The protein machinery of vesicle budding and fusion

All SNAP25 molecules in the vesicle-plasma membrane contact zone change conformation during vesicle priming

In neuronal cell types, vesicular exocytosis is governed by the SNARE (soluble NSF attachment receptor) complex consisting of synaptobrevin2, SNAP25, and syntaxin1. These proteins are required for vesicle priming and fusion. We generated an improved SNAP25-based SNARE COmplex Reporter (SCORE2) incorporating mCeruelan3 and Venus and overexpressed it in SNAP25 knockout embryonic mouse chromaffin cells. This construct rescues vesicle fusion with properties indistinguishable from fusion in wild-type cells. Combining electrochemical imaging of individual release events using electrochemical detector arrays with total internal reflection fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TIR-FRET) imaging reveals a rapid FRET increase preceding individual fusion events by 65 ms. The experiments are performed under conditions of a steady-state cycle of docking, priming, and fusion, and the delay suggests that the FRET change reflects tight docking and priming of the vesicle, followed by fusion after ~65 ms. Given the absence of wt SNAP25, SCORE2 allows determination of the number of molecules at fusion sites and the number that changes conformation. The number of SNAP25 molecules changing conformation in the priming step increases with vesicle size and SNAP25 density in the plasma membrane and equals the number of copies present in the vesicle-plasma membrane contact zone. We estimate that in wt cells, 6 to 7 copies of SNAP25 change conformation during the priming step.

CK2 Phosphorylation Is Required for Regulation of Syntaxin 1A Activity in Ca2+-Triggered Release in Neuroendocrine Cells

The polybasic juxtamembrane region (5RK) of the plasma membrane neuronal SNARE, syntaxin1A (Syx), was previously shown by us to act as a fusion clamp in PC12 cells, as charge neutralization of 5RK promotes spontaneous and inhibits Ca²⁺-triggered release. Using a Syx-based FRET probe (CSYS), we demonstrated that 5RK is required for a depolarization-induced Ca⁺²-dependent opening (close-to-open transition; CDO) of Syx, which involves the vesicular SNARE synaptobrevin2 and occurs concomitantly with Ca²⁺-triggered release. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the CDO requirement for 5RK and identified phosphorylation of Syx at Ser-14 (S14) by casein kinase 2 (CK2) as a crucial molecular determinant. Thus, following biochemical verification that both endogenous Syx and CSYS are constitutively S14 phosphorylated in PC12 cells, dynamic FRET analysis of phospho-null and phospho-mimetic mutants of CSYS and the use of a CK2 inhibitor revealed that the S14 phosphorylation confers the CDO requirement for 5RK. In accord, amperometric analysis of catecholamine release revealed that the phospho-null mutant does not support Ca²⁺-triggered release. These results identify a functionally important CK2 phosphorylation of Syx that is required for the 5RK-regulation of CDO and for concomitant Ca²⁺-triggered release. Further, also spontaneous release, conferred by charge neutralization of 5RK, was abolished in the phospho-null mutant.

Soft materials as biological and artificial membranes

The past few decades have seen emerging growth in the field of soft materials for synthetic biology. This review focuses on soft materials involved in biological and artificial membranes. The biological membranes discussed here are mainly those involved in the structure and function of cells and organelles. As building blocks in medicine, non-native membranes including nanocarriers (NCs), especially liposomes and DQAsomes, and polymeric membranes for scaffolds are constructed from amphiphilic combinations of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Artificial membranes can be prepared using synthetic, soft materials and molecules and then incorporated into structures through self-organization to form micelles or niosomes. The modification of artificial membranes can be realized using traditional chemical methods such as click reactions to target the delivery of NCs and control the release of therapeutics. The biomembrane, a lamellar structure inlaid with ion channels, receptors, lipid rafts, enzymes, and other functional units, separates cells and organelles from the environment. An active domain inserted into the membrane and organelles for energy conversion and cellular communication can target disease by changing the membrane's composition, structure, and fluidity and affecting the on/off status of the membrane gates. The biological membrane targets analyzing pathological mechanisms and curing complex diseases, which inspires us to create NCs with artificial membranes.

SNAP to attention: A SNARE complex regulates neuronal progenitor polarity

SNARE vesicle targeting complex controls the polarity of neuronal progenitors. Kunii et al. (2020. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201910080) show that the SNAP23-VAMP8-Syntaxin1B complex is required for membrane targeting of N-cadherin and formation of adherence junction complexes in radial glia neuronal progenitors, the major prerequisite of cell polarity establishment.

Cytokine exocytosis and JAK/STAT activation in the Drosophila ovary requires the vesicle trafficking regulator α-Snap

How vesicle trafficking components actively contribute to regulation of paracrine signaling is unclear. We genetically uncovered a requirement for α-soluble NSF attachment protein (α-Snap) in the activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway during Drosophila egg development. α-Snap, a well-conserved vesicle trafficking regulator, mediates association of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) and SNAREs to promote vesicle fusion. Depletion of α-Snap or the SNARE family member Syntaxin1A in epithelia blocks polar cells maintenance and prevents specification of motile border cells. Blocking apoptosis rescues polar cell maintenance in α-Snap-depleted egg chambers, indicating that the lack of border cells in mutants is due to impaired signaling. Genetic experiments implicate α-Snap and NSF in secretion of a STAT-activating cytokine. Live imaging suggests that changes in intracellular Ca2+ are linked to this event. Our data suggest a cell-type specific requirement for particular vesicle trafficking components in regulated exocytosis during development. Given the central role for STAT signaling in immunity, this work may shed light on regulation of cytokine release in humans.

Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Movement Disorders

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are now among the most widely used therapeutic agents in clinical medicine with indications applied to the fields of movement disorders, pain disorders, and autonomic dysfunction. In this literature review, the efficacy and utility of BoNTs in the field of movement disorders are assessed using the criteria of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. The literature supports a level A efficacy (established) for BoNT therapy in cervical dystonia and a level B efficacy (probably effective) for blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, laryngeal dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia), task-specific dystonias, essential tremor, and Parkinson rest tremor. It is the view of movement disorder experts, however, that despite the level B efficacy, BoNTs should be considered treatment of first choice for blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, laryngeal, and task-specific dystonias. The emerging data on motor and vocal tics of Tourette syndrome and oromandibular dystonias are encouraging but the current level of efficacy is U (undetermined) due to lack of published high-quality studies.

The Dual Function of the Polybasic Juxtamembrane Region of Syntaxin 1A in Clamping Spontaneous Release and Stimulating Ca2+-Triggered Release in Neuroendocrine Cells

The exact function of the polybasic juxtamembrane region (5RK) of the plasma membrane neuronal SNARE, syntaxin 1A (Syx), in vesicle exocytosis, although widely studied, is currently not clear. Here, we addressed the role of 5RK in Ca²⁺-triggered release, using our Syx-based intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe, which previously allowed us to resolve a depolarization-induced Ca²⁺-dependent close-to-open transition (CDO) of Syx that occurs concomitant with evoked release, both in PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons and was abolished upon charge neutralization of 5RK. First, using dynamic FRET analysis in PC12 cells, we show that CDO occurs following assembly of SNARE complexes that include the vesicular SNARE, synaptobrevin 2, and that the participation of 5RK in CDO goes beyond its participation in the final zippering of the complex, because mutations of residues adjacent to 5RK, believed to be crucial for final zippering, do not abolish this transition. In addition, we show that CDO is contingent on membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), which is fundamental for maintaining regulated exocytosis, as depletion of membranal PIP2 abolishes CDO. Prompted by these results, which underscore a potentially significant role of 5RK in exocytosis, we next amperometrically analyzed catecholamine release from PC12 cells, revealing that charge neutralization of 5RK promotes spontaneous and inhibits Ca²⁺-triggered release events. Namely, 5RK acts as a fusion clamp, making release dependent on stimulation by Ca²⁺SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Syntaxin 1A (Syx) is a central protein component of the SNARE complex, which underlies neurotransmitter release. Although widely studied in relation to its participation in SNARE complex formation and its interaction with phosphoinositides, the function of Syx's polybasic juxtamembrane region (5RK) remains unclear. Previously, we showed that a conformational transition of Syx, related to calcium-triggered release, reported by a Syx-based FRET probe, is abolished upon charge neutralization of 5RK (5RK/A). Here we show that this conformational transition is dependent on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and is related to SNARE complex formation. Subsequently, we show that the 5RK/A mutation enhances spontaneous release and inhibits calcium-triggered release in neuroendocrine cells, indicating a previously unrecognized role of 5RK in neurotransmitter release.

Transcriptome profilings of two tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) cultivars in response to lead (Pb) stress

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic heavy metal environmental pollutants. Tall fescue is an important cold season turf grass which can tolerate and accumulate substantial amount of Pb. To estimate genes related to Pb response and the molecular mechanism associated with Pb tolerance and accumulation, we analyzed the transcriptome of tall fescue in response to Pb treatment.

RESULTS

RNA-sequencing was performed in two tall fescue cultivars, Pb tolerant Silverado and Pb sensitive AST7001. A total of 810,146 assembled unique transcripts representing 25,415 unigenes were obtained from the tall fescue leaves. Among the panel, 3,696 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between the Pb treated (1000 mg/L) and untreated samples. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that the DEGs were mainly implicated in energy metabolism, metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, and carbohydrate metabolism related pathways. The expression patterns of 16 randomly selected genes were in consistent with that from the Solexa analysis using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. In addition, compared to the common transcriptional response to Pb stress in both cultivars, the regulation of numerous genes including those involved in zeatin biosynthesis, limonene and pinene degradation, phagosome was exclusive to one cultivar.

CONCLUSIONS

The tall fescue assembled transcriptome provided substantial molecular resources for further genomics analysis of turfgrass in response to heavy metal stress. The significant expression difference of specific unigenes may account for Pb tolerance or accumulation in two different tall fescue cultivars. This study provided new insights for the investigation of the molecular basis of Pb tolerance and accumulation in tall fescue as well as other related turf grass species.

Nitric oxide promotes GABA release by activating a voltage-independent Ca2+ influx pathway in retinal amacrine cells

Retinal amacrine cells express nitric oxide (NO) synthase and produce NO, making NO available to regulate the function of amacrine cells. Here we test the hypothesis that NO can alter the GABAergic synaptic output of amacrine cells. We investigate this using whole cell voltage clamp recordings and Ca²⁺ imaging of cultured chick retinal amacrine cells. When recording from amacrine cells receiving synaptic input from other amacrine cells, we find that NO increases GABAergic spontaneous postsynaptic current (sPSC) frequency. This increase in sPSC frequency does not require the canonical NO receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase, or presynaptic action potentials. However, removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ and buffering of cytosolic Ca²⁺ both inhibit the response to NO. In Ca²⁺ imaging experiments, we confirm that NO increases cytosolic Ca²⁺ in amacrine cell processes by activating a Ca²⁺ influx pathway. Neither the increase in sPSC frequency nor the cytosolic Ca²⁺ elevations are dependent upon Ca²⁺ release from stores. NO also enhances evoked GABAergic responses. Because voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel function is not altered by NO, the increased evoked response is likely due to the combined effect of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ influx adding to the NO-dependent, voltage-independent, Ca²⁺ influx. Insight into the identity of the Ca²⁺ influx pathway is provided by the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel inhibitor clemizole, which prevents the NO-dependent increase in sPSC frequency and cytosolic Ca²⁺ elevations. These data suggest that NO production in the inner retina will enhance Ca²⁺-dependent GABA release from amacrine cells by activating TRPC channel(s).NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our research provides evidence that nitric oxide (NO) promotes GABAergic output from retinal amacrine cells by activating a likely transient receptor potential canonical-mediated Ca²⁺ influx pathway. This NO-dependent mechanism promoting GABA release can be voltage independent, suggesting that, in the retina, local NO production can bypass the formal retinal circuitry and increase local inhibition.

The Ups and Downs of Neurotransmitter Transporters

Plasma membrane neurotransmitter transporters are a family of integral membrane proteins, found on both neurons and glia, that have the capacity to influence neuronal signaling through a number of mechanisms including transmitter reuptake and ionic flux. Clinically, these proteins are of interest because their dysfunction is associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders, and because they are the targets of many drugs of abuse and therapy. In this review, the authors focus on one of the more recent, fascinating discoveries about neurotransmitter transporters; namely, that transporter function is regulated by altering the number of transporters on the cell surface. These data suggest that transporter expression is in continual flux and that transporters respond to their environment in an effort to maintain baseline transmitter levels in the brain. The authors examine the mechanisms underlying changes in transporter number, discuss clinical disorders that are correlated with transporter expression, and suggest that controlling transporter redistribution may be a future therapeutic strategy for disorders related to abnormal transmitter levels.

Endoplasmosis and exoplasmosis: the evolutionary principles underlying endocytosis, exocytosis, and vesicular transport

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by a multicompartmental structure with a variety of organelles. Vesicular transport between these compartments requires membrane fusion events. Based on a membrane topology view, we conclude that there are two basic mechanisms of membrane fusion, namely where the membranes first come in contact with the cis-side (the plasmatic phase of the lipid bilayer) or with the trans-side (the extra-plasmatic face). We propose to designate trans-membrane fusion processes as “endoplasmosis” as they lead to uptake of a compartment into the plasmatic phase. Vice versa we suggest the term “exoplasmosis” (as already suggested in a 1964 publication) for cis-membrane fusion events, where the interior of a vesicle is released to an extraplasmatic environment (the extracellular space or the lumen of a compartment). This concept is supported by the fact that all cis- and all trans-membrane fusions, respectively, exhibit noticeable similarities implying that they evolved from two functionally different mechanisms.

COPI selectively drives maturation of the early Golgi

COPI coated vesicles carry material between Golgi compartments, but the role of COPI in the secretory pathway has been ambiguous. Previous studies of thermosensitive yeast COPI mutants yielded the surprising conclusion that COPI was dispensable both for the secretion of certain proteins and for Golgi cisternal maturation. To revisit these issues, we optimized the anchor-away method, which allows peripheral membrane proteins such as COPI to be sequestered rapidly by adding rapamycin. Video fluorescence microscopy revealed that COPI inactivation causes an early Golgi protein to remain in place while late Golgi proteins undergo cycles of arrival and departure. These dynamics generate partially functional hybrid Golgi structures that contain both early and late Golgi proteins, explaining how secretion can persist when COPI has been inactivated. Our findings suggest that cisternal maturation involves a COPI-dependent pathway that recycles early Golgi proteins, followed by multiple COPI-independent pathways that recycle late Golgi proteins.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13232.001

Proteins play many important roles for cells, and these roles often require the proteins to be in particular locations in or around the cells. A set of cell compartments called the Golgi packages certain proteins into bubble-like structures called vesicles to enable the proteins to be used elsewhere in the cell or released to the outside of the cell, in a process called the secretory pathway. The operation of the secretory pathway requires the Golgi compartments to be continually remodeled.

Proteins and other materials can be ferried between the compartments of the Golgi by another type of vesicle. These vesicles are coated with a group, or complex, of proteins called COPI, which forms a curved lattice around the vesicles and helps them to capture the materials they will transport. However, it is not clear whether COPI is also involved in remodeling of the Golgi compartments.

Papanikou, Day et al. addressed this question using a technique called the “anchor-away method” combined with microscopy to study COPI in yeast cells. The yeast were genetically engineered so that COPI activity was effectively shut down in the presence of a drug called rapamycin. The experiments show that COPI is involved in the early stages of remodeling the Golgi compartments, but not the later stages. This finding supports the emerging view of the Golgi as a self-organizing cellular machine, and it provides a framework for uncovering the engineering principles that underlie the secretory pathway.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13232.002

How could SNARE proteins open a fusion pore?

The SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment protein REceptor) complex, which in mammalian neurosecretory cells is composed of the proteins synaptobrevin 2 (also called VAMP2), syntaxin, and SNAP-25, plays a key role in vesicle fusion. In this review, we discuss the hypothesis that, in neurosecretory cells, fusion pore formation is directly accomplished by a conformational change in the SNARE complex via movement of the transmembrane domains.

Imaging ER-to-Golgi transport: towards a systems view

Proteins synthesised at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) have to undergo a number of consecutive and coordinated steps to reach the Golgi complex. To understand the dynamic complexity of ER-to-Golgi transport at the structural and molecular level, light microscopy approaches are fundamental tools that allow in vivo observations of protein dynamics and interactions of fluorescent proteins in living cells. Imaging protein and organelle dynamics close to the ultra-structural level became possible by combining light microscopy with electron microscopy analyses or super-resolution light microscopy methods. Besides, increasing evidence suggests that the early secretory pathway is tightly connected to other cellular processes, such as signal transduction, and quantitative information at the systems level is fundamental to achieve a comprehensive molecular understanding of these connections. High-throughput microscopy in fixed and living cells in combination with systematic perturbation of gene expression by, e.g. RNA interference, will open new avenues to gain such an understanding of the early secretory pathway at the systems level. In this Commentary, we first outline examples that revealed the dynamic organisation of ER-to-Golgi transport in living cells. Next, we discuss the use of advanced imaging methods in studying ER-to-Golgi transport and, finally, delineate the efforts in understanding ER-to-Golgi transport at the systems level.

Generation of unique poliovirus RNA replication organelles

Poliovirus (PV), a model for interactions of picornaviruses with host cells, replicates its genomic RNA in association with cellular membranes. The origin of PV replication membranes has not been determined. Hypotheses about the origin of replication membranes, based largely on localization of viral proteins, include modification of coat protein complex I (COPI) and/or COPII secretory pathway vesicles and subversion of autophagic membranes. Here, we use an antibody against double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to identify replication complexes by detection of dsRNA replication intermediates. dsRNA signal is dependent on virus genome replication and colocalizes with the viral integral membrane protein 3A, which is part of the RNA replication complex. We show that early in infection, dsRNA does not colocalize with a marker for autophagic vesicles, making it unlikely that autophagosomes contribute to the generation of PV RNA replication membranes. We also find that dsRNA does not colocalize with a marker of the COPII coat, Sec31, and, in fact, we demonstrate proteasome-dependent loss of full-length Sec31 during PV infection. These data indicate that COPII vesicles are an unlikely source of PV replication membranes. We show that the Golgi resident G-protein Arf1 and its associated guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), GBF1, transiently colocalize with dsRNA early in infection. In uninfected cells, Arf1 nucleates COPI coat formation, although during infection the COPI coat itself does not colocalize with dsRNA. Phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate, which is associated with enterovirus-induced vesicles, tightly colocalizes with Arf1/GBF1 throughout infection. Our data point to a noncanonical role for some of the COPI-generating machinery in producing unique replication surfaces for PV RNA replication. IMPORTANCE Picornaviruses are a diverse and major cause of human disease, and their genomes replicate in association with intracellular membranes. There are multiple hypotheses to explain the nature and origin of these membranes, and a complete understanding of the host requirements for membrane rearrangement would provide novel drug targets essential for viral genome replication. Here, we study the model picornavirus, poliovirus, and show that some, but not all, components of the cellular machinery required for retrograde traffic from the Golgi apparatus to the endoplasmic reticulum are transiently present at the sites of viral RNA replication. We also show that the full-length Sec31 protein, which has been suggested to be present on PV RNA replication membranes, is lost during infection in a proteasome-dependent manner. This study helps to reconcile multiple hypotheses about the origin of poliovirus replication membranes and points to known host cell protein complexes that would make likely drug targets to inhibit picornavirus infections.

VAMP4 is required to maintain the ribbon structure of the Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus forms a twisted ribbon-like network in the juxtanuclear region of vertebrate cells. Vesicle-associated membrane protein 4 (VAMP4), a v-SNARE protein expressed exclusively in the vertebrate trans-Golgi network (TGN), plays a role in retrograde trafficking from the early endosome to the TGN, although its precise function within the Golgi apparatus remains unclear. To determine whether VAMP4 plays a functional role in maintaining the structure of the Golgi apparatus, we depleted VAMP4 gene expression using RNA interference technology. Depletion of VAMP4 from HeLa cells led to fragmentation of the Golgi ribbon. These fragments were not uniformly distributed throughout the cytoplasm, but remained in the juxtanuclear area. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry showed that in the absence of VAMP4, the length of the Golgi stack was shortened, but Golgi stacking was normal. Anterograde trafficking was not impaired in VAMP4-depleted cells, which contained intact microtubule arrays. Depletion of the cognate SNARE partners of VAMP4, syntaxin 6, syntaxin 16, and Vti1a also disrupted the Golgi ribbon structure. Our findings suggested that the maintenance of Golgi ribbon structure requires normal retrograde trafficking from the early endosome to the TGN, which is likely to be mediated by the formation of VAMP4-containing SNARE complexes.

The golgin tether giantin regulates the secretory pathway by controlling stack organization within Golgi apparatus

Golgins are coiled-coil proteins that play a key role in the regulation of Golgi architecture and function. Giantin, the largest golgin in mammals, forms a complex with p115, rab1, GM130, and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), thereby facilitating vesicle tethering and fusion processes around the Golgi apparatus. Treatment with the microtubule destabilizing drug nocodazole transforms the Golgi ribbon into individual Golgi stacks. Here we show that siRNA-mediated depletion of giantin resulted in more dispersed Golgi stacks after nocodazole treatment than by control treatment, without changing the average cisternal length. Furthermore, depletion of giantin caused an increase in cargo transport that was associated with altered cell surface protein glycosylation. Drosophila S2 cells are known to have dispersed Golgi stacks and no giantin homolog. The exogenous expression of mammalian giantin cDNA in S2 cells resulted in clustered Golgi stacks, similar to the Golgi ribbon in mammalian cells. These results suggest that the spatial organization of the Golgi ribbon is mediated by giantin, which also plays a role in cargo transport and sugar modifications.

Haploinsufficiency of the Sec7 guanine nucleotide exchange factor gea1 impairs septation in fission yeast

Membrane trafficking is essential to eukaryotic life and is controlled by a complex network of proteins that regulate movement of proteins and lipids between organelles. The GBF1/GEA family of Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) regulates trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi by catalyzing the exchange of GDP for GTP on ADP Ribosylation Factors (Arfs). Activated Arfs recruit coat protein complex 1 (COP-I) to form vesicles that ferry cargo between these organelles. To further explore the function of the GBF1/GEA family, we have characterized a fission yeast mutant lacking one copy of the essential gene gea1 (gea1+/-), the Schizosaccharomyces pombe ortholog of GBF1. The haploinsufficient gea1+/- strain was shown to be sensitive to the GBF1 inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA) and was rescued from BFA sensitivity by gea1p overexpression. No overt defects in localization of arf1p or arf6p were observed in gea1+/- cells, but the fission yeast homolog of the COP-I cargo sac1 was mislocalized, consistent with impaired COP-I trafficking. Although Golgi morphology appeared normal, a slight increase in vacuolar size was observed in the gea1+/- mutant strain. Importantly, gea1+/- cells exhibited dramatic cytokinesis-related defects, including disorganized contractile rings, an increased septation index, and alterations in septum morphology. Septation defects appear to result from altered secretion of enzymes required for septum dynamics, as decreased secretion of eng1p, a β-glucanase required for septum breakdown, was observed in gea1+/- cells, and overexpression of eng1p suppressed the increased septation phenotype. These observations implicate gea1 in regulation of septum breakdown and establish S. pombe as a model system to explore GBF1/GEA function in cytokinesis.

Golgi membrane dynamics and lipid metabolism

The striking morphology of the Golgi complex has fascinated cell biologists since its discovery over 100 years ago. Yet, despite intense efforts to understand how membrane flow relates to Golgi form and function, this organelle continues to baffle cell biologists and biochemists alike. Fundamental questions regarding Golgi function, while hotly debated, remain unresolved. Historically, Golgi function has been described from a protein-centric point of view, but we now appreciate that conceptual frameworks for how lipid metabolism is integrated with Golgi biogenesis and function are essential for a mechanistic understanding of this fascinating organelle. It is from a lipid-centric perspective that we discuss the larger question of Golgi dynamics and membrane trafficking. We review the growing body of evidence for how lipid metabolism is integrally written into the engineering of the Golgi system and highlight questions for future study.

Cell polarization and cytokinesis in budding yeast

Asymmetric cell division, which includes cell polarization and cytokinesis, is essential for generating cell diversity during development. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae reproduces by asymmetric cell division, and has thus served as an attractive model for unraveling the general principles of eukaryotic cell polarization and cytokinesis. Polarity development requires G-protein signaling, cytoskeletal polarization, and exocytosis, whereas cytokinesis requires concerted actions of a contractile actomyosin ring and targeted membrane deposition. In this chapter, we discuss the mechanics and spatial control of polarity development and cytokinesis, emphasizing the key concepts, mechanisms, and emerging questions in the field.

Taking organelles apart, putting them back together and creating new ones: lessons from the endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a highly dynamic organelle. It is composed of four subcompartments including nuclear envelope (NE), rough ER (rER), smooth ER (sER) and transitional ER (tER). The subcompartments are interconnected, can fragment and dissociate and are able to reassemble again. They coordinate with cell function by way of protein regulators in the surrounding cytosol. The activity of the many associated molecular machines of the ER as well as the fluid nature of the limiting membrane of the ER contribute extensively to the dynamics of the ER. This review examines the properties of the ER that permit its isolation and purification and the physiological conditions that permit reconstitution both in vitro and in vivo in normal and in disease conditions.

The Sec14 superfamily and mechanisms for crosstalk between lipid metabolism and lipid signaling

Lipid signaling pathways define central mechanisms for cellular regulation. Productive lipid signaling requires an orchestrated coupling between lipid metabolism, lipid organization and the action of protein machines that execute appropriate downstream reactions. Using membrane trafficking control as primary context, we explore the idea that the Sec14-protein superfamily defines a set of modules engineered for the sensing of specific aspects of lipid metabolism and subsequent transduction of 'sensing' information to a phosphoinositide-driven 'execution phase'. In this manner, the Sec14 superfamily connects diverse territories of the lipid metabolome with phosphoinositide signaling in a productive 'crosstalk' between these two systems. Mechanisms of crosstalk, by which non-enzymatic proteins integrate metabolic cues with the action of interfacial enzymes, represent unappreciated regulatory themes in lipid signaling.

Transmembrane protein-free membranes fuse into xenopus nuclear envelope and promote assembly of functional pores

Post-mitotic reassembly of nuclear envelope (NE) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has been reconstituted in a cell-free system based on interphase Xenopus egg extract. To evaluate the relative contributions of cytosolic and transmembrane proteins in NE and ER assembly, we replaced a part of native membrane vesicles with ones either functionally impaired by trypsin or N-ethylmaleimide treatments or with protein-free liposomes. Although neither impaired membrane vesicles nor liposomes formed ER and nuclear membrane, they both supported assembly reactions by fusing with native membrane vesicles. At membrane concentrations insufficient to generate full-sized functional nuclei, addition of liposomes and their fusion with membrane vesicles resulted in an extensive expansion of NE, further chromatin decondensation, restoration of the functionality, and spatial distribution of the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), and, absent newly delivered transmembrane proteins, an increase in NPC numbers. This rescue of the nuclear assembly by liposomes was inhibited by wheat germ agglutinin and thus required active nuclear transport, similarly to the assembly of full-sized functional NE with membrane vesicles. Mechanism of fusion between liposomes and between liposomes and membrane vesicles was investigated using lipid mixing assay. This fusion required interphase cytosol and, like fusion between native membrane vesicles, was inhibited by guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate, soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein, and N-ethylmaleimide. Our findings suggest that interphase cytosol contains proteins that mediate the fusion stage of ER and NE reassembly, emphasize an unexpected tolerance of nucleus assembly to changes in concentrations of transmembrane proteins, and reveal the existence of a feedback mechanism that couples NE expansion with NPC assembly.

The Longin Domain Regulates the Steady-State Dynamics of Sec22 in Plasmodium falciparum

The specificity of vesicle-mediated transport is largely regulated by the membrane-specific distribution of SNARE (soluble N -ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins. However, the signals and machineries involved in SNARE protein targeting to the respective intracellular locations are not fully understood. We have identified a Sec22 ortholog in Plasmodium falciparum (PfSec22) that contains an atypical insertion of the Plasmodium export element within the N-terminal longin domain. This Sec22 protein partially associates with membrane structures in the parasitized erythrocytes when expressed under the control of the endogenous promoter element. Our studies indicate that the atypical longin domain contains signals that are required for both endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi apparatus recycling of PfSec22 and partial export beyond the ER/Golgi apparatus interface. ER exit of PfSec22 is regulated by motifs within the α3 segment of the longin domain, whereas the recycling and export signals require residues within the N-terminal hydrophobic segment. Our data suggest that the longin domain of PfSec22 exhibits major differences from the yeast and mammalian orthologs, perhaps indicative of a novel mechanism for Sec22 trafficking in malaria parasites.

Dual roles of the mammalian GARP complex in tethering and SNARE complex assembly at the trans-golgi network

Tethering factors and SNAREs control the last two steps of vesicular trafficking: the initial interaction and the fusion, respectively, of transport vesicles with target membranes. The Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex regulates retrograde transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Although GARP has been proposed to function as a tethering factor at the TGN, direct evidence for such a role is still lacking. Herein we report novel and specific interactions of the mammalian GARP complex with SNAREs that participate in endosome-to-TGN transport, namely, syntaxin 6, syntaxin 16, and Vamp4. These interactions depend on the N-terminal regions of Vps53 and Vps54 and the SNARE motif of the SNAREs. We show that GARP functions upstream of the SNAREs, regulating their localization and assembly into SNARE complexes. However, interactions of GARP with SNAREs are insufficient to promote retrograde transport, because deletion of the C-terminal region of Vps53 precludes GARP function without affecting GARP-SNARE interactions. Finally, we present in vitro data consistent with a tethering role for GARP, which is disrupted by deletion of the Vps53 C-terminal region. These findings indicate that GARP orchestrates retrograde transport from endosomes to the TGN by promoting vesicle tethering and assembly of SNARE complexes in consecutive, independent steps.

The Diverse Biological Functions of Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Proteins in Eukaryotes

Phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer proteins (PITPs) remain largely functionally uncharacterized, despite the fact that they are highly conserved and are found in all eukaryotic cells thus far examined by biochemical or sequence analysis approaches. The available data indicate a role for PITPs in regulating specific interfaces between lipid-signaling and cellular function. In this regard, a role for PITPs in controlling specific membrane trafficking events is emerging as a common functional theme. However, the mechanisms by which PITPs regulate lipid-signaling and membrane-trafficking functions remain unresolved. Specific PITP dysfunctions are now linked to neurodegenerative and intestinal malabsorption diseases in mammals, to stress response and developmental regulation in higher plants, and to previously uncharacterized pathways for regulating membrane trafficking in yeast and higher eukaryotes, making it clear that PITPs are integral parts of a highly conserved signal transduction strategy in eukaryotes. Herein, we review recent progress in deciphering the biological functions of PITPs, and discuss some of the open questions that remain.

Motor neuron disease occurring in a mutant dynactin mouse model is characterized by defects in vesicular trafficking

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by weakness, muscle atrophy, and spasticity, is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease. Although the majority of ALS cases are sporadic, approximately 5-10% are familial, including those linked to mutations in SOD1 (Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase). Missense mutations in a dynactin gene (DCTN1) encoding the p150(Glued) subunit of dynactin have been linked to both familial and sporadic ALS. To determine the molecular mechanism whereby mutant dynactin p150(Glued) causes selective degeneration of motor neurons, we generated and characterized mice expressing either wild-type or mutant human dynactin p150(Glued). Neuronal expression of mutant, but not wild type, dynactin p150(Glued) causes motor neuron disease in these animals that are characterized by defects in vesicular transport in cell bodies of motor neurons, axonal swelling and axo-terminal degeneration. Importantly, we provide evidence that autophagic cell death is implicated in the pathogenesis of mutant p150(Glued) mice. This novel mouse model will be instrumental for not only clarifying disease mechanisms in ALS, but also for testing therapeutic strategies to ameliorate this devastating disease.

Landmark discoveries in intracellular transport and secretion

Cellular protein transport and secretion is fundamental to the very existence of an organism, regulating important physiological functions such as reproduction, digestion, energy production, growth, neurotransmission, hormone release, water and ion transport, etc., all required for the survival and maintenance of homeostasis within an organism. Molecular understanding of transport and secretion of intracellular product has therefore been of paramount importance and aggressively investigated for over six decades. Only in the last 20 years, the general molecular mechanism of the process has come to light, following discovery of key proteins involved in ER-Golgi transport, and discovery of the porosome the universal secretion machinery in cells.

Central roles of small GTPases in the development of cell polarity in yeast and beyond

SUMMARY

The establishment of cell polarity is critical for the development of many organisms and for the function of many cell types. A large number of studies of diverse organisms from yeast to humans indicate that the conserved, small-molecular-weight GTPases function as key signaling proteins involved in cell polarization. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a particularly attractive model because it displays pronounced cell polarity in response to intracellular and extracellular cues. Cells of S. cerevisiae undergo polarized growth during various phases of their life cycle, such as during vegetative growth, mating between haploid cells of opposite mating types, and filamentous growth upon deprivation of nutrition such as nitrogen. Substantial progress has been made in deciphering the molecular basis of cell polarity in budding yeast. In particular, it becomes increasingly clear how small GTPases regulate polarized cytoskeletal organization, cell wall assembly, and exocytosis at the molecular level and how these GTPases are regulated. In this review, we discuss the key signaling pathways that regulate cell polarization during the mitotic cell cycle and during mating.

Phosphoinositides in cell regulation and membrane dynamics

Inositol phospholipids have long been known to have an important regulatory role in cell physiology. The repertoire of cellular processes known to be directly or indirectly controlled by this class of lipids has now dramatically expanded. Through interactions mediated by their headgroups, which can be reversibly phosphorylated to generate seven species, phosphoinositides play a fundamental part in controlling membrane-cytosol interfaces. These lipids mediate acute responses, but also act as constitutive signals that help define organelle identity. Their functions, besides classical signal transduction at the cell surface, include regulation of membrane traffic, the cytoskeleton, nuclear events and the permeability and transport functions of membranes.

Alois Alzheimer revisited: differences in origin of the disease carrying his name

Based on the means of his time, Alois Alzheimer supposed that the disease, later carrying his name, is a disease of older age, and that the pathomorphological structures he described are due to disturbances in brain metabolism. In this contribution, it is discussed which cellular metabolic abnormalities may be representative for age-related sporadic Alzheimer disease (SAD) the predominant form of SAD in contrast to the very rare hereditary early-onset form. In focus are disturbances in glucose/energy metabolism which involve the deficits in acetylcholine, cholesterol and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine beside ATP. Another leading abnormality is the defect in cell membrane composition. The interrelation between abnormal glucose/energy metabolism and membrane defect may be assumed to form the basis for the induction of both the perturbed metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein leading to increased formation of beta-amyloid and hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein destroying cell structures. Alois Alzheimer may have been so prescient to assume most of this 100 years ago.

Increased expression of the 5-HT transporter confers a low-anxiety phenotype linked to decreased 5-HT transmission

A commonly occurring polymorphic variant of the human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transporter (5-HTT) gene that increases 5-HTT expression has been associated with reduced anxiety levels in human volunteer and patient populations. However, it is not known whether this linkage between genotype and anxiety relates to variation in 5-HTT expression and consequent changes in 5-HT transmission. Here we test this hypothesis by measuring the neurochemical and behavioral characteristics of a mouse genetically engineered to overexpress the 5-HTT. Transgenic mice overexpressing the human 5-HTT (h5-HTT) were produced from a 500 kb yeast artificial chromosome construct. These transgenic mice showed the presence of h5-HTT mRNA in the midbrain raphe nuclei, as well as a twofold to threefold increase in 5-HTT binding sites in the raphe nuclei and a range of forebrain regions. The transgenic mice had reduced regional brain whole-tissue levels of 5-HT and, in microdialysis experiments, decreased brain extracellular 5-HT, which reversed on administration of the 5-HTT inhibitor paroxetine. Compared with wild-type mice, the transgenic mice exhibited a low-anxiety phenotype in plus maze and hyponeophagia tests. Furthermore, in the plus maze test, the low-anxiety phenotype of the transgenic mice was reversed by acute administration of paroxetine, suggesting a direct link between the behavior, 5-HTT overexpression, and low extracellular 5-HT. In toto, these findings demonstrate that associations between increased 5-HTT expression and anxiety can be modeled in mice and may be specifically mediated by decreases in 5-HT transmission.

Involvement of VAMP-2 in exocytosis of IL-1β in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) leukocytes after Vibrio anguillarum infection

Vibrio anguillarum is a major pathogen threatening the fish aquaculture in China. Infection of cultivated turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) with V. anguillarum induced rapid synthesis and secretion of IL-1beta, which initiates the innate immune response. SNARE proteins are known to regulate vesicular trafficking and fusion in all eukaryotes. Here, we determined whether SNARE proteins, specifically vesicle-associated membrane protein-2 (VAMP-2), are involved in regulated exocytosis of IL-1beta of leukocytes in marine fish. We show that VAMP-2 is present in turbot blood leukocytes, with nucleotide sequence identity of 88.2% and 93.0% to those of zebra fish and sea bass, respectively. After Vibrio infection, turbot leukocyte VAMP-2 was increased at the levels of transcription and translation in a temporal pattern coinciding with leukocyte IL-1beta secretion. Confocal microscopy localized VAMP-2 to vesicle structures in leukocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that VAMP-2 is involved in regulated exocytosis of cytokines in immunocytes in fish.

Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein function in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PITPs regulate the interface between lipid metabolism and cellular functions, but the fundamental nature of this regulation is not understood. Yeast and mouse studies demonstrate strict coupling of individual PITPs to specific cellular activities, but the invisibility of these specificities in in vitro models for PITP activity is remarkable. In our opinion, delineation of PITP functions requires the continued application of genetic approaches such as those summarized here. Future studies dedicated to enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of action of Sec14p-like and metazoan PITPs are worthy goals for three reasons. First, it is becoming abundantly clear that PITPs act at important biological interfaces that involve lipid and protein trafficking, phospholipid biosynthesis and polarized membrane growth. Because these interfaces are critical not only to cellular functions, but also to developmental processes, the function of PITPs in development of multicellular organisms is a particularly attractive area of research that remains essentially untapped. Second, the yeast studies indicate functional linkages between Sec14p-like PITPs and members of ubiquitous but entirely uncharacterized eukaryotic proteins such as OSBP family members. Finally, the link of PITPs to disease is already clear since PITP deficiencies lie at the foundation of novel mechanisms of neurodegenerative, glucose homeostatic and gastrointestinal disorders in mammals. Given that the contribution of Sec14p-like proteins to the PITP complement of mammalian cells is completely uninvestigated, and that the mammalian genome encodes many proteins of this class, we anticipate such advances will directly and positively impact our understanding of the molecular basis of such diseases.

The ultrastructure of Ignicoccus: evidence for a novel outer membrane and for intracellular vesicle budding in an archaeon

A novel genus of hyperthermophilic, strictly chemolithotrophic archaea, Ignicoccus, has been described recently, with (so far) three isolates in pure culture. Cells were prepared for ultrastructural investigation by cultivation in cellulose capillaries and processing by high-pressure freezing, freeze-substitution and embedding in Epon. Cells prepared in accordance with this protocol consistently showed a novel cell envelope structure previously unknown among the Archaea: a cytoplasmic membrane; a periplasmic space with a variable width of 20 to 400 nm, containing membrane-bound vesicles; and an outer sheath, approximately 10 nm wide, resembling the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. This sheath contained three types of particles: numerous tightly, irregularly packed single particles, about 8 nm in diameter; pores with a diameter of 24 nm, surrounded by tiny particles, arranged in a ring with a diameter of 130 nm; and clusters of up to eight particles, each particle 12 nm in diameter. Freeze-etched cells exhibited a smooth surface, without a regular pattern, with frequent fracture planes through the outer sheath, indicating the presence of an outer membrane and the absence of an S-layer. The study illustrates the novel complex architecture of the cell envelope of Ignicoccus as well as the importance of elaborate preparation procedures for ultrastructural investigations.

Adenoviral clostridial light chain gene-based synaptic inhibition through neuronal synaptobrevin elimination

Clostridial neurotoxins have assumed increasing importance in clinical application. The toxin's light chain component (LC) inhibits synaptic transmission by digesting vesicle-docking proteins without directly altering neuronal health. To study the properties of LC gene expression in the nervous system, an adenoviral vector containing the LC of tetanus toxin (AdLC) was constructed. LC expressed in differentiated neuronal PC12 cells was shown to induce time- and concentration-dependent digestion of mouse brain synaptobrevin in vitro as compared to control transgene products. LC gene expression in the rat lumbar spinal cord disrupted hindlimb sensorimotor function in comparison to control vectors as measured by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale (P<0.001) and rotarod assay (P<0.003). Evoked electromyography (EMG) showed increased stimulus threshold and decreased response current amplitude in LC gene-transferred rats. At the peak of functional impairment, neither neuronal TUNEL staining nor reduced motor neuron density could be detected. Spontaneous functional recovery was observed to parallel the cessation of LC gene expression. These results suggest that light chain gene delivery within the nervous system may provide a nondestructive means for focused neural inhibition to treat a variety of disorders related to excessive synaptic activity, and prove useful for the study of neural circuitry.

Maintenance of the diacylglycerol level in the Golgi apparatus by the Nir2 protein is critical for Golgi secretory function

The level of diacylglycerol (DAG) in the Golgi apparatus is crucial for protein transport to the plasma membrane. Studies in budding yeast indicate that Sec14p, a phosphatidylinositol (PI)-transfer protein, is involved in regulating DAG homeostasis in the Golgi complex. Here, we show that Nir2, a peripheral Golgi protein containing a PI-transfer domain, is essential for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the Golgi apparatus in mammalian cells. Depletion of Nir2 by RNAi leads to substantial inhibition of protein transport from the trans-Golgi network to the plasma membrane, and causes a reduction in the DAG level in the Golgi apparatus. Remarkably, inactivation of cytidine [corrected] 5'-diphosphate (CDP)-choline pathway for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis restores both effects. These results indicate that Nir2 is involved in maintaining a critical DAG pool in the Golgi apparatus by regulating its consumption via the CDP-choline pathway, demonstrating the interface between secretion from the Golgi and lipid homeostasis.

Expression and transport function of the glutamate transporter EAAC1 inXenopus oocytes is regulated by syntaxin 1A

The function of several membrane proteins is regulated by interaction with the SNARE protein syntaxin 1A; this includes regulation of GAT1, the transporter for the dominating inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Here we demonstrate that also EAAC1, the transporter for the dominating excitatory neurotransmitter, is down-regulated by interaction with syntaxin 1A. This is shown by coexpression of EAAC1 and syntaxin 1A in Xenopus oocytes. Total EAAC1 expression is not significantly affected by the coexpression of syntaxin 1A, but more proteins become targeted to the membrane as demonstrated by biotinylation. Colocalization by coimmunoprecipitation suggests direct interaction between the two proteins. In contrast to the number of transporters, the glutamate transport activity becomes reduced, and even stronger inhibition is observed for the EAAC1-mediated conductance uncoupled from glutamate translocation. We conclude that the interaction of syntaxin 1A with EAAC1 particularly disrupts the structure of the conductance pathway of EAAC1.

ADAM gene expression and regulation during human osteoclast formation

In this study, we identified the expression and the regulation of ADAM members (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) at both gene and protein levels during human osteoclast differentiation and activity. Human peripheral blood monocytes (HPBMC) treated with M-CSF and RANKL were used as an in vitro fusion model. In parallel, we used human osteoclastoma (OCL) tumor as a source of mature osteoclasts, and human osteoblastic cells as a control representing nonfusing and non-resorbing bone cells. RT-PCR using ADAM-specific primers enabled us to identify the expression of ADAM 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, and 28 in both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Using primers specific for each ADAM 12 isoform (L and S), we observed a strong signal for both forms (ADAM 12L and ADAM 12S) in osteoblastic cells, while only ADAM 12S was detectable in HPBMC-derived osteoclasts and osteoclastoma. Gene regulation was studied using real-time PCR analysis performed during HPBMC differentiation; this showed a progressive increase of ADAM 12 mRNA level from day 1 to 8 of the culture, while at around day 9, ADAM 12 mRNA level decreased 2-fold. We also showed that ADAM 8, ADAM 17, and ADAM 28 decreased according to the stage of HPBMC differentiation or fusion. ADAM 10 was unaltered during cell fusion. However, confocal immunolocalization showed that ADAM 10 protein re-localized from the nuclei and cytoplasm to the plasma membrane during culture and to the ruffled border in resorbing cells. The same re-localization process was observed using an ADAM 12S-specific antibody during HPBMC differentiation. Between days 12 and 14, ADAM 12 co-localized with the F-actin ring, and at day 15, a strong signal was also present in ruffled border or sealing zone area of osteoclasts. Our results describe the expression and regulation of various ADAMs in human bone cells and the selective expression of ADAM 12L in osteoblasts. Our gene regulation and protein localization studies suggest a function for ADAM 10 and ADAM 12S in the formation of osteoclasts from HPBMC and resorption activity.

Role of ARF4L in recycling between endosomes and the plasma membrane

The human ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein, ARF4L is a member of the ARF family, which are small GTP-binding proteins that play significant roles in vesicle transport and protein secretion. However, little is known about the physiological roles of ARF4L. In this study, to understand the biological functions of ARF4L, we carried out immunocytochemical analysis of ARF4L molecules with mutations in the functional domains. ARF4L was shown to be distributed to the plasma membrane following binding to GTP (Q80L), and into endosomes following binding to GDP (T35N). Moreover, the inactive-form of ARF4L (T35N) causes localization of transferrin receptors to the endosomal compartment, while the active form (Q80L) causes transport to the plasma membrane. These findings indicate that ARF4L drive the transport of cargo protein and subsequent fusion of recycling vesicles with the plasma membrane for maintenance of the cell surface.

Cloning and partial characterization of four plasmalemmal-associated syntaxin isoforms in Limulus

We describe herein the cloning of a group of syntaxins in Limulus that are associated with the plasma membrane. Initially, multiple degenerate oligonucleotide primers (DOP) and probes were designed from sequences of known plasma membrane associated syntaxins. Combined experiments using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), colony hybridization and reverse dot blot yielded three distinct probes. Subsequently, two cDNA libraries derived from the Limulus central nervous system (CNS) were screened and four distinct isoforms, designated Limulus syntaxin (Lim-syn) 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, were obtained from forty cloned full-length sequences. The predicted amino acid (aa) sequences 1-265 were identical for Lim-syn 1A, 1C and for Lim-syn 1B, 1D, respectively. A comparison of the 265 aa cytoplasmic segments for the two subgroups Lim-syn 1A/1C and Lim-syn 1B/1D differed at 13 aa residues within this sequence. Lim-syn 1A and 1B contained 290 aa residues, and both contained a transmembrane domain (TMD, 267-288) and a myristylation-like site (286-290) at the C-termini. Lim-syn 1C (291 residues) contained only the TMD whereas Lim-syn 1D was truncated (277 residues) and had neither a TMD nor a myristylation-like site. All Lim-syn isoforms showed great identity with syntaxin 1-homologs (syntaxin 1A/1B) from various other species. Ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) analyses revealed distinctive expression patterns for individual Lim-syn transcripts but all were detectable in the CNS. Moreover, the antibody (anti-Lim-syn-1) produced against aa 133-145 epitope of Lim-syn identified a protein of approximately 35 kDa found only in CNS tissues.

Membrane dynamics and the regulation of epithelial cell polarity

Plasma membranes of epithelial cells consist of two domains, an apical and a basolateral domain, the surfaces of which differ in composition. The separation of these domains by a tight junction and the fact that specific transport pathways exist for intracellular communication between these domains and distinct intracellular compartments relevant to cell polarity development, have triggered extensive research on issues that focus on how the polarity is generated and maintained. Apart from proper assembly of tight junctions, their potential functioning as landmark for the transport machinery, cell-cell adhesion is obviously instrumental in barrier formation. In recent years, distinct endocytic compartments, defined as subapical compartment or common endosome, were shown to play a prominent role in regulating membrane trafficking to and from polarized membrane domains. Sorting devices remain to be determined but likely include distinct rab proteins, and evidence is accumulating to indicate that signaling events may direct intracellular membrane transport, intimately involved in the biogenesis and maintenance of polarized membrane domains and hence the development of cell polarity.

Causes and consequences of disturbances of cerebral glucose metabolism in sporadic Alzheimer disease: therapeutic implications

Alzheimer disease is not a single disorder. Etiologically, two different types or even diseases exist: inheritance in 5% to 10% of all Alzheimer cases versus 90% to 95% AD cases whith sporadic origin (SAD). Different susceptibility genes along with adult lifestyle risk-factors- in the case of SAD the risk factor aging- may be assumed to cause the latter disorder. There is evidence that a disturbance in the insulin signal transduction pathway may be a central and early pathophysiologic event in SAD. Both, hypercortisolemia and increased adrenergic activity, in both old age and SAD may render the function of the neuronal insulin receptor vulnerable resulting in a diminished production of ATP. The reduced availability of ATP may damage the function of the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi apparatus/trans Golgi network generating misfolded and malfolded proteins retained in the cell. In SAD, amyloid precursor protein is found to accumulate intracellularly thus not representing the cause but a driving force in the pathogenesis of SAD. Additionally, both disturbed insulin signaling and reduced ATP forward the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Thus, abnormalities in oxidative brain metabolism lead to the formation of two main morphologic hallmarks of SAD: senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Therefore, the therapeutic goal in SAD should be the improvement of the neuronal energy state. Findings from both basic and clinical studies showed that Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) may be appropiate to approach that goal.

Overexpression of gK in gK-transformed cells collapses the Golgi apparatus into the endoplasmic reticulum inhibiting virion egress, glycoprotein transport, and virus-induced cell fusion

Intracellular transport and egress of alphaherpesviruses require the coordinate function of multiple proteins and glycoproteins. Recently, we showed that gK is expressed on infected cell surfaces and that gK cell-surface expression required the presence of the UL20 protein [J. Virol. 77 (2003), 499]. Overexpression of gK by gK-transformed cells blocked transport of enveloped virions from perinuclear spaces and inhibited virus-induced cell fusion caused by gK syncytial mutants [J. Virol. 69 (1995), 5401]. Therefore, we investigated whether altered synthesis and transport of gK was responsible for the observed gK-mediated interference phenomena. HSV-1 infection of the gK-transformed cell line Vero (gK9) caused a profound entrapment of gK in the endoplasmic reticulum and total inhibition of gK cell surface expression. In addition, gK drastically inhibited intracellular transport and maturation of gD and caused substantial defects in Golgi-dependent glycosylation of gB. Visualization of intracellular organelles via confocal microscopy revealed a profound collapse of the Golgi apparatus into the endoplasmic reticulum. These results were analogous to those observed in the presence of brefeldin A, a known Golgi disruptor. Therefore, virion entrapment within perinuclear spaces and inhibition of glycoprotein transport are due to gK-mediated collapse of the Golgi apparatus.

Neutrophil granules and secretory vesicles in inflammation

The neutrophil is a major effector cell of innate immunity. Exocytosis of granules and secretory vesicles plays a pivotal role in most neutrophil functions from early activation to the destruction of phagocytosed microorganisms. Neutrophil granules contain a multitude of antimicrobial and potentially cytotoxic substances that are delivered to the phagosome or to the exterior of the cell following degranulation. This review summarises current knowledge of granule biology and highlights the effects of neutrophil degranulation in the acute inflammatory response.