Targeted disruption of the mouse cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor results in partial missorting of multiple lysosomal enzymes

Impairing hydrolase transport machinery prevents human melanoma metastasis

Metastases are the major cause of cancer-related death, yet, molecular weaknesses that could be exploited to prevent tumor cells spreading are poorly known. Here, we found that perturbing hydrolase transport to lysosomes by blocking either the expression of IGF2R, the main receptor responsible for their trafficking, or GNPT, a transferase involved in the addition of the specific tag recognized by IGF2R, reduces melanoma invasiveness potential. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the perturbation of this traffic, leads to a compensatory lysosome neo-biogenesis devoided of degradative enzymes. This regulatory loop relies on the stimulation of TFEB transcription factor expression. Interestingly, the inhibition of this transcription factor playing a key role of lysosome production, restores melanomas' invasive potential in the absence of hydrolase transport. These data implicate that targeting hydrolase transport in melanoma could serve to develop new therapies aiming to prevent metastasis by triggering a physiological response stimulating TFEB expression in melanoma.

The host mannose-6-phosphate pathway and viral infection

Viruses, despite their simple structural composition, engage in intricate and complex interactions with their hosts due to their parasitic nature. A notable demonstration of viral behavior lies in their exploitation of lysosomes, specialized organelles responsible for the breakdown of biomolecules and clearance of foreign substances, to bolster their own replication. The man-nose-6-phosphate (M6P) pathway, crucial for facilitating the proper transport of hydrolases into lysosomes and promoting lysosome maturation, is frequently exploited for viral manipulation in support of replication. Recently, the discovery of lysosomal enzyme trafficking factor (LYSET) as a pivotal regulator within the lysosomal M6P pathway has introduced a fresh perspective on the intricate interplay between viral entry and host factors. This groundbreaking revelation illuminates unexplored dimensions of these interactions. In this review, we endeavor to provide a thorough overview of the M6P pathway and its intricate interplay with viral factors during infection. By consolidating the current understanding in this field, our objective is to establish a valuable reference for the development of antiviral drugs that selectively target the M6P pathway.

Protein sorting from endosomes to the TGN

Retrograde transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network is essential for recycling of protein and lipid cargoes to counterbalance anterograde membrane traffic. Protein cargo subjected to retrograde traffic include lysosomal acid-hydrolase receptors, SNARE proteins, processing enzymes, nutrient transporters, a variety of other transmembrane proteins, and some extracellular non-host proteins such as viral, plant, and bacterial toxins. Efficient delivery of these protein cargo molecules depends on sorting machineries selectively recognizing and concentrating them for their directed retrograde transport from endosomal compartments. In this review, we outline the different retrograde transport pathways governed by various sorting machineries involved in endosome-to-TGN transport. In addition, we discuss how this transport route can be analyzed experimentally.

Mechanisms regulating the sorting of soluble lysosomal proteins

Lysosomes are key regulators of many fundamental cellular processes such as metabolism, autophagy, immune response, cell signalling and plasma membrane repair. These highly dynamic organelles are composed of various membrane and soluble proteins, which are essential for their proper functioning. The soluble proteins include numerous proteases, glycosidases and other hydrolases, along with activators, required for catabolism. The correct sorting of soluble lysosomal proteins is crucial to ensure the proper functioning of lysosomes and is achieved through the coordinated effort of many sorting receptors, resident ER and Golgi proteins, and several cytosolic components. Mutations in a number of proteins involved in sorting soluble proteins to lysosomes result in human disease. These can range from rare diseases such as lysosome storage disorders, to more prevalent ones, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others, including rare neurodegenerative diseases that affect children. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that regulate the sorting of soluble proteins to lysosomes and highlight the effects of mutations in this pathway that cause human disease. More precisely, we will review the route taken by soluble lysosomal proteins from their translation into the ER, their maturation along the Golgi apparatus, and sorting at the trans-Golgi network. We will also highlight the effects of mutations in this pathway that cause human disease.

Progranulin as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases

Progranulin (PGRN, encoded by the GRN gene) plays a key role in the development, survival, function, and maintenance of neurons and microglia in the mammalian brain. It regulates lysosomal biogenesis, inflammation, repair, stress response, and aging. GRN loss-of-function mutations cause neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis or frontotemporal dementia-GRN (FTD-GRN) in a gene dosage-dependent manner. Mutations that reduce PGRN levels increase the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and limbic-predominant age-related transactivation response DNA-binding protein 43 encephalopathy, as well as exacerbate the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and FTD caused by the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene. Elevating and/or restoring PGRN levels is an attractive therapeutic strategy and is being investigated for neurodegenerative diseases through multiple mechanisms of action.

Involvement of CASP9 (caspase 9) in IGF2R/CI-MPR endosomal transport

Recently, we reported that increased expression of CASP9 pro-domain, at the endosomal membrane in response to HSP90 inhibition, mediates a cell-protective effect that does not involve CASP9 apoptotic activity. We report here that a non-apoptotic activity of endosomal membrane CASP9 facilitates the retrograde transport of IGF2R/CI-MPR from the endosomes to the trans-Golgi network, indicating the involvement of CASP9 in endosomal sorting and lysosomal biogenesis. CASP9-deficient cells demonstrate the missorting of CTSD (cathepsin D) and other acid hydrolases, accumulation of late endosomes, and reduced degradation of bafilomycin A₁-sensitive proteins. In the absence of CASP9, IGF2R undergoes significant degradation, and its rescue is achieved by the re-expression of a non-catalytic CASP9 mutant. This endosomal activity of CASP9 is potentially mediated by herein newly identified interactions of CASP9 with the components of the endosomal membrane transport complexes. These endosomal complexes include the retromer VPS35 and the SNX dimers, SNX1-SNX5 and SNX2-SNX6, which are involved in the IGF2R retrieval mechanism. Additionally, CASP9 interacts with HGS/HRS/ESCRT-0 and the CLTC (clathrin heavy chain) that participate in the initiation of the endosomal ESCRT degradation pathway. We propose that endosomal CASP9 inhibits the endosomal membrane degradative subdomain(s) from initiating the ESCRT-mediated degradation of IGF2R, allowing its retrieval to transport-designated endosomal membrane subdomain(s). These findings are the first to identify a cell survival, non-apoptotic function for CASP9 at the endosomal membrane, a site distinctly removed from the cytoplasmic apoptosome. Via its non-apoptotic endosomal function, CASP9 impacts the retrograde transport of IGF2R and, consequently, lysosomal biogenesis.Abbreviations: ACTB: actin beta; ATG7: autophagy related 7; BafA1: bafilomycin A₁; CASP: caspase; CLTC/CHC: clathrin, heavy chain; CTSD: cathepsin D; ESCRT: endosomal sorting complexes required for transport; HEXB: hexosaminidase subunit beta; HGS/HRS/ESCRT-0: hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate; IGF2R/CI-MPR: insulin like growth factor 2 receptor; ILV: intraluminal vesicles; KD: knockdown; KO: knockout; M6PR/CD-MPR: mannose-6-phosphate receptor, cation dependent; MEF: murine embryonic fibroblasts; MWU: Mann-Whitney U test; PepA: pepstatin A; RAB7A: RAB7, member RAS oncogene family; SNX-BAR: sorting nexin dimers with a Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain each; TGN: trans-Golgi network; TUBB: tubulin beta; VPS26: VPS26 retromer complex component; VPS29: VPS29 retromer complex component; VPS35: VPS35 retromer complex component.

MicroRNA 199a-5p Attenuates Retrograde Transport and Protects against Toxin-Induced Inhibition of Protein Biosynthesis

Retrograde transport (RT) allows cells to retrieve receptors and other cellular cargoes for delivery to the Golgi apparatus, contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. This transport route is also commonly used by several bacterial toxins to exert their deleterious actions on eukaryotic cells. While the retrograde transport process has been well characterized, the contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating this cellular transport mechanism remains unknown. Here, we determined that mir-199a and mir-199b, members of the intronic miRNA family, coordinate genes regulating RT and endosome trafficking. We demonstrate that miR-199a-5p attenuates the expression of Vps26A, Rab9B, and M6PR, thereby controlling RT from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Importantly, we found that overexpression of a Vps26A construct resistant to the inhibitory action of miR-199a-5p abrogates the effect of miR-199a-5p on RT. Finally, we demonstrate that miR-199-5p overexpression attenuates Shiga toxin type 1 (Stx1)-mediated inhibition of protein biosynthesis. In summary, our work identifies the first noncoding RNA that influences RT and reduces the inhibition of protein biosynthesis caused by bacterial toxins.

Cation-Independent Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor Deficiency Enhances β-Cell Susceptibility to Palmitate

Palmitate attenuates insulin secretion and reduces the viability of insulin-producing cells. Previous studies identified the aberrant palmitoylation or mispalmitoylation of proteins as one mechanism by which palmitate causes β-cell damage. In this report, we identify a role for lysosomal protein degradation as a mechanism by which β cells defend themselves against excess palmitate. The cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) is responsible for the trafficking of mannose 6-phosphate-tagged proteins to lysosomes via Golgi sorting and from extracellular locations through endocytosis. RINm5F cells, which are highly sensitive to palmitate, lack CI-MPR. The reconstitution of CI-MPR expression attenuates the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the toxic effects of palmitate on RINm5F cell viability. INS832/13 cells express CI-MPR and are resistant to the palmitate-mediated loss of cell viability. The reduction of CI-MPR expression increases the sensitivity of INS832/13 cells to the toxic effects of palmitate treatment. The inhibition of lysosomal acid hydrolase activity by weak base treatment of islets under glucolipotoxic conditions causes islet degeneration that is prevented by the inhibition of protein palmitoylation. These findings indicate that defects in lysosomal function lead to the enhanced sensitivity of insulin-producing cells to palmitate and support a role for normal lysosomal function in the protection of β cells from excess palmitate.

Different Pathways to the Lysosome: Sorting out Alternatives

Considerable research supports a model in which hydrolytic enzymes of mammalian lysosomes are sorted to their destinations in a receptor-dependent mechanism. The ligand for the mammalian sorting receptors is mannose 6-phosphate (M6P). Two M6P receptors have been defined in mammals. Here, we review the foundational evidence supporting this mechanism and highlight the remaining gaps in our understanding of the mammalian mechanism, including evidence for M6P-independent sorting, and its relevance to lysosomal enzyme sorting in metazoa.

Mannose-6-phosphate pathway: a review on its role in lysosomal function and dysfunction

Lysosomal hydrolases are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and specifically transported through the Golgi apparatus to the trans-Golgi network, from which transport vesicles bud to deliver them to the endosomal/lysosomal compartment. The explanation of how are the lysosomal enzymes accurately recognized and selected over many other proteins in the trans-Golgi network relies on being tagged with a unique marker: the mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) group, which is added exclusively to the N-linked oligosaccharides of lysosomal soluble hydrolases, as they pass through the cis-Golgi network. Generation of the M6P recognition marker depends on a reaction involving two different enzymes: UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphotransferase and α-N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester α-N-acetylglucosaminidase. The M6P groups are then recognized by two independent transmembrane M6P receptors, present in the trans-Golgi network: the cation-independent M6P receptor and/or the cation-dependent M6P receptor. These proteins bind to lysosomal hydrolases on the lumenal side of the membrane and to adaptins in assembling clathrin coats on the cytosolic side. In this way, the M6P receptors help package the hydrolases into vesicles that bud from the trans-Golgi network to deliver their contents to endosomes that ultimately will develop into mature lysosomes, where recently-delivered hydrolases may start digesting the endocyted material. The above described process is known as the M6P-dependent pathway and is responsible for transporting most lysosomal enzymes. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on each of the major proteins involved in the M6P-dependent pathway. Impairments in this pathway will also be addressed, highlighting the lysosomal storage disorders associated to GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase loss of function: mucolipidosis type II and III.

FIP1/RCP binding to Golgin-97 regulates retrograde transport from recycling endosomes to the trans-Golgi network

Many proteins are retrieved to the trans-Golgi Network (TGN) from the endosomal system through several retrograde transport pathways to maintain the composition and function of the TGN. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these distinct retrograde pathways remain to be fully understood. Here we have used fluorescence and electron microscopy as well as various functional transport assays to show that Rab11a/b and its binding protein FIP1/RCP are both required for the retrograde delivery of TGN38 and Shiga toxin from early/recycling endosomes to the TGN, but not for the retrieval of mannose-6-phosphate receptor from late endosomes. Furthermore, by proteomic analysis we identified Golgin-97 as a FIP1/RCP-binding protein. The FIP1/RCP-binding domain maps to the C-terminus of Golgin-97, adjacent to its GRIP domain. Binding of FIP1/RCP to Golgin-97 does not affect Golgin-97 recruitment to the TGN, but appears to regulate the targeting of retrograde transport vesicles to the TGN. Thus, we propose that FIP1/RCP binding to Golgin-97 is required for tethering and fusion of recycling endosome-derived retrograde transport vesicles to the TGN.

Role of cation independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor protein in sorting and intracellular trafficking of lysosomal enzymes in chicken embryonic fibroblast (CEF) cells

Delivery of soluble lysosomal proteins to the lysosomes is dependent primarily on the mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) in mammals. However, in non-mammalian cells the role of MPR300 in sorting and trafficking of acid hydrolases to lysosomes is not fully understood till now. In this paper, we tested the role of MPR300 in sorting and trafficking of lysosomal enzymes in CEF cells using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology. Inactivation of MPR300 resulted in the secretion of large amounts of newly synthesized hydrolases into the medium and also inhibited the endocytosis of mannose 6-phospharylated ligands. Knockdown of MPR300 in CEF cells results in missorting of fucosidase and arylsulfatse A enzymes into the medium. The results indicated that the MPR300 in CEF cells plays a key role in sorting and trafficking of these soluble hydrolases.

Proteomics Analysis of Serum from Mutant Mice Reveals Lysosomal Proteins Selectively Transported by Each of the Two Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptors

Most mammalian cells contain two types of mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) receptors (MPRs): the 300 kDa cation-independent (CI) MPR and 46 kDa cation-dependent (CD) MPR. The two MPRs have overlapping function in intracellular targeting of newly synthesized lysosomal proteins, but both are required for efficient targeting. Despite extensive investigation, the relative roles and specialized functions of each MPR in targeting of specific proteins remain questions of fundamental interest. One possibility is that most Man-6-P glycoproteins are transported by both MPRs, but there may be subsets that are preferentially transported by each. To investigate this, we have conducted a proteomics analysis of serum from mice lacking either MPR with the reasoning that lysosomal proteins that are selectively transported by a given MPR should be preferentially secreted into the bloodstream in its absence. We purified and identified Man-6-P glycoproteins and glycopeptides from wild-type, CDMPR-deficient, and CIMPR-deficient mouse serum and found both lysosomal proteins and proteins not currently thought to have lysosomal function. Different mass spectrometric approaches (spectral count analysis of nanospray LC-MS/MS experiments on unlabeled samples and LC-MALDI/TOF/TOF experiments on iTRAQ-labeled samples) revealed a number of proteins that appear specifically elevated in serum from each MPR-deficient mouse. Man-6-P glycoforms of cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes 1, tripeptidyl peptidase I, and heparanase were elevated in absence of the CDMPR and Man-6-P glycoforms of alpha-mannosidase B1, cathepsin D, and prosaposin were elevated in the absence of the CIMPR. Results were confirmed by Western blot analyses for select proteins. This study provides a comparison of different quantitative mass spectrometric approaches and provides the first report of proteins whose cellular targeting appears to be MPR-selective under physiological conditions.

The trans-Golgi network accessory protein p56 promotes long-range movement of GGA/clathrin-containing transport carriers and lysosomal enzyme sorting

The sorting of acid hydrolase precursors at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) is mediated by binding to mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) and subsequent capture of the hydrolase-MPR complexes into clathrin-coated vesicles or transport carriers (TCs) destined for delivery to endosomes. This capture depends on the function of three monomeric clathrin adaptors named GGAs. The GGAs comprise a C-terminal "ear" domain that binds a specific set of accessory proteins. Herein we show that one of these accessory proteins, p56, colocalizes and physically interacts with the three GGAs at the TGN. Moreover, overexpression of the GGAs enhances the association of p56 with the TGN, and RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated depletion of the GGAs decreases the TGN association and total levels of p56. RNAi-mediated depletion of p56 or the GGAs causes various degrees of missorting of the precursor of the acid hydrolase, cathepsin D. In the case of p56 depletion, this missorting correlates with decreased mobility of GGA-containing TCs. Transfection with an RNAi-resistant p56 construct, but not with a p56 construct lacking the GGA-ear-interacting motif, restores the mobility of the TCs. We conclude that p56 tightly cooperates with the GGAs in the sorting of cathepsin D to lysosomes, probably by enabling the movement of GGA-containing TCs.

Reliable safety assessment depends on species differences in epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation

The potential carcinogenic hazard of chemical agents to humans is presently based primarily on the results of long-term animal bioassays. The validity of this toxicologic approach to human risk assessment depends on two fundamental assumptions. First, the results of an animal bioassay are directly applicable to humans (interspecies extrapolation). Second, the doses used in an animal bioassay are relevant for estimating risk at known or expected human exposure levels (dose extrapolation). Although progress has been made over the past four decades in understanding the mode of action of chemical carcinogens, it is increasingly important to determine mechanistically the relevance of these modes of action in humans. There is now evidence that M6P/IGF2R functions as a novel tumor-suppressor gene in a variety of human and rodent cancers. M6p/Igf2r is imprinted in rodents and expressed only from the maternal allele after embryonic implantation. In contrast, both alleles are functional in humans. This marked species difference in M6P/IGF2R imprinting has important implications for human carcinogen risk assessment since only one rather than two alleles needs to be mutated in rodents to completely inactivate the function of this tumor suppressor gene. This striking species difference in the imprint status of M6P/IGF2R clearly demonstrates that we need to understand better variations in epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation between rodents and humans to perform accurately chemical safety assessments.

The 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor does not depend on endosomal acidification for delivery of hydrolases to lysosomes

In mammalian cells, the mannose 6-phosphate receptor pathway accounts for the transport of most soluble acid hydrolases to lysosomes. It is believed that dissociation of mannose 6-phosphate receptors and their ligands is entirely driven by the acidic environment in endosomal compartments. Indeed, pH-perturbing substances such as ammonium chloride and monensin have been shown to inhibit lysosomal enzyme targeting in cells that express both known mannose 6-phosphate receptors. We now demonstrate that ammonium chloride and monensin exert modest effects on the intracellular retention of lysosomal hydrolases in murine cells that synthesize only the 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor. Neither ammonium chloride nor monensin induces changes to the subcellular localization of lysosomal hydrolases and the 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor in these cells. This suggests that endosomal dissociation of the receptor and its ligands still occurs in the presence of these agents. We conclude that the murine 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor has the capacity to deliver its cargo proteins to lysosomes even in the absence of endosomal acidification.

Lysosomes and lysosomal proteins in cancer cell death (new players of an old struggle)

Death of cancer cells influences tumor development and progression, as well as the response to anticancer therapies. This can occur through different cell death programmes which have recently been shown to implicate components of the acidic organelles, lysosomes. The role of lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes, including cathepsins and some lipid hydrolases, in programmed cell death associated with apoptotic or autophagic phenotypes is presented, as evidenced from observations on cultured cells and living animals. The possible molecular mechanisms that underlie the action of lysosomes during cell death are also described. Finally, the contribution of lysosomal proteins and lysosomes to tumor initiation and progression is discussed. Elucidation of this role and the underlying mechanisms will shed a new light on these 'old' organelles and hopefully pave the way for the development of novel anticancer strategies.

Tissue-specific inactivation of murine M6P/IGF2R

The mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (M6P/IGF2R) encodes a multifunctional protein involved in lysosomal enzyme trafficking, fetal organogenesis, tumor suppression, and T cell- mediated immunity. M6P/IGF2R is an imprinted gene in mice with expression only from the maternal allele. Complete knockout of this gene causes neonatal lethality, thus preventing analysis of its multifunctional role postnatally. To help elucidate the biological functions of M6P/IGF2R in adulthood, we generated both complete and tissue-specific M6P/IGF2R knockout mice using the Cre/loxP system. We confirm that complete M6P/IGF2R knockout results in fetal overgrowth and neonatal lethality. In contrast, tissue-specific inactivation of this gene in either the liver or skeletal and cardiac muscle gives rise to viable animals with no obvious phenotype. The successful creation of viable tissue-specific M6P/IGF2R knockout mouse models will now allow for detailed analysis of receptor function in a number of cellular processes including brain development, carcinogenesis, lysosomal trafficking, and T cell-mediated immunity.

Role of LAMP-2 in lysosome biogenesis and autophagy

In LAMP-2-deficient mice autophagic vacuoles accumulate in many tissues, including liver, pancreas, muscle, and heart. Here we extend the phenotype analysis using cultured hepatocytes. In LAMP-2-deficient hepatocytes the half-life of both early and late autophagic vacuoles was prolonged as evaluated by quantitative electron microscopy. However, an endocytic tracer reached the autophagic vacuoles, indicating delivery of endo/lysosomal constituents to autophagic vacuoles. Enzyme activity measurements showed that the trafficking of some lysosomal enzymes to lysosomes was impaired. Immunoprecipitation of metabolically labeled cathepsin D indicated reduced intracellular retention and processing in the knockout cells. The steady-state level of 300-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor was slightly lower in LAMP-2-deficient hepatocytes, whereas that of 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor was decreased to 30% of controls due to a shorter half-life. Less receptor was found in the Golgi region and in vesicles and tubules surrounding multivesicular endosomes, suggesting impaired recycling from endosomes to the Golgi. More receptor was found in autophagic vacuoles, which may explain its shorter half-life. Our data indicate that in hepatocytes LAMP-2 deficiency either directly or indirectly leads to impaired recycling of 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptors and partial mistargeting of a subset of lysosomal enzymes. Autophagic vacuoles may accumulate due to impaired capacity for lysosomal degradation.

Expression and binding properties of the two mannose-6-phosphate receptors differ during perinatal development in rat liver

Mammalian tissues express both cation-dependent (CD-MPR) and cation-independent (CI-MPR) mannose-6-phosphate receptors, which mediate the targeting of acid hydrolases to lysosomes. The coexistence of the two receptors in all cell types and tissues is still poorly understood. To determine whether these receptors might play a role in maturation, we studied their expression and binding properties in rat liver during perinatal development. CI-MPR expression decreases progressively from 18-day fetuses to adults, whereas the CD-MPR showed a transient decrease in newborn and at the 5th day after birth. Immunostaining of the tissues showed that both receptors localize to hepatocytes at all the ages and, additionally, the CD-MPR was reactive in megakaryocytes at early stages. Binding assays showed differences in the B(max) and K(D) values between the ages studied. These results demonstrate that both receptors change differentially during perinatal development, suggesting that they play distinct roles during organ maturation.

Mice lacking the metalloprotease-disintegrin MDC9 (ADAM9) have no evident major abnormalities during development or adult life

MDC9 (ADAM9/meltrin gamma) is a widely expressed and catalytically active metalloprotease-disintegrin protein that has been implicated in the ectodomain cleavage of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and as an alpha secretase for the amyloid precursor protein. In this study, we evaluated the expression of MDC9 during development and generated mice lacking MDC9 (mdc9(-/-) mice) to learn more about the function of this protein during development and in adults. During mouse development, MDC9 mRNA is ubiquitously expressed, with particularly high expression levels in the developing mesenchyme, heart and brain. Despite the ubiquitous expression of MDC9, mdc9(-/-) mice appear to develop normally, are viable and fertile, and do not have any major pathological phenotypes compared to wild-type mice. Constitutive and stimulated ectodomain shedding of HB-EGF is comparable in embryonic fibroblasts isolated from mdc9(-/-) and wild-type mice, arguing against an essential role of MDC9 in HB-EGF shedding in these cells. Furthermore, there were no differences in the production of the APP alpha and gamma secretase cleavage product (p3) and of beta- and gamma-secretase cleavage product (A beta) in cultured hippocampal neurons from mdc9(-/-) or wild-type mice, arguing against an essential major role of MDC9 as an alpha-secretase in mice. Further studies, including functional challenges and an evaluation of potential compensation by, or redundancy with, other members of the ADAM family or perhaps even with other molecules will be necessary to uncover physiologically relevant functions for MDC9 in mice.

Different distribution patterns of the two mannose 6-phosphate receptors in rat liver

Two mannose 6-phosphate receptors, cation-dependent and -independent receptors (CDMPR and CIMPR), play an important role in the intracellular transport of lysosomal enzymes. To investigate functional differences between the two in vivo, their distribution was examined in the rat liver using immunohistochemical techniques. Positive signals corresponding to CIMPR were detected intensely in hepatocytes and weakly in sinusoidal Kupffer cells and interstitial cells in Glisson's capsule. In the liver acinus, hepatocytes in the perivenous region showed a more intense immunoreactivity than those in the periportal region. On the other hand, positive staining of CDMPR was detected at a high level in Kupffer cells, epithelial cells of interlobular bile ducts, and fibroblast-like cells, but the corresponding signal was rather weak in hepatocytes. In situ hybridization analysis also revealed a high level of expression of CIMPR mRNAs in hepatocytes and of CDMPR mRNA in Kupffer cells. By double immunostaining, OX6-positive antigen-presenting cells in Glisson's capsule were co-labeled with the CDMPR signal but were only faintly stained with anti-CIMPR. These different distribution patterns of the two MPRs suggest distinct functional properties of each receptor in liver tissue.

Cathepsin B and D are Localized at the Surface of Human Breast Cancer Cells

Alterations in trafficking of cathepsins B and D have been reported in human and animal tumors. In MCF10 human breast epithelial cells, altered trafficking of cathepsin B occurs during their progression from a preneoplastic to neoplastic state. We now show that this is also the case for altered trafficking of cathepsin D. Nevertheless, the two cathepsins are not necessarily trafficked to the same vesicles. Perinuclear vesicles of immortal MCF10A cells label for both cathepsins B and D, yet the peripheral vesicles found in ras-transfected MCF10AneoT cells label for cathepsin B, cathepsin D or both enzymes. Studies at the electron microscopic level confirm these findings and show in addition surface labeling for both enzymes in the transfected cells. By immunofluorescence staining, cathepsin B can be localized on the outer surface of the cells. Similar patterns of peripheral intracellular and surface staining for cathepsin B are seen in the human breast carcinoma lines MCF7 and BT20. We suggest that the altered trafficking of cathepsins B and D may be of functional significance in malignant progression of human breast epithelial cells. Translocation of vesicles containing cathepsins B and D toward the cell periphery occurs in human breast epithelial cells that are at the point of transition between the pre-neoplastic and neoplastic state and remains part of the malignant phenotype of breast carcinoma cells.

Conserved cassette structure of vertebrate Mr 300 kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptors: partial cDNA sequence of fish MPR 300

The existence of two homologous mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) with overlapping, but distinct functions has raised the question of at what stage in the phylogenetic tree the two receptors have occurred for the first time. In this paper, we present a partial cDNA sequence of Mr 300 kDa MPR (MPR 300) from poeciliid fish (Xiphophorus). It contains a 5'-untranslated region followed by the initiator ATG, and an open reading frame that corresponds to cassettes 1-5 and part of cassette 6 of mammalian MPR 300. The size of the mRNA transcript for fish MPR 300 was comparable with that of other vertebrates. The amino acid sequence of fish MPR 300 displays 48-52% similarity with mammalian and chicken MPR 300. In particular, all the cysteine residues involved in disulfide bonding and an arginine residue, which is considered to be part of the mannose 6-phosphate binding site in cassette 3 of mammalian MPR 300, are conserved. Sequence similarities were significantly higher within cassette 3 and within cassette 5, to which a ligand-binding function has not yet been ascribed. Sequence similarities of the internal cassettes of MPR 300 are discussed with regard to the multifunctional nature of MPR 300.

Mechanisms for high affinity mannose 6-phosphate ligand binding to the insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor

The two mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) binding domains of the insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor (Man-6-P/IGF2R), located in extracytoplasmic repeats 1-3 and 7-9, are capable of binding Man-6-P with low affinity and glycoproteins that contain more than one Man-6-P residue with high affinity. High affinity multivalent ligand binding sites could be formed through two possible mechanisms: the interaction of two Man-6-P binding domains within one Man-6-P/IGF2R molecule or by receptor oligomerization. To discriminate between these mechanisms, truncated FLAG epitope-tagged Man-6-P/IGF2R constructs, containing one or both of the Man-6-P binding domains, were expressed in 293T cells, and characterized for binding of pentamannose phosphate-bovine serum albumin (PMP-BSA), a pseudoglycoprotein bearing multiple Man-6-P residues. A construct containing all 15 repeats of the Man-6-P/IGF2R extracytoplasmic domain bound PMP-BSA with the same affinity as the full-length receptor (K(d) = 0.54 nm) with a curvilinear Scatchard plot. The presence of excess unlabeled PMP-BSA increased the dissociation rate of pre-formed (125)I-PMP-BSA/receptor complexes, suggesting negative cooperativity in multivalent ligand binding and affirming the role of multiple Man-6-P/IGF2R binding domains in forming high affinity binding sites. Truncated receptors containing only one Man-6-P binding domain and mutant receptor constructs, containing an Arg(1325) --> Ala mutation that eliminates binding to the repeats 7-9 binding domain, formed high affinity PMP-BSA binding, but with reduced stoichiometries. Collectively, these observations suggest that alignment of Man-6-P binding domains of separate Man-6-P/IGF2R molecules is responsible for the formation of high affinity Man-6-P binding sites and provide functional evidence for Man-6-P/IGF2R oligomerization.

Function and properties of chimeric MPR 46-MPR 300 mannose 6-phosphate receptors

The two known mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR 46 and MPR 300) mediate the transport of mannose 6-phosphate-containing lysosomal proteins to lysosomes. Endocytosis of extracellular mannose 6-phosphate ligands can only be mediated by MPR 300. Neither type of MPR appears to be sufficient for targetting the full complement of lysosomal enzymes to lysosomes. The complements of lysosomal enzymes transported by either of the two receptors are distinct but largely overlapping. Chimeric receptors were constructed in which the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the two receptors were systematically exchanged. After expression of the chimeric receptors in cells lacking endogenous MPRs the binding of ligands, the subcellular distribution and the sorting efficiency for lysosomal enzymes were analyzed. All chimeras were functional, and their subcellular distribution was similar to that of wild type MPRs. The ability to endocytose lysosomal enzymes was restricted to receptors with the lumenal domain of MPR 300. The efficiency to sort lysosomal enzymes correlated with the lumenal and cytoplasmic domains of MPR 300. In contrast to the wild type receptors, a significant fraction of most of the chimeric receptors was misrouted to lysosomes, indicating that the signals determining the routing of MPRs have been fitted for the parent receptor polypeptides.

Mannose 6-Phosphate/Insulin-like growth factor II receptor mediates internalization and degradation of leukemia inhibitory factor but not signal transduction

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the interleukin-6 subfamily of helical cytokines, all of which use the glycoprotein (gp) 130 subunit for signal transduction. The specific receptor for LIF, gp190, binds this cytokine with low affinity and is also required for signal transduction. We have recently reported that glycosylated LIF produced by transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells also binds to a lectin-like receptor, mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (Man-6-P/IGFII-R) (Blanchard, F., Raher, S., Duplomb, L., Vusio, P., Pitard, V., Taupin, J. L., Moreau, J. F., Hoflack, B., Minvielle, S., Jacques, Y., and Godard, A. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 20886-20893). The present study shows that (i) mannose 6-phosphate-containing LIF is naturally produced by a number of normal and tumor cell lines; (ii) other cytokines in the interleukin-6 family do not bind to Man-6-P/IGFII-R; and (iii) another unrelated cytokine, macrophage-colony-stimulating factor, is also able to bind to Man-6-P/IGFII-R in a mannose 6-phosphate-sensitive manner. No functional effects or signal transductions mediated by this lectin-like receptor were observed in various biological assays after LIF binding, and mannose 6-phosphate-containing LIF was as active as non-glycosylated LIF. However, mannose 6-phosphate-sensitive LIF binding resulted in rapid internalization and degradation of the cytokine on numerous cell lines, which suggests that Man-6-P/IGFII-R plays an important role in regulating the amounts of LIF available in vivo.

Alternative mechanisms for trafficking of lysosomal enzymes in mannose 6-phosphate receptor-deficient mice are cell type-specific

Viable mice nullizygous in genes encoding the 300 kDa and the 46 kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR 300 and MPR 46) and the insulin like growth factor II (IGF II) were generated to study the trafficking of lysosomal enzymes in the absence of MPRs. The mice have an I-cell disease-like phenotype, with increase of lysosomal enzymes in serum and normal activities in tissues. Surprisingly, the ability of MPR-deficient cells to transport newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes to lysosomes and the underlying mechanisms were found to depend on the cell type. MPR-deficient thymocytes target newly synthesized cathepsin D to lysosomes via an intracellular route. In contrast, hepatocytes and fibroblasts secrete newly synthesized cathepsin D. In fibroblasts recapture of secreted lysosomal enzymes, including that of cathepsin D, is limited and results in lysosomal storage, both in vivo and in vitro, whereas recapture by hepatocytes is remarkably effective in vivo and can result in lysosomal enzyme levels even above normal.

Characterization of truncated and glycosylation-deficient forms of the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells

A soluble truncated form of the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CD-MPR) encoding only the extracytoplasmic region, Stop155, and a truncated glycosylation-deficient form of the CD-MPR, Asn81/Stop155, which has been modified to contain only one N-linked glycosylation site at position 81 instead of five, were purified from baculovirus-infected High Five insect cells. The glycosylated recombinant proteins were functional in ligand binding and acid-dependent dissociation as assessed by pentamannosyl phosphate-agarose affinity chromatography. Gel filtration, sucrose gradients, and cross-linking experiments revealed that both Stop155 and Asn81/Stop155 are dimeric, demonstrating that the transmembrane and cytoplasmic region of the receptor as well as N-linked oligosaccharides at positions 31, 57, and 87 are not required for dimerization. The Kd of Stop155 and Asn81/Stop155 for the lysosomal enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, was 0.2 and 0.3 nM, respectively. These values are very similar to those reported for the full-length CD-MPR, demonstrating that the extracellular region of the CD-MPR is sufficient for high-affinity binding and that oligosaccharides at positions 31, 57, and 87 do not influence ligand binding.

Protein transport from the secretory to the endocytic pathway in mammalian cells

The trans-Golgi network (TGN) is the last station of the secretory pathway where soluble and membrane proteins are sorted for subsequent transport to endocytic compartments. This pathway is primarily followed by two distinct but related mannose 6-phosphate receptors which exhibit complementary functions in soluble lysosomal enzyme targeting. These transmembrane proteins and their bound ligands are packaged in transport intermediates coated with clathrin and the AP-1 assembly complex. Their segregation is determined by the interaction of tyrosine- and di-leucine-based sorting determinants present in their cytoplasmic domains with AP-1. Other membrane proteins such as the lysosomal membrane glycoproteins or envelope glycoproteins of herpes viruses, which contain similar sorting signals, may also follow the same pathway. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to membrane protein sorting in the TGN and the formation of AP-1-coated transport intermediates.

Animal models of lysosomal disease: an overview

The relative rarity of human lysosomal disorders, extremely heterogeneous genetic background and ethical restrictions make well-controlled studies difficult with human patients. Genetically authentic animal models complement human patients with their ready availability, homogeneous genetic background and the relatively flexible experimental designs. Spontaneous animal models of human lysosomal disorders are rare, particularly among small laboratory animals. However, the homologous recombination and embryonic stem cell technology has so far enabled us to duplicate almost all known human sphingolipidoses, two mucopolysaccharidoses and aspartylgly-cosaminuria in mice and more disorders are expected in the near future. This technology also allows generation of mouse mutants that are not known or are highly unlikely to exist in humans, such as 'double-knockouts'. Studies of lysosomal disease have come to the half-way turning point of the marathon race from clincopathological descriptions, identification of affected compounds, enzymology, to the present gene-level inquiries. The animal models will play an important role in our long journey from nucleic acids back to biology. While the utility of these mouse models is obvious, species differences in the brain development and metabolic pathways must be always remembered if the ultimate goal of the study is application to human patients. After all, the mouse is not human.

Differential sorting of lysosomal enzymes out of the regulated secretory pathway in pancreatic beta-cells

In cells specialized for secretory granule exocytosis, lysosomal hydrolases may enter the regulated secretory pathway. Using mouse pancreatic islets and the INS-1 beta-cell line as models, we have compared the itineraries of procathepsins L and B, two closely related members of the papain superfamily known to exhibit low and high affinity for mannose-6-phosphate receptors (MPRs), respectively. Interestingly, shortly after pulse labeling INS cells, a substantial fraction of both proenzymes exhibit regulated exocytosis. After several hours, much procathepsin L remains as precursor in a compartment that persists in its ability to undergo regulated exocytosis in parallel with insulin, while procathepsin B is efficiently converted to the mature form and can no longer be secreted. However, in islets from transgenic mice devoid of cation-dependent MPRs, the modest fraction of procathepsin B normally remaining within mature secretory granules is increased approximately fourfold. In normal mouse islets, immunoelectron microscopy established that both cathepsins are present in immature beta-granules, while immunolabeling for cathepsin L, but not B, persists in mature beta-granules. By contrast, in islets from normal male Sprague-Dawley rats, much of the proenzyme sorting appears to occur earlier, significantly diminishing the stimulus-dependent release of procathepsin B. Evidently, in the context of different systems, MPR-mediated sorting of lysosomal proenzymes occurs to a variable extent within the trans-Golgi network and is continued, as needed, within immature secretory granules. Lysosomal proenzymes that fail to be sorted at both sites remain as residents of mature secretory granules.

The phosphorylation pattern of oligosaccharides in secreted procathepsin D is glycosylation site-specific and independent of the expression of mannose 6-phosphate receptors

Mammalian cells contain two types of mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR), MPRs 46 and 300, that contribute with variable efficiency to the sorting of individual lysosomal proteins. To evaluate the role of phosphorylated oligosaccharides for the sorting efficiency by either of the two receptors, the structure of phosphorylated oligosaccharides on lysosomal proteins escaping sorting in cells lacking MPR 46 and/or MPR 300 was analyzed. Procathepsin D was chosen as a model because it is sorted efficiently via MPR 300 and poorly via MPR 46 and contains a distinct and highly heterogenous mixture of phosphorylated oligosaccharides at either of its two N-glycosylation sites. Both MPRs 46 and 300 were found to have a minor but distinct preference for forms of procathepsin D and other lysosomal proteins containing oligosaccharides with two phosphomonoesters. However, the phosphorylation of oligosaccharides in procathepsin D and other lysosomal proteins that escape sorting in control cells or in cells lacking MPR 46 and/or MPR 300 was strikingly similar, and oligosaccharides with two phosphomonoesters represented the major oligosaccharide species. We conclude from these results that the position of the position of the phosphate groups, the structure of the underlying oligosaccharide, and/or the polypeptide backbone of lysosomal proteins have major roles in determining the affinity to MPRs.

Ligand binding specificities of the two mannose 6-phosphate receptors

Two mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) receptors (MPRs) direct the vesicular transport of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes that contain Man-6-P from the Golgi to a prelysosomal compartment. In order to understand the respective roles of the Mr = 46,000 cation-dependent (CD-) MPR and the Mr = 300,000 cation-independent (CI-) MPR in lysosomal targeting, an assay has been developed that simultaneously measures the relative affinity of each MPR for multiple ligands. Glycoproteins containing Man-6-P were affinity-purified from the metabolically labeled secretions of mutant mouse fibroblasts lacking both MPRs. They were incubated with purified MPRs, and the resulting receptor-ligand complexes were immunoprecipitated by anti-MPR monoclonal antibodies coupled to agarose beads. Ligands were eluted with Man-6-P and then quantified following SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Saturating concentrations of CI-MPR resulted in the complete recovery of each Man-6-P glycoprotein in receptor-ligand complexes. Apparent affinity constants ranged between 1 and 5 nM for the individual species. Ligands precipitated by the CD-MPR appeared identical to those bound by the CI-MPR, with apparent affinity constants ranging between 7 and 28 nM. The binding affinities of the two receptors for different ligands were not correlated, indicating that the two MPRs preferentially recognize different subsets of lysosomal enzymes. In addition, saturating levels of CD-MPR resulted in the precipitation of only 50% of the total input ligands, suggesting that the CD-MPR binds a subpopulation of the Man-6-P glycoproteins bound by the CI-MPR. These results provide a biochemical mechanism, which, in part, may explain the interaction of the two MPRs with overlapping yet distinct subsets of ligands in vivo.

Endocytosis and molecular sorting

Endocytosis in eukaryotic cells is characterized by the continuous and regulated formation of prolific numbers of membrane vesicles at the plasma membrane. These vesicles come in several different varieties, ranging from the actin-dependent formation of phagosomes involved in particle uptake, to smaller clathrin-coated vesicles responsible for the internalization of extracellular fluid and receptor-bound ligands. In general, each of these vesicle types results in the delivery of their contents to lysosomes for degradation. The membrane components of endocytic vesicles, on the other hand, are subject to a series of highly complex and iterative molecular sorting events resulting in their targeting to specific destinations. In recent years, much has been learned about the function of the endocytic pathway and the mechanisms responsible for the molecular sorting of proteins and lipids. This review attempts to integrate these new concepts with long-established views of endocytosis to present a more coherent picture of how the endocytic pathway is organized and how the intracellular transport of internalized membrane components is controlled. Of particular importance are emerging concepts concerning the protein-based signals responsible for molecular sorting and the cytosolic complexes responsible for the decoding of these signals.

Expression of mannose 6-phosphate receptors in chicken

In mammals, the sorting of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes is accomplished by two mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR) designated MPR46 and MPR300. MPR300 has an additional function in clearing the nonglycosylated insulin-like growth factor II (IGFII). The distinct expression pattern of the two MPR has been ascribed to the control of MPR300 expression by IGFII. In lower vertebrates, such as chickens or frogs, only MPR300 homologues have been described. These MPR300 homologues do not bind IGFII. In the present study, we examined whether lower vertebrates such as chickens also express two types of MPR and, if so, whether the expression pattern is distinct or similar. We were able to clone chicken cDNA fragments homologous to mammalian MPR46 and MPR300 and to show the synthesis of respective MPR polypeptides, thus establishing the existence of two types of MPR also in a nonmammalian species. Further, we analyzed the expression of the two MPR in chicken by Northern blotting and in situ hybridization. High levels of MPR46 and MPR300 RNA were detectable in epithelia, ganglia, and uropoietic system of chicken embryos. In a number of embryonic and adult tissues, varying ratios of MPR46 and MPR300 RNA were observed. The expression pattern for both MPR46 and MPR300 was distinct, although less pronounced than in mice. We conclude that functional differences unrelated to the additional function of the mammalian MPR300 as a receptor clearing IGFII are responsible for the distinct expression of the two MPR in nonmammalian, and probably also in mammalian, species.

Re-expression of the mannose 6-phosphate receptors in receptor-deficient fibroblasts. Complementary function of the two mannose 6-phosphate receptors in lysosomal enzyme targeting

We have previously generated primary embryonic fibroblasts lacking either the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (MPR) or the cation-dependent MPR, two trans-membrane proteins that bind the mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) recognition marker on soluble lysosomal enzymes (Ludwig, T., Munier-Lehmann, H., Bauer, U., Hollinshead, M., Ovitt, C., Lobel, P., and Hoflack, B.(1994) EMBO J. 13, 3430-3437). These two cell types partially missort phosphorylated lysosomal enzymes. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we show here that they secrete, in a large part, different phosphorylated ligands. In order to better understand the sorting function of the MPRs, we have re-expressed each MPR in MPR-negative fibroblasts. We show that the MPRs have similar capacities for transporting the bulk of the newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes and that they target individual ligands with various efficiencies. However, high levels of one MPR do not fully compensate for the absence of the other, demonstrating that the two MPRs have complementary targeting functions, perhaps by recognizing different features on lysosomal enzymes. The analysis of the phosphorylated oligosaccharides shows that the ligands missorted in the absence of the cation-dependent MPR are slightly but significantly depleted in oligosaccharides with two Man-6-P residues, when compared with those missorted in the absence of the cation-independent MPR. While these results could explain some differences between the structure and the sorting function of the two MPRs, they strongly suggest that the reason why cells express two different but related MPRs is to maintain an efficient Man-6-P-dependent targeting process that could be potentially regulated by MPR expression.

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors and ADP-ribosylation factors cooperate for high affinity interaction of the AP-1 Golgi assembly proteins with membranes

Clathrin coat assembly in the trans-Golgi network, leading to the sequestration of the mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) into nascent vesicles, requires the ARF-1-dependent translocation of the cytosolic AP-1 Golgi assembly proteins onto the membranes of this organelle. The mechanistic role of the MPRs, i.e. the cargo molecules, in coat assembly is at present unclear. Using a GTP-dependent, brefeldin A-sensitive in vitro AP-1 binding assay, we have determined here the parameters of the AP-1 binding reaction. We demonstrate that, in addition of ARF-1, the MPRs contribute to create high affinity AP-1 binding sites (Kd approximately 25 mM), since their number correlates the number of MPR molecules expressed in MPR-negative cells. The quantitative electron microscopy shows that these high affinity binding sites are present on trans-Golgi network membranes, as expected, and to some extent on early endosomes. The high affinity binding sites are lost when the MPRs or ARF-1 become rate-limiting components. Conversely, GTP gamma S (guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)), which increases the amount of membrane-bound ARF-1, most uncovers low affinity AP-1 binding sites (Kd approximately 150 nM) on trans-Golgi network membranes, normally not detected in its absence. Collectively, these results argue that MPR sorting is highly coupled to the first step of coat assembly and that the MPRs, ARF-1, and possibly other proteins cooperate for high affinity interactions of AP-1.

The two mannose 6-phosphate receptors transport distinct complements of lysosomal proteins

Mammalian cells express two different mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR 46 and MPR 300), which both mediate targeting of Man-6-P-containing lysosomal proteins to lysosomes. To assess the contribution of either and both MPRs to the transport of lysosomal proteins, fibroblasts were established from mouse embryos that were homozygous for disrupted alleles of either MPR 46 or MPR 300 or both MPRs. Fibroblasts missing both MPRs secreted most of the newly synthesized lysosomal proteins and were unable to maintain the catabolic function of lysosomes. The intracellular levels of lysosomal proteins decreased to < 20%, and undigested material accumulated in the lysosomal compartment. Fibroblasts lacking either MPR exhibited only a partial missorting and maintained, in general, half-normal to normal levels of lysosomal proteins. The same species of lysosomal proteins were found in secretions of double MPR-deficient fibroblasts as in secretions of single MPR-deficient fibroblasts, but at different ratios. This clearly indicates that neither MPR has an exclusive affinity for one or several lysosomal proteins. Furthermore, neither MPR can substitute in vivo for the loss of the other. It is proposed that the heterogeneity of the Man-6-P recognition marker within a lysosomal protein and among different lysosomal proteins has necessitated the evolution of two MPRs with complementary binding properties to ensure an efficient targeting of lysosomal proteins.

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors in sorting and transport of lysosomal enzymes

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors have been intensively studied with regard to their genomic organization, protein structure, ligand binding properties, intracellular trafficking and sorting functions. That their main function is sorting of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes is commonly accepted, but much more remains to be learned about their precise recycling pathways and the mechanisms which regulate their vesicular transport. Additional functions have been reported, e.g., export of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes from the cell by MPR 46 or a--probably indirect--participation in growth factor-mediated signal transduction by MPR 300. To understand the physiological relevance of these observations will be a challenge for future research.

Role of mannose-6-phosphate receptors in herpes simplex virus entry into cells and cell-to-cell transmission

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D (gD) is essential for virus entry into cells, is modified with mannose-6-phosphate (M-6-P), and binds to both the 275-kDa M-6-P receptor (MPR) and the 46-kDa MPR (C. R. Brunetti, R. L. Burke, S. Kornfeld, W. Gregory, K. S. Dingwell, F. Masiarz, and D. C. Johnson, J. Biol. Chem. 269:17067-17074, 1994). Since MPRs are found on the surfaces of mammalian cells, we tested the hypothesis that MPRs could serve as receptors for HSV during virus entry into cells. A soluble form of the 275-kDa MPR, derived from fetal bovine serum, inhibited HSV plaques on monkey Vero cells, as did polyclonal rabbit anti-MPR antibodies. In addition, the number and size of HSV plaques were reduced when cells were treated with bovine serum albumin conjugated with pentamannose-phosphate (PM-PO4-BSA), a bulky ligand which can serve as a high-affinity ligand for MPRs. These data imply that HSV can use MPRs to enter cells; however, other molecules must also serve as receptors for HSV because a reasonable fraction of virus could enter cells treated with even the highest concentrations of these inhibitors. Consistent with the possibility that there are other receptors, HSV produced the same number of plaques on MPR-deficient mouse fibroblasts as were produced on normal mouse fibroblasts, but there was no inhibition with PM-PO4-BSA with either of these embryonic mouse cells. Together, these results demonstrate that HSV does not rely solely on MPRs to enter cells, although MPRs apparently play some role in virus entry into some cell types and, perhaps, act as one of a number of cell surface molecules that can facilitate entry. We also found that HSV produced small plaques on human fibroblasts derived from patients with pseudo-Hurler's polydystrophy, cells in which glycoproteins are not modified with M-6-P residues and yet production of infectious HSV particles was not altered in the pseudo-Hurler cells. In addition, HSV plaque size was reduced by PM-PO4-BSA; therefore, it appears that M-6-P residues and MPRs are required for efficient transmission of HSV between cells, a process which differs in some respects from entry of exogenous virus particles.

Intracellular sorting of aspartylglucosaminidase: the role of N-linked oligosaccharides and evidence of Man-6-P-independent lysosomal targeting

Aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA, E.C. 3.5.1.26) is a soluble lysosomal hydrolase that participates in the degradation of glycoproteins. Here we analyzed the special features in the intracellular targeting of this dimeric amidohydrolase, especially the role of N-linked sugars and their phosphorylation in transport and activity of heterodimeric aspartylglucosaminidase, using in vitro mutagenesis and transient expression of mutant polypeptides in COS cells. The single N-glycosylation sites of both the alpha and beta subunits were destroyed individually and in combination. Just one remaining N-glycosylation site on either subunit was sufficient for normal processing into subunits and lysosomal transport, but the totally nonglycosylated enzyme, although active and processed into subunits, was not transported into lysosomes and became trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or secreted. The intracellular targeting of AGA was partially disturbed by the lack of glycosylation in the beta subunit, resulting in accumulation of dimeric, active polypeptides in the ER, whereas lack of oligosaccharides in the alpha subunit did not affect the intracellular targeting of AGA. N-glycans in the beta subunit were found to be essential for the long-term stability of the polypeptide in the cell, but not for initial folding or subunit processing into the active dimeric molecule. Both subunits have two glycosylation isoforms. Both forms of the alpha subunit were found to be phosphorylated, whereas only one of the two glycosylation isoforms of the beta subunit is phosphorylated. The mutant enzyme with nonglycosylated alpha subunit and nonphosphorylated beta subunit is transported into lysosomes, suggesting that AGA is capable of using an alternative, mannose-6-phosphate receptor-independent routing into lysosomes.