Late endocytic compartments are major sites of annexin VI localization in NRK fibroblasts and polarized WIF-B hepatoma cells

Ca2+ and Annexins - Emerging Players for Sensing and Transferring Cholesterol and Phosphoinositides via Membrane Contact Sites

Maintaining lipid composition diversity in membranes from different organelles is critical for numerous cellular processes. However, many lipids are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and require delivery to other organelles. In this scenario, formation of membrane contact sites (MCS) between neighbouring organelles has emerged as a novel non-vesicular lipid transport mechanism. Dissecting the molecular composition of MCS identified phosphoinositides (PIs), cholesterol, scaffolding/tethering proteins as well as Ca²⁺ and Ca²⁺-binding proteins contributing to MCS functioning. Compelling evidence now exists for the shuttling of PIs and cholesterol across MCS, affecting their concentrations in distinct membrane domains and diverse roles in membrane trafficking. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) at the plasma membrane (PM) not only controls endo-/exocytic membrane dynamics but is also critical in autophagy. Cholesterol is highly concentrated at the PM and enriched in recycling endosomes and Golgi membranes. MCS-mediated cholesterol transfer is intensely researched, identifying MCS dysfunction or altered MCS partnerships to correlate with de-regulated cellular cholesterol homeostasis and pathologies. Annexins, a conserved family of Ca²⁺-dependent phospholipid binding proteins, contribute to tethering and untethering events at MCS. In this chapter, we will discuss how Ca²⁺ homeostasis and annexins in the endocytic compartment affect the sensing and transfer of cholesterol and PIs across MCS.

Annexins Bridging the Gap: Novel Roles in Membrane Contact Site Formation

Membrane contact sites (MCS) are specialized small areas of close apposition between two different organelles that have led researchers to reconsider the dogma of intercellular communication via vesicular trafficking. The latter is now being challenged by the discovery of lipid and ion transfer across MCS connecting adjacent organelles. These findings gave rise to a new concept that implicates cell compartments not to function as individual and isolated entities, but as a dynamic and regulated ensemble facilitating the trafficking of lipids, including cholesterol, and ions. Hence, MCS are now envisaged as metabolic platforms, crucial for cellular homeostasis. In this context, well-known as well as novel proteins were ascribed functions such as tethers, transporters, and scaffolds in MCS, or transient MCS companions with yet unknown functions. Intriguingly, we and others uncovered metabolic alterations in cell-based disease models that perturbed MCS size and numbers between coupled organelles such as endolysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, or lipid droplets. On the other hand, overexpression or deficiency of certain proteins in this narrow 10-30 nm membrane contact zone can enable MCS formation to either rescue compromised MCS function, or in certain disease settings trigger undesired metabolite transport. In this "Mini Review" we summarize recent findings regarding a subset of annexins and discuss their multiple roles to regulate MCS dynamics and functioning. Their contribution to novel pathways related to MCS biology will provide new insights relevant for a number of human diseases and offer opportunities to design innovative treatments in the future.

Annexin A6 modulates TBC1D15/Rab7/StARD3 axis to control endosomal cholesterol export in NPC1 cells

Cholesterol accumulation in late endosomes is a prevailing phenotype of Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) mutant cells. Likewise, annexin A6 (AnxA6) overexpression induces a phenotype reminiscent of NPC1 mutant cells. Here, we demonstrate that this cellular cholesterol imbalance is due to AnxA6 promoting Rab7 inactivation via TBC1D15, a Rab7-GAP. In NPC1 mutant cells, AnxA6 depletion and eventual Rab7 activation was associated with peripheral distribution and increased mobility of late endosomes. This was accompanied by an enhanced lipid accumulation in lipid droplets in an acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT)-dependent manner. Moreover, in AnxA6-deficient NPC1 mutant cells, Rab7-mediated rescue of late endosome-cholesterol export required the StAR-related lipid transfer domain-3 (StARD3) protein. Electron microscopy revealed a significant increase of membrane contact sites (MCS) between late endosomes and ER in NPC1 mutant cells lacking AnxA6, suggesting late endosome-cholesterol transfer to the ER via Rab7 and StARD3-dependent MCS formation. This study identifies AnxA6 as a novel gatekeeper that controls cellular distribution of late endosome-cholesterol via regulation of a Rab7-GAP and MCS formation.

Selective Degradation Permits a Feedback Loop Controlling Annexin A6 and Cholesterol Levels in Endolysosomes of NPC1 Mutant Cells

We recently identified elevated annexin A6 (AnxA6) protein levels in Niemann–Pick-type C1 (NPC1) mutant cells. In these cells, AnxA6 depletion rescued the cholesterol accumulation associated with NPC1 deficiency. Here, we demonstrate that elevated AnxA6 protein levels in NPC1 mutants or upon pharmacological NPC1 inhibition, using U18666A, were not due to upregulated AnxA6 mRNA expression, but caused by defects in AnxA6 protein degradation. Two KFERQ-motifs are believed to target AnxA6 to lysosomes for chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and we hypothesized that the cholesterol accumulation in endolysosomes (LE/Lys) triggered by the NPC1 inhibition could interfere with the CMA pathway. Therefore, AnxA6 protein amounts and cholesterol levels in the LE/Lys (LE-Chol) compartment were analyzed in NPC1 mutant cells ectopically expressing lysosome-associated membrane protein 2A (Lamp2A), which is well known to induce the CMA pathway. Strikingly, AnxA6 protein amounts were strongly decreased and coincided with significantly reduced LE-Chol levels in NPC1 mutant cells upon Lamp2A overexpression. Therefore, these findings suggest Lamp2A-mediated restoration of CMA in NPC1 mutant cells to lower LE-Chol levels with concomitant lysosomal AnxA6 degradation. Collectively, we propose CMA to permit a feedback loop between AnxA6 and cholesterol levels in LE/Lys, encompassing a novel mechanism for regulating cholesterol homeostasis in NPC1 disease.

Annexins in Adipose Tissue: Novel Players in Obesity

Obesity and the associated comorbidities are a growing health threat worldwide. Adipose tissue dysfunction, impaired adipokine activity, and inflammation are central to metabolic diseases related to obesity. In particular, the excess storage of lipids in adipose tissues disturbs cellular homeostasis. Amongst others, organelle function and cell signaling, often related to the altered composition of specialized membrane microdomains (lipid rafts), are affected. Within this context, the conserved family of annexins are well known to associate with membranes in a calcium (Ca²⁺)- and phospholipid-dependent manner in order to regulate membrane-related events, such as trafficking in endo- and exocytosis and membrane microdomain organization. These multiple activities of annexins are facilitated through their diverse interactions with a plethora of lipids and proteins, often in different cellular locations and with consequences for the activity of receptors, transporters, metabolic enzymes, and signaling complexes. While increasing evidence points at the function of annexins in lipid homeostasis and cell metabolism in various cells and organs, their role in adipose tissue, obesity and related metabolic diseases is still not well understood. Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is a potent pro-resolving mediator affecting the regulation of body weight and metabolic health. Relevant for glucose metabolism and fatty acid uptake in adipose tissue, several studies suggest AnxA2 to contribute to coordinate glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation and to associate with the fatty acid transporter CD36. On the other hand, AnxA6 has been linked to the control of adipocyte lipolysis and adiponectin release. In addition, several other annexins are expressed in fat tissues, yet their roles in adipocytes are less well examined. The current review article summarizes studies on the expression of annexins in adipocytes and in obesity. Research efforts investigating the potential role of annexins in fat tissue relevant to health and metabolic disease are discussed.

Annexins: Ca2+ Effectors Determining Membrane Trafficking in the Late Endocytic Compartment

Despite the discovery of annexins 40 years ago, we are just beginning to understand some of the functions of these still enigmatic proteins. Defined and characterized by their ability to bind anionic membrane lipids in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner, each annexin has to be considered a multifunctional protein, with a multitude of cellular locations and diverse activities. Underlying causes for this considerable functional diversity include their capability to associate with multiple cytosolic and membrane proteins. In recent years, the increasingly recognized establishment of membrane contact sites between subcellular compartments opens a new scenario for annexins as instrumental players to link Ca²⁺ signalling with the integration of membrane trafficking in many facets of cell physiology. In this chapter, we review and discuss current knowledge on the contribution of annexins in the biogenesis and functioning of the late endocytic compartment, affecting endo- and exocytic pathways in a variety of physiological consequences ranging from membrane repair, lysosomal exocytosis, to cell migration.

Annexin A6 in the liver: From the endocytic compartment to cellular physiology

Annexin A6 (AnxA6) belongs to the conserved annexin family - a group of Ca²⁺-dependent membrane binding proteins. AnxA6 is the largest of all annexins and highly expressed in smooth muscle, hepatocytes, endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. Upon activation, AnxA6 binds to negatively charged phospholipids in a wide range of intracellular localizations, in particular the plasma membrane, late endosomes/pre-lysosomes, but also synaptic vesicles and sarcolemma. In these cellular sites, AnxA6 is believed to contribute to the organization of membrane microdomains, such as cholesterol-rich lipid rafts and confer multiple regulatory functions, ranging from vesicle fusion, endocytosis and exocytosis to programmed cell death and muscle contraction. Growing evidence supports that Ca²⁺ and Ca²⁺-binding proteins control endocytosis and autophagy. Their regulatory role seems to operate at the level of the signalling pathways that initiate autophagy or at later stages, when autophagosomes fuse with endolysosomal compartments. The convergence of the autophagic and endocytic vesicles to lysosomes shares several features that depend on Ca²⁺ originating from lysosomes/late endosomes and seems to depend on proteins that are subsequently activated by this cation. However, the involvement of Ca²⁺ and its effector proteins in these autophagic and endocytic stages still remains poorly understood. Although AnxA6 makes up almost 0.25% of total protein in the liver, little is known about its function in hepatocytes. Within the endocytic route, we identified AnxA6 in endosomes and autophagosomes of hepatocytes. Hence, AnxA6 and possibly other annexins might represent new Ca²⁺ effectors that regulate converging steps of autophagy and endocytic trafficking in hepatocytes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.

Annexins as organizers of cholesterol- and sphingomyelin-enriched membrane microdomains in Niemann-Pick type C disease

Growing evidence suggests that membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingomyelin are sites for numerous cellular processes, including signaling, vesicular transport, interaction with pathogens, and viral infection, etc. Recently some members of the annexin family of conserved calcium and membrane-binding proteins have been recognized as cholesterol-interacting molecules and suggested to play a role in the formation, stabilization, and dynamics of membrane microdomains to affect membrane lateral organization and to attract other proteins and signaling molecules onto their territory. Furthermore, annexins were implicated in the interactions between cytosolic and membrane molecules, in the turnover and storage of cholesterol and in various signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of interaction of annexins with lipid microdomains and the role of annexins in membrane microdomains dynamics including possible participation of the domain-associated forms of annexins in the etiology of human lysosomal storage disease called Niemann-Pick type C disease, related to the abnormal storage of cholesterol in the lysosome-like intracellular compartment. The involvement of annexins and cholesterol/sphingomyelin-enriched membrane microdomains in other pathologies including cardiac dysfunctions, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cancer is likely, but is not supported by substantial experimental observations, and therefore awaits further clarification.

Cholesterol transport from late endosomes to the Golgi regulates t-SNARE trafficking, assembly, and function

This study shows that impaired cholesterol egress from late endosomes in cells with high annexin A6 levels is associated with altered soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive fusion protein 23 (SNAP23) and syntaxin-4 cellular distribution and assembly and accumulation in Golgi membranes. This correlates with reduced secretion of cargo along the constitutive and SNAP23/syntaxin-4–dependent secretory pathway.

Cholesterol regulates plasma membrane (PM) association and functioning of syntaxin-4 and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein 23 (SNAP23) in the secretory pathway. However, the molecular mechanism and cellular cholesterol pools that determine the localization and assembly of these target membrane SNAP receptors (t-SNAREs) are largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that high levels of annexin A6 (AnxA6) induce accumulation of cholesterol in late endosomes, thereby reducing cholesterol in the Golgi and PM. This leads to an impaired supply of cholesterol needed for cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) to drive Golgi vesiculation and caveolin transport to the cell surface. Using AnxA6-overexpressing cells as a model for cellular cholesterol imbalance, we identify impaired cholesterol egress from late endosomes and diminution of Golgi cholesterol as correlating with the sequestration of SNAP23/syntaxin-4 in Golgi membranes. Pharmacological accumulation of late endosomal cholesterol and cPLA₂ inhibition induces a similar phenotype in control cells with low AnxA6 levels. Ectopic expression of Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) or exogenous cholesterol restores the location of SNAP23 and syntaxin-4 within the PM. Importantly, AnxA6-mediated mislocalization of these t-SNAREs correlates with reduced secretion of cargo via the SNAP23/syntaxin-4–dependent constitutive exocytic pathway. We thus conclude that inhibition of late endosomal export and Golgi cholesterol depletion modulate t-SNARE localization and functioning along the exocytic pathway.

Cholesterol transport from late endosomes to the Golgi regulates t-SNARE trafficking, assembly, and function

Cholesterol regulates plasma membrane (PM) association and functioning of syntaxin-4 and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein 23 (SNAP23) in the secretory pathway. However, the molecular mechanism and cellular cholesterol pools that determine the localization and assembly of these target membrane SNAP receptors (t-SNAREs) are largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that high levels of annexin A6 (AnxA6) induce accumulation of cholesterol in late endosomes, thereby reducing cholesterol in the Golgi and PM. This leads to an impaired supply of cholesterol needed for cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2) to drive Golgi vesiculation and caveolin transport to the cell surface. Using AnxA6-overexpressing cells as a model for cellular cholesterol imbalance, we identify impaired cholesterol egress from late endosomes and diminution of Golgi cholesterol as correlating with the sequestration of SNAP23/syntaxin-4 in Golgi membranes. Pharmacological accumulation of late endosomal cholesterol and cPLA2inhibition induces a similar phenotype in control cells with low AnxA6 levels. Ectopic expression of Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) or exogenous cholesterol restores the location of SNAP23 and syntaxin-4 within the PM. Importantly, AnxA6-mediated mislocalization of these t-SNAREs correlates with reduced secretion of cargo via the SNAP23/syntaxin-4–dependent constitutive exocytic pathway. We thus conclude that inhibition of late endosomal export and Golgi cholesterol depletion modulate t-SNARE localization and functioning along the exocytic pathway.

Annexin A6 is an organizer of membrane microdomains to regulate receptor localization and signalling

Annexin A6 (AnxA6) belongs to the conserved annexin protein family--a group of Ca(2+) -dependent membrane binding proteins. It is the largest of all annexin proteins and upon activation, binds to negatively charged phospholipids in the plasma membrane and endosomes. In addition, AnxA6 associates with cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains termed lipid rafts. Membrane cholesterol triggers Ca(2+) -independent translocation of AnxA6 to membranes and AnxA6 levels determine the number of caveolae, a form of specialized rafts at the cell surface. AnxA6 also has an F-actin binding domain and interacts with cytoskeleton components. Taken together, this suggests that AnxA6 has a scaffold function to link membrane microdomains with the organization of the cytoskeleton. Such a link facilitates AnxA6 to participate in plasma membrane repair and it would also impact on receptor signalling at the cell surface, growth factor, and lipoprotein receptor trafficking, Ca(2+) -channel activity and T cell activation. Hence, the regulation of cell surface receptors by AnxA6 may be facilitated by its unique structure that allows recruitment of interaction partners and simultaneously bridging specialized membrane domains with cortical actin surrounding activated receptors.

Annexin VI is a mannose-6-phosphate-independent endocytic receptor for bovine β-glucuronidase

Endocytosis and transport of bovine liver β-glucuronidase to lysosomes in human fibroblasts are mediated by two receptors: the well-characterized cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (IGF-II/Man6PR) and an IGF-II/Man6PR-independent receptor, which recognizes a Ser-Trp*-Ser sequence present on the ligand. The latter receptor was detergent extracted from bovine liver membranes and purified. LC/ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed that this endocytic receptor was annexin VI (AnxA6). Several approaches were used to confirm this finding. First, the binding of bovine β-glucuronidase to the purified receptor from bovine liver membranes and His-tagged recombinant human AnxA6 protein was confirmed using ligand-blotting assays. Second, western blot analysis using antibodies raised against IGF-II/Man6PR-independent receptor as well as commercial antibodies against AnxA6 confirmed that the receptor and AnxA6 were indeed the same protein. Third, double immunofluorescence experiments in human fibroblasts confirmed a complete colocalization of the bovine β-glucuronidase and the AnxA6 receptor on the plasma membrane. Lastly, two cell lines were stably transfected with a plasmid containing the cDNA for human AnxA6. In both transfected cell lines, an increase in cell surface AnxA6 and in mannose 6-phosphate-independent endocytosis of bovine β-glucuronidase was detected. These results indicate that AnxA6 is a novel receptor that mediates the endocytosis of the bovine β-glucuronidase.

Proteome analysis and genome-wide regulatory motif prediction identify novel potentially sex-hormone regulated proteins in rat efferent ducts

The efferent ducts are a series of tubules that conduct sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis. They absorb most fluid and proteins originating from the rete testis during concentration of spermatozoa prior to their entry into the epididymis. Proteome analysis of micro-dissected efferent duct samples from adult rats was combined with genome-wide computational prediction of conserved hormone response elements to identify factors likely regulated by oestrogens and androgens. We identified 165 proteins and found subsets of the promoters controlling their corresponding genes to contain androgen- and oestrogen response elements (ARE/EREs) at similar frequencies. Moreover, EREs were significantly enriched among the loci identified compared with their genome-wide occurrence. The expression and localization of Anxa6, Ckb, Krt19, Park7, Pdzk1 and Tpt1 in the efferent ducts and other related hormone controlled tissues was further validated at the RNA or protein level. This study identifies many novel proteins predicted to play roles in sperm maturation and male fertility and provides significant computational evidence that the efferent ducts express genes transcriptionally controlled by sex hormones.

Annexin A6-Linking Ca(2+) signaling with cholesterol transport

Annexin A6 (AnxA6) belongs to a conserved family of Ca(2+)-dependent membrane-binding proteins. Like other annexins, the function of AnxA6 is linked to its ability to bind phospholipids in cellular membranes in a dynamic and reversible fashion, in particular during the regulation of endocytic and exocytic pathways. High amounts of AnxA6 sequester cholesterol in late endosomes, thereby lowering the levels of cholesterol in the Golgi and the plasma membrane. These AnxA6-dependent redistributions of cellular cholesterol pools give rise to reduced cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA(2)) activity, retention of caveolin in the Golgi apparatus and a reduced number of caveolae at the cell surface. In addition to regulating cholesterol and caveolin distribution, AnxA6 acts as a scaffold/targeting protein for several signaling proteins, the best characterized being the Ca(2+)-dependent membrane targeting of p120GAP to downregulate Ras activity. AnxA6 also stimulates the Ca(2+)-inducible involvement of PKC in the regulation of HRas and possibly EGFR signal transduction pathways. The ability of AnxA6 to recruit regulators of the EGFR/Ras pathway is likely potentiated by AnxA6-induced actin remodeling. Accordingly, AnxA6 may function as an organizer of membrane domains (i) to modulate intracellular cholesterol homeostasis, (ii) to create a scaffold for the formation of multifactorial signaling complexes, and (iii) to regulate transient membrane-actin interactions during endocytic and exocytic transport. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 11th European Symposium on Calcium.

Annexins--modulators of EGF receptor signalling and trafficking

At the cell surface, activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor triggers a complex network of signalling events that regulate a variety of cellular processes. For signal termination, the activated EGF receptor is internalised and targeted to lysosomes for degradation. Microdomain localization at the plasma membrane and endocytic transport of the EGFR is important for the formation of compartment-specific signalling complexes and is regulated by scaffolding and targeting proteins. This includes Ca2+-effector proteins, such as calmodulin and annexins (Anx), in particular AnxA1, AnxA2, AnxA6 and as shown recently,AnxA8. Given that these annexins show differences in their expression patterns, subcellular localization and mode of action, they are likely to differentially contribute and cooperate in the fine-tuning of EGFR activity. In support of this hypothesis, current literature suggests these annexins to be involved in different steps that control the endocytic transport and signalling of the EGF receptor. This review summarizes how the coordinated activity of AnxA1, AnxA2, AnxA6 and AnxA8 can contribute to regulate EGF receptor localization and activity.

Annexin A6-induced alterations in cholesterol transport and caveolin export from the Golgi complex

Annexin A6 (AnxA6) belongs to a family of Ca(2+)-dependent membrane-binding proteins and is involved in the regulation of endocytic and exocytic pathways. We previously demonstrated that AnxA6 regulates receptor-mediated endocytosis and lysosomal targeting of low-density lipoproteins and translocates to cholesterol-enriched late endosomes (LE). As cholesterol modulates the membrane binding and the cellular location of AnxA6, but also affects the intracellular distribution of caveolin, we investigated the localization and trafficking of caveolin in AnxA6-expressing cells. Here, we show that cells expressing high levels of AnxA6 are characterized by an accumulation of caveolin-1 (cav-1) in the Golgi complex. This is associated with a sequestration of cholesterol in the LE and lower levels of cholesterol in the Golgi and the plasma membrane, both likely contributing to retention of caveolin in the Golgi apparatus and a reduced number of caveolae at the cell surface. Further strengthening these findings, knock down of AnxA6 and the ectopic expression of the Niemann-Pick C1 protein in AnxA6-overexpressing cells restore the cellular distribution of cav-1 and cholesterol, respectively. In summary, this study demonstrates that elevated expression levels of AnxA6 perturb the intracellular distribution of cholesterol, which indirectly inhibits the exit of caveolin from the Golgi complex.

Annexins and endocytosis

Annexins are calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins that have been proposed to have multiple roles in membrane traffic. Historically, this has been based on the in vitro properties of annexins and their localization to specific membrane compartments. However, recent functional evidence supports a role for annexins in specific membrane traffic steps, although the requirement for annexins may be highly dependent on the cellular context. Here we review the roles of annexins in traffic within the endocytic pathway, focusing on clathrin-dependent internalization from the plasma membrane, multivesicular endosome/body (MVB) biogenesis and MVB-lysosome fusion.

Identification of human hepatocellular carcinoma-related proteins by proteomic approaches

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver tumor. Analysis of human serum from HCC patients using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) combined with nano-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) identified fourteen different proteins differentially expressed between HCC patients and the control group. Twelve proteins were up-regulated and two down-regulated. By using nano-HPLC-MS/MS system to analyze proteome in human serum, 317 proteins were identified, twenty-nine of which to high confidence levels (protein matched at last two unique peptide sequences). Of these twenty-nine proteins, six were present only in HCC patients and may serve as biomarkers for HCC.

How to induce non-polarized cells of hepatic origin to express typical hepatocyte polarity: generation of new highly polarized cell models with developed and functional bile canaliculi

Few in vitro models expressing complex hepatocyte polarity are available. We used the unpolarized rat Fao cell line to isolate the polarized WIF-B line. These complex rat-human hybrid cells form functional simple bile canaliculi. To obtain Fao-derived polarized models with a simpler chromosome content and developed bile canaliculi, we employed two approaches. Partial success was achieved with monochromosomal hybrids. As shown by the immunolocalization of apical, basolateral, and tight-junctional proteins, monochromosomal hybrid 11-3 cells were polarized. They formed simple functional bile canaliculi and transiently expressed the typical polarity of simple epithelial cells. One subclone blocked in this polarity state was isolated. A more robust approach was provided by spheroid culture, a three-dimensional system that strengthens cell-cell contacts. Transient spheroid culture induced irreversible polarization of Fao cells. This induction occurred in most spheroids (approximately 1% of the cells). From populations enriched in stably polarized cells, we generated new polarized cell models, designated Can. Can 3-1 cells formed simple functional bile canaliculi when plated at high density. Regardless of plating density, Can 9 and Can 10 cells formed long tubular branched canaliculi competent for vectorial transport of organic anions and bile acids, and involving several dozen adjacent cells. Thus, we have generated new cell models stably expressing typical hepatocyte polarity. Among these models, Can 9 and Can 10 are the first capable of forming functional, highly developed bile canaliculi similar to those formed in vivo.

Structure of human annexin a6 at the air-water interface and in a membrane-bound state

We postulate the existence of a pH-sensitive domain in annexin A6 (AnxA6), on the basis of our observation of pH-dependent conformational and orientation changes of this protein and its N- (AnxA6a) and C-terminal (AnxA6b) halves in the presence of lipids. Brewster angle microscopy shows that AnxA6, AnxA6a, and AnxA6b in the absence of lipids accumulate at the air-water interface and form a stable, homogeneous layer at pH below 6.0. Under these conditions polarization modulation IR absorption spectroscopy reveals significant conformational changes of AnxA6a whereas AnxA6b preserves its alpha-helical structure. The orientation of protein alpha-helices is parallel with respect to the interface. In the presence of lipids, polarization modulation IR reflection absorption spectroscopy experiments suggest that AnxA6a incorporates into the lipid/air interface, whereas AnxA6b is adsorbed under the lipid monolayer. In this case AnxA6a regains its alpha-helical structures. At a higher pressure of the lipid monolayer the average orientation of the alpha-helices of AnxA6a changes from flat to tilted by 45 degrees with respect to normal to the membrane interface. For AnxA6b no such changes are detected, even at a high pressure of the lipid monolayer-suggesting that the putative pH-sensitive domain of AnxA6 is localized in the N-terminal half of the protein.

Identification and Characterization of the Acidic pH Binding Sites for Growth Regulatory Ligands of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein-1

The type V TGF-beta receptor (TbetaR-V) plays an important role in growth inhibition by IGFBP-3 and TGF-beta in responsive cells. Unexpectedly, TbetaR-V was recently found to be identical to the LRP-1/alpha(2)M receptor; this has disclosed previously unreported growth regulatory functions of LRP-1. Here we demonstrate that, in addition to expressing LRP-1, all cells examined exhibit low affinity but high density acidic pH binding sites for LRP-1 growth regulatory ligands (TGF-beta(1), IGFBP-3, and alpha(2)M(*)). These sites, like LRP-1, are sensitive to receptor-associated protein and calcium depletion but, unlike LRP-1, are also sensitive to chondroitin sulfate and heparin and capable of directly binding ligands, which do not bind to LRP-1. Annexin VI has been identified as a major membrane-associated protein capable of directly binding alpha(2)M(*) at acidic pH. This is evidenced by: 1) structural and Western blot analyses of the protein purified from bovine liver plasma membranes by alpha(2)M(*) affinity column chromatography at acidic pH, and 2) dot blot analysis of the interaction of annexin VI and (125)I-alpha(2)M(*). Cell surface annexin VI is involved in (125)I-TGF-beta(1) and (125)I-alpha(2)M(*) binding to the acidic pH binding sites and (125)I-alpha(2)M(*) binding to LRP-1 at neutral pH as demonstrated by the sensitivity of cells to pretreatment with anti-annexin VI IgG. Cell surface annexin VI is also capable of mediating internalization and degradation of cell surface-bound (125)I-TGF-beta(1) and (125)I-alpha(2)M(*) at pH 6 and of forming ternary complexes with (125)I-alpha(2)M(*) and LRP-1 at neutral pH as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation. Trifluoperazine and fluphenazine, which inhibit ligand binding to the acidic pH binding sites, block degradation after internalization of cell surface-bound (125)I-TGF-beta(1) or (125)I-alpha(2)M(*). These results suggest that cell surface annexin VI may function as an acidic pH binding site or receptor and may also function as a co-receptor with LRP-1 at neutral pH.

Protein kinaseCdelta-calmodulin crosstalk regulates epidermal growth factor receptor exit from early endosomes

We have recently shown that calmodulin antagonist W13 interferes with the trafficking of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and regulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In the present study, we demonstrate that in cells in which calmodulin is inhibited, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors rapidly restore EGFR and transferrin trafficking through the recycling compartment, although onward transport to the degradative pathway remains arrested. Analysis of PKC isoforms reveals that inhibition of PKCdelta with rottlerin or its down-modulation by using small interfering RNA is specifically responsible for the release of the W13 blockage of EGFR trafficking from early endosomes. The use of the inhibitor Gö 6976, specific for conventional PKCs (alpha, beta, and gamma), or expression of dominant-negative forms of PKClambda, zeta, or epsilon did not restore the effects of W13. Furthermore, in cells treated with W13 and rottlerin, we observed a recovery of brefeldin A tubulation, as well as transport of dextran-fluorescein isothiocyanate toward the late endocytic compartment. These results demonstrate a specific interplay between calmodulin and PKCdelta in the regulation of the morphology of and trafficking from the early endocytic compartment.

Cholesterol modulates the membrane binding and intracellular distribution of annexin 6

Annexins are Ca(2+)- and phospholipid-binding proteins that are widely expressed in mammalian tissues and that bind to different cellular membranes. In recent years its role in membrane traffic has emerged as one of its predominant functions, but the regulation of its intracellular distribution still remains unclear. We demonstrated that annexin 6 translocates to the late endocytic compartment in low density lipoprotein-loaded CHO cells. This prompted us to investigate whether cholesterol, one of the major constituents of low density lipoprotein, could influence the membrane binding affinity and intracellular distribution of annexin 6. Treatment of crude membranes or early and late endosomal fractions with digitonin, a cholesterol-sequestering agent, displayed a strong reduction in the binding affinity of a novel EDTA-resistant and cholesterol-sensitive pool of annexin 6 proteins. In addition, U18666A-induced accumulation of cholesterol in the late endosomal compartment resulted in a significant increase of annexin 6 in these vesicles in vivo. This translocation/recruitment correlates with an increased membrane binding affinity of GST-annexin 6 to late endosomes of U18666A-treated cells in vitro. In conclusion, the present study shows that changes in the intracellular distribution and concentration of cholesterol in different subcellular compartments participate in the reorganization of intracellular pools of Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent annexin 6.

GTP-induced membrane binding and ion channel activity of annexin VI: is annexin VI a GTP biosensor?

Annexin VI (AnxVI) formed ion channels in planar lipid bilayers that were induced by the addition of millimolar guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) at pH 7.4 and that were not accompanied by a penetration of the protein into the membrane hydrophobic region. GTP-influenced interactions of AnxVI with Ca2+/liposomes produced small structural alterations as revealed by circular dichroism and infrared spectroscopies. Guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)-triphosphate (GTPgammaS) binding to AnxVI, promoted by the photorelease of GTPgammaS from GTPgammaS[1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)-ethyl] (caged-GTPgammaS), affected three to four amino acid residues of AnxVI in the presence of Ca2+/liposomes, while about eight or nine amino acid residues were altered in their absence. This suggested that the nucleotide-binding site overlapped the lipid-binding domain of AnxVI. The binding of the fluorescent GTP analog, 2'-(or 3')-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)guanosine 5'-triphosphate (TNP-GTP) to AnxVI was optimal in the presence of Ca2+/liposomes, with a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 1 microM and stoichiometry of 1. TNP-GTP promoted fluorescence resonance energy transfer from tryptophan residues to the nucleotide. Ion conductance and fluorescence measurements of the C- and N-terminal fragments of AnxVI indicated distinct GTP-binding properties, suggesting that the existence of the GTP-induced ion channel activity of AnxVI is associated with the flexibility of the two halves of the protein. Such structural flexibility could contribute to a molecular mechanism of AnxVI acting as a GTP biosensor.

Annexins: from structure to function

Annexins are Ca2+ and phospholipid binding proteins forming an evolutionary conserved multigene family with members of the family being expressed throughout animal and plant kingdoms. Structurally, annexins are characterized by a highly alpha-helical and tightly packed protein core domain considered to represent a Ca2+-regulated membrane binding module. Many of the annexin cores have been crystallized, and their molecular structures reveal interesting features that include the architecture of the annexin-type Ca2+ binding sites and a central hydrophilic pore proposed to function as a Ca2+ channel. In addition to the conserved core, all annexins contain a second principal domain. This domain, which NH2-terminally precedes the core, is unique for a given member of the family and most likely specifies individual annexin properties in vivo. Cellular and animal knock-out models as well as dominant-negative mutants have recently been established for a number of annexins, and the effects of such manipulations are strikingly different for different members of the family. At least for some annexins, it appears that they participate in the regulation of membrane organization and membrane traffic and the regulation of ion (Ca2+) currents across membranes or Ca2+ concentrations within cells. Although annexins lack signal sequences for secretion, some members of the family have also been identified extracellularly where they can act as receptors for serum proteases on the endothelium as well as inhibitors of neutrophil migration and blood coagulation. Finally, deregulations in annexin expression and activity have been correlated with human diseases, e.g., in acute promyelocytic leukemia and the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and the term annexinopathies has been coined.

Evidence for the Involvement of annexin 6 in the trafficking between the endocytic compartment and lysosomes

Annexins are a family of calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins, which have been implicated in a variety of biological processes including membrane trafficking. The annexin 6/lgp120 prelysosomal compartment of NRK cells was loaded with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and then its transport from this endocytic compartment and its degradation in lysosomes were studied. NRK cells were microinjected with the mutated annexin 6 (anx6(1-175)), to assess the possible involvement of annexin 6 in the transport of LDL from the prelysosomal compartment. The results indicated that microinjection of mutated annexin 6, in NRK cells, showed the accumulation of LDL in larger endocytic structures, denoting retention of LDL in the prelysosomal compartment. To confirm the involvement of annexin 6 in the trafficking and the degradation of LDL we used CHO cells transfected with mutated annexin 6(1-175). Thus, in agreement with NRK cells the results obtained in CHO cells demonstrated a significant inhibition of LDL degradation in CHO cells expressing the mutated form of annexin 6 compared to controls overexpressing wild-type annexin 6. Therefore, we conclude that annexin 6 is involved in the trafficking events leading to LDL degradation.

Activation of Raf-1 is defective in annexin 6 overexpressing Chinese hamster ovary cells

Annexin 6 is a Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding protein involved in membrane trafficking. In this study we demonstrate the association of Raf-1 with recombinant rat annexin 6. Raf-annexin 6 interaction was shown to be independent of cell activation by epidermal growth factor (EGF) or phorbol esters (12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)). A stable Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-anx6 cell line overexpressing annexin 6 was established to examine the function of annexin 6. In these cells, no increase of Ras-GTP levels, induced by EGF or TPA, was detected. In addition, the activity of Raf was completely inhibited, whereas the mitogen-activated protein kinase-P was unaffected.

N- and C-terminal halves of human annexin VI differ in ability to form low pH-induced ion channels

Human recombinant annexin VI (AnxVI) or its N- (AnxVIA) and C-terminal (AnxVIB) fragments were expressed in E. coli. Their ability to form voltage-dependent ion channels in membranes, induced by low pH, was measured to verify the hypothesis that, upon acidification, the hydrophobicity of AnxVI at a specific domain significantly increases allowing the AnxVI interaction with lipids in a Ca(2+)-independent manner. By theoretically analyzing changes in protein hydrophobicity, we found that hydrophobicity of AnxVIA significantly differed from that of AnxVIB at low pH. These predictions were confirmed experimentally by using planar lipid bilayers and liposome pull-down assay. We found striking difference between AnxVIA and AnxVIB in the ion channel activity, as well as in the membrane binding, suggesting that the halves of AnxVI maybe functionally different. Moreover, we calculated and predicted that the ion channel activity at low pH should appear in other human annexins, as AnxII, AnxV (as known), AnxVIII, and AnxXIII. The possibility that AnxVI acts as cytosolic component of a transmembrane pH-sensing mechanism is proposed.

Conformational states of annexin VI in solution induced by acidic pH

Acidic pH-induced folding of annexin (Anx)VI in solution was investigated in order to study the mechanism of formation of ion channels by the protein in membranes. Using 2-(p-toluidino)naphthalene-6-sulfonic acid as a hydrophobic probe, it was demonstrated that AnxVI exerts a large change in hydrophobicity at acidic pH. Moreover, circular dichroism spectra indicated that the native state of AnxVI changes at acidic pH towards a state characterized by a significant loss of alpha-helix content and appearance of new beta-structures. These changes are reversible upon an increase of pH. It is postulated that the structural folding of AnxVI could explain how a soluble protein may undergo transition into a molecule able to penetrate the membrane hydrophobic region. The physiological significance of these observations is discussed.

UDP hydrolase activity associated with the porcine liver annexin fraction

In the crude fraction of porcine liver annexins, we identified annexin IV (AnxIV), AnxII and AnxVI of MW (molecular weight) of 32, 36 and 68 kDa, respectively, an albumin of MW of 61.5 kDa and an UDP hydrolase (UDPase) of MW of 62 kDa, related to the human UDPase from Golgi membranes. The latter enzyme exhibits its highest specificity towards UDP and GDP but not ADP and CDP, and it is stimulated by Mg(2+) and Ca(2+). AnxVI itself, although it binds purine nucleotides, does not exhibit hydrolytic activity towards nucleotides. Taken together, these results suggest that AnxVI may interact in vivo with a nucleotide-utilizing enzyme, UDPase. This is in line with observations made by other investigators that various annexins are able to interact with nucleotide-utilizing proteins, such as protein kinases, GTPases, cytoskeletal proteins and p120(GAP). Such interactions could be of particular importance in modulating the biological activities of these proteins in vivo.

Annexin VI stimulates endocytosis and is involved in the trafficking of low density lipoprotein to the prelysosomal compartment

Annexins are calcium-binding proteins with a wide distribution in most polarized and nonpolarized cells that participate in a variety of membrane-membrane interactions. At the cell surface, annexin VI is thought to remodel the spectrin cytoskeleton to facilitate budding of coated pits. However, annexin VI is also found in late endocytic compartments in a number of cell types, indicating an additional important role at later stages of the endocytic pathway. Therefore overexpression of annexin VI in Chinese hamster ovary cells was used to investigate its possible role in endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and transferrin. While overexpression of annexin VI alone did not alter endocytosis and degradation of LDL, coexpression of annexin VI and LDL receptor resulted in an increase in LDL uptake with a concomitant increase of its degradation. Whereas annexin VI showed a wide intracellular distribution in resting Chinese hamster ovary cells, it was mainly found in the endocytic compartment and remained associated with LDL-containing vesicles even at later stages of the endocytic pathway. Thus, data presented in this study suggest that after stimulating endocytosis at the cell surface, annexin VI remains bound to endocytic vesicles to regulate entry of ligands into the prelysosomal compartment.

Epidermal growth factor-mediated caveolin recruitment to early endosomes and MAPK activation. Role of cholesterol and actin cytoskeleton

The endocytic compartment of eukaryotic cells is a complex intracellular structure involved in sorting, processing, and degradation of a great variety of internalized molecules. Recently, the uptake through caveolae has emerged as an alternative internalization pathway, which seems to be directly related with some signal transduction pathways. However, the mechanisms, molecules, and structures regulating the transport of caveolin from the cell surface into the endocytic compartment are largely unknown. In this study, normal quiescent fibroblasts (normal rat kidney (NRK)) were used to demonstrate that epidermal growth factor causes partial redistribution of caveolin from the cell surface into a cellubrevin early endocytic compartment. Treatment of NRK cells with cytochalasin D or latrunculin A inhibits this pathway and the concomitant activation of Mek and mitotic-activated protein (MAP) kinase; however, if cells were pre-treated with filipin, cytochalasin D does not inhibit the phosphorylation of MAP kinase induced by epidermal growth factor. From these results we conclude that in NRK cells the intact actin cytoskeleton is necessary for the EGF-mediated transport of caveolin from the cell surface into the early endocytic compartment and the activation of MAP kinase pathway.