Ursolic acid: A novel antiviral compound inhibiting rotavirus infection in vitro

Rotavirus is one of the leading causes of severe acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age, mainly affecting developing countries. Once the disease is acquired, no specific treatment is available; as such, the development of new drugs for effective antirotaviral treatment is critical. Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid with antiviral activity, which has been studied extensively in vitro and in vivo. To study the potential antirotaviral activity of ursolic acid, its toxic potential for viral particles (virucidal effect) and cultured cells (cytotoxicity) was analysed. No effect on virion infectivity was observed with treatments of up to 40 µM ursolic acid, while incipient cytotoxicity started to be evident with 20 µM ursolic acid. The antiviral potential of ursolic acid was evaluated in in-vitro rotavirus infections, demonstrating that 10 µM ursolic acid inhibits rotavirus replication (observed by a decrease in viral titre and the level of the main viral proteins) and affects viral particle maturation (a process associated with the endoplasmic reticulum) 15 h post infection. Interestingly, ursolic acid was also found to hamper the early stages of the viral replication cycle, as a significant reduction in the number and size of viroplasms, consistent with a decrease in VP6 and NSP2 viral proteins, was observed 4 h post infection. As such, these observations demonstrate that ursolic acid exhibits antiviral activity, suggesting that this chemical could be used as a new treatment for rotavirus.

Not all vascular smooth muscle cell exosomes calcify equally in chronic kidney disease

Prevention of medial calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease requires the maintenance of vascular smooth muscle cell fitness. To preserve viability under chronic kidney disease-induced stress, vascular smooth muscle cells increase exosome formation and release, but the result is aggravated pathological calcification. Now Chen et al. report that microvesicles from calcifying vascular smooth muscle cells may propagate procalcifying signals to normal vascular smooth muscle cells. To help design effective strategies to impair procalcifying cell-to-cell communication, this commentary updates the current understanding of the main regulators of microvesicle/exosome biogenesis and secretion.

Molecular definitions of autophagy and related processes

Over the past two decades, the molecular machinery that underlies autophagic responses has been characterized with ever increasing precision in multiple model organisms. Moreover, it has become clear that autophagy and autophagy-related processes have profound implications for human pathophysiology. However, considerable confusion persists about the use of appropriate terms to indicate specific types of autophagy and some components of the autophagy machinery, which may have detrimental effects on the expansion of the field. Driven by the overt recognition of such a potential obstacle, a panel of leading experts in the field attempts here to define several autophagy-related terms based on specific biochemical features. The ultimate objective of this collaborative exchange is to formulate recommendations that facilitate the dissemination of knowledge within and outside the field of autophagy research.

SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) knockdown protects mice from acute liver injury by reducing vascular endothelial cell damage

Secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is involved in many biological process including liver fibrogenesis, but its role in acute liver damage is unknown. To examine the role of SPARC in acute liver injury, we used SPARC knock-out (SPARC(-/-)) mice. Two models of acute liver damage were used: concanavalin A (Con A) and the agonistic anti-CD95 antibody Jo2. SPARC expression levels were analyzed in liver samples from patients with acute-on-chronic alcoholic hepatitis (AH). SPARC expression is increased on acute-on-chronic AH patients. Knockdown of SPARC decreased hepatic damage in the two models of liver injury. SPARC(-/-) mice showed a marked reduction in Con A-induced necroinflammation. Infiltration by CD4+ T cells, expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 and apoptosis were attenuated in SPARC(-/-) mice. Sinusoidal endothelial cell monolayer was preserved and was less activated in Con A-treated SPARC(-/-) mice. SPARC knockdown reduced Con A-induced autophagy of cultured human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Hepatic transcriptome analysis revealed several gene networks that may have a role in the attenuated liver damaged found in Con A-treated SPARC(-/-) mice. SPARC has a significant role in the development of Con A-induced severe liver injury. These results suggest that SPARC could represent a therapeutic target in acute liver injury.

Autophagy and toxins: a matter of life or death

Bacterial protein toxins are important virulence factors. A particular class of toxins, the pore-form toxins (PFTs), shares the toxigenic mechanism of forming pores in the membrane of target cells. The relationship between autophagy and bacterial PFTs has been described for several toxin-secreting pathogens and in this review we have recapitulated the more recent findings on this issue. A common outcome is that the target cell, by a yet non-completely defined mechanism, senses the toxin attack and builds up complex responses as a protective mechanism for host survival. However, in some cases, this cellular response is beneficial to the microorganism by supplying an intracellular niche or by promoting host-cell death, which facilitates pathogen spreading.

Autophagy and multivesicular bodies: two closely related partners

In the majority of cell types, multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are a special kind of late endosomes, crucial intermediates in the internalization of nutrients, ligands and receptors through the endolysosomal system. ESCRT-0, I, II and III (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) are involved in the sorting of proteins into MVBs, generating the intraluminal vesicles. Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway for cytoplasmic components such as proteins and organelles. The autophagosome, a well-characterized structure of the autophagy pathway, can fuse with endocytic structures such as MVBs to generate the amphisome. Finally, the amphisome fuses with the lysosome to degrade the material wrapped inside. Currently, clear evidence suggests that efficient autophagic degradation requires functional MVBs. This review highlights the most recent advances in our understanding of the molecular machinery that participates in MVB biogenesis and regulates the interplay between autophagy and this organelle.

Helicobacter pylori VacA toxin promotes bacterial intracellular survival in gastric epithelial cells

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric epithelium of at least 50% of the world's human population, playing a causative role in the development of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Current evidence indicates that H. pylori can invade epithelial cells in the gastric mucosa. However, relatively little is known about the biology of H. pylori invasion and survival in host cells. Here, we analyze both the nature of and the mechanisms responsible for the formation of H. pylori's intracellular niche. We show that in AGS cells infected with H. pylori, bacterium-containing vacuoles originate through the fusion of late endocytic organelles. This process is mediated by the VacA-dependent retention of the small GTPase Rab7. In addition, functional interactions between Rab7 and its downstream effector, Rab-interacting lysosomal protein (RILP), are necessary for the formation of the bacterial compartment since expression of mutant forms of RILP or Rab7 that fail to bind each other impaired the formation of this unique bacterial niche. Moreover, the VacA-mediated sequestration of active Rab7 disrupts the full maturation of vacuoles as assessed by the lack of both colocalization with cathepsin D and degradation of internalized cargo in the H. pylori-containing vacuole. Based on these findings, we propose that the VacA-dependent isolation of the H. pylori-containing vacuole from bactericidal components of the lysosomal pathway promotes bacterial survival and contributes to the persistence of infection.

Involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in phagocytosis and recycling from the phagosomal compartment

Phagocytosis is a receptor-mediated process by which specialized cell types engulf large extracellular particles. Phagosome maturation involves a series of intracellular membrane fusion and budding events resulting in the delivery of particles to compartments enriched in lysosomal hydrolases where they are digested. Substantial amounts of plasma membrane and many phagosomal proteins, such as receptors, rapidly recycle to the plasma membrane following phagosome formation. Despite the importance of this recycling pathway in phagosome maturation and in the retrieval of immunogenic peptides from phagosomes, the molecular machinery involved is largely unknown. To assess the participation of GTPases in phagocytosis and recycling from phagosomes we used aluminum fluoride (AIF(-)(4)), which activates the GDP-bound form of stimulatory and inhibitory trimeric G proteins. AlF(-)(4) inhibited both the uptake to and the recycling from the phagosomal compartment. Cholera toxin, which activates Galphas, and pertussis toxin, which uncouples Gi and Go from receptors, were effective inhibitors of phagocytosis. However, both toxins stimulated recycling from phagosomes. These results suggest that more than one GTP-binding protein participates either directly or indirectly not only in phagocytosis, but also in maturation and recycling from phagosomes, and thereby assign a role for heterotrimeric G proteins in controlling traffic through the phagocytic pathway.

A novel assay to study autophagy: regulation of autophagosome vacuole size by amino acid deprivation

Autophagy is a normal degradative pathway that involves the sequestration of cytoplasmic portions and intracellular organelles in a membrane vacuole called the autophagosome. These vesicles fuse with lysosomes and the sequestered material is degraded. Owing to the complexity of the autophagic pathway and to its inaccessibility to external probes, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate autophagy in higher eukaryotic cells. We used the autofluorescent drug monodansylcadaverine (MDC), a specific autophagolysosome marker to analyze at the molecular level the machinery involved in the autophagic process. We have developed a morphological and biochemical assay to study authophagy in living cells based on the incorporation of MDC. With this assay we observed that the accumulation of MDC was specifically induced by amino acid deprivation and was inhibited by 3-methlyadenine, a classical inhibitor of the autophagic pathway. Additionally, wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3-kinases that blocks autophagy at an early stage, inhibited the accumulation of MDC in autophagic vacuoles. We also found that treatment of the cells with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), an agent known to inhibit several vesicular transport events, completely blocked the incorporation of MDC, suggesting that an NEM-sensitive protein is required for the formation of autophagic vacuoles. Conversely, vinblastine, a microtubule depolymerizing agent that induces the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles by preventing their degradation, increased the accumulation of MDC and altered the distribution and size of the autophagic vacuoles. Our results indicate that in the presence of vinblastine very large MDC-vacuoles accumulated mainly under starvation conditions, indicating that the expansion of autophagosomes is upregulated by amino acid deprivation. Furthermore, these MDC-vacuoles were labeled with LC3, one of the mammalian homologues of the yeast protein Apg8/Aut7 that plays an important role in autophagosome formation.

Recruitment of coat-protein-complex proteins on to phagosomal membranes is regulated by a brefeldin A-sensitive ADP-ribosylation factor

Particle internalization in macrophages is followed by a complex maturation process. We have previously observed that proteins bound to phagocytosed particles are sorted from phagosomes into a heterogeneous population of vesicles that fuse with endosomes. However, the mechanism and the protein machinery involved in the formation of these phagosome-derived vesicles are largely unknown. It has been shown that vesicles coated with coat protein complex type I (COPI) have a role in both secretion and endocytosis. To address the possibility that COPI proteins might participate in the formation of phagosome-derived vesicles we studied the recruitment of beta-COP to highly purified phagosomes. The binding of beta-COP to phagosomal membranes was regulated by nucleotides and inhibited by brefeldin A (BFA). An ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) mutant defective in GTP hydrolysis supported the binding of beta-COP to phagosomes independently of added nucleotide. AlF(4) and Gbetagamma subunits, agents known to modulate heterotrimeric G-protein activity, were tested in the beta-COP binding assay. AlF(4) increased beta-COP association, whereas binding was inhibited by the addition of Gbetagamma subunits. Our results suggest that COP proteins are recruited to phagosomal membranes by a mechanism that involves heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins and a BFA-sensitive ARF. In addition, our findings indicate that COPI proteins are involved in the recycling of components from phagosomes to the cell surface.

A phorbol ester-binding protein is required downstream of Rab5 in endosome fusion

Previous observations indicate that a zinc and phorbol ester binding factor is necessary for endosome fusion. To further characterize the role of this factor in the process, we used an in vitro endosome fusion assay supplemented with recombinant Rab5 proteins. Both zinc depletion and addition of calphostin C, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, inhibited endosome fusion in the presence of active Rab5. Addition of the phorbol ester PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) reversed the inhibition of endosome fusion caused by a Rab5 negative mutant. Moreover, PMA stimulated fusion in the presence of Rab5 immunodepleted cytosol. These results suggest that the phorbol ester binding protein is acting downstream of Rab5 in endosome fusion.

Detection of benzodiazepine receptor ligands in small libraries of flavone derivatives synthesized by solution phase combinatorial chemistry

Solution phase combinatorial synthesis of flavone derivatives and evaluation of their affinity for the central benzodiazepine receptors is described. The libraries preparation is simple and provides a convenient method for rapid compound generation and screening. Thirty one new compounds were obtained of which the most promising, as high affinity benzodiazepine receptor ligands, were 6-bromo-3'-fluoroflavone; 6,3'-dichloroflavone; 6-bromo-3'-chloroflavone and 6-chloro-3'-bromoflavone.

N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-dependent alpha-SNAP release, an early event in the docking/fusion process, is not regulated by Rab GTPases

The N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) is required for multiple intracellular vesicle transport events. In vitro biochemical studies have demonstrated that NSF, soluble NSF attachment proteins (SNAPs), and SNAP receptors from a 20 S particle. This complex is disassembled by the ATPase activity of NSF. We have studied particle disassembly in a membrane environment by examining the binding of recombinant SNAPs and NSF to endosomal membranes. We present evidence that alpha-SNAP is released from the membranes in a temperature- and time-dependent manner and that this release is mediated by the ATPase activity of NSF. Our results indicate that NSF mutants in the first ATP binding domain completely abrogate alpha-SNAP release, whereas no inhibitory effect is observed with a mutant in the second ATP binding domain. Interestingly, neither beta-SNAP nor gamma-SNAP are released by the ATPase activity of NSF, indicating that these proteins are retained on the membranes by interactions that differ from those that retain alpha-SNAP. Although the small Rab GTPases are known to play a role in SNARE complex assembly, our results indicate that these GTPases do not regulate the NSF-dependent release of alpha-SNAP.

Calmodulin regulates endosome fusion

Calmodulin (CaM) has previously been implicated in regulated exocytosis, transcytosis, and receptor recycling. We have investigated the role of CaM in endocytic transport by examining the effects of several CaM antagonists in intact cells. We present evidence indicating that the mixing of sequentially internalized ligands is inhibited by CaM antagonists, indicating that CaM may play a general role in regulating endosomal membrane trafficking. To address the specific events that are affected by CaM we studied its role in an in vitro assay that reconstitutes fusion among endosomes. CaM antagonists inhibited endosome fusion, and the inhibition was reversed by the addition of CaM. Moreover, we found that Ca2+ stimulates fusion among endosomes and that addition of CaM stimulates fusion beyond that produced by Ca2+ alone. Our data indicate that one of the possible targets for CaM in endosome fusion is the CaM-dependent kinase II. We propose that CaM regulates endocytic transport by modulating an essential component(s) of the membrane traffic machinery.

A possible predocking attachment site for N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein. Insights from in vitro endosome fusion

N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) is an ubiquitous protein required for multiple vesicular transport events. We have investigated the role of the two nucleotide-binding regions of NSF in endosomal fusion by analyzing NSF mutants in a cell-free system. Our results indicate that mutations on the first ATP-binding domain, that render a protein defective in either ATP binding or ATP hydrolysis, results in almost complete inhibition of endosomal fusion. A mutation in the second ATP-binding site of NSF was only slightly inhibitory. The inhibitory effect was observed only when the mutant proteins were added at early times during the fusion reaction indicating that NSF may be required for an early step during the docking/fusion process. Binding studies using Western blotting reveal that the binding of NSF mutants to endosomal membranes is differentially affected by Ca2+. Our results indicate that NSF, depending on its nucleotide state, may interact with membranes via an alternate mechanism. Our findings suggest the existence of a predocking binding site either independent of the docking complex or a site that leads to the formation of the SNAP-SNARE complex (e.g. 20 S particle).

Zn2+ depletion blocks endosome fusion

Fusion among endosomes is an important step for transport and sorting of internalized macromolecules. Working in a cell-free system, we previously reported that endosome fusion requires cytosol and ATP, and is sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide. Fusion is regulated by monomeric and heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. We now report that fusion can proceed at very low Ca2+ concentrations, i.e. < 30 nM. Moreover, fusion is not affected when intravesicular Ca2+ is depleted by preincubation of vesicles with calcium ionophores (5 microM ionomycin or A23187) in the presence of calcium chelators (5 mM EGTA or 60 mM EDTA). The results indicate that fusion can proceed at extremely low concentrations of intravesicular and extravesicular Ca2+. However, BAPTA [1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid], a relatively specific Ca2+ chelator, inhibits fusion. BAPTA binds other metals besides Ca2+. We present evidence that BAPTA inhibition is due not to Ca2+ chelation but to Zn2+ depletion. TPEN [N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine], another metal-ion chelator with low affinity for Ca2+, also inhibited fusion. TPEN- and BAPTA-inhibited fusions were restored by addition of Zn2+. Zn(2+)-dependent fusion presents the same characteristics as control fusion. In intact cells, TPEN inhibited transport along the endocytic pathway. The results indicate that Zn2+ depletion blocks endosome fusion, suggesting that this ion is necessary for the function of one or more factors involved in the fusion process.

Heterotrimeric G proteins interact with the small GTPase ARF. Possibilities for the regulation of vesicular traffic

Trimeric G proteins have emerged as important regulators of membrane trafficking. To explore a role for G beta gamma in endosome fusion, we have taken advantage of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), an enzyme translocated to membranes by interaction with G beta gamma. The COOH terminus of beta ARK (beta ARKct) has a G beta gamma-binding domain which blocks some G beta gamma-mediated processes. We found that beta ARKct and peptide G, a peptide derived from beta ARKct, inhibit in vitro endosome fusion. Interestingly, peptide G and ARF share sequence similarity. Peptide G and beta ARKct reversed ARF-mediated inhibition of endosome fusion and blocked ARF binding to membranes. Using an ARF fusion protein, we show that both G beta gamma and G alpha s interact with the small GTPase ARF, an interaction that is regulated by nucleotide binding. We conclude that G proteins may participate in the regulation of vesicular trafficking by directly interacting with ARF, a cytosolic factor required for transport.

In vitro reconstitution of phagosome-endosome fusion: evidence for regulation by heterotrimeric GTPases

We have assessed the role of heterotrimeric GTPases on in vitro fusion of phagosomes and endosomes. Highly purified phagosomes were found to contain G alpha s, G alpha i1, G alpha i2, G alpha i3, and G beta subunits of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. A functional role for G proteins was established using an in vitro phagosome-endosome fusion assay. First, addition of AlF4- and purified G beta gamma subunits to the in vitro assay blocked fusion, indicating that heterotrimeric G proteins may play a role, either direct or indirect, in phagosome maturation. Second, a striking inhibitory effect was observed when the vesicles were incubated with peptides that preferentially activate G alpha s. A similar effect on phagosome-endosome fusion was observed with cholera toxin, a reagent known to activate G alpha s. Our results suggest that one or more heterotrimeric G proteins, including Gs, mediate and/or regulate phagosome-endosome fusion.

A regulatory role for ARF6 in receptor-mediated endocytosis

Adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6), ARF6 mutants, and ARF1 were transiently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the effects on receptor-mediated endocytosis were assessed. Overexpressed ARF6 localized to the cell periphery and led to a redistribution of transferrin receptors to the cell surface and a decrease in the rate of uptake of transferrin. Similar results were obtained when a mutant defective in guanosine triphosphate hydrolysis was expressed. Expression of a dominant negative mutant, ARF6(T27N), resulted in an intracellular distribution of transferrin receptors and an inhibition of transferrin recycling to the cell surface. In contrast, overexpression of ARF1 had little or no effect on these parameters of endocytosis.

Calcium-dependent fusion among endosomes

Fusion among endosomes is an important step for transport and sorting of internalized macromolecules. Working in a cell-free system, we have previously reported that, in the absence of externally added calcium, endosome fusion requires cytosol, ATP, and is sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and to anti-NEM-sensitive factor (NSF) antibody. This cytosol-dependent fusion is regulated by monomeric and heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. Further studies have revealed, however, that in the presence of micromolar concentrations of free calcium, fusion is observed even in the absence of cytosol and ATP. At the electron microscope level, Ca(2+)-dependent endosome aggregation and fusion were similar to that observed for cytosol-dependent fusion. Calcium-dependent fusion was not affected by non-hydrolyzable analogs of GTP or GDP nor by NEM or anti-NSF antibody. However, Ca(2+)-dependent fusion was abrogated by trypsin treatment of the vesicles or by a membrane wash with 60 mM EDTA indicating that peripheral proteins are required. An anti-annexin II antibody and an annexin II peptide blocked Ca(2+)-dependent fusion by 50%. After the EDTA wash, Ca(2+)-dependent fusion was reconstituted by addition of purified annexin II and arachidonic acid. We conclude that endosomes can fuse by two mechanisms, one that has an absolute requirement for calcium and is probably mediated by annexins, and another that does not require calcium.

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) and ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) regulate priming of endosomal membranes for fusion

An in vitro assay that measures endosome fusion was used to characterize the role of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins in endocytosis. Guanosine 5',3-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S), a nonhydrolyzable analog of GTP, stimulates the binding of cytosolic factors to the endosomal membrane (priming). GTP gamma S also enhances vesicle aggregation, resulting in the formation of an intermediate that is resistant to dilution. In this report we demonstrate that priming precedes the appearance of a dilution-resistant intermediate. Thus, GTP-binding proteins are involved in multiple sequential events preceding endosome fusion. Both heterotrimeric G proteins (G proteins) and ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) are GTP-binding proteins that regulate undefined steps involved in endocytosis. The addition of G beta gamma subunits of G proteins to the in vitro fusion assay resulted in inhibition of priming. In contrast, addition of ARF to the assay enhanced priming. Thus, heterotrimeric G proteins and ARF may regulate endocytosis by mediating the binding of cytosolic factor(s) required for fusion to the endosomal membrane. Taken together, the results show that multiple GTP-binding proteins regulate a series of distinct biochemical events required for endosome fusion.

Rab5, an early acting endosomal GTPase, supports in vitro endosome fusion without GTP hydrolysis

Endocytosis is regulated by several GTPases including Rab5 and one or more heterotrimeric G proteins. We show here that Rab5, in the GTP gamma S (guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate))-bound form, fully supports in vitro endosome fusion, indicating that GTP hydrolysis is not required, whereas Rab5:S34N and Rab5:N133I, mutants unable to bind GTP, are potent inhibitors of endosome fusion. Double mutants (Rab5:S34N/delta C4 and Rab5:N133I/delta C4) lacking the C-terminal prenylation site were inactive, indicating that prenylation is required. Endosomes became resistant to the inhibitory effects of Rab5:S34N by preincubating the vesicles with cytosol prior to the addition of the inhibitor. The acquisition of resistance to Rab5:S34N was more rapid than to N-ethylmaleimide, indicating that Rab5 mutants are early acting. G beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins block endosome fusion. However the effect of G beta gamma was abrogated by Rab5-GTP gamma S, indicating that a heterotrimeric G protein may operate upstream of Rab5.

Gs regulation of endosome fusion suggests a role for signal transduction pathways in endocytosis

Work from several laboratories indicates that guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (GTP-binding proteins) are required for intracellular vesicular transport. In a previous report we presented evidence indicating that one or more heterotrimeric G proteins regulate fusion between endosomes (Colombo, M. I., Mayorga, L. S., Casey, P. J., and Stahl, P. D. (1992) Science 255, 1695-1697). We now report on experiments showing that Gs plays a role in endosome fusion. We have used several reagents known to modulate Gs function including (i) peptides corresponding to the cytoplasmic domains of G protein-coupled receptors and peptides that mimic interaction of receptors with G proteins, (ii) anti-G protein antibodies, and (iii) cholera toxin. Synthetic peptides corresponding to the third cytoplasmic loop of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor which putatively interact with G alpha s inhibited endosomal fusion. The inhibitory effect of these peptides was prevented by a short preincubation of endosomes with guanosine-5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate or by phosphorylating the peptide with cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The involvement of Gs in endosome recognition and/or the fusion process was assessed by testing an antibody against the COOH terminus of G alpha s. Anti-G alpha s IgG completely abolished fusion between endosomes. Lastly, preincubation of endosomal vesicles with cholera toxin abrogated fusion in the presence of NAD, whereas no effect was observed in the absence of the cofactor. Taken together these findings indicate a role for Gs in either the mechanism or the regulation of fusion among endosomes. These results raise the possibility that signal transduction through cytoplasmic domains of receptors may participate in the regulation of endocytic trafficking.

Structural features of the GTP-binding defective Rab5 mutants required for their inhibitory activity on endocytosis

Rab5 is a Ras-like small GTPase that regulates early events of endocytosis. Previous work indicates that two GTP-binding defective Rab5 mutants (Rab5:S34N and Rab5:N133I) are dominant inhibitors of endocytosis. In this report, we have initiated experiments to address the structural features necessary for the inhibitory activity of these two Rab5 mutants. Second-site mutations were introduced into Rab5:S34N and Rab5:N133I, respectively, and the resulting double mutants were expressed in cultured BHK-21 cells via a Sindbis virus expression vector. Endocytic activity of the cells was monitored by following the uptake of a fluid-phase endocytic marker (horseradish peroxidase). The effects of the Rab5 mutants on endosome fusion in vitro were also examined. Truncation of the C-terminal isoprenylation motif CCSN abolished the inhibitory activity of both Rab5:S34N and Rab5:N133I. The same held true when the secondary mutation was a substitution mutation (F57S) in the effector domain. Another substitution mutation in this region (I53A) had no effect on the inhibitory activity of either Rab5:S34N or Rab5:N133I. The final mutation (R81A) was created immediately downstream of the second GTP binding motif (WDTAGQER), i.e. in the loop 4 region based on the structural model of Ras. This mutation greatly decreased the isoprenylation of Rab5:N133I and its inhibitory activity on endocytosis. It is believed that Rab5 function requires protein-protein interactions with Rab5-specific regulators and effectors. Some of these interactions are disrupted by Rab5:S34N and Rab5:N133I. By analogy to Ras, both Rab5:S34N and Rab5:N133I are likely to sequester a Rab5-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor. This interaction requires the effector domain Phe57 residue and C-terminal isoprenylation of Rab5.

Inhibition of endocytic transport by aluminum fluoride implicates GTPases as regulators of endocytosis

It is now well established that GTP-binding proteins are important regulators of vesicular transport. Recent work has shown that multiple GTPases (both monomeric and heterotrimeric) are required for trafficking. In the present study we have used aluminum fluoride (AIF), a reagent that activates trimeric G proteins, as a tool to study the involvement of this family of GTPases in the regulation of endocytosis in intact cells. Our results indicate that AIF inhibits fusion of early endosomes with an intracellular proteolytic compartment. Using the mixing of sequentially internalized ligands as a measure of endocytosis, we found that AIF inhibited endocytic transport as assessed by both biochemical and morphological methods. Taken together these results suggest that AIF affects membrane fusion, a common step in vesicular transport. To further examine the effects of AIF we tested this compound in a cell-free assay that reconstitutes fusion among endosomes. AIF affected endosomal fusion in a different way than did GTP gamma S, an agent that activates both trimeric and small GTPases. Our results suggest that the coordinated activation of both classes of GTPases are required for efficient endocytic transport.

Inhibition of endosome fusion by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors points to a role for PLA2 in endocytosis

Fusion of intracellular membrane-bound compartments is a common step in the transport of macromolecules along the endocytic and secretory pathways. A large number of factors active in the fusion process or its regulation have been identified; however, the actual sequence of events leading to membrane fusion is still unknown. In this study, we have assessed a possible role for PLA2 in endosome fusion by using an in vitro reconstitution assay and by examining endocytosis in intact cells. Several PLA2 inhibitors blocked endosome fusion in a broken-cell preparation. Inhibition was reversed by addition of arachidonic acid. At the electron microscope level, endosome clusters were observed even in the presence of inhibitors; however, actual fusion between endosomes was largely reduced. Fusion frequency increased upon the addition of arachidonic acid. A membrane-permeable PLA2 inhibitor blocked mixing of ligands internalized sequentially but did not affect internalization. The results indicate that vesicle fusion along the endocytic pathway requires a PLA2 activity. The effect of this activity would be, at least in part, mediated by arachidonic acid release.

Effect of pH and ATP on the equilibrium density of lysosomes

Lysosomes are membrane bound structures that accumulate and hydrolyze material internalized by the endocytic pathway. A very conspicuous property of this subcellular compartment is its relatively high equilibrium density. The actual mechanism that regulates lysosomal density is poorly understood. In an attempt to gain knowledge on the factors that regulate lysosomal density we have assessed the equilibrium density of lysosomal markers after in vitro incubation of a lysosome-enriched subcellular fraction. Incubation at pH 6 for 10 min at 37 degrees C causes a density shift of several lysosomal markers to light density regions of Percoll gradients. Addition of ATP was able to prevent the acid-induced density shift. Pretreatment of the vesicles with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) or trypsin inhibited the effect of ATP. Working in intact cells, ATP depletion, a condition that causes cytoplasmic acidification, also decreases lysosomal density. The results indicate that at low pH lysosomal density is preserved by an active process that requires ATP and membrane associated proteins.

Evidence of a Role for Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins in Endosome Fusion

Guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins are required for intracellular vesicular transport. Mastoparan is a peptide component of wasp venom that increases nucleotide exchange in some classes of G alpha subunits of regulatory heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins). Mastoparan and other compounds that increase nucleotide exchange by G proteins inhibited endosome fusion in vitro and reversed the effects of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gamma-S), a nonhydrolyzable GTP analog. Addition of beta gamma subunits of G proteins to the fusion assay antagonized the stimulatory effect of GTP-gamma-S, confirming the participation of G proteins. These results indicate that GTP-binding proteins are required for endosome fusion and in particular that a G protein is involved. Given the function of G proteins in signal transduction, these findings may provide insight into the mechanism by which endosomal vesicles become competent for fusion after their formation at the cell surface.

Characterization of trypsin-sensitive factor(s) required for endosome-endosome fusion

Fusion of endosomes appears to be required at early steps of receptor-mediated endocytosis. These fusion events have been reconstituted using a cell-free assay and have been shown to require both cytosolic and membrane-associated proteins. We report here that trypsinization of endosomes completely inhibited fusion. Addition of untreated cytosol cannot restore fusion of trypsinized endosomes. However, fusion activity is restored by the addition of either untreated vesicles or a high salt extract containing peripheral membrane proteins (KE). KE contains both the membrane-associated factor(s) required for the reconstitution of fusion using trypsinized endosomes and the factors that are normally provided by the cytosol. The restorative activity of KE was sensitive to trypsin treatment or incubation at 100 degrees C, but was largely N-ethylmaleimide (NEM)-resistant. This and other criteria demonstrated that the trypsin-sensitive factor is distinct from N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF), an NEM-sensitive protein involved in vesicular fusion, and from other known factors that may participate in membrane fusion events. Preliminary fractionation studies indicate that the restorative activity of KE is associated with one or more high molecular weight proteins. The present study indicates that a novel trypsin-sensitive protein(s) is involved in endosome-endosome fusion. This factor is membrane-associated and is not found in an active form in cytosol as prepared.

Endosomal density shift is related to a decrease in fusion capacity

Dinitrophenol (DNP)-beta-glucuronidase and mannosylated anti-DNP IgG, which are endocytosed by the mannose receptor and delivered to lysosomes, were previously developed as probes for examination of fusion between early endosomes in a cell-free system. In this study, these probes were found to be transported by intact cells to endocytic vesicles with heavy buoyant density at different rates, as determined by Percoll gradient fractionation of cell homogenates. There was a concomitant loss of in vitro fusion activity as the ligands moved to dense compartments. In monensin-treated cells, DNP-beta-glucuronidase was retained in a light compartment corresponding to intracellular vesicles capable of fusion in vitro. Pulse-chase studies using a DNP-derivatized transferrin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate showed that a recycling ligand was always found in light intracellular vesicles that were capable of fusion to early endosomes in vitro. In contrast to cell-free systems, intact cells sequentially labeled with DNP-beta-glucuronidase and then mannosylated anti-DNP IgG showed ligand mixing in both early and late endocytic compartments. Treatment with nocodazole or colchicine did not affect the rate of DNP-beta-glucuronidase transport to heavy vesicles in intact cells, however, the extent of ligand mixing in late endosomes was decreased by microtubule disruption. Using sequentially labeled cells split into two groups, we directly compared ligand mixing in vitro to mixing by intact cells. Fusion alone does not mediate increases in vesicle density, since DNP-beta-glucuronidase/anti-DNP IgG complexes formed in vitro were found in light vesicles, while intact cells showed immune complexes predominantly in heavy vesicles. These results suggest that the density shift is an initial step in targeting to lysosomes.

GTP gamma S stimulation of endosome fusion suggests a role for a GTP-binding protein in the priming of vesicles before fusion

Guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S), a non-hydrolyzable analogue of GTP, inhibits in vitro fusion among early endocytic vesicles in the presence of high concentrations of cytosol. In this report we show that fusion is remarkably stimulated by GTP gamma S under conditions where cytosolic components are the limiting factors for the process. The amount of cytosolic factors required for maximal fusion activity is several-fold decreased by the presence of GTP gamma S. Moreover, preincubation of vesicles in the presence of cytosol and GTP gamma S allows fusion to proceed even in the absence of cytosol. Our results indicate that a GTP-binding protein facilitates the binding of cytosolic factor(s) required for endosome fusion to the endosomal membrane and stabilizes a dilution-resistant intermediate of the fusion process.

Properties of binding sites for chloroquine in liver lysosomal membranes

Chloroquine (CQ) is an antimalarial and antirheumatic drug that accumulates in lysosomes. We purified liver lysosomal membranes of tritosomes from albino mice injected with Triton WR 1339. The membranes were used for the binding assay with CQ in 0.01 M Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4). This binding was saturable, with a KD value of 6.2 microM. To understand the nature of CQ affinity, the binding was done under conditions that alter membrane structure and composition. Changes in pH, high ionic strength, and bivalent cations reversibly decreased the binding, while the effect of non-ionic detergents was partially reversed. The cationic detergent Hyamine strongly decreased the binding, and its effect was trypsin and neuraminidase had no effect. The results indicate the existence of binding sites for CQ in liver lysosomal membranes, which were strongly affected by changes of charge in the molecules involved in the binding. The treatment with the enzymes suggests that loss of polar groups of phospholipids increases the affinity of CQ by exposing protein sites located deep in the membrane, or by permiting a closer interaction between the drug and membrane lipids. CQ lysosomotropism and other effects of CQ on the lysosomal apparatus studied by other authors may be due not only to its accumulation inside the acid milieu of the lysosomes, in the same manner as other weak bases, but also to the affinity of CQ for binding sites in the lysosomal membrane.

In vivo interaction between mouse liver lysosomes and chloroquine

Particles sedimenting at 27,000 g X 10 min (MLCQ) were separated from liver homogenates of mice injected with chloroquine (CQ). The MLCQ contained most of the drug recovered in the organ as well as 50% of the liver aryl sulphatase activity. The release of CQ from MLCQ was studied in some physicochemical conditions, and in the presence of various agents known to modify membrane composition and stability. At pH 7.4, the equilibrium between free and bound CQ depended on the dilution of the MLCQ, and the time to reach equilibrium was strongly influenced by the temperature of incubation. Several agents causing membrane disruption and lysosomal enzyme leakage, such as osmotic shock, sonication and digitonin, had little effect on the CQ release. Acid and alkaline buffers, 0.55 M KCl and 0.1% Triton X-100 caused, instead, the immediate release of most of the bound CQ. Concentrations of digitonin causing the release of aryl sulphatase activity had little effect on bound CQ, suggesting that the drug is retained in lysosomes by forces and/or structures different in nature from those retaining most of the lysosomal enzyme activity. We think that the CQ trapped in lysosomes is bound to high affinity sites in membranous structures which are particularly altered by agents known to extract peripheral proteins from biological membranes or to change the conformation of molecular structures.