On the fate of early endosomes

The Golgi Apparatus and its Next-Door Neighbors

The Golgi apparatus represents a central compartment of membrane traffic. Its apparent architecture, however, differs considerably among species, from unstacked and scattered cisternae in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to beautiful ministacks in plants and further to gigantic ribbon structures typically seen in mammals. Considering the well-conserved functions of the Golgi, its fundamental structure must have been optimized despite seemingly different architectures. In addition to the core layers of cisternae, the Golgi is usually accompanied by next-door compartments on its cis and trans sides. The trans-Golgi network (TGN) can be now considered as a compartment independent from the Golgi stack. On the cis side, the intermediate compartment between the ER and the Golgi (ERGIC) has been known in mammalian cells, and its functional equivalent is now suggested for yeast and plant cells. High-resolution live imaging is extremely powerful for elucidating the dynamics of these compartments and has revealed amazing similarities in their behaviors, indicating common mechanisms conserved along the long course of evolution. From these new findings, I would like to propose reconsideration of compartments and suggest a new concept to describe their roles comprehensively around the Golgi and in the post-Golgi trafficking.

Critical role for Piccolo in synaptic vesicle retrieval

Loss of function of the active zone protein Piccolo has recently been linked to a disease, Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia type 3, which causes brain atrophy. Here, we address how Piccolo inactivation in rat neurons adversely affects synaptic function and thus may contribute to neuronal loss. Our analysis shows that Piccolo is critical for the recycling and maintenance of synaptic vesicles. We find that boutons lacking Piccolo have deficits in the Rab5/EEA1 dependent formation of early endosomes and thus the recycling of SVs. Mechanistically, impaired Rab5 function was caused by reduced synaptic recruitment of Pra1, known to interact selectively with the zinc finger domains of Piccolo. Importantly, over-expression of GTPase deficient Rab5 or the Znf1 domain of Piccolo restores the size and recycling of SV pools. These data provide a molecular link between the active zone and endosome sorting at synapses providing hints to how Piccolo contributes to developmental and psychiatric disorders.

The Solute Carrier Transporter SLC15A3 Participates in Antiviral Innate Immune Responses against Herpes Simplex Virus-1

The innate immune response is the first line defense against viral infections. Novel genes involved in this system are continuing to emerge. SLC15A3, a proton-coupled histidine and di-tripeptide transporter that was previously found in lysosomes, has been reported to inhibit chikungunya viral replication in host cells. In this study, we found that SLC15A3 was significantly induced by DNA virus herpes simplex virus-1(HSV-1) in monocytes from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Aside from monocytes, it can also be induced by HSV-1 in 293T, HeLa cells, and HaCaT cells. Overexpression of SLC15A3 in 293T cells inhibits HSV-1 replication and enhances type I and type III interferon (IFN) responses, while silencing SLC15A3 leads to enhanced HSV-1 replication with reduced IFN production. Moreover, we found that SLC15A3 interacted with MAVS and STING and potentiated MAVS- and STING-mediated IFN production. These results demonstrate that SLC15A3 participates in anti-HSV-1 innate immune responses by regulating MAVS- and STING-mediated signaling pathways.

Plant exosomes: using an unconventional exit to prevent pathogen entry?

The ability to ward off filamentous pathogens, such as powdery mildew fungi, is one of the best studied examples of membrane trafficking-dependent disease resistance in plants. Here, papilla formation at the site of attack is essential for the pre-invasive immunity, whereas the encasement can hamper disease post-invasively. Exosomes containing antifungal peptides and small RNAs are thought to play a vital role in forming papillae and encasements that block fungal growth. While exosomes are well described in mammals, and have been shown to play important roles in cell-cell communication regulating development and disease, their function is not well-known in plants. In this review, we focus on some of the recent discoveries on plant exosomes and try to link this information with our current understanding of how plants use this form of unconventional secretion to acquire this durable and effective form of resistance.

A novel surfactant protein C mutation resulting in aberrant protein processing and altered subcellular localization causes infantile interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the surfactant protein C gene (SFTPC) result in interstitial lung disease (ILD). Our objective was to report a novel SFTPC mutation and evaluate the effect of this mutant on protein synthesis and processing.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood of a Chinese infant with ILD and candidate genes associated with ILD were sequenced by next-generation sequencing. Subclones of wild-type and mutant SFTPC were transiently transfected into A549 cells. The functional characterization of mutant surfactant protein C (SP-C) was evaluated by Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

A novel heterozygous mutation SFTPC: c.337T>T/C, p.Y113H was identified in this ILD infant. Neither of the parents carries this mutation. Using A549 cells expressing wild-type and mutant SP-C isoforms, Western blotting revealed a significant reduction of proSP-C and a band with abnormal molecular weight in the mutant SP-C compared to the wild-type. Ultrastructural analysis showed abnormal cytoplasmic organelles. Immunofluorescence demonstrated mutant SP-C was scarcely trafficked to lamellar bodies but localized well to early endosomes, which was in marked contrast to the wild type protein.

CONCLUSION

We detected a novel mutation in SFTPC causing ILD in infancy. The mutation results in aberrant proSP-C processing and altered subcellular localization.

Maintaining protein homeostasis: early and late endosomal dual recycling for the maintenance of intracellular pools of the plasma membrane protein Chs3

The traffic of the PM protein Chs3 is tightly regulated by combining mechanisms independently described for Golgi-resident proteins and bona fide PM permeases. This complexity highlights the importance of maintaining both stable intracellular pools of the protein and the status of Chs3 as a model for the intracellular traffic of proteins.

The major chitin synthase activity in yeast cells, Chs3, has become a paradigm in the study of the intracellular traffic of transmembrane proteins due to its tightly regulated trafficking. This includes an efficient mechanism for the maintenance of an extensive reservoir of Chs3 at the trans-Golgi network/EE, which allows for the timely delivery of the protein to the plasma membrane. Here we show that this intracellular reservoir of Chs3 is maintained not only by its efficient AP-1–mediated recycling, but also by recycling through the retromer complex, which interacts with Chs3 at a defined region in its N-terminal cytosolic domain. Moreover, the N-terminal ubiquitination of Chs3 at the plasma membrane by Rsp5/Art4 distinctly labels the protein and regulates its retromer-mediated recycling by enabling Chs3 to be recognized by the ESCRT machinery and degraded in the vacuole. Therefore the combined action of two independent but redundant endocytic recycling mechanisms, together with distinct labels for vacuolar degradation, determines the final fate of the intracellular traffic of the Chs3 protein, allowing yeast cells to regulate morphogenesis, depending on environmental constraints.

ESCRTs and associated proteins in lysosomal fusion with endosomes and autophagosomes

Endolysosomal and autophagosomal degradation pathways are highly connected at various levels, sharing multiple molecular effectors that modulate them individually or simultaneously. These two lysosomal degradative pathways are primarily involved in the disposal of cargo internalized from the cell surface or long-lived proteins or aggregates and aged organelles present in the cytosol. Both of these pathways involve a number of carefully regulated vesicular fusion events that are dependent on ESCRT proteins. The ESCRT proteins especially ESCRT-I and III participate in the regulation of fusion events between autophagosome/amphisome and lysosome. Along with these, a number of functionally diverse ESCRT associated and regulatory proteins such as, endosomal PtdIns (3) P 5-kinase Fab1, ALIX, mahogunin ring finger 1, atrogin 1, syntaxin 17, ATG12-ATG3 complex, and protein kinase CK2α are involved in fusion events in either or both the lysosomal degradative pathways.

Strain-Specific Altered Regulatory Response of Rab7a and Tau in Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Alzheimer's Disease

There is an increasing demand for the understanding of pathophysiology on neurodegeneration diseases at early stages. Changes in endocytic machinery and the cytoskeleton-associated response are the first alterations observed in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and Alzheimer's disease AD brain. In this study, we performed a targeted search for endocytic pathway proteins in the different regions of the brain. We found late endosome marker Rab7a which was significantly upregulated in the frontal cortex region in the rapid progressive CJD form (MM1) and rapid progressive AD (rpAD) forms. However, Rab9 expression was significantly downregulated only in CJD-MM1 brain frontal cortex region. In the cerebellum, Rab7a expression showed significant upregulation in both subtype MM1 and VV2 CJD forms, in contrast to Rab9 which showed significant downregulation in both subtype MM1 and VV2 CJD forms at terminal stage of the disease. To check regulatory response at pre-symptomatic stage of the disease, we checked the regulatory interactive response of Rab7a, Rab9, and known biomarkers PrP^C and tau forms in frontal cortex at pre-symptomatic stage of the disease in tg340 mice expressing about fourfold of human PrP-M129 with PrP-null background that had been inoculated with human sCJD MM1 brain tissue homogenates (sCJD MM1 mice). In addition, we analyzed 5XFAD mice, exhibiting five mutations in the APP and presenilin genes related to familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), to validate specific regulatory response of Rab7a, Rab9, tau, and phosphorylated form of tau by immunostaining 5XFAD mice in comparison with the wild-type age-matched mice brain. The cortical region of 5XFAD mice brain showed accumulated form of Rab7a in puncta that co-label for p-Tau, indicating colocalization by using confocal laser-scanning microscopy and was confirmed by using reverse co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, synthetic RNA (siRNA) against the Rab7a gene decreased expression of Rab7a protein, in cortical primary neuronal cultures of PrP^C wild type. This depleted expression of Rab7a led to the increased accumulation of PrP^C in Rab9-positive endosomal compartments and consequently an increased co-localization between PrP^C/Rab9; however, total tau level decreased. Interestingly, siRNA against tau gene in cortical primary neuronal cultures of PrP^C wild-type mice showed enhanced Rab7a and Rab9 expression and increase formation of dendritic spines. The work described highlighted the selective involvement of late endosomal compartment marker Rab7a in CJD, slow and rapid progressive forms of AD pathogenesis.

Formation of Tubulovesicular Carriers from Endosomes and Their Fusion to the trans-Golgi Network

Endosomes undergo extensive spatiotemporal rearrangements as proteins and lipids flux through them in a series of fusion and fission events. These controlled changes enable the concentration of cargo for eventual degradation while ensuring the proper recycling of other components. A growing body of studies has now defined multiple recycling pathways from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) which differ in their molecular machineries. The recycling process requires specific sets of lipids, coats, adaptors, and accessory proteins that coordinate cargo selection with membrane deformation and its association with the cytoskeleton. Specific tethering factors and SNARE (SNAP (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein) Receptor) complexes are then required for the docking and fusion with the acceptor membrane. Herein, we summarize some of the current knowledge of the machineries that govern the retrograde transport from endosomes to the TGN.

Identification of P-glycoprotein co-fractionating proteins and specific binding partners in rat brain microvessels

Drug delivery to the brain for the treatment of pathologies with a CNS component is a significant clinical challenge. P-glycoprotein (PgP), a drug efflux pump in the endothelial cell membrane, is a major factor in preventing therapeutics from crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Identifying PgP regulatory mechanisms is key to developing agents to modulate PgP activity. Previously, we found that PgP trafficking was altered concomitant with increased PgP activity and disassembly of high molecular weight PgP-containing complexes during acute peripheral inflammatory pain. These data suggest that PgP activity is post-translationally regulated at the BBB. The goal of the current study was to identify proteins that co-localize with PgP in rat brain microvessel endothelial cell membrane microdomains and use the data to suggest potential regulatory mechanisms. Using new density gradients of microvessel homogenates, we identified two unique pools (1,2) of PgP in membrane fractions. Caveolar constituents, caveolin1, cavin1, and cavin2, co-localized with PgP in these fractions indicating the two pools contained caveolae. A chaperone (Hsc71), protein disulfide isomerase and endosomal/lysosomal sorting proteins (Rab5, Rab11a) also co-fractionated with PgP in the gradients. These data suggest signaling pathways with a potential role in post-translational regulation of PgP activity at the BBB.

Vacuolin-1 potently and reversibly inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion by activating RAB5A

Autophagy is a catabolic lysosomal degradation process essential for cellular homeostasis and cell survival. Dysfunctional autophagy has been associated with a wide range of human diseases, e.g., cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. A large number of small molecules that modulate autophagy have been widely used to dissect this process and some of them, e.g., chloroquine (CQ), might be ultimately applied to treat a variety of autophagy-associated human diseases. Here we found that vacuolin-1 potently and reversibly inhibited the fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes in mammalian cells, thereby inducing the accumulation of autophagosomes. Interestingly, vacuolin-1 was less toxic but at least 10-fold more potent in inhibiting autophagy compared with CQ. Vacuolin-1 treatment also blocked the fusion between endosomes and lysosomes, resulting in a defect in general endosomal-lysosomal degradation. Treatment of cells with vacuolin-1 alkalinized lysosomal pH and decreased lysosomal Ca²⁺ content. Besides marginally inhibiting vacuolar ATPase activity, vacuolin-1 treatment markedly activated RAB5A GTPase activity. Expression of a dominant negative mutant of RAB5A or RAB5A knockdown significantly inhibited vacuolin-1-induced autophagosome-lysosome fusion blockage, whereas expression of a constitutive active form of RAB5A suppressed autophagosome-lysosome fusion. These data suggest that vacuolin-1 activates RAB5A to block autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Vacuolin-1 and its analogs present a novel class of drug that can potently and reversibly modulate autophagy.

Interaction between small GTPase Rab7 and PI3KC3 links autophagy and endocytosis: A new Rab7 effector protein sheds light on membrane trafficking pathways

Endocytosis and autophagy are both membrane trafficking pathways vital for cell survival. Endocytosis, the primary means by which cells internalize material such as cell-surface receptors and their protein ligands, is essential for proper cell growth and communication. Autophagy is a catabolic process that degrades cargo ranging from organelles to protein aggregates to bacteria, and it is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Defects in both endosome and autophagosome maturation lead to an array of human diseases, including cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying endosome and autophagosome maturation are not well characterized. In the case of endocytosis, small GTPases, key players in membrane organization, are required for endosome maturation. Specifically, activation of the small GTPase Rab7 is required for the initiation of the early-to-late endosome transition, although how this is regulated is largely unknown. Now recent findings from our laboratory show that Rubicon, a component of the PI3KC3 complex, inhibits endosome maturation by preventing activation of Rab7. Not only do our results clarify the molecular link between PI3KC3 and Rab7 function in endosome maturation, they lead us to propose new models for PI3KC3 involvement in membrane trafficking, particularly at the convergence between the endosome and autophagosome pathways.

Tumor imaging and targeting potential of an Hsp70-derived 14-mer peptide

BACKGROUND

We have previously used a unique mouse monoclonal antibody cmHsp70.1 to demonstrate the selective presence of a membrane-bound form of Hsp70 (memHsp70) on a variety of leukemia cells and on single cell suspensions derived from solid tumors of different entities, but not on non-transformed cells or cells from corresponding 'healthy' tissue. This antibody can be used to image tumors in vivo and target them for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Tumor-specific expression of memHsp70 therefore has the potential to be exploited for theranostic purposes. Given the advantages of peptides as imaging and targeting agents, this study assessed whether a 14-mer tumor penetrating peptide (TPP; TKDNNLLGRFELSG), the sequence of which is derived from the oligomerization domain of Hsp70 which is expressed on the cell surface of tumor cells, can also be used for targeting membrane Hsp70 positive (memHsp70+) tumor cells, in vitro.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The specificity of carboxy-fluorescein (CF-) labeled TPP (TPP) to Hsp70 was proven in an Hsp70 knockout mammary tumor cell system. TPP specifically binds to different memHsp70+ mouse and human tumor cell lines and is rapidly taken up via endosomes. Two to four-fold higher levels of CF-labeled TPP were detected in MCF7 (82% memHsp70+) and MDA-MB-231 (75% memHsp70+) cells compared to T47D cells (29% memHsp70+) that exhibit a lower Hsp70 membrane positivity. After 90 min incubation, TPP co-localized with mitochondrial membranes in memHsp70+ tumors. Although there was no evidence that any given vesicle population was specifically localized, fluorophore-labeled cmHsp70.1 antibody and TPP preferentially accumulated in the proximity of the adherent surface of cultured cells. These findings suggest a potential association between membrane Hsp70 expression and cytoskeletal elements that are involved in adherence, the establishment of intercellular synapses and/or membrane reorganization.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrates the specific binding and rapid internalization of TPP by tumor cells with a memHsp70+ phenotype. TPP might therefore have potential for targeting and imaging the large proportion of tumors (∼50%) that express memHsp70.

Endocytosis, signaling, and beyond

The endocytic network comprises a vast and intricate system of membrane-delimited cell entry and cargo sorting routes running between biochemically and functionally distinct intracellular compartments. The endocytic network caters to the organization and redistribution of diverse subcellular components, and mediates appropriate shuttling and processing of materials acquired from neighboring cells or the extracellular milieu. Such trafficking logistics, despite their importance, represent only one facet of endocytic function. The endocytic network also plays a key role in organizing, mediating, and regulating cellular signal transduction events. Conversely, cellular signaling processes tightly control the endocytic pathway at different steps. The present article provides a perspective on the intimate relationships that exist between particular endocytic and cellular signaling processes in mammalian cells, within the context of understanding the impact of this nexus on integrated physiology.

Rab12 localizes to Shiga toxin-induced plasma membrane invaginations and controls toxin transport

Several exogenous and endogenous cargo proteins are internalized independently of clathrin, including the bacterial Shiga toxin. The mechanisms underlying early steps of clathrin-independent uptake remain largely unknown. In this study, we have designed a protocol to obtain gradient fractions containing Shiga toxin internalization intermediates. Using stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and quantitative mass spectrometry, Rab12 was found in association with these very early uptake carriers. The localization of the GTPase on Shiga toxin-induced plasma membrane invaginations was shown by fluorescence microscopy in cells transfected with GFP-Rab12. Furthermore, using a quantitative biochemical assay, it was found that the amount of receptor-binding B-subunit of Shiga toxin reaching the trans-Golgi/TGN membranes was decreased in Rab12-depleted cells, and that cells were partially protected against intoxication by Shiga-like toxin 1 under these conditions. These findings demonstrate the functional importance of Rab12 for retrograde toxin trafficking. Among several other intracellular transport pathways, only the steady-state localizations of TGN46 and cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor were affected. These data thus strongly suggest that Rab12 functions in the retrograde transport route.

Rabies virus envelope glycoprotein targets lentiviral vectors to the axonal retrograde pathway in motor neurons

Rabies pseudotyped lentiviral vectors have great potential in gene therapy, not least because of their ability to transduce neurons following their distal axonal application. However, very little is known about the molecular processes that underlie their retrograde transport and cell transduction. Using multiple labeling techniques and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that pseudotyping with rabies virus envelope glycoprotein (RV-G) enabled the axonal retrograde transport of two distinct subtypes of lentiviral vector in motor neuron cultures. Analysis of this process revealed that these vectors trafficked through Rab5-positive endosomes and accumulated within a non-acidic Rab7 compartment. RV-G pseudotyped vectors were co-transported with both the tetanus neurotoxin-binding fragment and the membrane proteins thought to mediate rabies virus endocytosis (neural cell adhesion molecule, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and p75 neurotrophin receptor), thus demonstrating that pseudotyping with RV-G targets lentiviral vectors for transport along the same pathway exploited by several toxins and viruses. Using motor neurons cultured in compartmentalized chambers, we demonstrated that axonal retrograde transport of these vectors was rapid and efficient; however, it was not able to transduce the targeted neurons efficiently, suggesting that impairment in processes occurring after arrival of the viral vector in the soma is responsible for the low transduction efficiency seen in vivo, which suggests a novel area for improvement of gene therapy vectors.

Traffic into silence: endomembranes and post-transcriptional RNA silencing

microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are small RNAs that repress gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in plants and animals. Small RNAs guide Argonaute-containing RNA-induced silencing complexes to target RNAs in a sequence-specific manner, resulting in mRNA deadenylation followed by exonucleolytic decay, mRNA endonucleolytic cleavage, or translational inhibition. Although our knowledge of small RNA biogenesis, turnover, and mechanisms of action has dramatically expanded in the past decade, the subcellular location of small RNA-mediated RNA silencing still needs to be defined. In contrast to the prevalent presumption that RNA silencing occurs in the cytosol, emerging evidence reveals connections between the endomembrane system and small RNA activities in plants and animals. Here, we summarize the work that uncovered this link between small RNAs and endomembrane compartments and present an overview of the involvement of the endomembrane system in various aspects of RNA silencing. We propose that the endomembrane system is an integral component of RNA silencing that has been long overlooked and predict that a marriage between cell biology and RNA biology holds the key to a full understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation by small RNAs.

Rab7 is functionally required for selective cargo sorting at the early endosome

The small GTPases of the Rab family act as a molecular switch regulating various aspects of membrane trafficking through the selective recruitment of effector proteins. Whereas Rab7 has been classically involved in the regulation of transport within the endolysosomal network, persistent controversy remains as to whether Rab7 also plays a role in earlier steps of endosomal trafficking. In this study, we show that Rab7 depletion or inactivation results in enlargement of both early and late endosomes. Rab7 depletion led to the retention of a significant fraction of internalized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) mainly in enlarged early endosomes (EE). As a result, LDL processing and the transcriptional regulation of sterol-sensitive genes were impaired. We found that Rab7 activity was also required for the sorting of the mannose-6-phosphate receptor, the interferon alpha-receptor and the Shiga toxin B-subunit. In contrast, epidermal growth factor (EGF) sorting at the EE or the recycling of transferrin and LDL-R were not affected by Rab7 depletion. Our findings demonstrate that in addition to regulating late endosomes (LE) to lysosomes transport, Rab7 plays a functional role in the selective sorting of distinct cargos at the EE and that the Rab5 to Rab7 exchange occurs early in the endosomal maturation process.

Vps1 in the late endosome-to-vacuole traffic

Vacuolar protein sorting 1 (Vps1), the yeast homolog to human dynamin, is a GTP hydrolyzing protein, which plays an important role in protein sorting and targeting between the Golgi and late endosomal compartments. In this study, we assessed the functional significance of Vps1 in the membrane traffic towards the vacuole. We show here that vps1 delta cells accumulated FM4-64 to a greater extent than wild-type (WT))cells, suggesting slower endocytic degradation traffic toward the vacuole. In addition, we observed that two endosome-to-vacuole traffic markers, DsRed-FYVE and Ste2-GFP, were highly accumulated in Vps1-deficient cells, further supporting Vps1's implication in efficient trafficking of endocytosed materials to the vacuole. Noteworthy, a simultaneous imaging analysis in conjunction with FM4-64 pulse-chase experiment further revealed that Vps1 plays a role in late endosome to the vacuole transport. Consistently, our subcellular localization analysis showed that Vps1 is present at the late endosome. The hyperaccumulation of endosomal intermediates in the vps1 mutant cells appears to be caused by the disruption of integrity of HOPS tethering complexes, manifested by mislocalization of Vps39 to the cytoplasm. Finally, we postulate that Vps1 functions together with the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) complex at the late endosomal compartments, based on the observation that the double mutants, in which VPS1 along with singular ESCRT I, II and III genes have been disrupted, exhibited synthetic lethality. Together, we propose that Vps1 is required for correct and efficient trafficking from the late endosomal compartments to the vacuole.

The cell biology of prion-like spread of protein aggregates: mechanisms and implication in neurodegeneration

The misfolding and aggregation of specific proteins is a common hallmark of many neurodegenerative disorders, including highly prevalent illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as rarer disorders such as Huntington's and prion diseases. Among these, only prion diseases are ‘infectious’. By seeding misfolding of the PrPC (normal conformer prion protein) into PrPSc (abnormal disease-specific conformation of prion protein), prions spread from the periphery of the body to the central nervous system and can also be transmitted between individuals of the same or different species. However, recent exciting data suggest that the transmissibility of misfolded proteins within the brain is a property that goes way beyond the rare prion diseases. Evidence indicates that non-prion aggregates [tau, α-syn (α-synuclein), Aβ (amyloid-β) and Htt (huntingtin) aggregates] can also move between cells and seed the misfolding of their normal conformers. These findings have enormous implications. On the one hand they question the therapeutical use of transplants, and on the other they indicate that it may be possible to bring these diseases to an early arrest by preventing cell-to-cell transmission. To better understand the prion-like spread of these protein aggregates it is essential to identify the underlying cellular and molecular factors. In the present review we analyse and discuss the evidence supporting prion-like spreading of amyloidogenic proteins, especially focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms and their significance.

Differential phosphorylation of the phosphoinositide 3-phosphatase MTMR2 regulates its association with early endosomal subtypes

Myotubularin-related 2 (MTMR2) is a 3-phosphoinositide lipid phosphatase with specificity towards the D-3 position of phosphoinositol 3-phosphate [PI(3)P] and phosphoinositol 3,5-bisphosphate lipids enriched on endosomal structures. Recently, we have shown that phosphorylation of MTMR2 on Ser58 is responsible for its cytoplasmic sequestration and that a phosphorylation-deficient variant (S58A) targets MTMR2 to Rab5-positive endosomes resulting in PI(3)P depletion and an increase in endosomal signaling, including a significant increase in ERK1/2 activation. Using in vitro kinase assays, cellular MAPK inhibitors, siRNA knockdown and a phosphospecific-Ser58 antibody, we now provide evidence that ERK1/2 is the kinase responsible for phosphorylating MTMR2 at position Ser58, which suggests that the endosomal targeting of MTMR2 is regulated through an ERK1/2 negative feedback mechanism. Surprisingly, treatment with multiple MAPK inhibitors resulted in a MTMR2 localization shift from Rab5-positive endosomes to the more proximal APPL1-positive endosomes. This MTMR2 localization shift was recapitulated when a double phosphorylation-deficient mutant (MTMR2 S58A/S631A) was characterized. Moreover, expression of this double phosphorylation-deficient MTMR2 variant led to a more sustained and pronounced increase in ERK1/2 activation compared with MTMR2 S58A. Further analysis of combinatorial phospho-mimetic mutants demonstrated that it is the phosphorylation status of Ser58 that regulates general endosomal binding and that the phosphorylation status of Ser631 mediates the endosomal shuttling between Rab5 and APPL1 subtypes. Taken together, these results reveal that MTMR2 compartmentalization and potential subsequent effects on endosome maturation and endosome signaling are dynamically regulated through MAPK-mediated differential phosphorylation events.

Functional separation of endosomal fusion factors and the class C core vacuole/endosome tethering (CORVET) complex in endosome biogenesis

Transport along the endolysosomal system requires multiple fusion events at early and late endosomes. Deletion of several endosomal fusion factors, including the Vac1 tether and the Class C core vacuole/endosome tethering (CORVET) complex-specific subunits Vps3 and Vps8, results in a class D vps phenotype. As these mutants have an apparently similar defect in endosomal transport, we asked whether CORVET and Vac1 could still act in distinct tethering reactions. Our data reveal that CORVET mutants can be rescued by Vac1 overexpression in the endocytic pathway but not in CPY or Cps1 sorting to the vacuole. Moreover, when we compared the ultrastructure, CORVET mutants were most similar to deletions of the Rab Vps21 and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vps9 and different from vac1 deletion, indicating separate functions. Likewise, CORVET still localized to endosomes even in the absence of Vac1, whereas Vac1 localization became diffuse in CORVET mutants. Importantly, CORVET localization requires the Rab5 homologs Vps21 and Ypt52, whereas Vac1 localization is strictly Vps21-dependent. In this context, we also uncover that Muk1 can compensate for loss of Vps9 in CORVET localization, indicating that two Rab5 guanine nucleotide exchange factors operate in the endocytic pathway. Overall, our study reveals a unique role of CORVET in the sorting of biosynthetic cargo to the vacuole/lysosome.

Maturation of autophagosomes and endosomes: a key role for Rab7

Macroautophagy is an important route in cellular maintenance, in the breakdown and reuse of intracellular materials. It is closely related to endocytosis, the means by which the cell can absorb extracellular material, as both macroautophagy and endocytosis have converging steps and common participating molecules. The point where autophagosomes and endosomes fuse with lysosomes to permit for the final degradation of their contents is important. One of the most substantial molecules in the maturation of autophagosomes/endosomes is Rab7, a member of small GTPases. Rab7 designates the maturation of endosomes and also autophagosomes, directing the trafficking of cargos along microtubules, and finally, participating in the fusion step with lysosomes. Rab7 is an effective multifunctional regulator of autophagy and endocytosis. Since many aggregation-based diseases, e.g. age-related macular degeneration of the eye (AMD) and Alzheimer's disease are due of malfunctioning in the autophagic process, the management of Rab7 activity might hold potential as a therapeutic target against these diseases.

The Msb3/Gyp3 GAP controls the activity of the Rab GTPases Vps21 and Ypt7 at endosomes and vacuoles

Fusion of organelles in the endomembrane system depends on Rab GTPases that interact with tethering factors before lipid bilayer mixing. In yeast, the Rab5 GTPase Vps21 controls fusion and membrane dynamics between early and late endosomes. Here we identify Msb3/Gyp3 as a specific Vps21 GTPase-activating protein (GAP). Loss of Msb3 results in an accumulation of Vps21 and one of its effectors Vps8, a subunit of the CORVET complex, at the vacuole membrane in vivo. In agreement, Msb3 forms a specific transition complex with Vps21, has the highest activity of all recombinant GAPs for Vps21 in vitro, and is found at vacuoles despite its predominant localization to bud tips and bud necks at the plasma membrane. Surprisingly, Msb3 also inhibits vacuole fusion, which can be rescued by the Ypt7 GDP-GTP exchange factor (GEF), the Mon1-Ccz1 complex. Consistently, msb3 vacuoles fuse more efficiently than wild-type vacuoles in vitro, suggesting that GAP can also act on Ypt7. Our data indicate that GAPs such as Msb3 can act on multiple substrates in vivo at both ends of a trafficking pathway. This ensures specificity of the subsequent GEF-mediated activation of the Rab that initiates the next transport event.

The surfactant protein C mutation A116D alters cellular processing, stress tolerance, surfactant lipid composition, and immune cell activation

BACKGROUND

Surfactant protein C (SP-C) is important for the function of pulmonary surfactant. Heterozygous mutations in SFTPC, the gene encoding SP-C, cause sporadic and familial interstitial lung disease (ILD) in children and adults. Mutations mapping to the BRICHOS domain located within the SP-C proprotein result in perinuclear aggregation of the proprotein. In this study, we investigated the effects of the mutation A116D in the BRICHOS domain of SP-C on cellular homeostasis. We also evaluated the ability of drugs currently used in ILD therapy to counteract these effects.

METHODS

SP-CA116D was expressed in MLE-12 alveolar epithelial cells. We assessed in vitro the consequences for cellular homeostasis, immune response and effects of azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine, methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide.

RESULTS

Stable expression of SP-CA116D in MLE-12 alveolar epithelial cells resulted in increased intracellular accumulation of proSP-C processing intermediates. SP-CA116D expression further led to reduced cell viability and increased levels of the chaperones Hsp90, Hsp70, calreticulin and calnexin. Lipid analysis revealed decreased intracellular levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and increased lyso-PC levels. Treatment with methylprednisolone or hydroxychloroquine partially restored these lipid alterations. Furthermore, SP-CA116D cells secreted soluble factors into the medium that modulated surface expression of CCR2 or CXCR1 receptors on CD4+ lymphocytes and neutrophils, suggesting a direct paracrine effect of SP-CA116D on neighboring cells in the alveolar space.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that the A116D mutation leads to impaired processing of proSP-C in alveolar epithelial cells, alters cell viability and lipid composition, and also activates cells of the immune system. In addition, we show that some of the effects of the mutation on cellular homeostasis can be antagonized by application of pharmaceuticals commonly applied in ILD therapy. Our findings shed new light on the pathomechanisms underlying SP-C deficiency associated ILD and provide insight into the mechanisms by which drugs currently used in ILD therapy act.

Endocytosis and signaling: cell logistics shape the eukaryotic cell plan

Our understanding of endocytosis has evolved remarkably in little more than a decade. This is the result not only of advances in our knowledge of its molecular and biological workings, but also of a true paradigm shift in our understanding of what really constitutes endocytosis and of its role in homeostasis. Although endocytosis was initially discovered and studied as a relatively simple process to transport molecules across the plasma membrane, it was subsequently found to be inextricably linked with almost all aspects of cellular signaling. This led to the notion that endocytosis is actually the master organizer of cellular signaling, providing the cell with understandable messages that have been resolved in space and time. In essence, endocytosis provides the communications and supply routes (the logistics) of the cell. Although this may seem revolutionary, it is still likely to be only a small part of the entire story. A wealth of new evidence is uncovering the surprisingly pervasive nature of endocytosis in essentially all aspects of cellular regulation. In addition, many newly discovered functions of endocytic proteins are not immediately interpretable within the classical view of endocytosis. A possible framework, to rationalize all this new knowledge, requires us to "upgrade" our vision of endocytosis. By combining the analysis of biochemical, biological, and evolutionary evidence, we propose herein that endocytosis constitutes one of the major enabling conditions that in the history of life permitted the development of a higher level of organization, leading to the actuation of the eukaryotic cell plan.

Structure and function of endosomes in plant cells

Endosomes are a heterogeneous collection of organelles that function in the sorting and delivery of internalized material from the cell surface and the transport of materials from the Golgi to the lysosome or vacuole. Plant endosomes have some unique features, with an organization distinct from that of yeast or animal cells. Two clearly defined endosomal compartments have been studied in plant cells, the trans-Golgi network (equivalent to the early endosome) and the multivesicular body (equivalent to the late endosome), with additional endosome types (recycling endosome, late prevacuolar compartment) also a possibility. A model has been proposed in which the trans-Golgi network matures into a multivesicular body, which then fuses with the vacuole to release its cargo. In addition to basic trafficking functions, endosomes in plant cells are known to function in maintenance of cell polarity by polar localization of hormone transporters and in signaling pathways after internalization of ligand-bound receptors. These signaling functions are exemplified by the BRI1 brassinosteroid hormone receptor and by receptors for pathogen elicitors that activate defense responses. After endocytosis of these receptors from the plasma membrane, endosomes act as a signaling platform, thus playing an essential role in plant growth, development and defense responses. Here we describe the key features of plant endosomes and their differences from those of other organisms and discuss the role of these organelles in cell polarity and signaling pathways.

Role of α(5)β(1) Integrin Up-regulation in Radiation-Induced Invasion by Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

RADIOTHERAPY IS USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PANCREATIC CANCER BECAUSE OF ITS HIGH PROPENSITY FOR LOCOREGIONAL RELAPSE: one third of patients succumb to localized disease. Thus, strategies to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer are important to pursue. We used naturally serum-free, selectively permeable basement membranes and confocal microscopy of fluorescent antibody-stained human Panc-1, MiaPaCa-2, and BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cell lines to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on α(5)β(1) integrin fibronectin receptor expression and on α(5)β(1)-mediated invasion. We report that radiation rapidly induces pancreatic cancer cell invasion, and that radiation-induced invasion is caused by up-regulation of α(5)β(1) integrin fibronectin receptors by transcriptional and/or postendocytic recycling mechanisms. We also report that radiation causes α(5)β(1) up-regulation in Panc-1, MiaPaCa-2, and BxPC-3 tumor xenografts and that upregulated α(5)β(1) colocalizes with upregulated early or late endosomes in Panc-1 or BxPC-3 tumors, respectively, although it may colocalize significantly with both endosome types in MiaPaCa-2 tumors. Our results suggest that systemic inhibition of α(5)β(1)-mediated invasion might be an effective way to reduce radiation-induced pancreatic cancer cell invasion, thereby improving the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Cellular uptake of cyclotide MCoTI-I follows multiple endocytic pathways

Cyclotides are plant-derived proteins that naturally exhibit various biological activities and whose unique cyclic structure makes them remarkably stable and resistant to denaturation or degradation. These attributes, among others, make them ideally suited for use as drug development tools. This study investigated the cellular uptake of cyclotide, MCoTI-I in live HeLa cells. Using real time confocal fluorescence microscopy imaging, we show that MCoTI-I is readily internalized in live HeLa cells and that its endocytosis is temperature-dependent. Endocytosis of MCoTI-I in HeLa cells is achieved primarily through fluid-phase endocytosis, as evidenced by its significant colocalization with 10K-dextran, but also through other pathways as well, as evidenced by its colocalization with markers for cholesterol-dependent and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, cholera toxin B and EGF respectively. Uptake does not appear to occur only via macropinocytosis as inhibition of this pathway by Latrunculin B-induced disassembly of actin filaments did not affect MCoTI-I uptake and treatment with EIPA which also seemed to inhibit other pathways collectively inhibited approximately 80% of cellular uptake. As well, a significant amount of MCoTI-I accumulates in late endosomal and lysosomal compartments and MCoTI-I-containing vesicles continue to exhibit directed movements. These findings demonstrate internalization of MCoTI-I through multiple endocytic pathways that are dominant in the cell type investigated, suggesting that this cyclotide has ready access to general endosomal/lysosomal pathways but could readily be re-targeted to specific receptors through addition of targeting ligands.

Signaling from the living plasma membrane

Our understanding of the plasma membrane, once viewed simply as a static barrier, has been revolutionized to encompass a complex, dynamic organelle that integrates the cell with its extracellular environment. Here, we discuss how bidirectional signaling across the plasma membrane is achieved by striking a delicate balance between restriction and propagation of information over different scales of time and space and how underlying dynamic mechanisms give rise to rich, context-dependent signaling responses. In this Review, we show how computer simulations can generate counterintuitive predictions about the spatial organization of these complex processes.

Retrograde transport: two (or more) roads diverged in an endosomal tree?

Some proteins and lipids traffic from the plasma membrane to the trans Golgi network (TGN)/Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum, via the retrograde transport route. Endosomes are an obligatory through station. Whether early, recycling and late endosomes all hand off material to the TGN have remained a matter of debate. In this review, we give a short historical overview on how retrograde transport was discovered and explored. We then summarize and critically discuss data that have been put forward in favour of the existence of trafficking interfaces between each of the different endocytic localizations and the TGN. We finally point out some conceptual and technological challenges that will have to be met to establish definite conclusions for each of these scenarios.

Proteomic analysis of endocytic vesicles: Rab1a regulates motility of early endocytic vesicles

Texas-Red-asialoorosomucoid (ASOR) fluorescence-sorted early and late endocytic vesicles from rat liver were subjected to proteomic analysis with the aim of identifying functionally important proteins. Several Rab GTPases, including Rab1a, were found. The present study immunolocalized Rab1a to early and late endocytic vesicles and examined its potential role in endocytosis. Huh7 cells with stable knockdown of Rab1a exhibited reduced endocytic processing of ASOR. This correlated with the finding that Rab1a antibody reduced microtubule-based motility of rat-liver-derived early but not late endocytic vesicles in vitro. The inhibitory effect of Rab1a antibody was observed to be specifically towards minus-end-directed motility. Total and minus-end-directed motility was also reduced in early endocytic vesicles prepared from Rab1a-knockdown cells. These results corresponded with virtual absence of the minus-end-directed kinesin Kifc1 from early endocytic vesicles in Rab1a knockdown cells and imply that Rab1a regulates minus-end-directed motility largely by recruiting Kifc1 to early endocytic vesicles.

Invariant chain increases the half-life of MHC II by delaying endosomal maturation

Mounting adaptive immune responses requires the cell surface expression of major histocompatibility class II molecules (MHC II) loaded with antigenic peptide. However, in the absence of antigenic stimuli, the surface population of MHC II is highly dynamic and exhibits a high turnover. Several studies have focused on the regulation of MHC II, and it is now recognized that ubiquitination is one key mechanism operating in the turnover of MHC II in B cells and dendritic cells. Here, we describe how the invariant chain (Ii) can prolong the half-life of MHC II through its action on the endocytic pathway. We find that in cells expressing intermediate-to-high levels of Ii, the half-life of MHC II is increased, with MHC II accumulating in slowly-maturing endosomes. The accumulation in endosomes is not due to retention of new MHC II directed from the endoplasmatic reticulum, as also mature, not Ii associated, MHC II is preserved. We suggest that this alternative endocytic pathway induced by Ii would serve to enhance the rate, quantity and diversity of MHC II antigen presentation by concentrating MHC II into specialized compartments and reducing the need for new MHC II synthesis upon antigen encounter.

A non-BRICHOS surfactant protein c mutation disrupts epithelial cell function and intercellular signaling

Background

Heterozygous mutations of SFTPC, the gene encoding surfactant protein C (SP-C), cause sporadic and familial interstitial lung disease (ILD) in children and adults. The most frequent SFTPC mutation in ILD patients leads to a threonine for isoleucine substitution at position 73 (I73T) of the SP-C preprotein (proSP-C), however little is known about the cellular consequences of SP-C^I73T expression.

Results

To address this, we stably expressed SP-C^I73T in cultured MLE-12 alveolar epithelial cells. This resulted in increased intracellular accumulation of proSP-C processing intermediates, which matched proSP-C species recovered in bronchial lavage fluid from patients with this mutation. Exposure of SP-C^I73T cells to drugs currently used empirically in ILD therapy, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine or methylprednisolone, enhanced expression of the chaperones HSP90, HSP70, calreticulin and calnexin. SP-C^I73T mutants had decreased intracellular phosphatidylcholine level (PC) and increased lyso-PC level without appreciable changes of other phospholipids. Treatment with methylprednisolone or hydroxychloroquine partially restored these lipid alterations. Furthermore, SP-C^I73T cells secreted into the medium soluble factors that modulated surface expression of CCR2 or CXCR1 receptors on CD4+ lymphocytes and neutrophils, suggesting a direct paracrine influence of SP-C^I73T on neighboring cells in the alveolar space.

Conclusion

We show that I73T mutation leads to impaired processing of proSP-C in alveolar type II cells, alters their stress tolerance and surfactant lipid composition, and activates cells of the immune system. In addition, we show that some of the mentioned cellular aspects behind the disease can be modulated by application of pharmaceutical drugs commonly applied in the ILD therapy.

Adjuvating the adjuvant: facilitated delivery of an immunomodulatory oligonucleotide to TLR9 by a cationic antimicrobial peptide in dendritic cells

IC31(®) is a novel bi-component vaccine adjuvant consisting of the peptide KLKL(5)KLK (KLK) and the TLR9 agonist oligonucleotide d(IC)(13) (ODN1a). While membrane-interacting properties of KLK and immuno-modulating capabilities of ODN1a have been characterized in detail, little is known of how these two molecules function together and synergize in interacting with their primary target cells, dendritic cells (DCs). We have found that KLK-triggered aggregates entrapped ODN1a and these complexes readily associated with the DC cell surface. KLK stimulated the uptake and internalization of ODN1a via endocytosis, while the bulk of the peptide remained associated with the cell periphery. ODN1a co-localized with early and late endosomes as well as endoplasmic reticular structures. ODN1a co-localized with TLR9 positive compartments following KLK mediated uptake. These features did not depend on the expression of TLR-9. Our results reveal novel mechanisms that allow KLK to enhance the effects of the TLR-9 ligand ODN1a in immunomodulation.

Rubicon controls endosome maturation as a Rab7 effector

The activation and recruitment of the small GTPase Rab7 to early endosome is a critical step for early to late endosome maturation, a process that requires the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3KC3) and GTPase regulators. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Rab7 activation and endosome maturation is still poorly defined. Here we report that Rubicon, a component of the PI3KC3 complex, prevents endosome maturation through differential interactions with Rab7 and UVRAG. UVRAG activates PI3KC3 and C-VPS/HOPS, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that catalyzes the exchange of GDP for GTP on Rab7. We demonstrate that Rubicon sequesters UVRAG from C-VPS/HOPS. Active GTP-bound Rab7 competes for Rubicon binding and releases UVRAG to associate with C-VPS/HOPS, which in turn promotes further loading of Rab7 with GTP. This feed-forward loop ensures rapid amplification of GTP-bound Rab7 and consequent stimulation of endosome maturation. Hence, Rubicon serves as a previously unknown Rab7 effector to ensure the proper progression of the endocytic pathway.

Spatial cycles in G-protein crowd control

The nature of living systems and their apparent resilience to the second law of thermodynamics has been the subject of extensive investigation and imaginative speculation. The segregation and compartmentalization of proteins is one manifestation of this departure from equilibrium conditions; the effect of which is now beginning to be elucidated. This should not come as a surprise, as even a cursory inspection of cellular processes reveals the large amount of energetic cost borne to maintain cell-scale patterns, separations and gradients of molecules. The G-proteins, kinases, calcium-responsive proteins have all been shown to contain reaction cycles that are inherently coupled to their signalling activities. G-proteins represent an important and diverse toolset used by cells to generate cellular asymmetries. Many small G-proteins in particular, are dynamically acylated to modify their membrane affinities, or localized in an activity-dependent manner, thus manipulating the mobility modes of these proteins beyond pure diffusion and leading to finely tuned steady state partitioning into cellular membranes. The rates of exchange of small G-proteins over various compartments, as well as their steady state distributions enrich and diversify the landscape of possibilities that GTPase-dependent signalling networks can display over cellular dimensions. The chemical manipulation of spatial cycles represents a new approach for the modulation of cellular signalling with potential therapeutic benefits.

Identification of the switch in early-to-late endosome transition

Sequential transport from early to late endosomes requires the coordinated activities of the small GTPases Rab5 and Rab7. The transition between early and late endosomes could be mediated either through transport carriers or by Rab conversion, a process in which the loss of Rab5 from an endosome occurs concomitantly to the acquisition of Rab7. We demonstrate that Rab conversion is the mechanism by which proteins pass from early to late endosomes in Caenorhabditis elegans coelomocytes. Moreover, we identified SAND-1/Mon1 as the critical switch for Rab conversion in metazoa. SAND-1 serves a dual role in this process. First, it interrupts the positive feedback loop of RAB-5 activation by displacing RABX-5 from endosomal membranes; second, it times the recruitment of RAB-7, probably through interaction with the HOPS complex to the same membranes. SAND-1/Mon1 thus acts as a switch by controlling the localization of RAB-5 and RAB-7 GEFs.

Virus entry by endocytosis

Although viruses are simple in structure and composition, their interactions with host cells are complex. Merely to gain entry, animal viruses make use of a repertoire of cellular processes that involve hundreds of cellular proteins. Although some viruses have the capacity to penetrate into the cytosol directly through the plasma membrane, most depend on endocytic uptake, vesicular transport through the cytoplasm, and delivery to endosomes and other intracellular organelles. The internalization may involve clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), macropinocytosis, caveolar/lipid raft-mediated endocytosis, or a variety of other still poorly characterized mechanisms. This review focuses on the cell biology of virus entry and the different strategies and endocytic mechanisms used by animal viruses.

Endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of human natural killer cell receptors

Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in the defense against viral infections and tumor development. NK cell function is primarily regulated by the sum of signals from a broad array of activation and inhibitory receptors. Key to generating the input level of either activating or inhibitory signals is the maintenance of receptor expression levels on the cell surface. Although the mechanisms of endocytosis and trafficking for some cell surface receptors, such as transferrin receptor and certain immune receptors, are very well known, that is not the situation for receptors expressed by NK cells. Recent studies have uncovered that endocytosis and trafficking routes characteristic for specific activation and inhibitory receptors can regulate the functional responses of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of receptor endocytosis and trafficking, and integrate this with our current understanding of NK cell receptor trafficking.

At the crossroads of polarity, proliferation and apoptosis: the use of Drosophila to unravel the multifaceted role of endocytosis in tumor suppression

Endocytosis is an important regulator of cell-cell signaling and endocytic trafficking has been increasingly implicated in control of tumor suppression. Recent insights from Drosophila indicate that impairment of multiple trafficking steps which lead to receptor degradation can cause tumor formation in epithelial organs. These tumors are characterized by sustained activation of a number of mitogenic signaling pathways, and by subversion of epithelial polarity and the apoptotic response. Cooperation between such alterations, as well as tumor-host interactions, is also observed. The recapitulation of several hallmarks of human cancers in fly tumors provides a framework to understand the role of defective endocytosis in cancer.