Vps10p transport from the trans-Golgi network to the endosome is mediated by clathrin-coated vesicles

Phosphorylation and Glycosylation of Amyloid-β Protein Precursor: The Relationship to Trafficking and Cleavage in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in the central nervous system, and this disease is characterized by extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is the main constituent of senile plaques, and this peptide is derived from the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) through the successive cleaving by β-site AβPP-cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase. AβPP undergoes the progress of post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, which might affect the trafficking and the cleavage of AβPP. In the recent years, about 10 phosphorylation sites of AβPP were identified, and they play complex roles in glycosylation modification and cleavage of AβPP. In this article, we introduced the transport and the cleavage pathways of AβPP, then summarized the phosphorylation and glycosylation sites of AβPP, and further discussed the links and relationship between phosphorylation and glycosylation on the pathways of AβPP trafficking and cleavage in order to provide theoretical basis for AD research.

Type 2 diabetes-associated single nucleotide polymorphism in Sorcs1 gene results in alternative processing of the Sorcs1 protein in INS1 β-cells

A threonine-to-Isoleucine (Thr₅₂Ile) mutation within the pro-domain of the Sorcs1 gene was positionally cloned as the gene underlying a quantitative trait locus that affects fasting insulin levels in mice. In humans, genome-wide association studies and linkage studies have shown that SORCS1 is associated with diabetes and all of diabetes complications. We have recently shown that deletion of Sorcs1 in mice made obese with the leptin^ob mutation results in diabetes and an insulin granule stability defect. This present study investigates the functional consequence of the Sorcs1 Thr₅₂Ile mutation in the rat INS1 β-cell line expressing either the wildtype or mutant Sorcs1 allele. We find that Sorcs1 Thr₅₂Ile mutation is associated with increased basal insulin secretion, reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and decreased insulin content in INS1 cells. Moreover, expression of Thr₅₂Ile causes differential processing of the Sorcs1 protein resulting in the formation of an additional 90 kDa mutant form of the protein. The mutant form of the protein is localised to the ER, retains its pro-domain, and concurrently reduces expression of the functional mature 130 kDa Sorcs1 protein. These findings provide a mechanistic clue to why this specific allelic variation in Sorcs1 was associated with reduced insulin levels and type 2 diabetes.

Complicated trafficking behaviors involved in paradoxical regulation of sortilin in lipid metabolism

This review aims to summarize and discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the paradoxical effects of sortilin on lipid metabolism. The vacuolar protein sorting 10 protein (Vps10p) domain in the sortilin protein is responsible for substrate binding. Its cytoplasmic tail interacts with adaptor molecules, and modifications can determine whether sortilin trafficking occurs via the anterograde or retrograde pathway. The complicated trafficking behaviors likely contribute to the paradoxical roles of sortilin in lipid metabolism. The anterograde pathway of sortilin trafficking in hepatocytes, enterocytes, and peripheral cells likely causes an increase in plasma lipid levels, while the retrograde pathway leads to the opposite effect. Hepatocyte sortilin functions via the anterograde or retrograde pathway in a complicated and paradoxical manner to regulate apoB-containing lipoprotein metabolism. Clarifying the regulatory mechanisms underlying the trafficking behaviors of sortilin is necessary and may lead to artificial sortilin intervention as a potential therapeutic strategy for lipid disorder diseases. Conclusively, the paradoxical regulation of sortilin in lipid metabolism is likely due to its complicated trafficking behaviors.

Ent3 and GGA adaptors facilitate diverse anterograde and retrograde trafficking events to and from the prevacuolar endosome

Carboxypeptidases Y (Cpy1) and S (Cps1), the receptor Vps10, and the ATPase subunit Vph1 follow the carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) pathway from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the prevacuolar endosome (PVE). Using Schizosaccharomyces pombe quantitative live-cell imaging, biochemical and genetic analyses, we extended the previous knowledge and showed that collaboration between Gga22, the dominant Golgi-localized Gamma-ear-containing ARF-binding (GGA) protein, and Gga21, and between Gga22 and the endosomal epsin Ent3, was required for efficient: i) Vps10 anterograde trafficking from the TGN to the PVE; ii) Vps10 retrograde trafficking from the PVE to the TGN; iii) Cps1 exit from the TGN, and its sorting in the PVE en route to the vacuole; and iv) Syb1/Snc1 recycling to the plasma membrane through the PVE. Therefore, monomeric clathrin adaptors facilitated the trafficking of Vps10 in both directions of the CPY pathway, and facilitated trafficking events of Cps1 in different organelles. By contrast, they were dispensable for Vph1 trafficking. Thus, these adaptors regulated the traffic of some, but not all, of the cargo of the CPY pathway, and regulated the traffic of cargoes that do not follow this pathway. Additionally, this collaboration was required for PVE organization and efficient growth under stress.

The yeast protein kinase Sch9 adjusts V-ATPase assembly/disassembly to control pH homeostasis and longevity in response to glucose availability

The conserved protein kinase Sch9 is a central player in the nutrient-induced signaling network in yeast, although only few of its direct substrates are known. We now provide evidence that Sch9 controls the vacuolar proton pump (V-ATPase) to maintain cellular pH homeostasis and ageing. A synthetic sick phenotype arises when deletion of SCH9 is combined with a dysfunctional V-ATPase, and the lack of Sch9 has a significant impact on cytosolic pH (pHc) homeostasis. Sch9 physically interacts with, and influences glucose-dependent assembly/disassembly of the V-ATPase, thereby integrating input from TORC1. Moreover, we show that the role of Sch9 in regulating ageing is tightly connected with V-ATPase activity and vacuolar acidity. As both Sch9 and the V-ATPase are highly conserved in higher eukaryotes, it will be interesting to further clarify their cooperative action on the cellular processes that influence growth and ageing.

The evolutionary conserved TOR complex 1 controls growth in response to the quality and quantity of nutrients such as carbon and amino acids. The protein kinase Sch9 is the main TORC1 effector in yeast. However, only few of its direct targets are known. In this study, we performed a genome-wide screening looking for mutants which require Sch9 function for their survival and growth. In this way, we identified multiple components of the highly conserved vacuolar proton pump (V-ATPase) which mediates the luminal acidification of multiple biosynthetic and endocytic organelles. Besides a genetic interaction, we found Sch9 also physically interacts with the V-ATPase to regulate its assembly state in response to glucose availability and TORC1 activity. Moreover, the interaction with the V-ATPase has consequences for ageing as it allowed Sch9 to control vacuolar pH and thereby trigger either lifespan extension or lifespan shortening. Hence, our results provide insights into the signaling mechanism coupling glucose availability, TORC1 signaling, pH homeostasis and longevity. As both Sch9 and the V-ATPase are highly conserved and implicated in various pathologies, these results offer fertile ground for further research in higher eukaryotes.

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

BEACH-domain proteins act together in a cascade to mediate vacuolar protein trafficking and disease resistance in Arabidopsis

Membrane trafficking to the protein storage vacuole (PSV) is a specialized process in seed plants. However, this trafficking mechanism to PSV is poorly understood. Here, we show that three types of Beige and Chediak-Higashi (BEACH)-domain proteins contribute to both vacuolar protein transport and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). We screened a green fluorescent seed (GFS) library of Arabidopsis mutants with defects in vesicle trafficking and isolated two allelic mutants gfs3 and gfs12 with a defect in seed protein transport to PSV. The gene responsible for the mutant phenotype was found to encode a putative protein belonging to group D of BEACH-domain proteins, which possess kinase domains. Disruption of other BEACH-encoding loci in the gfs12 mutant showed that BEACH homologs acted in a cascading manner for PSV trafficking. The epistatic genetic interactions observed among BEACH homologs were also found in the ETI responses of the gfs12 and gfs12 bchb-1 mutants, which showed elevated avirulent bacterial growth. The GFS12 kinase domain interacted specifically with the pleckstrin homology domain of BchC1. These results suggest that a cascade of multiple BEACH-domain proteins contributes to vacuolar protein transport and plant defense.

Tetrahymena thermophila: a divergent perspective on membrane traffic

Tetrahymena thermophila, a member of the Ciliates, represents a class of organisms distantly related from commonly used model organisms in cell biology, and thus offers an opportunity to explore potentially novel mechanisms and their evolution. Ciliates, like all eukaryotes, possess a complex network of organelles that facilitate both macromolecular uptake and secretion. The underlying endocytic and exocytic pathways are key mediators of a cell's interaction with its environment, and may therefore show niche-specific adaptations. Our laboratory has taken a variety of approaches to identify key molecular determinants for membrane trafficking pathways in Tetrahymena. Studies of Rab GTPases, dynamins, and sortilin-family receptors substantiate the widespread conservation of some features but also uncover surprising roles for lineage-restricted innovation.

Direct binding of the Kex2p cytosolic tail to the VHS domain of yeast Gga2p facilitates TGN to prevacuolar compartment transport and is regulated by phosphorylation

The VHS domains of yeast Gga1p and Gga2p bind sites (GBSs) in the Kex2p and Vps10p cytosolic tails. Phosphorylation of Ser-780 in the Kex2p GBS enhances Kex2p transport from the TGN to the PVC and is induced by cell wall damage. Kex2p GBS function is shown by direct binding, cell-free transport, and in vivo assays for Kex2 localization.

Human Golgi-localized, γ-ear–containing, ADP-ribosylation factor–binding proteins (Ggas) bind directly to acidic dileucine sorting motifs in the cytosolic tails (C-tails) of intracellular receptors. Despite evidence for a role in recruiting ubiquitinated cargo, it remains unclear whether yeast Ggas also function by binding peptide-sorting signals directly. Two-hybrid analysis shows that the Gga1p and Gga2p Vps27, Hrs, Stam (VHS) domains both bind a site in the Kex2p C-tail and that the Gga2p VHS domain binds a site in the Vps10p C-tail. Binding requires deletion of an apparently autoinhibitory sequence in the Gga2p hinge. Ser₇₈₀ in the Kex2p C-tail is crucial for binding: an Ala substitution blocks but an Asp substitution permits binding. Biochemical assays using purified Gga2p VHS–GGA and TOM1 (GAT) and glutathione S-transferase–Kex2p C-tail fusions show that Gga2p binds directly to the Kex2p C-tail, with relative affinities Asp₇₈₀ > Ser₇₈₀ > Ala₇₈₀. Affinity-purified antibody against a peptide containing phospho-Ser­₇₈₀ recognizes wild-type Kex2p but not S₇₈₀A Kex2p, showing that Ser₇₈₀ is phosphorylated in vivo; phosphorylation of Ser₇₈₀ is up-regulated by cell wall–damaging drugs. Finally, mutation of Ser₇₈₀ alters trafficking of Kex2p both in vivo and in cell-free trans-Golgi network (TGN)–prevacuolar compartment (PVC) transport. Thus yeast Gga adaptors facilitate TGN–PVC transport by direct binding of noncanonical phosphoregulated Gga-binding sites in cargo molecules.

Direct binding of the Kex2p cytosolic tail to the VHS domain of yeast Gga2p facilitates TGN to prevacuolar compartment transport and is regulated by phosphorylation

Human Golgi-localized, γ-ear–containing, ADP-ribosylation factor–binding proteins (Ggas) bind directly to acidic dileucine sorting motifs in the cytosolic tails (C-tails) of intracellular receptors. Despite evidence for a role in recruiting ubiquitinated cargo, it remains unclear whether yeast Ggas also function by binding peptide-sorting signals directly. Two-hybrid analysis shows that the Gga1p and Gga2p Vps27, Hrs, Stam (VHS) domains both bind a site in the Kex2p C-tail and that the Gga2p VHS domain binds a site in the Vps10p C-tail. Binding requires deletion of an apparently autoinhibitory sequence in the Gga2p hinge. Ser780in the Kex2p C-tail is crucial for binding: an Ala substitution blocks but an Asp substitution permits binding. Biochemical assays using purified Gga2p VHS–GGA and TOM1 (GAT) and glutathione S-transferase–Kex2p C-tail fusions show that Gga2p binds directly to the Kex2p C-tail, with relative affinities Asp780> Ser780> Ala780. Affinity-purified antibody against a peptide containing phospho-Ser­780recognizes wild-type Kex2p but not S780A Kex2p, showing that Ser780is phosphorylated in vivo; phosphorylation of Ser780is up-regulated by cell wall–damaging drugs. Finally, mutation of Ser780alters trafficking of Kex2p both in vivo and in cell-free trans-Golgi network (TGN)–prevacuolar compartment (PVC) transport. Thus yeast Gga adaptors facilitate TGN–PVC transport by direct binding of noncanonical phosphoregulated Gga-binding sites in cargo molecules.

Energy metabolism regulates clathrin adaptors at the trans-Golgi network and endosomes

Glucose is a master regulator of cell behavior in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It acts as both a metabolic substrate and a potent regulator of intracellular signaling cascades. Glucose starvation induces the transient delocalization and then partial relocalization of clathrin adaptors at the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. Although these localization responses are known to depend on the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, the molecular mechanism of this regulation is unknown. Here we demonstrate that PKA and the AMP-regulated kinase regulate adaptor localization through changes in energy metabolism. We show that genetic and chemical manipulation of intracellular ATP levels cause corresponding changes in adaptor localization. In permeabilized cells, exogenous ATP is sufficient to induce adaptor localization. Furthermore, we reveal distinct energy-dependent steps in adaptor localization: a step that requires the ADP-ribosylation factor ARF, an ATP-dependent step that requires the phosphatidyl-inositol-4 kinase Pik1, and third ATP-dependent step for which we provide evidence but for which the mechanism is unknown. We propose that these energy-dependent mechanisms precisely synchronize membrane traffic with overall proliferation rates and contribute a crucial aspect of energy conservation during acute glucose starvation.

Mechanisms and concepts paving the way towards a complete transport cycle of plant vacuolar sorting receptors

Delivery of proteins to the lytic vacuole in plants is a complex cascade of selective interactions that specifically excludes residents of the endoplasmic reticulum and secreted proteins. Vacuolar transport must be highly efficient to avoid mistargeting of hydrolytic enzymes to locations where they could be harmful. While plant vacuolar sorting signals have been well described for two decades, it is only during the last 5 years that a critical mass of data was gathered that begins to reveal how vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) may complete a full transport cycle. Yet, the field is far from reaching a consensus regarding the organelles that could be involved in vacuolar sorting, their potential biogenesis, and the ultimate recycling of membranes and protein machinery that maintain this pathway. This review will highlight the important landmarks in our understanding of VSR function and compare recent transport models that have been proposed so that an emerging picture of plant vacuolar sorting mechanisms can be drawn.

Sorting of plant vacuolar proteins is initiated in the ER

Transport of soluble cargo molecules to the lytic vacuole of plants requires vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) to divert transport of vacuolar cargo from the default secretory route to the cell surface. Just as important is the trafficking of the VSRs themselves, a process that encompasses anterograde transport of receptor-ligand complexes from a donor compartment, dissociation of these complexes upon arrival at the target compartment, and recycling of the receptor back to the donor compartment for a further round of ligand transport. We have previously shown that retromer-mediated recycling of the plant VSR BP80 starts at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Here we demonstrate that inhibition of retromer function by either RNAi knockdown of sorting nexins (SNXs) or co-expression of mutants of SNX1/2a specifically inhibits the ER export of VSRs as well as soluble vacuolar cargo molecules, but does not influence cargo molecules destined for the COPII-mediated transport route. Retention of soluble cargo despite ongoing COPII-mediated bulk flow can only be explained by an interaction with membrane-bound proteins. Therefore, we examined whether VSRs are capable of binding their ligands in the lumen of the ER by expressing ER-anchored VSR derivatives. These experiments resulted in drastic accumulation of soluble vacuolar cargo molecules in the ER. This demonstrates that the ER, rather than the TGN, is the location of the initial VSR-ligand interaction. It also implies that the retromer-mediated recycling route for the VSRs leads from the TGN back to the ER.

The Vps10p-domain receptor family

The family of mammalian type-I transmembrane receptors containing a Vps10p domain contains five members, Sortilin, SorCS1, SorCS2, SorCS3, and SorLA. The common characteristic of these receptors is an N-terminal Vps10p domain, which either represents the only module of the luminal/extracellular moiety or is combined with additional domains. Family members play roles in protein transport and signal transduction. The individual receptors bind and internalize a variety of ligands, such as neuropeptides and trophic factors, and Sortilin and SorLA mediate trans-Golgi network-to-endosome sorting. Their prominent neuronal expression, several of the identified ligands, and recent results support the notion that members of this receptor family have important functions in neurogenesis, plasticity-related processes, and functional maintenance of the nervous system. For instance, it has been demonstrated that Sortilin partakes in the transduction of proapoptotic effects, and there is converging biochemical and genetic evidence that implies that SorLA is an Alzheimer's disease risk factor.

S. pombe btn1, the orthologue of the Batten disease gene CLN3, is required for vacuole protein sorting of Cpy1p and Golgi exit of Vps10p

Batten disease is characterised by lysosomal dysfunction. The most common type of the disease is caused by mutations in the membrane protein CLN3, whose function is unknown. We show that the fission yeast orthologue Btn1p, previously implicated in vacuole function, is required for correct sorting of the vacuole hydrolase carboxypeptidase Y (Cpy1p). This is, in part, due to a defect in trafficking of Vps10p, the sorting receptor for Cpy1p, from the Golgi to the trans-Golgi network in btn1Delta cells. Our data also implicate btn1 in other Vps10-independent Cpy1-sorting pathways. Furthermore, btn1 affects the number, intracellular location and structure of Golgi compartments. We show that the prevacuole location of Btn1p is at the Golgi, because Btn1p colocalises predominantly with the Golgi marker Gms1p in compartments that are sensitive to Brefeldin A. Btn1p function might be linked to that of Vps34p, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, because Btn1p acts as a multicopy suppressor of the severe Cpy1p vacuole protein-sorting defect of vps34Delta cells. Together, these results indicate an important role for Btn1p in the Golgi complex, which affects Golgi homeostasis and vacuole protein sorting. We propose a similar role for CLN3 in mammalian cells.

Yeast Golgi-localized, gamma-Ear-containing, ADP-ribosylation factor-binding proteins are but adaptor protein-1 is not required for cell-free transport of membrane proteins from the trans-Golgi network to the prevacuolar compartment

Golgi-localized, gamma-Ear-containing, ADP-ribosylation factor-binding proteins (GGAs) and adaptor protein-1 (AP-1) mediate clathrin-dependent trafficking of transmembrane proteins between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and endosomes. In yeast, the vacuolar sorting receptor Vps10p follows a direct pathway from the TGN to the late endosome/prevacuolar compartment (PVC), whereas, the processing protease Kex2p partitions between the direct pathway and an indirect pathway through the early endosome. To examine the roles of the Ggas and AP-1 in TGN-PVC transport, we used a cell-free assay that measures delivery to the PVC of either Kex2p or a chimeric protein (K-V), in which the Vps10p cytosolic tail replaces the Kex2p tail. Either antibody inhibition or dominant-negative Gga2p completely blocked K-V transport but only partially blocked Kex2p transport. Deletion of APL2, encoding the beta subunit of AP-1, did not affect K-V transport but partially blocked Kex2p transport. Residual Kex2p transport seen with apl2Delta membranes was insensitive to dominant-negative Gga2p, suggesting that the apl2Delta mutation causes Kex2p to localize to a compartment that precludes Gga-dependent trafficking. These results suggest that yeast Ggas facilitate the specific and direct delivery of Vps10p and Kex2p from the TGN to the PVC and that AP-1 modulates Kex2p trafficking through a distinct pathway, presumably involving the early endosome.

ENTH domain proteins are cargo adaptors for multiple SNARE proteins at the TGN endosome

ENTH and ANTH domain proteins are involved in budding of clathrin-coated vesicles. SNAREs are fusogenic proteins that function in the targeting and fusion of transport vesicles. In mammalian and yeast cells, ENTH domain proteins (epsinR and Ent3p) interact with SNAREs of the vti1 family (Vti1b or Vti1p). This interaction indicates that ENTH proteins could function in cargo sorting, which prompted us to search for additional SNAREs as potential cargo for Ent3p and epsinR. We carried out specific yeast two-hybrid assays, which identified interactions between epsinR and the mammalian late endosomal SNAREs syntaxin 7 and syntaxin 8 as well as between Ent3p and the endosomal SNAREs Pep12p and Syn8p from yeast. Lack of Ent3p affected the trafficking of Pep12p. Ent3p binding to Pep12p required the FSD late endosomal sorting signal in Pep12p. Inactivation of the sorting signal had a similar effect to removal of Ent3p on Pep12p stability indicating that Ent3p acts as a cargo adaptor for Pep12p by binding to the sorting signal. As Vti1p, Pep12p and Syn8p participate in a SNARE complex whereas Vti1b, syntaxin 7 and syntaxin 8 are mammalian SNARE partners, we propose that ENTH domain proteins at the TGN-endosome are cargo adaptors for these endosomal SNAREs.

Synthesis and function of membrane phosphoinositides in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

It is now well appreciated that derivatives of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) are key regulators of many cellular processes in eukaryotes. Of particular interest are phosphoinositides (mono- and polyphosphorylated adducts to the inositol ring in PtdIns), which are located at the cytoplasmic face of cellular membranes. Phosphoinositides serve both a structural and a signaling role via their recruitment of proteins that contain phosphoinositide-binding domains. Phosphoinositides also have a role as precursors of several types of second messengers for certain intracellular signaling pathways. Realization of the importance of phosphoinositides has brought increased attention to characterization of the enzymes that regulate their synthesis, interconversion, and turnover. Here we review the current state of our knowledge about the properties and regulation of the ATP-dependent lipid kinases responsible for synthesis of phosphoinositides and also the additional temporal and spatial controls exerted by the phosphatases and a phospholipase that act on phosphoinositides in yeast.

Arabidopsis vacuolar sorting mutants (green fluorescent seed) can be identified efficiently by secretion of vacuole-targeted green fluorescent protein in their seeds

Two Arabidopsis thaliana genes have been shown to function in vacuolar sorting of seed storage proteins: a vacuolar sorting receptor, VSR1/ATELP1, and a retromer component, MAIGO1 (MAG1)/VPS29. Here, we show an efficient and simple method for isolating vacuolar sorting mutants of Arabidopsis. The method was based on two findings in this study. First, VSR1 functioned as a sorting receptor for beta-conglycinin by recognizing the vacuolar targeting signal. Second, when green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion with the signal (GFP-CT24) was expressed in vsr1, mag1/vps29, and wild-type seeds, both vsr1and mag1/vps29 gave strongly fluorescent seeds but the wild type did not, suggesting that a defect in vacuolar sorting provided fluorescent seeds by the secretion of GFP-CT24 out of the cells. We mutagenized transformant seeds expressing GFP-CT24. From approximately 3,000,000 lines of M2 seeds, we obtained >100 fluorescent seeds and designated them green fluorescent seed (gfs) mutants. We report 10 gfs mutants, all of which caused missorting of storage proteins. We mapped gfs1 to VSR1, gfs2 to KAM2/GRV2, gfs10 to the At4g35870 gene encoding a novel membrane protein, and the others to different loci. This method should provide valuable insights into the complex molecular mechanisms underlying vacuolar sorting of storage proteins.

Involvement of specific COPI subunits in protein sorting from the late endosome to the vacuole in yeast

Although COPI function on the early secretory pathway in eukaryotes is well established, earlier studies also proposed a nonconventional role for this coat complex in endocytosis in mammalian cells. Here we present results that suggest an involvement for specific COPI subunits in the late steps of endosomal protein sorting in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. First, we found that carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) was partially missorted to the cell surface in certain mutants of the COPIB subcomplex (COPIb; Sec27, Sec28, and possibly Sec33), which indicates an impairment in endosomal transport. Second, integral membrane proteins destined for the vacuolar lumen (i.e., carboxypeptidase S [CPS1]; Fur4, Ste2, and Ste3) accumulated at an aberrant late endosomal compartment in these mutants. The observed phenotypes for COPIb mutants resemble those of class E vacuolar protein sorting (vps) mutants that are impaired in multivesicular body (MVB) protein sorting and biogenesis. Third, we observed physical interactions and colocalization between COPIb subunits and an MVB-associated protein, Vps27. Together, our findings suggest that certain COPI subunits could have a direct role in vacuolar protein sorting to the MVB compartment.

Roles for the Drs2p-Cdc50p Complex in Protein Transport and Phosphatidylserine Asymmetry of the Yeast Plasma Membrane

Drs2p, a P-type adenosine triphosphatase required for a phosphatidylserine (PS) flippase activity in the yeast trans Golgi network (TGN), was first implicated in protein trafficking by a screen for mutations synthetically lethal with arf1 (swa). Here, we show that SWA4 is allelic to CDC50, encoding a membrane protein previously shown to chaperone Drs2p from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi complex. We find that cdc50Delta exhibits the same clathrin-deficient phenotypes as drs2Delta, including delayed transport of carboxypeptidase Y to the vacuole, mislocalization of resident TGN enzymes and the accumulation of aberrant membrane structures. These trafficking defects precede appearance of cell polarity defects in cdc50Delta, suggesting that the latter are a secondary consequence of disrupting Golgi function. Involvement of Drs2p-Cdc50p in PS translocation suggests a role in restricting PS to the cytosolic leaflet of the Golgi and plasma membrane. Annexin V binding and papuamide B hypersensitivity indicate that drs2Delta or cdc50Delta causes a loss of plasma membrane PS asymmetry. However, clathrin and other endocytosis null mutants also exhibit a comparable loss of PS asymmetry, and studies with drs2-ts and clathrin (chc1-ts) conditional mutants suggest that loss of plasma membrane asymmetry is a secondary consequence of disrupting protein trafficking.

A conserved region in the EBL proteins is implicated in microneme targeting of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

The proliferation of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum within the human host is dependent upon invasion of erythrocytes. This process is accomplished by the merozoite, a highly specialized form of the parasite. Secretory organelles including micronemes and rhoptries play a pivotal role in the invasion process by storing and releasing parasite proteins. The mechanism of protein sorting to these compartments is unclear. Using a transgenic approach we show that trafficking of the most abundant micronemal proteins (members of the EBL-family: EBA-175, EBA-140/BAEBL, and EBA-181/JSEBL) is independent of their cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains, respectively. To identify the minimal sequence requirements for microneme trafficking, we generated parasites expressing EBA-GFP chimeric proteins and analyzed their distribution within the infected erythrocyte. This revealed that: (i) a conserved cysteine-rich region in the ectodomain is necessary for protein trafficking to the micronemes and (ii) correct sorting is dependent on accurate timing of expression.

Targeting of the plant vacuolar sorting receptor BP80 is dependent on multiple sorting signals in the cytosolic tail

Although signals for vacuolar sorting of soluble proteins are well described, we have yet to learn how the plant vacuolar sorting receptor BP80 reaches its correct destination and recycles. To shed light on receptor targeting, we used an in vivo competition assay in which a truncated receptor (green fluorescent protein-BP80) specifically competes with sorting machinery and causes hypersecretion of BP80-ligands from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaf protoplasts. We show that both the transmembrane domain and the cytosolic tail of BP80 contain information necessary for efficient progress to the prevacuolar compartment (PVC). Furthermore, the tail must be exposed on the correct membrane surface to compete with sorting machinery. Mutational analysis of conserved residues revealed that multiple sequence motifs are necessary for competition, one of which is a typical Tyr-based motif (YXXPhi). Substitution of Tyr-612 for Ala causes partial retention in the Golgi apparatus, mistargeting to the plasma membrane (PM), and slower progress to the PVC. A role in Golgi-to-PVC transport was confirmed by generating the corresponding mutation on full-length BP80. The mutant receptor was partially mistargeted to the PM and induced the secretion of a coexpressed BP80-ligand. Further mutants indicate that the cytosolic tail is likely to contain other information besides the YXXPhi motif, possibly for endoplasmic reticulum export, endocytosis from the PM, and PVC-to-Golgi recycling.

The clathrin adaptor complex 1 directly binds to a sorting signal in Ste13p to reduce the rate of its trafficking to the late endosome of yeast

Yeast trans-Golgi network (TGN) membrane proteins maintain steady-state localization by constantly cycling to and from endosomes. In this study, we examined the trafficking itinerary and molecular requirements for delivery of a model TGN protein A(F-->A)-alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to the prevacuolar/endosomal compartment (PVC). A(F-->A)-ALP was found to reach the PVC via early endosomes (EEs) with a half-time of approximately 60 min. Delivery of A(F-->A)-ALP to the PVC was not dependent on either the GGA or adaptor protein 1 (AP-1) type of clathrin adaptors, which are thought to function in TGN to PVC and TGN to EE transport, respectively. Surprisingly, in cells lacking the function of both GGA and AP-1 adaptors, A(F-->A)-ALP transport to the PVC was dramatically accelerated. A 12-residue cytosolic domain motif of A(F-->A)-ALP was found to mediate direct binding to AP-1 and was sufficient to slow TGN-->EE-->PVC trafficking. These results suggest a model in which this novel sorting signal targets A(F-->A)-ALP into clathrin/AP-1 vesicles at the EE for retrieval back to the TGN.

Plant retromer, localized to the prevacuolar compartment and microvesicles in Arabidopsis, may interact with vacuolar sorting receptors

Receptors for acid hydrolases destined for the lytic compartment in yeast and mammalian cells are retrieved from intermediate, endosomal organelles with the help of a pentameric protein complex called the retromer. We cloned the Arabidopsis thaliana homologs of the three yeast proteins (Vps35, Vps29, and Vps26) constituting the larger subunit of retromer and prepared antisera against them. With these antibodies, we demonstrated the presence of a retromer-like protein complex in salt extracts prepared from Arabidopsis microsomes. This complex is associated with membranes that coequilibrate with prevacuolar compartment markers and with high-density sedimenting membranes. Immunogold negative staining identified these membranes as 90-nm-diameter coated microvesicles. Confocal laser scanning immunofluorescence studies performed on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) BY-2 cells revealed high degrees of colabeling between all three retromer antisera and the prevacuolar compartment (PVC) markers PEP12 and vacuolar sorting receptor VSR(At-1). The presence of plant retromer at the surface of multivesicular bodies was also demonstrated by immunogold labeling of sections obtained from high-pressure frozen/freeze-substituted specimens. Treatment of BY-2 cells with wortmannin led to swelling of the PVC and a separation of the VPS35 and VSR signals. Preliminary data suggesting that retromer interacts with the cytosolic domain of a VSR were obtained by immunoprecipitation experiments performed on detergent-solubilized microsomes with Vps35 antibodies.

Protein sorting to the storage vacuoles of plants: a critical appraisal

The vacuole of plant cells is no longer considered to be a single compartment with multifunctional properties. A lot of evidence now points to the presence of multiple functionally distinct vacuolar compartments, some existing side by side in the same cell. As a consequence, the plant Golgi apparatus is faced with the problem of recognizing proteins destined for lytic and storage vacuoles and segregating them individually from the flow of secretory proteins to the cell surface. In contrast to acid hydrolases, which are sorted by BP-80-like receptors at the trans-Golgi of plant cells, the identification of receptors for storage proteins has in many ways resembled 'the search for the Holy Grail'. There are several candidates for storage protein receptors, but in no single case is the evidence entirely convincing. Much of the problem lies in the lack of consensus, sorting sequences in the proteins investigated. Other difficulties stem from 'out-of-context' heterologous expression studies. Evidence is now accumulating for the participation of hydrophobic sequences in inducing the formation of protein aggregates in the early Golgi apparatus, for which classical sorting receptors do not appear to be necessary. This review critically examines the current situation and contrasts the differences between data obtained in situ and data obtained transgenically. It highlights the so-called 'dense-vesicle' pathway and culminates with a discussion on the hitherto neglected problem of the intracellular transport of storage protein processing enzymes.

Protein transport from the late Golgi to the vacuole in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The late Golgi compartment is a major protein sorting station in the cell. Secreted proteins, cell surface proteins, and proteins destined for endosomes or lysosomes must be sorted from one another at this compartment and targeted to their correct destinations. The molecular details of protein trafficking pathways from the late Golgi to the endosomal system are becoming increasingly well understood due in part to information obtained by genetic analysis of yeast. It is now clear that proteins identified in yeast have functional homologues (orthologues) in higher organisms. We will review the molecular mechanisms of protein targeting from the late Golgi to endosomes and to the vacuole (the equivalent of the mammalian lysosome) of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Control of Ste6 recycling by ubiquitination in the early endocytic pathway in yeast

We present evidence that ubiquitination controls sorting of the ABC-transporter Ste6 in the early endocytic pathway. The intracellular distribution of Ste6 variants with reduced ubiquitination was examined. In contrast to wild-type Ste6, which was mainly localized to internal structures, these variants accumulated at the cell surface in a polar manner. When endocytic recycling was blocked by Ypt6 inactivation, the ubiquitination deficient variants were trapped inside the cell. This indicates that the polar distribution is maintained dynamically through endocytic recycling and localized exocytosis ("kinetic polarization"). Ste6 does not appear to recycle through late endosomes, because recycling was not blocked in class E vps (vacuolar protein sorting) mutants (Deltavps4, Deltavps27), which are affected in late endosome function and in the retromer mutant Deltavps35. Instead, recycling was partially affected in the sorting nexin mutant Deltasnx4, which serves as an indication that Ste6 recycles through early endosomes. Enhanced recycling of wild-type Ste6 was observed in class D vps mutants (Deltapep12, Deltavps8, and Deltavps21). The identification of putative recycling signals in Ste6 suggests that recycling is a signal-mediated process. Endocytic recycling and localized exocytosis could be important for Ste6 polarization during the mating process.

Cell-free transport from the trans-golgi network to late endosome requires factors involved in formation and consumption of clathrin-coated vesicles

Transport between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and late endosome represents a conserved, clathrin-dependent sorting event that separates lysosomal from secretory cargo molecules and is also required for localization of integral membrane proteins to the TGN. Previously, we reported a cell-free reaction that reconstitutes transport from the yeast TGN to the late endosome/prevacuolar compartment (PVC) and requires the PVC t-SNARE Pep12p. Here, we report that factors required both for formation of clathrin-coated vesicles at the TGN (the Chc1p clathrin heavy chain and the Vps1p dynamin homolog) and for vesicle fusion at the PVC (the Vps21p rab protein and Vps45p SM (Sec1/Munc18) protein) are required for cell-free transport. The marker for TGN-PVC transport, Kex2p, is initially present in a clathrin-containing membrane compartment that is competent for delivery of Kex2p to the PVC. A Kex2p chimera containing the cytosolic tail (C-tail) of the vacuolar protein sorting receptor, Vps10p, is also efficiently transported to the PVC. Antibodies against the Kex2p and Vps10p C-tails selectively block transport of Kex2p and the Kex2-Vps10p chimera. The requirements for factors involved in vesicle formation and fusion, the identification of the donor compartment as a clathrin-containing membrane, and the need for accessibility of C-tail sequences argue that the TGN-PVC transport reaction involves selective incorporation of TGN cargo molecules into clathrin-coated vesicle intermediates. Further biochemical dissection of this reaction should help elucidate the molecular requirements and hierarchy of events in TGN-to-PVC sorting and transport.

Role of the mammalian retromer in sorting of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor

The cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) mediates sorting of lysosomal hydrolase precursors from the TGN to endosomes. After releasing the hydrolase precursors into the endosomal lumen, the unoccupied receptor returns to the TGN for further rounds of sorting. Here, we show that the mammalian retromer complex participates in this retrieval pathway. The hVps35 subunit of retromer interacts with the cytosolic domain of the CI-MPR. This interaction probably occurs in an endosomal compartment, where most of the retromer is localized. In particular, retromer is associated with tubular–vesicular profiles that emanate from early endosomes or from intermediates in the maturation from early to late endosomes. Depletion of retromer by RNA interference increases the lysosomal turnover of the CI-MPR, decreases cellular levels of lysosomal hydrolases, and causes swelling of lysosomes. These observations indicate that retromer prevents the delivery of the CI-MPR to lysosomes, probably by sequestration into endosome-derived tubules from where the receptor returns to the TGN.

Cell-free reconstitution of transport from the trans-golgi network to the late endosome/prevacuolar compartment

Vesicle-mediated transport between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the late endosome/prevacuolar compartment (PVC) is an essential step in lysosomal/vacuolar biogenesis. In addition, localization of integral membrane proteins to the TGN requires continual cycles of vesicular transport between the TGN and endosomal compartments. Genetic and biochemical analyses in yeast have identified a variety of proteins required for TGN-to-PVC transport. However, the precise mechanisms of vesicle formation, transport, and fusion have not been fully elucidated. To study the steps of TGN-to-PVC transport in mechanistic detail, we have developed a cell-free assay to monitor delivery of the processing protease Kex2p from the TGN to PVC compartments containing a Kex2p substrate. Transport is time-, temperature-, and ATP-dependent and requires the t-SNARE Pep12p. Moreover, cell-free delivery of Kex2p to the PVC results in the co-integration of Kex2p into PVC membranes containing the Kex2p substrate as determined by co-immunoisolation of Kex2p and the substrate using antibody against the Kex2p cytosolic tail. This work represents the first cell-free reconstitution and biochemical analysis of the essential vacuolar/lysosomal sorting step TGN to late endosome transport.

Tomographic evidence for continuous turnover of Golgi cisternae in Pichia pastoris

The budding yeast Pichia pastoris contains ordered Golgi stacks next to discrete transitional endoplasmic reticulum (tER) sites, making this organism ideal for structure-function studies of the secretory pathway. Here, we have used P. pastoris to test various models for Golgi trafficking. The experimental approach was to analyze P. pastoris tER-Golgi units by using cryofixed and freeze-substituted cells for electron microscope tomography, immunoelectron microscopy, and serial thin section analysis of entire cells. We find that tER sites and the adjacent Golgi stacks are enclosed in a ribosome-excluding "matrix." Each stack contains three to four cisternae, which can be classified as cis, medial, trans, or trans-Golgi network (TGN). No membrane continuities between compartments were detected. This work provides three major new insights. First, two types of transport vesicles accumulate at the tER-Golgi interface. Morphological analysis indicates that the center of the tER-Golgi interface contains COPII vesicles, whereas the periphery contains COPI vesicles. Second, fenestrae are absent from cis cisternae, but are present in medial through TGN cisternae. The number and distribution of the fenestrae suggest that they form at the edges of the medial cisternae and then migrate inward. Third, intact TGN cisternae apparently peel off from the Golgi stacks and persist for some time in the cytosol, and these "free-floating" TGN cisternae produce clathrin-coated vesicles. These observations are most readily explained by assuming that Golgi cisternae form at the cis face of the stack, progressively mature, and ultimately dissociate from the trans face of the stack.

Changing directions: clathrin-mediated transport between the Golgi and endosomes

Clathrin-coated vesicles mediate transport between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and endosomes. In recent years there has been tremendous progress in identifying factors involved in anterograde and retrograde transport steps. The well-characterised heterotetrameric clathrin adaptor complex AP-1 has long been thought to mediate anterograde transport from the TGN to endosomes. However, recent studies of AP-1-knockout mice implicate AP-1 in retrograde as well as anterograde transport. The recently identified Golgi-associated, gamma-ear-containing, ARF-binding (GGA) proteins share functional similarities with tetrameric adaptor complexes and are essential for anterograde transport of mannose-6-phosphate receptors, the sorting receptors for soluble lysosomal enzymes. To date, it is not clear whether GGAs and AP-1 mediate transport in different directions, act in parallel pathways, or cooperate in the same transport steps. Recent data have shed light on the locations, functions and interactions of AP-1 and GGA proteins. These data provide support for the role of both in anterograde transport from the Golgi complex.

Vps10p cycles between the TGN and the late endosome via the plasma membrane in clathrin mutants

Clathrin-coated vesicles mediate the transport of the soluble vacuolar protein CPY from the TGN to the endosomal/prevacuolar compartment. Surprisingly, CPY sorting is not affected in clathrin deletion mutant cells. Here, we have investigated the clathrin-independent pathway that allows CPY transport to the vacuole. We find that CPY transport is mediated by the endosome and requires normal trafficking of its sorting receptor, Vps10p, the steady state distribution of which is not altered in chc1 cells. In contrast, Vps10p accumulates at the cell surface in a chc1/end3 double mutant, suggesting that Vps10p is rerouted to the cell surface in the absence of clathrin. We used a chimeric protein containing the first 50 amino acids of CPY fused to a green fluorescent protein (CPY-GFP) to mimic CPY transport in chc1. In the absence of clathrin, CPY-GFP resides in the lumen of the vacuole as in wild-type cells. However, in chc1/sec6 double mutants, CPY-GFP is present in internal structures, possibly endosomal membranes, that do not colocalize with the vacuole. We propose that Vps10p must be transported to and retrieved from the plasma membrane to mediate CPY sorting to the vacuole in the absence of clathrin-coated vesicles. In this circumstance, precursor CPY may be captured by retrieved Vps10p in an early or late endosome, rather than as it normally is in the trans-Golgi, and delivered to the vacuole by the normal VPS gene-dependent process. Once relieved of cargo protein, Vps10p would be recycled to the trans-Golgi and then to the cell surface for further rounds of sorting.

An essential subfamily of Drs2p-related P-type ATPases is required for protein trafficking between Golgi complex and endosomal/vacuolar system

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome contains five genes encoding P-type ATPases that are potential aminophospholipid translocases (APTs): DRS2, NEO1, and three uncharacterized open reading frames that we have named DNF1, DNF2, and DNF3 for DRS2/NEO1 family. NEO1 is the only essential gene in APT family and seems to be functionally distinct from the DRS2/DNF genes. The drs2Delta dnf1Delta dnf2Delta dnf3Delta quadruple mutant is inviable, although any one member of this group can maintain viability, indicating that there is a substantial functional overlap between the encoded proteins. We have previously implicated Drs2p in clathrin function at the trans-Golgi network. In this study, we constructed strains carrying all possible viable combinations of null alleles from this group and analyzed them for defects in protein transport. The drs2Delta dnf1Delta mutant grows slowly, massively accumulates intracellular membranes, and exhibits a substantial defect in the transport of alkaline phosphatase to the vacuole. Transport of carboxypeptidase Y to the vacuole is also perturbed, but to a lesser extent. In addition, the dnf1Delta dnf2Delta dnf3Delta mutant exhibits a defect in recycling of GFP-Snc1p in the early endocytic-late secretory pathways. Drs2p and Dnf3p colocalize with the trans-Golgi network marker Kex2p, whereas Dnf1p and Dnf2p seem to localize to the plasma membrane and late exocytic or early endocytic membranes. We propose that eukaryotes express multiple APT subfamily members to facilitate protein transport in multiple pathways.

The yeast Vps10p cytoplasmic tail mediates lysosomal sorting in mammalian cells and interacts with human GGAs

Yeast Vps10p is a receptor for transport of the soluble vacuolar hydrolase carboxypeptidase Y to the lysosome-like vacuole. Its functional equivalents in mammalian cells are the mannose 6-phosphate receptors that mediate sorting to lysosomes of mannose 6-phosphate-containing lysosomal proteins. A chimeric receptor was constructed by substituting the cytoplasmic domain of M(r) 300,000 mannose 6-phosphate receptor with the Vps10p cytoplasmic tail. Expression of the chimera in cells lacking endogenous mannose 6-phosphate receptors resulted in a subcellular receptor distribution and an efficiency in sorting of lysosomal enzymes similar to that of the wild type M(r) 300,000 mannose 6-phosphate receptor. Moreover, the cytoplasmic tail of the Vps10p was found to interact with GGA1 and GGA2, two mammalian members of a recently discovered family of clathrin-binding cytosolic proteins that participate in trans-Golgi network-endosome trafficking in both mammals and yeast. Our findings suggest a conserved machinery for Golgi-endosome/vacuole sorting and may serve as a model for future studies of yeast proteins.

Mutants defective in secretory/vacuolar pathways in the EUROFAN collection of yeast disruptants

We have screened the EUROFAN (European Functional Analysis Network) deletion strain collection for yeast mutants defective in secretory/vacuolar pathways and/or associated biochemical modifications. We used systematic Western immunoblotting to analyse the electrophoretic pattern of several markers of the secretory/vacuolar pathways, the soluble alpha-factor, the periplasmic glycoprotein invertase, the plasma membrane GPI-anchored protein Gas1p, and two vacuolar proteins, the soluble carboxypeptidase Y and the membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase, which are targeted to the vacuole by different pathways. We also used colony immunoblotting to monitor the secretion of carboxypeptidase Y into the medium, to identify disruptants impaired in vacuolar targeting. We identified 25 mutants among the 631 deletion strains. Nine of these mutants were disrupted in genes identified in recent years on the basis of their involvement in trafficking (VPS53, VAC7, VAM6, APM3, SYS1), or glycosylation (ALG12, ALG9, OST4, ROT2). Three of these genes were identified on the basis of trafficking defects by ourselves and others within the EUROFAN project (TLG2, RCY1, MON2). The deletion of ERV29, which encodes a COPII vesicle protein, impaired carboxypeptidase Y trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. We also identified eight unknown ORFs, the deletion of which reduced Golgi glycosylation or impaired the Golgi to vacuole trafficking of carboxypeptidase Y. YJR044c, which we identified as a new VPS gene, encodes a protein with numerous homologues of unknown function in sequence databases.

The yeast clathrin adaptor protein complex 1 is required for the efficient retention of a subset of late Golgi membrane proteins

In yeast, certain resident trans-Golgi network (TGN) proteins achieve steady-state localization by cycling through late endosomes. Here, we show that chitin synthase III (Chs3p), an enzyme involved in the assembly of the cell wall at the mother-bud junction, populates an intracellular reservoir that is maintained by a cycle of transport between the TGN and early endosomes. Traffic of Chs3p from the TGN/early endosome to the cell surface requires CHS5 and CHS6, mutant alleles of which trap Chs3p in the TGN/early endosome. Disruption of the clathrin adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) restores Chs3p transport to the plasma membrane. Similarly, in AP-1 deficient cells, the resident TGN/early endosome syntaxin, Tlg1p, is missorted. We propose that clathrin and AP-1 act to recycle Chs3p and Tlg1p from the early endosome to the TGN.

Dynamin and clathrin are required for the biogenesis of a distinct class of secretory vesicles in yeast

Yeast produce two classes of secretory vesicles (SVs) that differ in both density and cargo protein content. In late-acting secretory mutants (e.g. snc1(ala43) and sec6-4), both low- (LDSV) and high-density (HDSV) classes of vesicles accumulate at restrictive temperatures. Here, we have found that disruptions in the genes encoding a dynamin-related protein (VPS1) or clathrin heavy chain (CHC1) abolish HDSV production, yielding LDSVs that contain all secreted cargos. Interestingly, disruption of the PEP12 gene, which encodes the t-SNARE that mediates all Golgi to pre-vacuolar compartment (PVC) transport, also abolishes HDSV production. In contrast, deletions in genes that selectively confer vacuolar hydrolase sorting to the PVC or protein transport to the vacuole (i.e. VPS34 and VAM3, respectively) have no effect. Thus, one branch of the secretory pathway in yeast involves an intermediate sorting compartment and has a specific requirement for clathrin and a dynamin-related protein in SV biogenesis.

A subset of yeast vacuolar protein sorting mutants is blocked in one branch of the exocytic pathway

Exocytic vesicles that accumulate in a temperature-sensitive sec6 mutant at a restrictive temperature can be separated into at least two populations with different buoyant densities and unique cargo molecules. Using a sec6 mutant background to isolate vesicles, we have found that vacuolar protein sorting mutants that block an endosome-mediated route to the vacuole, including vps1, pep12, vps4, and a temperature-sensitive clathrin mutant, missort cargo normally transported by dense exocytic vesicles, such as invertase, into light exocytic vesicles, whereas transport of cargo specific to the light exocytic vesicles appears unaffected. Immunoisolation experiments confirm that missorting, rather than a changed property of the normally dense vesicles, is responsible for the altered density gradient fractionation profile. The vps41Delta and apl6Delta mutants, which block transport of only the subset of vacuolar proteins that bypasses endosomes, sort exocytic cargo normally. Furthermore, a vps10Delta sec6 mutant, which lacks the sorting receptor for carboxypeptidase Y (CPY), accumulates both invertase and CPY in dense vesicles. These results suggest that at least one branch of the yeast exocytic pathway transits through endosomes before reaching the cell surface. Consistent with this possibility, we show that immunoisolated clathrin-coated vesicles contain invertase.

The Gcs1 and Age2 ArfGAP proteins provide overlapping essential function for transport from the yeast trans-Golgi network

Many intracellular vesicle transport pathways involve GTP hydrolysis by the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) type of monomeric G proteins, under the control of ArfGAP proteins. Here we show that the structurally related yeast proteins Gcs1 and Age2 form an essential ArfGAP pair that provides overlapping function for TGN transport. Mutant cells lacking the Age2 and Gcs1 proteins cease proliferation, accumulate membranous structures resembling Berkeley bodies, and are unable to properly process and localize the vacuolar hydrolase carboxypeptidase (CPY) and the vacuolar membrane protein alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which are transported from the TGN to the vacuole by distinct transport routes. Immunofluorescence studies localizing the proteins ALP, Kex2 (a TGN resident protein), and Vps10 (the CPY receptor for transport from the TGN to the vacuole) suggest that inadequate function of this ArfGAP pair leads to a fragmentation of TGN, with effects on secretion and endosomal transport. Our results demonstrate that the Gcs1 + Age2 ArfGAP pair provides overlapping function for transport from the TGN, and also indicate that multiple activities at the TGN can be maintained with the aid of a single ArfGAP.

Membrane traffic: how do GGAs fit in with the adaptors?

The AP-1 adaptor complex has been cast as the major player in clathrin coat formation for vesicular transport from the trans-Golgi to the endocytic pathway. But new results on 'GGA' proteins have raised doubts about this paradigm and suggest both a new sorting mechanism and an unexpected complexity in the roles of clathrin.