoforms: A, B and C. The expressions of sigma1A and sigma1B are highest in the brain. Synaptic vesicle reformation in cultured neurons from sigma1B-deficient mice is reduced upon stimulation, and large endosomal intermediates accumulate. The sigma1B-deficient mice have reduced motor coordination and severely impaired long-term spatial memory. These data reveal a molecular mechanism for a severe human X-chromosome-linked mental retardation.

A dual role of the N-terminal FQQI motif in GLUT4 trafficking

In adipocytes, the glucose transporter GLUT4 recycles between intracellular storage vesicles and the plasma membrane. GLUT4 is internalized by a clathrin- and dynamin-dependent mechanism, and sorted into an insulin-sensitive storage compartment. Insulin stimulation leads to GLUT4 accumulation on the cell surface. The N-terminal F5QQI motif in GLUT4 has been shown previously to be required for sorting of the protein in the basal state. Here, we show that the FQQI motif is a binding site for the medium chain adaptin μ1, a subunit of the AP-1 adaptor complex that plays a role in post-Golgi/endosomal trafficking events. In order to investigate the role of AP-1 and AP-2 in GLUT4 trafficking, we generated 3T3-L1 adipocytes expressing HA-GLUT4-GFP and knocked down the AP-1 and AP-2 complex by RNAi, respectively. In AP-1 and AP-2 knockdown adipocytes, GLUT4 accumulates at the cell surface in the basal state, consistent with a role of AP-1 in post-endosomal sorting of GLUT4 to the insulin-sensitive storage compartment, and of AP-2 in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our data demonstrate a dual role of the F5QQI motif and support the conclusion that the AP complexes direct GLUT4 trafficking and endocytosis.

EHD3 regulates early-endosome-to-Golgi transport and preserves Golgi morphology

Depletion of EHD3 affects sorting in endosomes by altering the kinetics and route of receptor recycling to the plasma membrane. Here we demonstrate that siRNA knockdown of EHD3, or its interaction partner rabenosyn-5, causes redistribution of sorting nexin 1 (SNX1) to enlarged early endosomes and disrupts transport of internalized Shiga toxin B subunit (STxB) to the Golgi. Moreover, under these conditions, Golgi morphology appears as a series of highly dispersed and fragmented stacks that maintain characteristics of cis-, medial- and trans-Golgi membranes. Although Arf1 still assembled onto these dispersed Golgi membranes, the level of AP-1 gamma-adaptin recruited to the Golgi was diminished. Whereas VSV-G-secretion from the dispersed Golgi remained largely unaffected, the distribution of mannose 6-phosphate receptor (M6PR) was altered: it remained in peripheral endosomes and did not return to the Golgi. Cathepsin D, a hydrolase that is normally transported to lysosomes via an M6PR-dependent pathway, remained trapped at the Golgi. Our findings support a role for EHD3 in regulating endosome-to-Golgi transport, and as a consequence, lysosomal biosynthetic, but not secretory, transport pathways are also affected. These data also suggest that impaired endosome-to-Golgi transport and the resulting lack of recruitment of AP-1 gamma-adaptin to Golgi membranes affect Golgi morphology.

Mannose 6-phosphate receptor-dependent endocytosis of lysosomal enzymes is increased in sulfatide-storing kidney cells

Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a lysosomal disorder caused by the deficiency of arylsulfatase A (ASA). This leads to the storage of the sphingolipid 3-O-sulfogalactosylceramide (sulfatide) in various cell types, such as renal tubular cells. Examination of mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR300)-dependent endocytosis revealed that uptake of lysosomal enzymes is more than two-fold increased in sulfatide-storing kidney cells. Expression of MPR300 and its internalization rate is increased in these cells, whereas the recycling rate is decreased. Similar alterations can be found for the transferrin receptor, indicating that sulfatide storage leads to a general alteration of the endocytotic pathway. These data allow calculating that the endosomal pool from which receptors can recycle is 1.4- to 2-fold increased in lipid-storing cells. Immunocytochemistry demonstrates that the MPR300 in lipid-storing cells does not co-localize with accumulated sulfatide, suggesting that the kinetics of internalization and recycling appear to be altered indirectly.

Redundant roles of BIG2 and BIG1, guanine-nucleotide exchange factors for ADP-ribosylation factors in membrane traffic between the trans-Golgi network and endosomes

BIG2 and BIG1 are closely related guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) and are involved in the regulation of membrane traffic through activating ARFs and recruiting coat protein complexes, such as the COPI complex and the AP-1 clathrin adaptor complex. Although both ARF-GEFs are associated mainly with the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and BIG2 is also associated with recycling endosomes, it is unclear whether BIG2 and BIG1 share some roles in membrane traffic. We here show that knockdown of both BIG2 and BIG1 by RNAi causes mislocalization of a subset of proteins associated with the TGN and recycling endosomes and blocks retrograde transport of furin from late endosomes to the TGN. Similar mislocalization and protein transport block, including furin, were observed in cells depleted of AP-1. Taken together with previous reports, these observations indicate that BIG2 and BIG1 play redundant roles in trafficking between the TGN and endosomes that involves the AP-1 complex.

MARCH-XI, a novel transmembrane ubiquitin ligase implicated in ubiquitin-dependent protein sorting in developing spermatids

A mechanism by which ubiquitinated cargo proteins are sorted into multivesicular bodies (MVBs) from plasma and trans-Golgi network (TGN) membranes is well established in yeast and mammalian somatic cells. However, the ubiquitin-dependent sorting pathway has not been clearly defined in germ cells. In this study we identified a novel member of the transmembrane RING-finger family of proteins, termed membrane-associated RING-CH (MARCH)-XI, that is expressed predominantly in developing spermatids and weakly in brain and pituitary. MARCH-XI possesses an E3 ubiquitin ligase activity that targets CD4 for ubiquitination. Immunoelectron microscopy of rat round spermatids showed that MARCH-XI is localized to TGN-derived vesicles and MVBs. Fluorescence staining of rat round spermatids and immunoprecipitation of rat testis demonstrated that MARCH-XI forms complexes with the adaptor protein complex-1 and with fucose-containing glycoproteins including ubiquitinated forms. Furthermore, the C-terminal region of MARCH-XI mediates its interaction with mu1-adaptin and Veli through a tyrosine-based motif and a PDZ binding motif, respectively. Our data suggest that MARCH-XI acts as a ubiquitin ligase with a role in ubiquitin-mediated protein sorting in the TGN-MVB transport pathway, which may be involved in mammalian spermiogenesis.

Conformational changes of coat proteins during vesicle formation

In coated vesicle formation, coat protein recruitment needs to be spatially and temporally controlled. The coating process involves conformational changes of the coat protein complexes that activate them for interaction with cargo or machinery components and coat polymerization. Here we discuss mechanisms that have emerged recently from studies of the clathrin adaptor and the COPI systems.

The conserved dileucine- and tyrosine-based motifs in MLV and MPMV envelope glycoproteins are both important to regulate a common Env intracellular trafficking

BACKGROUND

Retrovirus particles emerge from the assembly of two structural protein components, Gag that is translated as a soluble protein in the cytoplasm of the host cells, and Env, a type I transmembrane protein. Because both components are translated in different intracellular compartments, elucidating the mechanisms of retrovirus assembly thus requires the study of their intracellular trafficking.

RESULTS

We used a CD25 (Tac) chimera-based approach to study the trafficking of Moloney murine leukemia virus and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus Env proteins. We found that the cytoplasmic tails (CTs) of both Env conserved two major signals that control a complex intracellular trafficking. A dileucine-based motif controls the sorting of the chimeras from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) toward endosomal compartments. Env proteins then follow a retrograde transport to the TGN due to the action of a tyrosine-based motif. Mutation of either motif induces the mis-localization of the chimeric proteins and both motifs are found to mediate interactions of the viral CTs with clathrin adaptors.

CONCLUSION

This data reveals the unexpected complexity of the intracellular trafficking of retrovirus Env proteins that cycle between the TGN and endosomes. Given that Gag proteins hijack endosomal host proteins, our work suggests that the endosomal pathway may be used by retroviruses to ensure proper encountering of viral structural Gag and Env proteins in cells, an essential step of virus assembly.

Clathrin-dependent association of CVAK104 with endosomes and the trans-Golgi network

CVAK104 is a novel coated vesicle-associated protein with a serine/threonine kinase homology domain that was recently shown to phosphorylate the beta2-subunit of the adaptor protein (AP) complex AP2 in vitro. Here, we demonstrate that a C-terminal segment of CVAK104 interacts with the N-terminal domain of clathrin and with the alpha-appendage of AP2. CVAK104 localizes predominantly to the perinuclear region of HeLa and COS-7 cells, but it is also present on peripheral vesicular structures that are accessible to endocytosed transferrin. The distribution of CVAK104 overlaps extensively with that of AP1, AP3, the mannose 6-phosphate receptor, and clathrin but not at all with its putative phosphorylation target AP2. RNA interference-mediated clathrin knockdown reduced the membrane association of CVAK104. Recruitment of CVAK104 to perinuclear membranes of permeabilized cells is enhanced by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate, and brefeldin A redistributes CVAK104 in cells. Both observations suggest a direct or indirect requirement for GTP-binding proteins in the membrane association of CVAK104. Live-cell imaging showed colocalization of green fluorescent protein-CVAK104 with endocytosed transferrin and with red fluorescent protein-clathrin on rapidly moving endosomes. Like AP1-depleted COS-7 cells, CVAK104-depleted cells missort the lysosomal hydrolase cathepsin D. Together, our data suggest a function for CVAK104 in clathrin-dependent pathways between the trans-Golgi network and the endosomal system.

Dysfunction of endocytic and autophagic pathways in a lysosomal storage disease

OBJECTIVE

To understand the mechanisms of skeletal muscle destruction and resistance to enzyme replacement therapy in Pompe disease, a deficiency of lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), in which glycogen accumulates in lysosomes primarily in cardiac and skeletal muscles.

METHODS

We have analyzed compartments of the lysosomal degradative pathway in GAA-deficient myoblasts and single type I and type II muscle fibers isolated from wild-type, untreated, and enzyme replacement therapy-treated GAA knock-out mice.

RESULTS

Studies in myoblasts from GAA knock-out mice showed a dramatic expansion of vesicles of the endocytic/autophagic pathways, decreased vesicular movement in overcrowded cells, and an acidification defect in a subset of late endosomes/lysosomes. Analysis by confocal microscopy of isolated muscle fibers demonstrated that the consequences of the lysosomal glycogen accumulation are strikingly different in type I and II muscle fibers. Only type II fibers, which are the most resistant to therapy, contain large regions of autophagic buildup that span the entire length of the fibers.

INTERPRETATION

The vastly increased autophagic buildup may be responsible for skeletal muscle damage and prevent efficient trafficking of replacement enzyme to lysosomes.

Clathrin adaptor AP-2 is essential for early embryonal development

The heterotetrameric adaptor protein (AP) complexes AP-1, AP-2, AP-3, and AP-4 play key roles in transport vesicle formation and cargo sorting in post-Golgi trafficking pathways. Studies on cultured mammalian cells have shown that AP-2 mediates rapid endocytosis of a subset of plasma membrane receptors. To determine whether this function is essential in the context of a whole mammalian organism, we carried out targeted disruption of the gene encoding the mu2 subunit of AP-2 in the mouse. We found that mu2 heterozygous mutant mice were viable and had an apparently normal phenotype. In contrast, no mu2 homozygous mutant embryos were identified among blastocysts from intercrossed heterozygotes, indicating that mu2-deficient embryos die before day 3.5 postcoitus (E3.5). These results indicate that AP-2 is indispensable for early embryonic development, which might be due to its requirement for cell viability.

AP2 clathrin adaptor complex, but not AP1, controls the access of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II to endosomes

Newly synthesized MHC II alpha- and beta-chains associated with the invariant chain chaperone (Ii) enter the endocytic pathway for Ii degradation and loading with peptides before transport to the cell surface. It is unclear how alphabetaIi complexes are sorted from the Golgi apparatus and directed to endosomes. However, indirect evidence tends to support direct transport involving the AP1 clathrin adaptor complex. Surprisingly, we show here that knocking down the production of AP1 by RNA interference did not affect the trafficking of alphabetaIi complexes. In contrast, AP2 depletion led to a large increase in surface levels of alphabetaIi complexes, inhibited their rapid internalization, and strongly delayed the appearance of mature MHC II in intracellular compartments. Thus, in the cell systems studied here, rapid internalization of alphabetaIi complexes via an AP2-dependent pathway represents a key step for MHC II delivery to endosomes and lysosomes.

Role of the mammalian retromer in sorting of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor

The cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) mediates sorting of lysosomal hydrolase precursors from the TGN to endosomes. After releasing the hydrolase precursors into the endosomal lumen, the unoccupied receptor returns to the TGN for further rounds of sorting. Here, we show that the mammalian retromer complex participates in this retrieval pathway. The hVps35 subunit of retromer interacts with the cytosolic domain of the CI-MPR. This interaction probably occurs in an endosomal compartment, where most of the retromer is localized. In particular, retromer is associated with tubular–vesicular profiles that emanate from early endosomes or from intermediates in the maturation from early to late endosomes. Depletion of retromer by RNA interference increases the lysosomal turnover of the CI-MPR, decreases cellular levels of lysosomal hydrolases, and causes swelling of lysosomes. These observations indicate that retromer prevents the delivery of the CI-MPR to lysosomes, probably by sequestration into endosome-derived tubules from where the receptor returns to the TGN.

Adaptable adaptors for coated vesicles

Adaptors select cargo for inclusion into coated vesicles in the late secretory and endocytic pathways. Although originally there were thought to be just two adaptors, AP-1 and AP-2, it is now clear that there are many more: two additional adaptor complexes, AP-3 and AP-4, which might function independently of clathrin; a family of monomeric adaptors, the GGAs; and an ever-growing number of cargo-specific adaptors. The adaptors are targeted to the appropriate membrane at least in part by interacting with phosphoinositides, and, once on the membrane, they form interconnected networks to get different types of cargo into the same vesicle. Adaptors participate in trafficking pathways shared by all cells, and they are also used to generate specialized organelles and to influence cell fate during development.

Defective endoplasmic reticulum-resident membrane protein CLN6 affects lysosomal degradation of endocytosed arylsulfatase A

Variant late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive mental deterioration and blindness, is caused by mutations in a polytopic membrane protein (CLN6) with unknown intracellular localization and function. In this study, transient transfection of BHK21 cells with CLN6 cDNA and immunoblot analysis using peptide-specific CLN6 antibodies demonstrated the expression of a approximately 27-kDa protein that does not undergo proteolytic processing. Cross-linking experiments revealed the presence of CLN6 dimers. Using double immunofluorescence microscopy, epitope-tagged CLN6 was shown to be retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with no colocalization with the cis-Golgi or lysosomal markers. The translocation into the ER and proper folding were confirmed by the N-linked glycosylation of a mutant CLN6 polypeptide. Pulse-chase labeling of fibroblasts from CLN6 patients and from sheep (OCL6) and mouse (nclf) models of the disease followed by immunoprecipitation of cathepsin D indicated that neither the synthesis, sorting nor the proteolytic processing of this lysosomal enzyme was affected in CLN6-defective cells. However, the degradation of the endocytosed index protein arylsulfatase A was strongly reduced in all of the mutant CLN6 cell lines compared with controls. These data suggest that defects in the ER-resident CLN6 protein lead to lysosomal dysfunctions, which may result in lysosomal accumulation of storage material.

Mammalian GGAs act together to sort mannose 6-phosphate receptors

The GGAs (Golgi-localized, γ ear–containing, ADP ribosylation factor–binding proteins) are multidomain proteins implicated in protein trafficking between the Golgi and endosomes. We examined whether the three mammalian GGAs act independently or together to mediate their functions. Using cryo-immunogold electron microscopy, the three GGAs were shown to colocalize within coated buds and vesicles at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) of HeLa cells. In vitro binding experiments revealed multidomain interactions between the GGAs, and chemical cross-linking experiments demonstrated that GGAs 1 and 2 form a complex on Golgi membranes. RNA interference of each GGA resulted in decreased levels of the other GGAs and their redistribution from the TGN to cytosol. This was associated with impaired incorporation of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor into clathrin-coated vesicles at the TGN, partial redistribution of the receptor to endosomes, and missorting of cathepsin D. The morphology of the TGN was also altered. These findings indicate that the three mammalian GGAs cooperate to sort cargo and are required for maintenance of TGN structure.

Phosphatidylinositol 4 phosphate regulates targeting of clathrin adaptor AP-1 complexes to the Golgi

Phosphatidylinositol 4 phosphate [PI(4)P] is essential for secretion in yeast, but its role in mammalian cells is unclear. Current paradigms propose that PI(4)P acts primarily as a precursor to phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2), an important plasma membrane regulator. We found that PI(4)P is enriched in the mammalian Golgi, and used RNA interference (RNAi) of PI4KIIalpha, a Golgi resident phosphatidylinositol 4 kinase, to determine whether PI(4)P directly regulates the Golgi. PI4KIIalpha RNAi decreases Golgi PI(4)P, blocks the recruitment of clathrin adaptor AP-1 complexes to the Golgi, and inhibits AP-1-dependent functions. This AP-1 binding defect is rescued by adding back PI(4)P. In addition, purified AP-1 binds PI(4)P, and anti-PI(4)P inhibits the in vitro recruitment of cytosolic AP-1 to normal cellular membranes. We propose that PI4KIIalpha establishes the Golgi's unique lipid-defined organelle identity by generating PI(4)P-rich domains that specify the docking of the AP-1 coat machinery.

Binding partners for the COOH-terminal appendage domains of the GGAs and gamma-adaptin

The adaptor appendage domains are believed to act as binding platforms for coated vesicle accessory proteins. Using glutathione S-transferase pulldowns from pig brain cytosol, we find three proteins that can bind to the appendage domains of both the AP-1 gamma subunit and the GGAs: gamma-synergin and two novel proteins, p56 and p200. p56 elicited better antibodies than p200 and was generally more tractable. Although p56 and gamma-synergin bind to both GGA and gamma appendages in vitro, immunofluorescence labeling of nocodazole-treated cells shows that p56 colocalizes with GGAs on TGN46-positive membranes, whereas gamma-synergin colocalizes with AP-1 primarily on a different membrane compartment. Furthermore, in AP-1-deficient cells, p56 remains membrane-associated whereas gamma-synergin becomes cytosolic. Thus, p56 and gamma-synergin show very strong preferences for GGAs and AP-1, respectively, in vivo. However, the GGA and gamma appendages share the same fold as determined by x-ray crystallography, and mutagenesis reveals that the same amino acids contribute to their binding sites. By overexpressing wild-type GGA and gamma appendage domains in cells, we can drive p56 and gamma-synergin, respectively, into the cytosol, suggesting a possible mechanism for selectively disrupting the two pathways.

AP-1 binding to sorting signals and release from clathrin-coated vesicles is regulated by phosphorylation

The adaptor protein complex-1 (AP-1) sorts and packages membrane proteins into clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) at the TGN and endosomes. Here we show that this process is highly regulated by phosphorylation of AP-1 subunits. Cell fractionation studies revealed that membrane-associated AP-1 differs from cytosolic AP-1 in the phosphorylation status of its beta1 and mu1 subunits. AP-1 recruitment onto the membrane is associated with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-mediated dephosphorylation of its beta1 subunit, which enables clathrin assembly. This Golgi-associated isoform of PP2A exhibits specificity for phosphorylated beta1 compared with phosphorylated mu1. Once on the membrane, the mu1 subunit undergoes phosphorylation, which results in a conformation change, as revealed by increased sensitivity to trypsin. This conformational change is associated with increased binding to sorting signals on the cytoplasmic tails of cargo molecules. Dephosphorylation of mu1 (and mu2) by another PP2A-like phosphatase reversed the effect and resulted in adaptor release from CCVs. Immunodepletion and okadaic acid inhibition studies demonstrate that PP2A is the cytosolic cofactor for Hsc-70-mediated adaptor uncoating. A model is proposed where cyclical phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the subunits of AP-1 regulate its function from membrane recruitment until its release into cytosol.

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors: new twists in the tale

The two mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) receptors were identified because of their ability to bind M6P-containing soluble acid hydrolases in the Golgi and transport them to the endosomal-lysosomal system. During the past decade, we have started to understand the structural features of these receptors that allow them to do this job, and how the receptors themselves are sorted as they pass through various membrane-bound compartments. But trafficking of acid hydrolases is only part of the story. Evidence is emerging that one of the receptors can regulate cell growth and motility, and that it functions as a tumour suppressor.

AP-1 in Toxoplasma gondii mediates biogenesis of the rhoptry secretory organelle from a post-Golgi compartment

We have previously demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii has a tyrosine-based sorting system, which mediates protein targeting to the lysosome-like rhoptry secretory organelle. We now show that rhoptry protein targeting is also dependent on a dileucine motif and occurs from a post-Golgi endocytic organelle to mature rhoptries in an adaptin-dependent fashion. The T. gondii AP-1 adaptin complex is implicated in this transport because the micro1 chain of T. gondii AP-1 (a) was localized to multivesicular endosomes and the limiting and luminal membranes of the rhoptries; (b) bound to endocytic tyrosine motifs in rhoptry proteins, but not in proteins from dense granule secretory organelles; (c) when mutated in predicted tyrosine-binding motifs, led to accumulation of the rhoptry protein ROP2 in a post-Golgi multivesicular compartment; and (d) when depleted via antisense mRNA, resulted in accumulation of multivesicular endosomes and immature rhoptries. These are the first results to implicate AP-1 in transport from a post-Golgi compartment to a mature secretory organelle and substantially expand the role for AP-1 in anterograde protein transport.

EpsinR: an ENTH domain-containing protein that interacts with AP-1

We have used GST pulldowns from A431 cell cytosol to identify three new binding partners for the gamma-adaptin appendage: Snx9, ARF GAP1, and a novel ENTH domain-containing protein, epsinR. EpsinR is a highly conserved protein that colocalizes with AP-1 and is enriched in purified clathrin-coated vesicles. However, it does not require AP-1 to get onto membranes and remains membrane-associated in AP-1-deficient cells. Moreover, although epsinR binds AP-1 via its COOH-terminal domain, its NH(2)-terminal ENTH domain can be independently recruited onto membranes, both in vivo and in vitro. Brefeldin A causes epsinR to redistribute into the cytosol, and recruitment of the ENTH domain requires GTPgammaS, indicating that membrane association is ARF dependent. In protein-lipid overlay assays, the epsinR ENTH domain binds to PtdIns(4)P, suggesting a possible mechanism for ARF-dependent recruitment onto TGN membranes. When epsinR is depleted from cells by RNAi, cathepsin D is still correctly processed intracellularly to the mature form. This indicates that although epsinR is likely to be an important component of the AP-1 network, it is not necessary for the sorting of lysosomal enzymes.

The Structure and Function of GGAs, the Traffic Controllers at the TGN Sorting Crossroads

GGAs (Golgi-localizing, gamma-adaptin ear homology domain, ARF-binding proteins) are a family of monomeric clathrin adaptor proteins that are conserved from yeasts to humans. Data published during the past four years have provided detailed pictures of the localization, domain organization and structure-function relationships of GGAs. GGAs possess four conserved functional domains, each of which interacts with cargo proteins including mannose 6-phosphate receptors, the small GTPase ARF, clathrin, or accessory proteins including Rabaptin-5 and gamma-synergin. Together with or independent of the adaptor protein complex AP-1, GGAs regulate selective transport of cargo proteins, such as mannose 6-phosphate receptors, from the trans-Golgi network to endosomes mediated by clathrin-coated vesicles.

AP-1A and AP-3A lysosomal sorting functions

Heterotetrameric adaptor-protein complexes AP-1A and AP-3A mediate protein sorting in post-Golgi vesicular transport. AP-1A and AP-3A have been localized to the trans-Golgi network, indicating a function in protein sorting at this compartment. AP-3A appears to mediate trans-Golgi network-to-lysosome and also endosome-to-lysosome protein sorting. AP-1A is thought to be required for both trans-Golgi network-to-endosome transport and endosome-to-trans-Golgi network transport. However, the recent discovery of a role for monomeric GGA (Golgi localized gamma-ear containing, ARF binding protein) adaptor proteins in trans-Golgi network to endosome protein transport has brought into question the long-discussed trans-Golgi network-to-endosome sorting function of AP-1A. Murine cytomegalovirus gp48 contains an unusual di-leucine-based lysosome sorting signal motif and mediates lysosomal sorting of gp48/major histocompatibility complex class I receptor complexes, preventing exposure of major histocompatibility complex class I at the plasma membrane. We analyzed lysosomal sorting of gp48/major histocompatibility complex class I receptor complexes in cell lines deficient for AP-1A, AP-3A and both, to determine their sorting functions. We find that AP1-A and AP3-A mediate distinct and sequential steps in the lysosomal sorting. Both sorting functions are required to prevent MHC class I exposure at the plasma membrane at steady-state.

Dominant-negative mutant of BIG2, an ARF-guanine nucleotide exchange factor, specifically affects membrane trafficking from the trans-Golgi network through inhibiting membrane association of AP-1 and GGA coat proteins

BIG2 is one of the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family of small GTPases, which regulate membrane association of COPI and AP-1 coat protein complexes and GGA proteins. Brefeldin A (BFA), an ARF-GEF inhibitor, causes redistribution of the coat proteins from membranes to the cytoplasm and membrane tubulation of the Golgi complex and the trans-Golgi network (TGN). We have recently shown that BIG2 overexpression blocks BFA-induced redistribution of the AP-1 complex but not TGN membrane tubulation. In the present study, we constructed a dominant-negative BIG2 mutant and found that when expressed in cells it induced redistribution of AP-1 and GGA1 and membrane tubulation of the TGN. By contrast, the mutant did not induce COPI redistribution or Golgi membrane tubulation. These observations indicate that BIG2 is involved in trafficking from the TGN by regulating membrane association of AP-1 and GGA through activating ARF.

The polarized epithelia-specific mu 1B-adaptin complements mu 1A-deficiency in fibroblasts

The heterotetrameric AP-1A adaptor complex of clathrin-coated vesicles is ubiquitously expressed. The mu 1-adaptin subunit of the complex exists as the ubiquitous mu 1A and the polarized epithelia-specific mu 1B, which are 80% identical. In polarized epithelia, mu 1B is incorporated into the AP-1B complex, which is required for basolateral plasma membrane sorting of the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Binding of AP-1B to subdomains of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) appears to be part of the mechanism by which protein sorting is mediated. We expressed mu 1B in mu 1A-deficient fibroblasts to test for mu 1B function in non-polarized cells. AP-1B complexes were formed and bound to the TGN and to endosomes. Moreover, AP-1B restored the AP-1A-dependent sorting of mannose 6-phosphate receptors between endosomes and the TGN. This demonstrates that mu 1A and mu 1B do have overlapping sorting functions and indicates that AP-1A and AP-1B mediate protein sorting along parallel pathways between the TGN and endosomes in polarized epithelia.