Multiple members of a third subfamily of P-type ATPases identified by genomic sequences and ESTs

Post-translational modifications of the ligands: Requirement for TAM receptor activation

The Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) receptors are three homologous Type I Receptor Tyrosine Kinases that have important homeostatic functions in multicellular organisms by regulating the clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis). Pathologically, TAM receptors are overexpressed in a wide array of human cancers, and often associated with aggressive tumor grade and poor overall survival. In addition to their expression on tumor cells, TAMs are also expressed on infiltrating myeloid-derived cells in the tumor microenvironment, where they appear to act akin to negative immune checkpoints that impair host anti-tumor immunity. The ligands for TAMs are two endogenous proteins, Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6) and Protein S (Pros1), that function as bridging molecules between externalized phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) on apoptotic cells and the TAM ectodomains. One interesting feature of TAMs biology is that their ligand proteins require specific post-translational modifications to acquire activities. This chapter summarized these important modifications and explained the molecular mechanisms behind such phenomenon. Current evidences suggest that these modifications help Gas6/Pros1 to achieve optimal PtdSer-binding capacities. In addition, this chapter included recent discovery of regulating machineries of PtdSer dynamic across the plasma membrane, as well as their potential impacts in the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, this review highlights the importance of the upstream PtdSer and Gas6 in regulating TAMs' function and hope to provide researchers with new perspectives to inspire future studies of TAM receptors in human disease models.

Asparagine 905 of the mammalian phospholipid flippase ATP8A2 is essential for lipid substrate-induced activation of ATP8A2 dephosphorylation

The P-type ATPase protein family includes, in addition to ion pumps such as Ca²⁺-ATPase and Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, also phospholipid flippases that transfer phospholipids between membrane leaflets. P-type ATPase ion pumps translocate their substrates occluded between helices in the center of the transmembrane part of the protein. The large size of the lipid substrate has stimulated speculation that flippases use a different transport mechanism. Information on the functional importance of the most centrally located helices M5 and M6 in the transmembrane domain of flippases has, however, been sparse. Using mutagenesis, we examined the entire M5-M6 region of the mammalian flippase ATP8A2 to elucidate its possible function in the lipid transport mechanism. This mutational screen yielded an informative map assigning important roles in the interaction with the lipid substrate to only a few M5-M6 residues. The M6 asparagine Asn-905 stood out as being essential for the lipid substrate-induced dephosphorylation. The mutants N905A/D/E/H/L/Q/R all displayed very low activities and a dramatic insensitivity to the lipid substrate. Strikingly, Asn-905 aligns with key ion-binding residues of P-type ATPase ion pumps, and N905D was recently identified as one of the mutations causing the neurological disorder cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and disequilibrium (CAMRQ) syndrome. Moreover, the effects of substitutions to the adjacent residue Val-906 (i.e. V906A/E/F/L/Q/S) suggest that the lipid substrate approaches Val-906 during the translocation. These results favor a flippase mechanism with strong resemblance to the ion pumps, despite a location of the translocation pathway in the periphery of the transmembrane part of the flippase protein.

Quantitative high-content imaging identifies novel regulators of Neo1 trafficking at endosomes

P4-ATPases are a family of putative phospholipid flippases that regulate lipid membrane asymmetry, which is important for vesicle formation. Two yeast flippases, Drs2 and Neo1, have nonredundant functions in the recycling of the synaptobrevin-like v-SNARE Snc1 from early endosomes. Drs2 activity is needed to form vesicles and regulate its own trafficking, suggesting that flippase activity and localization are linked. However, the role of Neo1 in endosomal recycling is not well characterized. To identify novel regulators of Neo1 trafficking and activity at endosomes, we first identified mutants with impaired recycling of a Snc1-based reporter and subsequently used high-content microscopy to classify these mutants based on the localization of Neo1 or its binding partners, Mon2 and Dop1. This analysis identified a role for Arl1 in stabilizing the Mon2/Dop1 complex and uncovered a new function for Vps13 in early endosome recycling and Neo1 localization. We further showed that the cargo-selective sorting nexin Snx3 is required for Neo1 trafficking and identified an Snx3 sorting motif in the Neo1 N-terminus. Of importance, the Snx3-dependent sorting of Neo1 was required for the correct sorting of another Snx3 cargo protein, suggesting that the incorporation of Neo1 into recycling tubules may influence their formation.

Exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface

Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) is a phospholipid that is abundant in eukaryotic plasma membranes. An ATP-dependent enzyme called flippase normally keeps PtdSer inside the cell, but PtdSer is exposed by the action of scramblase on the cell's surface in biological processes such as apoptosis and platelet activation. Once exposed to the cell surface, PtdSer acts as an 'eat me' signal on dead cells, and creates a scaffold for blood-clotting factors on activated platelets. The molecular identities of the flippase and scramblase that work at plasma membranes have long eluded researchers. Indeed, their identity as well as the mechanism of the PtdSer exposure to the cell surface has only recently been revealed. Here, we describe how PtdSer is exposed in apoptotic cells and in activated platelets, and discuss PtdSer exposure in other biological processes.

P4-ATPases: lipid flippases in cell membranes

Cellular membranes, notably eukaryotic plasma membranes, are equipped with special proteins that actively translocate lipids from one leaflet to the other and thereby help generate membrane lipid asymmetry. Among these ATP-driven transporters, the P4 subfamily of P-type ATPases (P4-ATPases) comprises lipid flippases that catalyze the translocation of phospholipids from the exoplasmic to the cytosolic leaflet of cell membranes. While initially characterized as aminophospholipid translocases, recent studies of individual P4-ATPase family members from fungi, plants, and animals show that P4-ATPases differ in their substrate specificities and mediate transport of a broader range of lipid substrates, including lysophospholipids and synthetic alkylphospholipids. At the same time, the cellular processes known to be directly or indirectly affected by this class of transporters have expanded to include the regulation of membrane traffic, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell division, lipid metabolism, and lipid signaling. In this review, we will summarize the basic features of P4-ATPases and the physiological implications of their lipid transport activity in the cell.

Mammalian P4-ATPases and ABC transporters and their role in phospholipid transport

Transport of phospholipids across cell membranes plays a key role in a wide variety of biological processes. These include membrane biosynthesis, generation and maintenance of membrane asymmetry, cell and organelle shape determination, phagocytosis, vesicle trafficking, blood coagulation, lipid homeostasis, regulation of membrane protein function, apoptosis, etc. P(4)-ATPases and ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters are the two principal classes of membrane proteins that actively transport phospholipids across cellular membranes. P(4)-ATPases utilize the energy from ATP hydrolysis to flip aminophospholipids from the exocytoplasmic (extracellular/lumen) to the cytoplasmic leaflet of cell membranes generating membrane lipid asymmetry and lipid imbalance which can induce membrane curvature. Many ABC transporters play crucial roles in lipid homeostasis by actively transporting phospholipids from the cytoplasmic to the exocytoplasmic leaflet of cell membranes or exporting phospholipids to protein acceptors or micelles. Recent studies indicate that some ABC proteins can also transport phospholipids in the opposite direction. The importance of P(4)-ATPases and ABC transporters is evident from the findings that mutations in many of these transporters are responsible for severe human genetic diseases linked to defective phospholipid transport. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Phospholipids and Phospholipid Metabolism.

Outside of the box: recent news about phospholipid translocation by P4 ATPases

The P4 subfamily of P-type ATPases includes phospholipid transporters. Moving such bulky amphipathic substrate molecules across the membrane poses unique mechanistic problems. Recently, three papers from three different laboratories have offered insights into some of these problems. One effect of these experiments will be to ignite a healthy debate about the path through the enzyme taken by the substrate. A second effect is to suggest a counterintuitive model for the critical substrate-binding site. By putting concrete hypotheses into play, these papers finally provide a foundation for investigations of mechanism for these proteins.

Biochemical and cellular functions of P4 ATPases

P4 ATPases (subfamily IV P-type ATPases) form a specialized subfamily of P-type ATPases and have been implicated in phospholipid translocation from the exoplasmic to the cytoplasmic leaflet of biological membranes. Pivotal roles of P4 ATPases have been demonstrated in eukaryotes, ranging from yeast, fungi and plants to mice and humans. P4 ATPases might exert their cellular functions by combining enzymatic phospholipid translocation activity with an enzyme-independent action. The latter could be involved in the timely recruitment of proteins involved in cellular signalling, vesicle coat assembly and cytoskeleton regulation. In the present review, we outline the current knowledge of the biochemical and cellular functions of P4 ATPases in the eukaryotic membrane.

Heteromeric interactions required for abundance and subcellular localization of human CDC50 proteins and class 1 P4-ATPases

Members of the P(4) family of P-type ATPases (P(4)-ATPases) are believed to function as phospholipid flippases in complex with CDC50 proteins. Mutations in the human class 1 P(4)-ATPase gene ATP8B1 cause a severe syndrome characterized by impaired bile flow (intrahepatic cholestasis), often leading to end-stage liver failure in childhood. In this study, we determined the specificity of human class 1 P(4)-ATPase interactions with CDC50 proteins and the functional consequences of these interactions on protein abundance and localization of both protein classes. ATP8B1 and ATP8B2 co-immunoprecipitated with CDC50A and CDC50B, whereas ATP8B4, ATP8A1, and ATP8A2 associated only with CDC50A. ATP8B1 shifted from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane upon coexpression of CDC50A or CDC50B. ATP8A1 and ATP8A2 translocated from the ER to the Golgi complex and plasma membrane upon coexpression of CDC50A, but not CDC50B. ATP8B2 and ATP8B4 already displayed partial plasma membrane localization in the absence of CDC50 coexpression but displayed a large increase in plasma membrane abundance upon coexpression of CDC50A. ATP8B3 did not bind CDC50A and CDC50B and was invariably present in the ER. Our data show that interactions between CDC50 proteins and class 1 P(4)-ATPases are essential for ER exit and stability of both subunits. Furthermore, the subcellular localization of the complex is determined by the P(4)-ATPase, not the CDC50 protein. The interactions of CDC50A and CDC50B with multiple members of the human P(4)-ATPase family suggest that these proteins perform broader functions in human physiology than thus far assumed.

mRNA expression of canine ATP10C, a P4-type ATPase, is positively associated with body condition score

Mouse and human Atp10c genes are strong candidates for changes in bodyweight and glucose homeostasis. Using comparative genomic analysis, a novel canine P4-type ATPase, ATP10C, was identified. Expression of ATP10C was compared between sex-matched lean (body condition score, BCS<8; n=7) and obese (BCS⩾8, n=8) client-owned dogs of comparable ages. Canine ATP10C is highly expressed in visceral and subcutaneous fat at approximately 3-fold levels compared to the omental adipose depot. There was a 5-fold significant increase (P<0.0001) in mRNA expression of ATP10C in dogs with a BCS⩾8.

Mutations in Grxcr1 are the basis for inner ear dysfunction in the pirouette mouse

Recessive mutations at the mouse pirouette (pi) locus result in hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction due to neuroepithelial defects in the inner ear. Using a positional cloning strategy, we have identified mutations in the gene Grxcr1 (glutaredoxin cysteine-rich 1) in five independent allelic strains of pirouette mice. We also provide sequence data of GRXCR1 from humans with profound hearing loss suggesting that pirouette is a model for studying the mechanism of nonsyndromic deafness DFNB25. Grxcr1 encodes a 290 amino acid protein that contains a region of similarity to glutaredoxin proteins and a cysteine-rich region at its C terminus. Grxcr1 is expressed in sensory epithelia of the inner ear, and its encoded protein is localized along the length of stereocilia, the actin-filament-rich mechanosensory structures at the apical surface of auditory and vestibular hair cells. The precise architecture of hair cell stereocilia is essential for normal hearing. Loss of function of Grxcr1 in homozygous pirouette mice results in abnormally thin and slightly shortened stereocilia. When overexpressed in transfected cells, GRXCR1 localizes along the length of actin-filament-rich structures at the dorsal-apical surface and induces structures with greater actin filament content and/or increased lengths in a subset of cells. Our results suggest that deafness in pirouette mutants is associated with loss of GRXCR1 function in modulating actin cytoskeletal architecture in the developing stereocilia of sensory hair cells.

Characterization of ATP8B1 gene mutations and a hot-linked mutation found in Chinese children with progressive intrahepatic cholestasis and low GGT

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to elucidate the role and characteristics of ATP8B1 gene mutations in mainland Chinese children with progressive intrahepatic cholestasis and low gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four children who presented with progressive intrahepatic cholestasis and low GGT were admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital in eastern China from January 2004 to July 2007. Five children with homozygous or compound heterozygous ABCB11 gene mutations were excluded from the study. All encoding exons and their flanking areas of ATP8B1 gene were sequenced in the remaining 19 patients, in whom only 1 or no mutation of ABCB11 was found. Clinical features and liver histology obtained by reviewing the medical records were compared among patients with different genotypes.

RESULTS

Nine mutations of ATP8B1 gene were found in 9 patients. All of them were novel except for mutations I694N and R952X. A linked P209T and IVS6+5G>T mutation was found in 4 of 9 patients, including 2 homozygotes and 2 heterozygotes. Giant cell transformation of hepatocytes was demonstrated in 1 of 6 patients with ATP8B1 mutations and 4 of 5 patients with ABCB11 mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

ATP8B1 gene mutations play an important role in Chinese patients with progressive intrahepatic cholestasis and low GGT. The linked mutation P209T and IVS6+5G>T is a hot mutation in the Chinese population. Histological examination may be helpful in differentiating familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 from bile salt export pump-related disease.

P-type ATPase TAT-2 negatively regulates monomethyl branched-chain fatty acid mediated function in post-embryonic growth and development in C. elegans

Monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids (mmBCFAs) are essential for Caenorhabditis elegans growth and development. To identify factors acting downstream of mmBCFAs for their function in growth regulation, we conducted a genetic screen for suppressors of the L1 arrest that occurs in animals depleted of the 17-carbon mmBCFA C17ISO. Three of the suppressor mutations defined an unexpected player, the P-type ATPase TAT-2, which belongs to the flippase family of proteins that are implicated in mediating phospholipid bilayer asymmetry. We provide evidence that TAT-2, but not other TAT genes, has a specific role in antagonizing the regulatory activity of mmBCFAs in intestinal cells. Interestingly, we found that mutations in tat-2 also suppress the lethality caused by inhibition of the first step in sphingolipid biosynthesis. We further showed that the fatty acid side-chains of glycosylceramides contain 20%–30% mmBCFAs and that this fraction is greatly diminished in the absence of mmBCFA biosynthesis. These results suggest a model in which a C17ISO-containing sphingolipid may mediate the regulatory functions of mmBCFAs and is negatively regulated by TAT-2 in intestinal cells. This work indicates a novel connection between a P-type ATPase and the critical regulatory function of a specific fatty acid.

Fatty acids serve diverse functions in organisms, including roles at the cell membrane to coordinate cell signaling processes. Monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids (mmBCFAs) are a special type of fatty acid that is commonly present in animals. Because mmBCFAs are a small component of the total fatty acid pool, their functions have not been a major research focus and are largely unclear. We tackled the problem using the nematode C. elegans. Our laboratory previously found that without mmBCFAs, worms cannot develop normally and die. To understand how these obscure fatty acids perform such important roles, we searched for other factors involved in the process by conducting a mutagenesis screen to uncover mutant worms that can recover the ability to grow without the presence of mmBCFAs. We found several such mutations in a single gene that codes for a protein called TAT-2. TAT-2 is one of several poorly understood P-type ATPases that likely help maintain the proper lipid structure in cell membranes. Our work indicates that TAT-2 antagonizes the growth regulatory function of mmBCFAs in intestinal cells. Studies on how mmBCFAs and this protein functionally interact explore a novel, interesting, and important problem that is only beginning to be understood.

A genetic strategy involving a glycosyltransferase promoter and a lipid translocating enzyme to eliminate cancer cells

The most common therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer uses antimetabolites, which block uncontrolled division of cancer cells and kill them. However, such antimetabolites also kill normal cells, thus yielding detrimental side effects. This emphasizes the need for an alternative therapy, which would have little or no side effects. Our approach involves designing genetic means to alter surface lipid determinants that induce phagocytosis of cancer cells. The specific target of this strategy has been the enzyme activity termed aminophospholipid translocase (APLT) or flippase that causes translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the outer to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane in viable cells. Efforts to identify the enigmatic, plasma membrane APLT of mammalian cells have led investigators to some P-type ATPases, which have often proven to be the APLT of internal membranes rather than the plasma membrane. By measuring kinetic parameters for the plasma membrane APLT activity, we have shown that the P-type ATPase Atp8a1 is the plasma membrane APLT of the tumorigenic N18 cells, but not the non-tumorigenic HN2 (hippocampal neuron x N18) cells. Targeted knockdown of this enzyme causes PS externalization in the N18 cells, which would trigger phagocytic removal of these cells. But how would we specifically express the mutants or antisense Atp8a1 in the cancer cells? This has brought us to a glycosyltransferase, GnT-V, which is highly expressed in the transformed cells. By using the GnT-V promoter to drive a luciferase reporter gene we have demonstrated a dramatic increase in luciferase expression selectively in tumor cells. The described strategy could be tested for the removal of cancer cells without the use of antimetabolites that often kill normal cells.

P4 ATPases - lipid flippases and their role in disease

P4 ATPases (type 4 P-type ATPases) are multispan transmembrane proteins that have been implicated in phospholipid translocation from the exoplasmic to the cytoplasmic leaflet of biological membranes. Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have indicated that P4 ATPases are important in vesicle biogenesis and are required for vesicular trafficking along several intracellular vesicular transport routes. Although little is known about mammalian P4 ATPases, some members of this subfamily appear to be associated with human disease or mouse pathophysiology. ATP8B1, a phosphatidylserine translocase, is the most extensively studied mammalian P4 ATPase. This protein is important for maintaining the detergent resistant properties of the apical membrane of the hepatocyte. Mutations in ATP8B1 give rise to severe liver disease. Furthermore, a role for Atp8b3 in mouse sperm cell capacitation has been suggested, whereas deficiency of Atp10a and Atp10d leads to insulin resistance and obesity in mice. Here we review the present status on the pathophysiological consequences of P4 ATPase deficiency.

Aminophospholipid translocase TAT-1 promotes phosphatidylserine exposure during C. elegans apoptosis

Phospholipids are distributed asymmetrically across the plasma-membrane bilayer of eukaryotic cells: Phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphoinositides are predominantly restricted to the inner leaflet, whereas phophatidylcholine and sphingolipids are enriched on the outer leaflet [1, 2]. Exposure of PS on the cell surface is a conserved feature of apoptosis and plays an important role in promoting the clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytosis [3]. However, the molecular mechanism that drives PS exposure remains mysterious. To address this issue, we studied cell-surface changes during apoptosis in the nematode C. elegans. Here, we show that PS exposure can readily be detected on apoptotic C. elegans cells. We generated a transgenic strain expressing a GFP::Annexin V reporter to screen for genes required for this process. Although none of the known engulfment genes was required, RNAi knockdown of the putative aminophospholipid transporter gene tat-1 abrogated PS exposure on apoptotic cells. tat-1(RNAi) also reduced the efficiency of cell-corpse clearance, suggesting that PS exposure acts as an "eat-me" signal in worms. We propose that tat-1 homologs might also play an important role in PS exposure in mammals.

Isolation, sequencing, and functional analysis of the TATA-less murine ATPase II promoter and structural analysis of the ATPase II gene

The P-type Mg2+-ATPase, termed ATPase II (Atp8a1), is a putative aminophospholipid transporting enzyme, which helps to maintain phospholipid asymmetry in cell membranes. In this project we have elucidated the organization of the mouse ATPase II gene and identified its promoter. Located within chromosome 5, this gene spans about 224 kb and consists of 38 exons, three of which are alternatively spliced (exons 7, 8 and 16), giving rise to two transcript variants. Translation of these transcripts results in two ATPase II isoforms (1 and 2) composed of 1164 and 1149 amino acids, respectively. Using RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RLM-RACE) we identified multiple transcription start sites (TSS) in messages obtained from heart, lung, liver, and spleen. The mouse ATPase II promoter is TATA-less and lacks a consensus initiator sequence. Luciferase reporter analysis of full and core promoters revealed strong activity and little cell type specificity, possibly because more flanking, regulatory sequences are required to cause such tissue specificity. In the neuronal HN2, N18, SN48 cells and the NIH3T3 fibroblast cells, but not in the B16F10 melanoma cells, the core promoter (-318/+193 with respect to the most common TSS) displayed significantly higher activity than the full promoter (-1026/+193). Serial 5' deletion of the core promoter revealed significant cell type-specific activity of the fragments, suggesting differential expression and use of transcription factors in the five cell lines tested. Additionally distribution of the TSS was organ specific. Such observations suggest tissue-specific differences in transcription initiation complex assembly and regulation of ATPase II gene expression. Information presented here form the groundwork for further studies on the expression of this gene in apoptotic cells.

A type IV P-type ATPase affects insulin-mediated glucose uptake in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in mice

Mice carrying two pink-eyed dilution (p) locus heterozygous deletions represent a novel polygenic mouse model of type 2 diabetes associated with obesity. Atp10c, a putative aminophospholipid transporter on mouse chromosome 7, is a candidate for the phenotype. The phenotype is diet-induced. As a next logical step in the validation and characterization of the model, experiments to analyze metabolic abnormalities associated with these mice were carried out. Results demonstrate that mutants (inheriting the p deletion maternally) heterozygous for Atp10c are hyperinsulinemic, insulin-resistant and have an altered insulin-stimulated response in peripheral tissues. Adipose tissue and the skeletal muscle are the targets, and GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake is the specific metabolic pathway associated with Atp10c deletion. Insulin resistance primarily affects the adipose tissue and the skeletal muscle, and the effect in the liver is secondary. Gene expression profiling using microarray and real-time PCR show significant changes in the expression of four genes--Vamp2, Dok1, Glut4 and Mapk14--involved in insulin signaling. The expression of Atp10c is also significantly altered in the adipose tissue and the soleus muscle. The most striking observation is the loss of Atp10c expression in the mutants, specifically in the soleus muscle, after eating the high-fat diet for 12 weeks. In conclusion, experiments suggest that the target genes and/or their cognate factors in conjunction with Atp10c presumably affect the normal translocation and sequestration of GLUT4 in both the target tissues.

The type 4 subfamily of P-type ATPases, putative aminophospholipid translocases with a role in human disease

The maintenance of phospholipid asymmetry in membrane bilayers is a paradigm in cell biology. However, the mechanisms and proteins involved in phospholipid translocation are still poorly understood. Members of the type 4 subfamily of P-type ATPases have been implicated in the translocation of phospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of membrane bilayers. In humans, several inherited disorders have been identified which are associated with loci harboring type 4 P-type ATPase genes. Up to now, one inherited disorder, Byler disease or progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 (PFIC1), has been directly linked to mutations in a type 4 P-type ATPase gene. How the absence of an aminophospholipid translocase activity relates to this severe disease is, however, still unclear. Studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have recently identified important roles for type 4 P-type ATPases in intracellular membrane- and protein-trafficking events. These processes require an (amino)phospholipid translocase activity to initiate budding or fusion of membrane vesicles from or with other membranes. The studies in yeast have greatly contributed to our cell biological insight in membrane dynamics and intracellular-trafficking events; if this knowledge can be translated to mammalian cells and organs, it will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms which underlie severe inherited human diseases such as Byler disease.

Isolation, sequencing, and functional analysis of the TATA-less human ATPase II promoter

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the P-type Mg(2+)-ATPase, termed ATPase II, could play an important role in apoptosis. With the long-term objective of studying the regulation of this protein during apoptosis, we delineated the exon-intron organization of the human ATPase II gene (within chromosome 4). Subsequently, we used RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends to identify a major transcription start site at position -143 with respect to the translation start site. Luciferase reporter analysis of a 1.2-kb 5'-flanking sequence (-1222 to +94 with respect to the transcription start site) revealed strong promoter activity in three human cell lines, human oligodendroglioma (HOG), SHSY5Y (hybrid neuroblastoma), and EA.hy926 (endothelial cell line). Serial deletions from the 5' end of this sequence up to nucleotide -291 yielded some decrease in activity only in the EA.hy926 cells. Further deletion to -217 caused a drastic decrease in activity in all three cell lines, but a -148 fragment showed preferential reduction in activity in the EA.hy926 cells. The promoter activity was nearly equal in two sequence variants of the promoter, one of which (designated as Variant 2) contained a 15-bp direct repeat within a GC-rich region. Additionally, there were several single base-pair changes from the sequence reported by the human genome project. Despite the presence of enhancer/repressor elements, such as Sp1 and NFkappaB, relatively small differences in promoter activity were observed in the three cell lines. However, it is likely that such sequence elements could cause major regulation of promoter activity in cells subjected to conditions that trigger apoptosis. The ATPase II promoter sequence will provide valuable clues to the regulation and role of the ATPase II protein.

X-linked hypoparathyroidism region on Xq27 is evolutionarily conserved with regions on 3q26 and 13q34 and contains a novel P-type ATPase

X-linked hypoparathyroidism (HPT) has been mapped to a 988-kb region on chromosome Xq27 that contains three genes, MCF2/DBL, SOX3, and U7snRNA homologue, and a partial cDNA, AS6. We isolated the full-length AS6 cDNA, determined its genomic organization, and sought for abnormalities in HPT patients. AS6 was identified as the 3' UTR of ATP11C, a novel member of the P-type ATPases, which consists of 31 exons with alternative transcripts. The colocalization of ATP11C with SOX3 and MCF2/DBL on Xq27 mirrors that of ATP11A with SOX1 and MCF2L on 13q34 and ATP11B with SOX2 on 3q26. These colocalizations are evolutionarily conserved in mouse, and analyses indicate that SOX2 divergence likely occurred before the separation of SOX1 and SOX3. Analyses of ATP11C, MCF2, SOX3, and U7snRNA in HPT patients did not reveal mutations, implicating regulatory changes or mutation of an as yet unidentified gene in the etiology of X-linked hypoparathyroidism.

Tracking down lipid flippases and their biological functions

The various organellar membranes of eukaryotic cells display striking differences in the composition, leaflet distribution and transbilayer movement of their lipids. In membranes such as the endoplasmic reticulum, phospholipids can move readily across the bilayer, aided by membrane proteins that facilitate a passive equilibration of lipids between both membrane halves. In the plasma membrane, and probably also in the late Golgi and endosomal compartments, flip-flop of phospholipids is constrained and subject to a dynamic, ATP-dependent regulation that involves members of distinct protein families. Recent studies in yeast, parasites such as Leishmania, and mammalian cells have identified several candidates for lipid flippases, and whereas some of these serve a fundamental role in the release of lipids from cells, others appear to have unexpected and important functions in vesicular traffic: their activities are required to support vesicle formation in the secretory and endocytic pathways.

Familial pericentric inversion of chromosome 18: behavioral abnormalities in patients heterozygous for either the dup(18p)/del(18q) or dup(18q)/del(18p) recombinant chromosome

We describe a family in which the largest hitherto reported pericentric inversion of chromosome 18, inv(18)(p11.22q23), segregates. Individuals heterozygous for the nonrecombinant inversion were unaffected. However, those heterozygous for either the dup(18p)/del(18q) or dup(18q) /del(18p) recombinant exhibited mild learning difficulty, personality disorders and deficient social behavior in the absence of mental retardation. Of the three family members tested, the behavioral abnormalities were more prominent in the two individuals with the dup(18p)/del(18q) recombinant than in the one with the dup(18q)/del(18p) recombinant. Genetic counseling issues for this family, in particular for the affected, include the enhanced probability of reduced fertility as well as the recurrence risk of the parental inversion equaling 1/2 in surviving offspring. This observation kindles the interest in determining the frequency of subtelomeric rearrangements in individuals with learning difficulty and deficiency in social interaction, phenotypic features often considered to be of multifactorial causation.

Drs2p-coupled aminophospholipid translocase activity in yeast Golgi membranes and relationship to in vivo function

Aminophospholipid translocases (APLTs) are defined primarily by their ability to flip fluorescent or spin-labeled derivatives of phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) from the external leaflet of a membrane bilayer to the cytosolic leaflet and are thought to establish phospholipid asymmetry in biological membranes. The identities of APLTs remain unknown, although candidate proteins include the Drs2p/ATPase II subfamily of P-type ATPases. Drs2p from budding yeast localizes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), and here we show that this membrane contains an ATP-dependent APLT that flips 7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl (NBD) PS and PE derivatives from the luminal to the cytosolic leaflet. To assess the contribution of Drs2p to this activity, TGN membranes were prepared from strains harboring WT or temperature-sensitive alleles of DRS2 and null alleles of three other potential APLT genes (DNF1, DNF2, and DNF3). Assay of these membranes indicated that Drs2p was required for the ATP-dependent translocation of NBD-PS, whereas no active translocation of NBD-PE or NBD-phosphatidylcholine was detected. The specificity of Drs2p for NBD-PS suggested that translocation of PS would be required for the function of Drs2p in protein transport from the TGN. However, cho1 yeast strains that are unable to synthesize PS do not phenocopy drs2 but instead transport proteins normally via the secretory pathway. In addition, a drs2 cho1 double mutant retains drs2 transport defects. Therefore, whereas NBD-PS is a preferred substrate for Drs2p in vitro, endogenous PS is not an obligatory substrate in vivo for the role Drs2p plays in protein transport.

Characterization of mutations in ATP8B1 associated with hereditary cholestasis

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) and benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) are clinically distinct hereditary disorders. PFIC patients suffer from chronic cholestasis and develop liver fibrosis. BRIC patients experience intermittent attacks of cholestasis that resolve spontaneously. Mutations in ATP8B1 (previously FIC1) may result in PFIC or BRIC. We report the genomic organization of ATP8B1 and mutation analyses of 180 families with PFIC or BRIC that identified 54 distinct disease mutations, including 10 mutations predicted to disrupt splicing, 6 nonsense mutations, 11 small insertion or deletion mutations predicted to induce frameshifts, 1 large genomic deletion, 2 small inframe deletions, and 24 missense mutations. Most mutations are rare, occurring in 1-3 families, or are limited to specific populations. Many patients are compound heterozygous for 2 mutations. Mutation type or location correlates overall with clinical severity: missense mutations are more common in BRIC (58% vs. 38% in PFIC), while nonsense, frameshifting, and large deletion mutations are more common in PFIC (41% vs. 16% in BRIC). Some mutations, however, lead to a wide range of phenotypes, from PFIC to BRIC or even no clinical disease. ATP8B1 mutations were detected in 30% and 41%, respectively, of the PFIC and BRIC patients screened.

Appearance of voltage-gated calcium channels following overexpression of ATPase II cDNA in neuronal HN2 cells

ATPase II (a Mg2+-ATPase) is also believed to harbor aminophospholipid translocase (APTL) activity, which is responsible for the translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane to the inner. To test this hypothesis we overexpressed the mouse ATPase II cDNA in the neuronal HN2 cells. In addition to a dramatic increase in APTL activity, we also made the unexpected observation that expression of the mouse ATPase II cDNA from the vector pCMV6 resulted in the appearance of calcium current. Although the hybrid cell line HN2 or a line (HN2V32) obtained by expressing a heterologous gene from the same expression vector showed no calcium current, both ATPase II-overexpressing clones (HN2A12 and HN2A22) showed significant barium conductance. This current was due to calcium channels because it was blocked almost completely by 100 microM CdCl2 and it had a significant N-type component since it was blocked by 38.5% in the presence of 5 microM omega-conotoxin (omega-CTX). Western blot analysis using an antibody against the N-type calcium-channel alpha1B subunit revealed a dramatic increase in expression of this protein in the HN2A12 and HN2A22 cell lines. Our results suggest that ATPase II also harbors APTL activity. In view of the prior knowledge that APTL activity is inhibited by an increase in calcium, our results also suggest that APTL expression exerts a negative feedback regulation on itself by inducing expression of channels that cause an influx of calcium ions. The mechanism of this regulation could reveal important information on a possible cross-regulation between these two families of proteins in neuronal cells.

Predominant maternal expression of the mouse Atp10c in hippocampus and olfactory bulb

The human chromosome 15q11-q13 region is one of the most intriguing imprinted domains, and the abnormalities inherited are associated with neurological disorders including Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Angelman syndrome (AS) and autism. Recently we have identified a novel maternally expressed gene, ATP10C, that encodes a putative aminophospholipid translocase within this critical region, 200 kb distal to UBE3A in an imprinted domain on human chromosome 15. ATP10C, with UBE3A, displayed tissue-specific imprinting with predominant expression of the maternal allele in the brain. In this study, we demonstrated that the mouse homologue, Atp10c/pfatp, showed tissue-specific maternal expression in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb, which overlapped the region of imprinted Ube3a expression. These data suggest that the imprinted transcript of Atp10c in the specific region of CNS may be associated with neurological disorders including AS and autism.

Functional cloning of the miltefosine transporter. A novel P-type phospholipid translocase from Leishmania involved in drug resistance

The antitumor drug miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine, MIL) has recently been approved as the first oral agent for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Little is known about the mechanisms of action and uptake of MIL in either parasites or tumor cell lines. We have cloned a putative MIL transporter (LdMT) by functional rescue, using a Leishmania donovani-resistant line defective in the inward-directed translocation of both MIL and glycerophospholipids. LdMT is a novel P-type ATPase belonging to the partially characterized aminophospholipid translocase subfamily. Resistant parasites transfected with LdMT regain their sensitivity to MIL and edelfosine and the ability to normally take up [14C]MIL and fluorescent-labeled glycerophospholipids. Moreover, LdMT localizes to the plasma membrane, and its overexpression in Leishmania tarentolae, a species non-sensitive to MIL, significantly increases the uptake of [14C]MIL, strongly suggesting that this protein behaves as a true translocase. Finally, both LdMT-resistant alleles encompass single but distinct point mutations, each of which impairs transport function, explaining the resistant phenotype. These results demonstrate biochemically and genetically the direct involvement of LdMT in MIL and phospholipids translocation in Leishmania and describe for the first time a P-type ATPase involved in MIL uptake and potency in eukaryotic cells.

Regulation of transbilayer plasma membrane phospholipid asymmetry

Lipids in biological membranes are asymmetrically distributed across the bilayer; the amine-containing phospholipids are enriched on the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane, while the choline-containing and sphingolipids are enriched on the outer surface. The maintenance of transbilayer lipid asymmetry is essential for normal membrane function, and disruption of this asymmetry is associated with cell activation or pathologic conditions. Lipid asymmetry is generated primarily by selective synthesis of lipids on one side of the membrane. Because passive lipid transbilayer diffusion is slow, a number of proteins have evolved to either dissipate or maintain this lipid gradient. These proteins fall into three classes: 1) cytofacially-directed, ATP-dependent transporters ("flippases"); 2) exofacially-directed, ATP-dependent transporters ("floppases"); and 3) bidirectional, ATP-independent transporters ("scramblases"). The flippase is highly selective for phosphatidylserine and functions to keep this lipid sequestered from the cell surface. Floppase activity has been associated with the ABC class of transmembrane transporters. Although they are primarily nonspecific, at least two members of this class display selectivity for their substrate lipid. Scramblases are inherently nonspecific and function to randomize the distribution of newly synthesized lipids in the endoplasmic reticulum or plasma membrane lipids in activated cells. It is the combined action of these proteins and the physical properties of the membrane bilayer that generate and maintain transbilayer lipid asymmetry.

Transbilayer phospholipid movement and the clearance of apoptotic cells

When lymphocytes (and other cells) die by apoptosis, they orchestrate their own orderly removal by macrophages, and thereby prevent the inflammation that would otherwise attend cell lysis. As part of their demise, apoptotic cells disrupt the normal asymmetric distribution of phospholipids across their plasma membranes, an asymmetry normally maintained by an aminophospholipid translocase. This disruption of asymmetry, mediated by an activity known as the scramblase, generates ligands on the cell surface that trigger phagocytosis of the dying cell before lysis can occur. This crucial alteration of the plasma membrane is not dependent on caspase-mediated proteolysis, but quite unexpectedly, it is required both on the apoptotic target cell and on the phagocyte that engulfs it. At least in the phagocyte, this rearrangement may depend on the activity of an ABC ATPase, termed ABC1 in mammals and ced-7 in C. elegans.

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.

An aminophospholipid translocase associated with body fat and type 2 diabetes phenotypes

OBJECTIVE

We have shown that a region on proximal mouse chromosome 7, near the pink-eyed (p) dilution locus, contains an ATPase (pfatp), a putative aminophospholipid translocase. Studies have suggested that this gene is a prime candidate for modulating body fat or involved in lipid metabolism in mouse and humans. Toward further analyses, our objective was to generate the complete genomic structures of mouse and human genes.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The genomic structure of mouse pfatp was deduced by comparing the full-length cDNA sequence with the genomic sequence derived from a mouse BAC. The human ortholog was identified from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Full-length cDNA was generated, and the corresponding genomic structure was deduced from the Human Genome Database.

RESULTS

Murine pfatp, and its human ortholog, PFATP, belong to class V of the third subfamily of P-type ATPases. The gene organization is strikingly similar in both organisms and all exon-intron junctions are conserved. A putative promoter region of PFATP contains a strong CpG island. The 5' untranslated regions of the two cDNAs have potential binding sites for multiple transcription factors, including Sp1, USF, AP1, and AP2, involved in adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism.

DISCUSSION

We report the generation of the complete genomic structure of a novel aminophospholipid translocase in mice and humans. Because the exact biological role and the subsequent relevance of these ATPases to obesity and diabetes are unknown, these data help to delineate the role of these genes in lipid/adipocyte metabolism.

Reanalysis of ATP11B, a type IV P-type ATPase

P-type ATPases are a venerable family of ATP-dependent ion transporters. Recently, evidence was presented that a rabbit gene in the type IV subfamily of P-type ATPases was missing a transmembrane helix (transmembrane domain 4) thought to be critical for ion transport, a deletion that would place the two major catalytic loops of the enzyme on opposite sides of the membrane. It was proposed that the resulting protein was a RING finger-binding protein that targets transcription factors to specific domains within the nucleus. From analysis of human genomic sequence data, it is shown here that the region containing transmembrane domain 4, corresponding to exon 12, is present in the human homolog of the gene, ATP11B. PCR analysis indicates that the predominant Atp11b transcripts in a rabbit cDNA library and in a mouse cDNA library also contain exon 12. The results suggest that the transcript proposed to encode the RING finger-binding protein is a minor rabbit-specific splice variant. The ATP11B gene thus may not encode a protein with a function radically different from that of other P-type ATPase transporters.

Mutation screening and transmission disequilibrium study of ATP10C in autism

Autism is a complex genetic disorder. Chromosome 15 is of particular interest in this disorder, because of previous reports of individuals with autism with chromosomal abnormalities in the 15q11-q13 region. Transmission disequilibrium between polymorphisms in this region and autism has been also been reported in some, but not all studies. Recently, a novel maternally expressed gene, ATP10C, was characterized and mapped to the chromosome 15q11-q13 region, 200 kb distal to UBE3A. It encodes a putative aminophospholipid translocase likely to be involved in the asymmetric distribution of proteins in the cell membrane. Preferential maternal expression has been demonstrated in fibroblasts and brain. Because of its physical location and imprinting pattern, ATP10C was considered to be a candidate gene for chromosome 15-associated autism. In an effort to find the genes responsible for autism in this chromosomal region, 1.5 kb of the 5' flanking region, as well as the coding and splicing regions of ATP10C, were screened for sequence variants. Several polymorphic markers including five nonsynonymous SNPs were identified. To investigate transmission disequilibrium between ATP10C and autism, a family-based association study was conducted for 14 markers in 115 autism trios. No significant transmission disequilibrium was found, suggesting ATP10C is unlikely to contribute strongly to susceptibility to autism in these families. However, due to limited power to detect genes of modest effect, the possible functional role of the nonsynonymous SNPs and the functional implications of the SNPs identified from 5' flanking region and intron 2 splicing region may be evaluated in further studies.

Trichomonas vaginalis: characterization of a family of P-type ATPase genes

P-type ATPases are ion-transporting pumps that enable organisms to control cellular functions and survive changing environmental conditions by regulating internal ion concentrations. Eight P-type ATPases were identified in the amitochondriate protist Trichomonas vaginalis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with oligonucleotide primers that recognize conserved motifs present in all P-type ATPases, the ATP phosphorylation site (DKTGTLT) and the ATP binding site (TGDGVND). Phylogenetic analysis and the presence of conserved motifs in predicted peptide sequences identify the Trichomonas ATPases as a sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump (TVCA1); three additional Ca(2+) transporting pumps (TVCA2-4), three phospholipid translocases (TVAPLT1-3), and one P-type ATPase of unknown transport specificity (TVPATP8). Southern blot analyses indicate that the P-type ATPase genes are not linked and are present in single copy, except TVCA2 and TVCA4 which contain additional copies or closely related homologues within the genome. Transcripts of 3.1 kb for TVCA1, 3.0 kb for TVCA2, 2.9 kb for TVCA3, 4.0 kb for TVAPLT1, 4.2 kb for TVAPLT2, 3.9 kb for TVAPLT3, and 3.1 kb for TVPATP8 were detected by Northern blot analysis. No TVCA4 transcript was observed, however, RT-PCR amplification of a transcript product indicates that TVCA4 is expressed. RNA expression of the Trichomonas ATPases, except TVCA3, was constitutive over a range of environmental conditions. TVCA1, TVAPLT3 and TVPATP8 had the highest levels of RNA expression while TVAPLT1 and TVAPLT2 expression was the lowest.

Structural similarities of Na,K-ATPase and SERCA, the Ca(2+)-ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum

The crystal structure of SERCA1a (skeletal-muscle sarcoplasmic-reticulum/endoplasmic-reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase) has recently been determined at 2.6 A (note 1 A = 0.1 nm) resolution [Toyoshima, Nakasako, Nomura and Ogawa (2000) Nature (London) 405, 647-655]. Other P-type ATPases are thought to share key features of the ATP hydrolysis site and a central core of transmembrane helices. Outside of these most-conserved segments, structural similarities are less certain, and predicted transmembrane topology differs between subclasses. In the present review the homologous regions of several representative P-type ATPases are aligned with the SERCA sequence and mapped on to the SERCA structure for comparison. Homology between SERCA and the Na,K-ATPase is more extensive than with any other ATPase, even PMCA, the Ca(2+)-ATPase of plasma membrane. Structural features of the Na,K-ATPase are projected on to the Ca(2+)-ATPase crystal structure to assess the likelihood that they share the same fold. Homology extends through all ten transmembrane spans, and most insertions and deletions are predicted to be at the surface. The locations of specific residues are examined, such as proteolytic cleavage sites, intramolecular cross-linking sites, and the binding sites of certain other proteins. On the whole, the similarity supports a shared fold, with some particular exceptions.

EH, Ledbetter DH. The human aminophospholipid-transporting ATPase gene ATP10C maps adjacent to UBE3A and exhibits similar imprinted expression

Maternal duplications of the imprinted 15q11-13 domain result in an estimated 1%-2% of autism-spectrum disorders, and linkage to autism has been identified within 15q12-13. UBE3A, the Angelman syndrome gene, has, to date, been the only maternally expressed, imprinted gene identified within this region, but mutations have not been found in autistic patients. Here we describe the characterization of ATP10C, a new human imprinted gene, which encodes a putative protein homologous to the mouse aminophospholipid-transporting ATPase Atp10c. ATP10C maps within 200 kb distal to UBE3A and, like UBE3A, also demonstrates imprinted, preferential maternal expression in human brain. The location and imprinted expression of ATP10C thus make it a candidate for chromosome 15-associated autism and suggest that it may contribute to the Angelman syndrome phenotype.

Phosphatidylserine, a death knell

Virtually every cell in the body restricts phosphatidylserine (PS) to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane by energy-dependent transport from the outer to the inner leaflet of the bilayer. Apoptotic cells of all types rapidly randomize the asymmetric distribution, bringing PS to the surface where it serves as a signal for phagocytosis. A myriad of phagocyte receptors have been implicated in the recognition of apoptotic cells, among them a PS receptor, yet few ligands other than PS have been identified on the apoptotic cell surface. Since apoptosis and the associated exposure of PS on the cell surface is probably over 600 million years old, it is not surprising that evolution has appropriated aspects of this process for specialized purposes such as blood coagulation, membrane fusion and erythrocyte differentiation. Failure to efficiently remove apoptotic cells may contribute to inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases resulting from chronic, inappropriate exposure of PS.

A missense mutation in FIC1 is associated with greenland familial cholestasis

Greenland familial cholestasis is a severe form of intrahepatic cholestasis described among indigenous Inuit families in Greenland. Patients present with jaundice, pruritus, bleeding episodes, and steatorrhea, and die in childhood due to end-stage liver disease. We investigated the possibility that Greenland familial cholestasis is caused by a mutation in FIC1, the gene defective in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 and many cases of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis. Using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and sequencing of the FIC1 exons, a missense mutation, 1660 G-->A (D554N), was detected and was shown to segregate with the disease in Inuit patients from Greenland and Canada. Examination of liver specimens from 3 Inuit patients homozygous for this mutation revealed bland canalicular cholestasis and, on transmission electron microscopy, coarsely granular Byler bile, as previously described in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1. These data establish Greenland familial cholestasis as a form of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 and further underscore the importance of unimpeded FIC1 activity for normal bile formation.

A novel ATPase on mouse chromosome 7 is a candidate gene for increased body fat

A region of mouse chromosome 7, just distal to the pink-eyed (p) dilution locus, contains a gene or genes, which we have named p-locus-associated obesity (plo1), affecting body fat. Mice heterozygous for the most distally extending chromosomal deletions of this region have nearly double the body fat of mice when the deletion is inherited maternally as when it is inherited paternally. We have physically mapped the 1-Mb critical region, which lies between the Gabrb3 and Ube3a/Ipw genes, and DNA sequencing has localized a new member of the third subfamily of P-type ATPases to the minimal region specifying the trait. This gene, which we have called p-locus fat-associated ATPase (pfatp) is differentially expressed in human and mouse tissues with predominant expression in the testis and lower levels of expression in adipose tissue and other organs. We propose this ATPase as the prime candidate for the gene at the plo1 locus modulating body fat content in the mouse. The unusual inheritance pattern of this phenotype suggests either genomic imprinting, known to occur in other local genes (Ube3a, Ipw), or an effect of maternal haploinsufficiency during pregnancy or lactation on body fat in the progeny.

Identification and purification of aminophospholipid flippases

Transbilayer phospholipid asymmetry is a common structural feature of most biological membranes. This organization of lipids is generated and maintained by a number of phospholipid transporters that vary in lipid specificity, energy requirements and direction of transport. These transporters can be divided into three classes: (1) bidirectional, non-energy dependent 'scramblases', and energy-dependent transporters that move lipids (2) toward ('flippases') or (3) away from ('floppases') the cytofacial surface of the membrane. One of the more elusive members of this family is the plasma membrane aminophospholipid flippase, which selectively transports phosphatidylserine from the external to the cytofacial monolayer of the plasma membrane. This review summarizes the characteristics of aminophospholipid flippase activity in intact cells and describes current strategies to identify and isolate this protein. The biochemical characteristics of candidate flippases are critically compared and their potential role in flippase activity is evaluated.

Differential expression of putative transbilayer amphipath transporters

The aminophospholipid translocase transports phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine from one side of a bilayer to another. Cloning of the gene encoding the enzyme identified a new subfamily of P-type ATPases, proposed to be amphipath transporters. As reported here, mammals express as many as 17 different genes from this subfamily. Phylogenetic analysis reveals the genes to be grouped into several distinct classes and subclasses. To gain information on the functions represented by these groups, Northern analysis and in situ hybridization were used to examine the pattern of expression of a panel of subfamily members in the mouse. The genes are differentially expressed in the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital systems, endocrine organs, the eye, teeth, and thymus. With one exception, all of the genes are highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS); however, the pattern of expression within the CNS differs substantially from gene to gene. These results suggest that the genes are expressed in a tissue-specific manner, are not simply redundant, and may represent isoforms that transport a variety of different amphipaths.

Gastric H(+),K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase beta subunit is required for normal function, development, and membrane structure of mouse parietal cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Parietal cells of the gastric mucosa contain a complex and extensive secretory membrane system that harbors gastric H(+),K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), the enzyme primarily responsible for acidification of the gastric lumen. We have produced mice deficient in the H(+),K(+)-ATPase beta subunit to determine the role of the protein in the biosynthesis of this membrane system and the biology of gastric mucosa.

METHODS

Mice deficient in the H(+), K(+)-ATPase beta subunit were produced by gene targeting.

RESULTS

The stomachs of H(+),K(+)-ATPase beta subunit-deficient mice were achlorhydric. Histological and immunocytochemical analyses with antibodies to the H(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit revealed that parietal cell development during ontogeny was retarded in H(+), K(+)-ATPase beta subunit-deficient mice. In 15-day-old mice, cells with secretory canaliculi were observed in wild-type but not in H(+), K(+)-ATPase beta subunit-deficient mice. Parietal cells of H(+), K(+)-ATPase beta subunit-deficient mice 17 days and older contained an abnormal canaliculus that was dilated and contained fewer and shorter microvilli than normal. In older parietal cells, the abnormal canaliculus was massive (25 micrometer in diameter) and contained few microvilli. We did not observe typical tubulovesicular membranes in any parietal cell from H(+),K(+)-ATPase beta subunit-deficient mice. Histopathologic alterations were only observed in the stomach.

CONCLUSIONS

The H(+),K(+)-ATPase beta subunit is required for acid-secretory activity of parietal cells in vivo, normal development and cellular homeostasis of the gastric mucosa, and attainment of the normal structure of the secretory membranes.

Cloning, expression, and chromosomal mapping of a human ATPase II gene, member of the third subfamily of P-type ATPases and orthologous to the presumed bovine and murine aminophospholipid translocase

Recently, a P-type ATPase was cloned from bovine chromaffin granules (b-ATPase II) and a mouse teratocarcinoma cell line (m-ATPase II) and was shown to be homologous to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DRS2 gene, the inactivation of which resulted in defective transport of phosphatidylserine. Here, we report the cloning from a human skeletal muscle cDNA library of a human ATPase II (h-ATPase II), orthologous to the presumed bovine and mouse aminophospholipid translocase (95.3 and 95.9% amino acid identity, respectively). Compared with the bovine and mouse counterparts, the cloned h-ATPase II polypeptide exhibits a similar membrane topology, but contains 15 additional amino acids (1163 vs 1148) located in the second intracytoplasmic loop, near the DKTGTLT-phosphorylation site. However, RT-PCR analysis performed with RNA from different human tissues and cell lines revealed that the coding sequence for these 15 residues is sometimes present and sometimes absent, most likely as a result of a tissue-specific alternative splicing event. The h-ATPase II gene, which was mapped to chromosome 4p14-p12, is expressed as a 9.5-kb RNA species in a large variety of tissues, but was not detected in liver, testis, and placenta, nor in the erythroleukemic cell line K562.