Recycling endosomes

A Rab6 to Rab11 transition is required for dense-core granule and exosome biogenesis in Drosophila secondary cells

Secretory cells in glands and the nervous system frequently package and store proteins destined for regulated secretion in dense-core granules (DCGs), which disperse when released from the cell surface. Despite the relevance of this dynamic process to diseases such as diabetes and human neurodegenerative disorders, our mechanistic understanding is relatively limited, because of the lack of good cell models to follow the nanoscale events involved. Here, we employ the prostate-like secondary cells (SCs) of the Drosophila male accessory gland to dissect the cell biology and genetics of DCG biogenesis. These cells contain unusually enlarged DCGs, which are assembled in compartments that also form secreted nanovesicles called exosomes. We demonstrate that known conserved regulators of DCG biogenesis, including the small G-protein Arf1 and the coatomer complex AP-1, play key roles in making SC DCGs. Using real-time imaging, we find that the aggregation events driving DCG biogenesis are accompanied by a change in the membrane-associated small Rab GTPases which are major regulators of membrane and protein trafficking in the secretory and endosomal systems. Indeed, a transition from trans-Golgi Rab6 to recycling endosomal protein Rab11, which requires conserved DCG regulators like AP-1, is essential for DCG and exosome biogenesis. Our data allow us to develop a model for DCG biogenesis that brings together several previously disparate observations concerning this process and highlights the importance of communication between the secretory and endosomal systems in controlling regulated secretion.

Cell biology of prion strains in vivo and in vitro

The properties of infectious prions and the pathology of the diseases they cause are dependent upon the unique conformation of each prion strain. How the pathology of prion disease correlates with different strains and genetic backgrounds has been investigated via in vivo assays, but how interactions between specific prion strains and cell types contribute to the pathology of prion disease has been dissected more effectively using in vitro cell lines. Observations made through in vivo and in vitro assays have informed each other with regard to not only how genetic variation influences prion properties, but also how infectious prions are taken up by cells, modified by cellular processes and propagated, and the cellular components they rely on for persistent infection. These studies suggest that persistent cellular infection results from a balance between prion propagation and degradation. This balance may be shifted depending upon how different cell lines process infectious prions, potentially altering prion stability, and how fast they can be transported to the lysosome. Thus, in vitro studies have given us a deeper understanding of the interactions between different prions and cell types and how they may influence prion disease phenotypes in vivo.

A transcytotic transport mechanism across the tympanic membrane

Drug treatments for middle ear diseases are currently delivered systemically, or locally after opening the impermeable tympanic membrane (TM). We previously used bacteriophage display to discover novel peptides that are actively transported across the intact TM, with a variety of transport rates. Peptide structures were analyzed for evidence regarding the mechanism for this unexpected transport, which was then tested by the application of chemical inhibitors. Primary sequences indicated that trans-TM peptides share one of two amino acid motifs. Secondary structures revealed that linear configurations associate with higher transport rates than coiled structures. Tertiary analysis indicated that the shared sequence motifs are prominently displayed at the free ends of rapidly transported peptide phage. The shared motifs were evaluated for similarity to known motifs. The highest probability matches were for protein motifs involved in transmembrane transport and exosomes. Overall, structural findings suggest that the shared motifs represent binding sequences. They also implicate transcytosis, a polarized cell transport mechanism consisting of endocytosis, transcellular transport, and exocytosis. Inhibitor studies indicated that macropinocytosis, retrograde transport through Golgi and exocytosis participate in transport across the TM, consistent with transcytosis. This process can be harnessed to noninvasively deliver therapeutics to the middle ear.

Single-Cell Chemistry of Photoactivatable Platinum Anticancer Complexes

The Pt(IV) prodrug trans, trans, trans-[Pt(pyridine)2(N3)2(OH)2] (Pt1) and its coumarin derivative trans, trans, trans-[Pt(pyridine)2(N3)2(OH)(coumarin-3-carboxylate)] (Pt2) are promising agents for photoactivated chemotherapy. These complexes are inert in the dark but release Pt(II) species and radicals upon visible light irradiation, resulting in photocytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Here, we have used synchrotron techniques to investigate the in-cell behavior of these prodrugs and visualize, for the first time, changes in cellular morphology and Pt localization upon treatment with and without light irradiation. We show that photoactivation of Pt2 induces remarkable cellular damage with extreme alterations to multiple cellular components, including formation of vacuoles, while also significantly increasing the cellular accumulation of Pt species compared to dark conditions. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurements in cells treated with Pt2 indicate only partial reduction of the prodrug upon irradiation, highlighting that phototoxicity in cancer cells may involve not only Pt(II) photoproducts but also photoexcited Pt(IV) species.

Rab11-FIP1 and Rab11-FIP5 Regulate pIgR/pIgA Transcytosis through TRIM21-Mediated Polyubiquitination

Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR)-mediated polymeric immunoglobulin A (pIgA) transcytosis across mucosal epithelial cells plays an essential role in mucosal immunity. The general trafficking process has been well investigated, yet the elaborate regulatory mechanisms remain enigmatic. We identified a new pIgR interacting protein, the Rab11 effector Rab11-FIP1. Rab11-FIP1 and Rab11-FIP5 knockdown additively impaired pIgA transcytosis in both polarized and incompletely polarized cells. Moreover, Rab11-FIP1 and Rab11-FIP5 knockdown exhibited more significant inhibitory effects on pIgA transcytosis in incompletely polarized cells than in polarized cells. Interestingly, the trafficking process of pIgA in incompletely polarized cells is distinct from that in polarized cells. In incompletely polarized cells, the endocytic pIgR/pIgA was first transported from the basolateral plasma membrane to the vicinity of the centrosome where Rab11-FIP1 and Rab11-FIP5 bound to it, before the Rab11a-positive endosomes containing pIgR/pIgA, Rab11-FIP1 and Rab11-FIP5 were further transported to the apical plasma membrane via Golgi apparatus. During the trafficking process, TRIM21 mediated the K11-linked polyubiquitination of Rab11-FIP1 and the K6-linked polyubiquitination of Rab11-FIP5 to promote their activation and pIgA transcytosis. This study indicates that polyubiquitinated Rab11-FIP1 and Rab11-FIP5 mediated by TRIM21 cooperatively facilitate pIgA transcytosis and provides new insights into the intracellular trafficking process of pIgA in incompletely polarized cells.

CD13 orients the apical-basal polarity axis necessary for lumen formation

Polarized epithelial cells can organize into complex structures with a characteristic central lumen. Lumen formation requires that cells coordinately orient their polarity axis so that the basolateral domain is on the outside and apical domain inside epithelial structures. Here we show that the transmembrane aminopeptidase, CD13, is a key determinant of epithelial polarity orientation. CD13 localizes to the apical membrane and associates with an apical complex with Par6. CD13-deficient cells display inverted polarity in which apical proteins are retained on the outer cell periphery and fail to accumulate at an intercellular apical initiation site. Here we show that CD13 is required to couple apical protein cargo to Rab11-endosomes and for capture of endosomes at the apical initiation site. This role in polarity utilizes the short intracellular domain but is independent of CD13 peptidase activity.

The exocyst complex regulates C. elegans germline stem cell proliferation by controlling membrane Notch levels

The conserved exocyst complex regulates plasma membrane-directed vesicle fusion in eukaryotes. However, its role in stem cell proliferation has not been reported. Germline stem cell (GSC) proliferation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is regulated by conserved Notch signaling. Here, we reveal that the exocyst complex regulates C. elegans GSC proliferation by modulating Notch signaling cell autonomously. Notch membrane density is asymmetrically maintained on GSCs. Knockdown of exocyst complex subunits or of the exocyst-interacting GTPases Rab5 and Rab11 leads to Notch redistribution from the GSC-niche interface to the cytoplasm, suggesting defects in plasma membrane Notch deposition. The anterior polarity (aPar) protein Par6 is required for GSC proliferation, and for maintaining niche-facing membrane levels of Notch and the exocyst complex. The exocyst complex biochemically interacts with the aPar regulator Par5 (14-3-3ζ) and Notch in C. elegans and human cells. Exocyst components are required for Notch plasma membrane localization and signaling in mammalian cells. Our study uncovers a possibly conserved requirement of the exocyst complex in regulating GSC proliferation and in maintaining optimal membrane Notch levels.

JRAB/MICAL-L2 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation to form tubular recycling endosomes

Elongated tubular endosomes play essential roles in diverse cellular functions. Multiple molecules have been implicated in tubulation of recycling endosomes, but the mechanism of endosomal tubule biogenesis has remained unclear. In this study, we found that JRAB/MICAL-L2 induces endosomal tubulation via activated Rab8A. In association with Rab8A, JRAB/MICAL-L2 adopts its closed form, which functions in the tubulation of recycling endosomes. Moreover, JRAB/MICAL-L2 induces liquid–liquid phase separation, initiating the formation of tubular recycling endosomes upon overexpression. Between its N-terminal and C-terminal globular domains, JRAB/MICAL-L2 contains an intrinsically disordered region, which contributes to the formation of JRAB/MICAL-L2 condensates. Based on our findings, we propose that JRAB/MICAL-L2 plays two sequential roles in the biogenesis of tubular recycling endosomes: first, JRAB/MICAL-L2 organizes phase separation, and then the closed form of JRAB/MICAL-L2 formed by interaction with Rab8A promotes endosomal tubulation.

Sakane et al. demonstrate that JRAB/MICAL-L2, an effector protein of Rab8 and Rab13, induces endosomal tubulation in HeLa cells depending on its closed conformation caused by an activated Rab8A. JRAB/MICAL-L2 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation when overexpressed, which precedes its interaction with Rab8A, eventually leading to tubulation.

The recycling endosome protein Rab25 coordinates collective cell movements in the zebrafish surface epithelium

In emerging epithelial tissues, cells undergo dramatic rearrangements to promote tissue shape changes. Dividing cells remain interconnected via transient cytokinetic bridges. Bridges are cleaved during abscission and currently, the consequences of disrupting abscission in developing epithelia are not well understood. We show that the Rab GTPase Rab25 localizes near cytokinetic midbodies and likely coordinates abscission through endomembrane trafficking in the epithelium of the zebrafish gastrula during epiboly. In maternal-zygotic Rab25a and Rab25b mutant embryos, morphogenic activity tears open persistent apical cytokinetic bridges that failed to undergo timely abscission. Cytokinesis defects result in anisotropic cell morphologies that are associated with a reduction of contractile actomyosin networks. This slows cell rearrangements and alters the viscoelastic responses of the tissue, all of which likely contribute to delayed epiboly. We present a model in which Rab25 trafficking coordinates cytokinetic bridge abscission and cortical actin density, impacting local cell shape changes and tissue-scale forces.

The Localization of Alpha-synuclein in the Endocytic Pathway

Alpha-synuclein (αS) is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) that is abundantly present in the brain and is associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). In spite of its abundance and its contribution to PD pathogenesis, the exact cellular function of αS remains largely unknown. The ability of αS to remodel phospholipid model membranes combined with biochemical and cellular studies suggests that αS is involved in endocytosis. To unravel with which route(s) and stage(s) of the endocytic pathway αS is associated, we quantified the colocalization between αS and endocytic marker proteins in differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, using an object based colocalization analysis. Comparison with randomized data allowed us to discriminate between structural and coincidental colocalizations. A large fraction of the αS positive vesicles colocalizes with caveolin positive vesicles, a smaller fraction colocalizes with EEA1 and Rab7. We find no structural colocalization between αS and clathrin and Rab11 positive vesicles. We conclude that in a physiological context, αS is structurally associated with caveolin dependent membrane vesiculation and is found further along the endocytic pathway, in decreasing amounts, on early and late endosomes. Our results not only shed new light on the function of αS, they also provide a possible link between αS function and vesicle trafficking malfunction in PD.

Vesicular Transport Machinery in Brain Endothelial Cells: What We Know and What We Do not

The vesicular transport machinery regulates numerous essential functions in cells such as cell polarity, signaling pathways, and the transport of receptors and their cargoes. From a pharmaceutical perspective, vesicular transport offers avenues to facilitate the uptake of therapeutic agents into cells and across cellular barriers. In order to improve receptor-mediated transcytosis of biologics across the blood-brain barrier and into the diseased brain, a detailed understanding of intracellular transport mechanisms is essential. The vesicular transport machinery is a highly complex network and involves an array of protein complexes, cytosolic adaptor proteins, and the subcellular structures of the endo-lysosomal system. The endo-lysosomal system includes several types of vesicular entities such as early, late, and recycling endosomes, exosomes, ectosomes, retromer-coated vesicles, lysosomes, trans-endothelial channels, and tubules. While extensive research has been done on the trafficking system in many cell types, little is known about vesicular trafficking in brain endothelial cells. Consequently, assumptions on the transport system in endothelial cells are based on findings in polarised epithelial cells, although recent studies have highlighted differences in the endothelial system. This review highlights aspects of the vesicular trafficking machinery in brain endothelial cells, including recent findings, limitations, and opportunities for further studies.

Regulation of polycystin expression, maturation and trafficking

The major autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) genes, PKD1 and PKD2, are wildly expressed at the organ and tissue level. PKD1 encodes polycystin 1 (PC1), a large membrane associated receptor-like protein that can complex with the PKD2 product, PC2. Various cellular locations have been described for both PC1, including the plasma membrane and extracellular vesicles, and PC2, especially the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but compelling evidence indicates that the primary cilium, a sensory organelle, is the key site for the polycystin complex to prevent PKD. As with other membrane proteins, the ER biogenesis pathway is key to appropriately folding, performing quality control, and exporting fully folded PC1 to the Golgi apparatus. There is a requirement for binding with PC2 and cleavage of PC1 at the GPS for this folding and export to occur. Six different monogenic defects in this pathway lead to cystic disease development, with PC1 apparently particularly sensitive to defects in this general protein processing pathway. Trafficking of membrane proteins, and the polycystins in particular, through the Golgi to the primary cilium have been analyzed in detail, but at this time, there is no clear consensus on a ciliary targeting sequence required to export proteins to the cilium. After transitioning though the trans-Golgi network, polycystin-bearing vesicles are likely sorted to early or recycling endosomes and then transported to the ciliary base, possibly via docking to transition fibers (TF). The membrane-bound polycystin complex then undergoes facilitated trafficking through the transition zone, the diffusion barrier at the base of the cilium, before entering the cilium. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) may be involved in moving the polycystins along the cilia, but data also indicates other mechanisms. The ciliary polycystin complex can be ubiquitinated and removed from cilia by internalization at the ciliary base and may be sent back to the plasma membrane for recycling or to lysosomes for degradation. Monogenic defects in processes regulating the protein composition of cilia are associated with syndromic disorders involving many organ systems, reflecting the pleotropic role of cilia during development and for tissue maintenance. Many of these ciliopathies have renal involvement, likely because of faulty polycystin signaling from cilia. Understanding the expression, maturation and trafficking of the polycystins helps understand PKD pathogenesis and suggests opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Recycling endosomes associate with Golgi stacks in sea urchin embryos

The trans-Golgi network (TGN) and recycling endosome (RE) have been recognized as sorting centers, the former for newly synthesized and the latter for endocytosed proteins. However, recent findings have revealed that TGN also receives endocytosed materials and RE accepts newly synthesized proteins destined to the plasma membrane. Recently, we reported that in both Drosophila and microtubule-disrupted HeLa cells, REs are associated with the trans-side of Golgi stacks. REs are highly dynamic: their separation from and association with Golgi stacks are often observed. Importantly, a newly synthesized cargo, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored-GFP was found to be concentrated in Golgi-associated REs (GA-REs), while another cargo VSVG-GFP was excluded from GA-REs before post-Golgi trafficking to the plasma membrane. This suggested that the sorting of cargos takes place at the interface of Golgi stacks and GA-REs. In this study, we demonstrated that REs could associate with Golgi stacks in sea urchin embryos, further indicating that the association of REs with Golgi stacks is a well-conserved phenomenon in the animal kingdom.

Recycling endosomes attach to the trans-side of Golgi stacks in Drosophila and mammalian cells

Historically, the trans-Golgi network (TGN) has been recognized as a sorting center of newly synthesized proteins, whereas the recycling endosome (RE) is a compartment where endocytosed materials transit before being recycled to the plasma membrane. However, recent findings revealed that both the TGN and RE connect endocytosis and exocytosis and, thus, are functionally overlapping. Here we report, in both Drosophila and microtubule-disrupted HeLa cells, that REs are interconvertible between two distinct states, namely Golgi-associated REs and free REs. Detachment and reattachment of REs and Golgi stacks are often observed, and newly synthesized glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cargo protein but not vesicular stomatitis virus G protein is transported through these two types of RE. In plants, there are two types of TGN - Golgi-associated TGN and Golgi-independent TGN. We show that dynamics of REs in both Drosophila and mammalian cells are very similar compared with those of plant TGNs. And, together with the similarity on the molecular level, our results indicate that fly and mammalian REs are organelles that are equivalent to TGNs in plants. This suggests that the identities and functional relationships between REs and TGNs should be reconsidered.

Cholix protein domain I functions as a carrier element for efficient apical to basal epithelial transcytosis

Cholix (Chx) is expressed by the intestinal pathogen Vibrio cholerae as a single chain of 634 amino acids (~70.7 kDa protein) that folds into three distinct domains, with elements of the second and third domains being involved in accessing the cytoplasm of nonpolarized cells and inciting cell death via ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor 2, respectively. In order to reach nonpolarized cells within the intestinal lamina propria, however, Chx must cross the polarized epithelial barrier in an intact form. Here, we provide in vitro and in vivo demonstrations that a nontoxic Chx transports across intestinal epithelium via a vesicular trafficking pathway that rapidly achieves vesicular apical to basal (A→B) transcytosis and avoids routing to lysosomes. Specifically, Chx traffics in apical endocytic Rab7⁺ vesicles and in basal exocytic Rab11⁺ vesicles with a transition between these domains occurring in the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) through interactions with the lectin mannose-binding protein 1 (LMAN1) protein that undergoes an intracellular re-distribution that coincides with the re-organization of COPI⁺ and COPII⁺ vesicular structures. Truncation studies demonstrated that domain I of Chx alone was sufficient to efficiently complete A→B transcytosis and capable of ferrying genetically conjoined human growth hormone (hGH). These studies provide evidence for a pathophysiological strategy where native Chx exotoxin secreted in the intestinal lumen by nonpandemic V. cholerae can reach nonpolarized cells within the lamina propria in an intact form by using a nondestructive pathway to cross in the intestinal epithelial that appears useful for oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals.One-Sentence Summary: Elements within the first domain of the Cholix exotoxin protein are essential and sufficient for the apical to basal transcytosis of this Vibrio cholerae-derived virulence factor across polarized intestinal epithelial cells.

Loss of MYO5B expression deregulates late endosome size which hinders mitotic spindle orientation

Recycling endosomes regulate plasma membrane recycling. Recently, recycling endosome–associated proteins have been implicated in the positioning and orientation of the mitotic spindle and cytokinesis. Loss of MYO5B, encoding the recycling endosome–associated myosin Vb, is associated with tumor development and tissue architecture defects in the gastrointestinal tract. Whether loss of MYO5B expression affects mitosis is not known. Here, we demonstrate that loss of MYO5B expression delayed cytokinesis, perturbed mitotic spindle orientation, led to the misorientation of the plane of cell division during the course of mitosis, and resulted in the delamination of epithelial cells. Remarkably, the effects on spindle orientation, but not cytokinesis, were a direct consequence of physical hindrance by giant late endosomes, which were formed in a chloride channel–sensitive manner concomitant with a redistribution of chloride channels from the cell periphery to late endosomes upon loss of MYO5B. Rab7 availability was identified as a limiting factor for the development of giant late endosomes. In accordance, increasing rab7 availability corrected mitotic spindle misorientation and cell delamination in cells lacking MYO5B expression. In conclusion, we identified a novel role for MYO5B in the regulation of late endosome size control and identify the inability to control late endosome size as an unexpected novel mechanism underlying defects in cell division orientation and epithelial architecture.

Loss of the recycling endosome-associated motor protein myosin Vb causes the formation of giant late endo-lysosomes; these in turn hinder the orientation of the mitotic spindle and chromosome segregation. Deregulated endosome size thus hampers faithful cell division.

The SLC9A-C Mammalian Na+/H+ Exchanger Family: Molecules, Mechanisms, and Physiology

Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers play pivotal roles in the control of cell and tissue pH by mediating the electroneutral exchange of Na⁺ and H⁺ across cellular membranes. They belong to an ancient family of highly evolutionarily conserved proteins, and they play essential physiological roles in all phyla. In this review, we focus on the mammalian Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers (NHEs), the solute carrier (SLC) 9 family. This family of electroneutral transporters constitutes three branches: SLC9A, -B, and -C. Within these, each isoform exhibits distinct tissue expression profiles, regulation, and physiological roles. Some of these transporters are highly studied, with hundreds of original articles, and some are still only rudimentarily understood. In this review, we present and discuss the pioneering original work as well as the current state-of-the-art research on mammalian NHEs. We aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of core knowledge and recent insights into each family member, from gene organization over protein structure and regulation to physiological and pathophysiological roles. Particular attention is given to the integrated physiology of NHEs in the main organ systems. We provide several novel analyses and useful overviews, and we pinpoint main remaining enigmas, which we hope will inspire novel research on these highly versatile proteins.

Immune evasion by Salmonella: exploiting the VPAC1/VIP axis in human monocytes

Immune evasion is a critical survival mechanism for bacterial colonization of deeper tissues and may lead to life-threatening conditions such as endotoxaemia and sepsis. Understanding these immune evasion pathways would be an important step for the development of novel anti-microbial therapeutics. Here, we report a hitherto unknown mechanism by which Salmonella exploits an anti-inflammatory pathway in human immune cells to obtain survival advantage. We show that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain 4/74 significantly (P < 0·05) increased expression of mRNA and surface protein of the type 1 receptor (VPAC1) for anti-inflammatory vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in human monocytes. However, we also show that S. Typhimurium induced retrograde recycling of VPAC1 from early endosomes to Rab11a-containing sorting endosomes, associated with the Golgi apparatus, and anterograde trafficking via Rab3a and calmodulin 1. Expression of Rab3a and calmodulin 1 were significantly increased by S. Typhimurium infection and W-7 (calmodulin antagonist) decreased VPAC1 expression on the cell membrane while CALP-1 (calmodulin agonist) increased VPAC1 expression (P < 0·05). When infected monocytes were co-cultured with VIP, a significantly higher number of S. Typhimurium were recovered from these monocytes, compared with S. Typhimurium recovered from monocytes cultured only in cell media. We conclude that S. Typhimurium infection exploits host VPAC1/VIP to gain survival advantage in human monocytes.

Network medicine-travelling with the insulin receptor: Encounter of the second type

Important progress has been made in understanding many aspects of insulin action in the last 10 years. Attention will be focused here on the physical protein interaction network of the internalized insulin receptor (IR) and its relationships with the genetic architecture of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The IR recognizes signals from the outside (circulating insulin) and engages the insulin signaling response. Within seconds, the IR is also involved in insulin internalization and its subsequent degradation in endosomes (physiological clearance of insulin). A T2D disease module sharing functional similarities with insulin secretion in pancreatic islets was recently identified in the close neighborhood of the internalized IR in liver. This module brought a new light on the apparent functional heterogeneity of numerous genes at risk to T2D by linking them to a few noncanonical layers of signaling feedback loops. These findings should be translated into a better understanding of the primary mechanisms of the disease and consequently a more precise sub-classification of T2D, ultimately leading to precision medicine and the development of new therapeutical drugs.

A role for Rab11 in the homeostasis of the endosome-lysosomal pathway

The small GTPases Rab11a and 11b are key regulators of membrane transport, localised to the recycling endosomes and also early endosomes. The function of Rab11 within the recycling pathway has been well defined, however, the role of Rab11 at the early endosomes remains poorly characterised. Here, we have generated HeLa cell lines devoid of either Rab11a or Rab11b using CRISPR/Cas9 to functionally dissect the roles of these two Rab11 family members in recycling and in the endosomal-lysosomal system. Both Rab11a and Rab11b contribute to the dynamics of tubulation arising from recycling endosomes whereas Rab11a has the major role in recycling of transferrin receptor. Deletion of either Rab11a or Rab11b resulted in the formation of enlarged early endosomes and perturbation of the endosomal-lysosomal pathway. Strikingly, Rab11a knock-out cells showed an increased density of functional late endosomes/lysosomes as well as lysotracker-positive organelles which were primarily concentrated in a perinuclear location, indicating that the homeostasis of the endosome/lysosome pathway had been perturbed. Moreover, in Rab11a knockout cells there was a functional defect in the intracellular recycling of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR) between the late endosomes and the TGN, a defect associated with enhanced degradation of CI-M6PR. Expression of wild-type Rab11a in Rab11a knockout cells rescued the late endosome/lysosome phenotype. Overall, these results indicate that Rab11a and Rab11b have overlapping and distinct functions and that Rab11a, unexpectedly, plays a central role in the homeostasis of endosomal-lysosomal biogenesis.

Coordination of Embryogenesis by the Centrosome in Drosophila melanogaster

The first 3 h of Drosophila melanogaster embryo development are exemplified by rapid nuclear divisions within a large syncytium, transforming the zygote to the cellular blastoderm after 13 successive cleavage divisions. As the syncytial embryo develops, it relies on centrosomes and cytoskeletal dynamics to transport nuclei, maintain uniform nuclear distribution throughout cleavage cycles, ensure generation of germ cells, and coordinate cellularization. For the sake of this review, we classify six early embryo stages that rely on processes coordinated by the centrosome and its regulation of the cytoskeleton. The first stage features migration of one of the female pronuclei toward the male pronucleus following maturation of the first embryonic centrosomes. Two subsequent stages distribute the nuclei first axially and then radially in the embryo. The remaining three stages involve centrosome-actin dynamics that control cortical plasma membrane morphogenesis. In this review, we highlight the dynamics of the centrosome and its role in controlling the six stages that culminate in the cellularization of the blastoderm embryo.

Tethering of Multi-Vesicular Bodies and the Tonoplast to the Plasma Membrane in Plants

Tethering of the plasma membrane (PM) and many organelles to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for communication and lipid exchange has been widely reported. However, despite growing interest in multi-vesicular bodies (MVBs) as possible sources of exosomes, tethering of MVBs to the PM has not been reported. Here we show that MVBs and the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) could be tethered to the PM (PM-MVB/TP tethering) by artificial protein fusions or bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) complexes that contain a peripheral membrane protein that binds the PM and also a protein that binds MVBs or the tonoplast. PM-binding proteins capable of participating in PM-MVB/TP tethering included StRem1.3, BIK1, PBS1, CPK21, and the PtdIns(4)-binding proteins FAPP1 and Osh2. MVB/TP-binding proteins capable of participating in tethering included ARA6, ARA7, RHA1, RABG3f, and the PtdIns(3)P-binding proteins Vam7p and Hrs-2xFYVE. BiFC complexes or protein fusions capable of producing PM-MVB/TP tethering were visualized as large well-defined patches of fluorescence on the PM that could displace PM proteins such as AtFlotillin1 and also could displace cytoplasmic proteins such as soluble GFP. Furthermore, we identified paralogous ubiquitin E3 ligase proteins, SAUL1 (AtPUB44), and AtPUB43 that could produce PM-MVB/TP tethering. SAUL1 and AtPUB43 could produce tethering in uninfected tissue when paired with MVB-binding proteins or when their E3 ligase domain was deleted. When Nicotiana benthamiana leaf tissue was infected with Phytophthora capsici, full length SAUL1 and AtPUB43 localized in membrane patches consistent with PM-MVB/TP tethering. Our findings define new tools for studying PM-MVB/TP tethering and its possible role in plant defense.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Although not previously observed, the tethering of multi-vesicular bodies to the plasma membrane is of interest due to the potential role of this process in producing exosomes in plants. Here we describe tools for observing and manipulating the tethering of multi-vesicular bodies and the tonoplast to the plant plasma membrane, and describe two plant proteins that may naturally regulate this process during infection.

Integrative meta-modeling identifies endocytic vesicles, late endosome and the nucleus as the cellular compartments primarily directing RTK signaling

Recently, intracellular receptor signaling has been identified as a key component mediating cell responses for various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). However, the extent each endocytic compartment (endocytic vesicle, early endosome, recycling endosome, late endosome, lysosome and nucleus) contributes to receptor signaling has not been quantified. Furthermore, our understanding of endocytosis and receptor signaling is complicated by cell- or receptor-specific endocytosis mechanisms. Therefore, towards understanding the differential endocytic compartment signaling roles, and identifying how to achieve signal transduction control for RTKs, we delineate how endocytosis regulates RTK signaling. We achieve this via a meta-analysis across eight RTKs, integrating computational modeling with experimentally derived cell (compartment volume, trafficking kinetics and pH) and ligand-receptor (ligand/receptor concentration and interaction kinetics) physiology. Our simulations predict the abundance of signaling from eight RTKs, identifying the following hierarchy in RTK signaling: PDGFRβ > IGFR1 > EGFR > PDGFRα > VEGFR1 > VEGFR2 > Tie2 > FGFR1. We find that endocytic vesicles are the primary cell signaling compartment; over 43% of total receptor signaling occurs within the endocytic vesicle compartment for these eight RTKs. Mechanistically, we found that high RTK signaling within endocytic vesicles may be attributed to their low volume (5.3 × 10^-19 L) which facilitates an enriched ligand concentration (3.2 μM per ligand molecule within the endocytic vesicle). Under the analyzed physiological conditions, we identified extracellular ligand concentration as the most sensitive parameter to change; hence the most significant one to modify when regulating absolute compartment signaling. We also found that the late endosome and nucleus compartments are important contributors to receptor signaling, where 26% and 18%, respectively, of average receptor signaling occurs across the eight RTKs. Conversely, we found very low membrane-based receptor signaling, exhibiting <1% of the total receptor signaling for these eight RTKs. Moreover, we found that nuclear translocation, mechanistically, requires late endosomal transport; when we blocked receptor trafficking from late endosomes to the nucleus we found a 57% reduction in nuclear translocation. In summary, our research has elucidated the significance of endocytic vesicles, late endosomes and the nucleus in RTK signal propagation.

GGA1 regulates signal-dependent sorting of BACE1 to recycling endosomes, which moderates Aβ production

The diversion of the membrane-bound β-site amyloid precursor protein-(APP) cleaving enzyme (BACE1) from the endolysosomal pathway to recycling endosomes represents an important transport step in the regulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) production. However, the mechanisms that regulate endosome sorting of BACE1 are poorly understood. Here we assessed the transport of BACE1 from early to recycling endosomes and have identified essential roles for the sorting nexin 4 (SNX4)-mediated, signal-independent pathway and for a novel signal-mediated pathway. The signal-mediated pathway is regulated by the phosphorylation of the DXXLL-motif sequence DISLL in the cytoplasmic tail of BACE1. The phosphomimetic S498D BACE1 mutant was trafficked to recycling endosomes at a faster rate compared with wild-type BACE1 or the nonphosphorylatable S498A mutant. The rapid transit of BACE1 S498D from early endosomes was coupled with reduced levels of amyloid precursor protein processing and Aβ production, compared with the S498A mutant. We show that the adaptor, GGA1, and retromer are essential to mediate rapid trafficking of phosphorylated BACE1 to recycling endosomes. In addition, the BACE1 DISLL motif is phosphorylated and regulates endosomal trafficking, in primary neurons. Therefore, post-translational phosphorylation of DISLL enhances the exit of BACE1 from early endosomes, a pathway mediated by GGA1 and retromer, which is important in regulating Aβ production.

A new role for human dyskerin in vesicular trafficking

Dyskerin is an essential, conserved, multifunctional protein found in the nucleolus, whose loss of function causes the rare genetic diseases X‐linked dyskeratosis congenita and Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome. To further investigate the wide range of dyskerin's biological roles, we set up stable cell lines able to trigger inducible protein knockdown and allow a detailed analysis of the cascade of events occurring within a short time frame. We report that dyskerin depletion quickly induces cytoskeleton remodeling and significant alterations in endocytic Ras‐related protein Rab‐5A/Rab11 trafficking. These effects arise in different cell lines well before the onset of telomere shortening, which is widely considered the main cause of dyskerin‐related diseases. Given that vesicular trafficking affects many homeostatic and differentiative processes, these findings add novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlining the pleiotropic manifestation of the dyskerin loss‐of‐function phenotype.

Legionella Effector AnkX Disrupts Host Cell Endocytic Recycling in a Phosphocholination-Dependent Manner

The facultative intracellular bacterium Legionella pneumophila proliferates within amoebae and human alveolar macrophages, and it is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, a life-threatening pneumonia. Within host cells, L. pneumophila establishes a replicative haven by delivering numerous effector proteins into the host cytosol, many of which target membrane trafficking by manipulating the function of Rab GTPases. The Legionella effector AnkX is a phosphocholine transferase that covalently modifies host Rab1 and Rab35. However, a detailed understanding of the biological consequence of Rab GTPase phosphocholination remains elusive. Here, we broaden the understanding of AnkX function by presenting three lines of evidence that it interferes with host endocytic recycling. First, using immunogold transmission electron microscopy, we determined that GFP-tagged AnkX ectopically produced in mammalian cells localizes at the plasma membrane and tubular membrane compartments, sites consistent with targeting the endocytic recycling pathway. Furthermore, the C-terminal region of AnkX was responsible for association with the plasma membrane, and we determined that this region was also able to bind the phosphoinositide lipids PI(3)P and PI(4)P in vitro. Second, we observed that mCherry-AnkX co-localized with Rab35, a regulator of recycling endocytosis and with major histocompatibility class I protein (MHC-I), a key immunoregulatory protein whose recycling from and back to the plasma membrane is Rab35-dependent. Third, we report that during infection of macrophages, AnkX is responsible for the disruption of endocytic recycling of transferrin, and AnkX's phosphocholination activity is critical for this function. These results support the hypothesis that AnkX targets endocytic recycling during host cell infection. Finally, we have demonstrated that the phosphocholination activity of AnkX is also critical for inhibiting fusion of the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV) with lysosomes.

Membrane Transport across Polarized Epithelia

Polarized epithelial cells line diverse surfaces throughout the body forming selective barriers between the external environment and the internal milieu. To cross these epithelial barriers, large solutes and other cargoes must undergo transcytosis, an endocytic pathway unique to polarized cell types, and significant for the development of cell polarity, uptake of viral and bacterial pathogens, transepithelial signaling, and immunoglobulin transport. Here, we review recent advances in our knowledge of the transcytotic pathway for proteins and lipids. We also discuss briefly the promise of harnessing the molecules that undergo transcytosis as vehicles for clinical applications in drug delivery.

Suppression of PmRab11 inhibits YHV infection in Penaeus monodon

Yellow head virus (YHV) is one of the most serious pathogens that causes worldwide shrimp production loss. It enters the cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis and utilizes small GTPase Rab proteins such as PmRab5 and PmRab7 for intracellular trafficking. In this study, molecular cloning and functional analysis of Rab11 during YHV infection were investigated. PmRab11 cDNA was cloned by Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACEs). It contained two forms of sizes 1200 and 1050 bp distinct at the 5' UTR. The coding region of PmRab11 was 645 bp, encoding 214 amino acids. It also demonstrated the characteristics of Rab11 proteins containing five GTP-binding domains, five Rab family domains, four Rab subfamily domains and a prenylation site at the C-terminus. Suppression of PmRab11 using dsRNA-PmRab11 either before or after YHV-challenge resulted in significant inhibition of YHV levels in the hemocytes and viral release in the supernatant in both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the silencing effect of PmRab11 in YHV-infected shrimps resulted in a delay in shrimp mortality for at least 2 days. Immunofluorescence study showed co-localization between PmRab11 and YHV at 24-72 h post YHV-challenge. In contrast, the co-localization signals were absence in the PmRab11 knockdown hemocytes and the YHV signals accumulated at the perinuclear region at 24 h post YHV-challenge. Then, accumulation of YHV was hardly observed after 48-72 h. These results suggested that PmRab11 is required for YHV infection in shrimp.

TMEM184b Promotes Axon Degeneration and Neuromuscular Junction Maintenance

Complex nervous systems achieve proper connectivity during development and must maintain these connections throughout life. The processes of axon and synaptic maintenance and axon degeneration after injury are jointly controlled by a number of proteins within neurons, including ubiquitin ligases and mitogen activated protein kinases. However, our understanding of these molecular cascades is incomplete. Here we describe the phenotype resulting from mutation of TMEM184b, a protein identified in a screen for axon degeneration mediators. TMEM184b is highly expressed in the mouse nervous system and is found in recycling endosomes in neuronal cell bodies and axons. Disruption of TMEM184b expression results in prolonged maintenance of peripheral axons following nerve injury, demonstrating a role for TMEM184b in axon degeneration. In contrast to this protective phenotype in axons, uninjured mutant mice have anatomical and functional impairments in the peripheral nervous system. Loss of TMEM184b causes swellings at neuromuscular junctions that become more numerous with age, demonstrating that TMEM184b is critical for the maintenance of synaptic architecture. These swellings contain abnormal multivesicular structures similar to those seen in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Mutant animals also show abnormal sensory terminal morphology. TMEM184b mutant animals are deficient on the inverted screen test, illustrating a role for TMEM184b in sensory-motor function. Overall, we have identified an important function for TMEM184b in peripheral nerve terminal structure, function, and the axon degeneration pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Our work has identified both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative roles for a previously undescribed protein, TMEM184b. TMEM184b mutation causes delayed axon degeneration following peripheral nerve injury, indicating that it participates in the degeneration process. Simultaneously, TMEM184b mutation causes progressive structural abnormalities at neuromuscular synapses and swellings within sensory terminals, and animals with this mutation display profound weakness. Thus, TMEM184b is necessary for normal peripheral nerve terminal morphology and maintenance. Loss of TMEM184b results in accumulation of autophagosomal structures in vivo, fitting with emerging studies that have linked autophagy disruption and neurological disease. Our work recognizes TMEM184b as a new player in the maintenance of the nervous system.

Rab11-FIP3 Regulation of Lck Endosomal Traffic Controls TCR Signal Transduction

The role of endosomes in receptor signal transduction is a long-standing question, which remains largely unanswered. The T cell Ag receptor and various components of its proximal signaling machinery are associated with distinct endosomal compartments, but how endosomal traffic affects T cell signaling remains ill-defined. In this article, we demonstrate in human T cells that the subcellular localization and function of the protein tyrosine kinase Lck depends on the Rab11 effector FIP3 (Rab11 family interacting protein-3). FIP3 overexpression or silencing and its ability to interact with Rab11 modify Lck subcellular localization and its delivery to the immunological synapse. Importantly, FIP3-dependent Lck localization controls early TCR signaling events, such as tyrosine phosphorylation of TCRζ, ZAP70, and LAT and intracellular calcium concentration, as well as IL-2 gene expression. Interestingly, FIP3 controls both steady-state and poststimulation phosphotyrosine and calcium levels. Finally, our findings indicate that FIP3 modulates TCR-CD3 cell surface expression via the regulation of steady-state Lck-mediated TCRζ phosphorylation, which in turn controls TCRζ protein levels. This may influence long-term T cell activation in response to TCR-CD3 stimulation. Therefore, our data underscore the importance of finely regulated endosomal traffic in TCR signal transduction and T cell activation leading to IL-2 production.

Plasma Membrane Targeting of Endogenous NKCC2 in COS7 Cells Bypasses Functional Golgi Cisternae and Complex N-Glycosylation

Na⁺K⁺2Cl⁻ co-transporters (NKCCs) effect the electroneutral movement of Na⁺-K⁺ and 2Cl⁻ ions across the plasma membrane of vertebrate cells. There are two known NKCC isoforms, NKCC1 (Slc12a2) and NKCC2 (Slc12a1). NKCC1 is a ubiquitously expressed transporter involved in cell volume regulation, Cl⁻ homeostasis and epithelial salt secretion, whereas NKCC2 is abundantly expressed in kidney epithelial cells of the thick ascending loop of Henle, where it plays key roles in NaCl reabsorption and electrolyte homeostasis. Although NKCC1 and NKCC2 co-transport the same ions with identical stoichiometry, NKCC1 actively co-transports water whereas NKCC2 does not. There is growing evidence showing that NKCC2 is expressed outside the kidney, but its function in extra-renal tissues remains unknown. The present study shows molecular and functional evidence of endogenous NKCC2 expression in COS7 cells, a widely used mammalian cell model. Endogenous NKCC2 is primarily found in recycling endosomes, Golgi cisternae, Golgi-derived vesicles, and to a lesser extent in the endoplasmic reticulum. Unlike NKCC1, NKCC2 is minimally hybrid/complex N-glycosylated under basal conditions and yet it is trafficked to the plasma membrane region of hyper-osmotically challenged cells through mechanisms that require minimal complex N-glycosylation or functional Golgi cisternae. Control COS7 cells exposed to slightly hyperosmotic (~6.7%) solutions for 16 h were not shrunken, suggesting that either one or both NKCC1 and NKCC2 may participate in cell volume recovery. However, NKCC2 targeted to the plasma membrane region or transient over-expression of NKCC2 failed to rescue NKCC1 in COS7 cells where NKCC1 had been silenced. Further, COS7 cells in which NKCC1, but not NKCC2, was silenced exhibited reduced cell size compared to control cells. Altogether, these results suggest that NKCC2 does not participate in cell volume recovery and therefore, NKCC1 and NKCC2 are functionally different Na⁺K⁺2Cl⁻ co-transporters.

Circulating exosomes and exosomal microRNAs as biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancer

The most important biological function of exosomes is their possible use as biomarkers in clinical diagnosis. Compared with biomarkers identified in conventional specimens such as serum or urine, exosomal biomarkers provide the highest amount of sensitivity and specificity, which can be attributed to their excellent stability. Exosomes, which harbor different types of proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, are present in almost all bodily fluids. The molecular constituents of exosomes, especially exosomal proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs), are promising as biomarkers in clinical diagnosis. This discovery that exosomes also contain messenger RNAs and miRNAs shows that they could be carriers of genetic information. Although the majority of RNAs found in exosomes are degraded RNA fragments with a length of <200 nucleotides, some full-length RNAs might be present that may affect protein production in the recipient cell. In addition, exosomal miRNAs have been found to be associated with certain diseases. Several studies have pointed out miRNA contents of circulating exosomes that are similar to those of originating cancer cells. In this review, the recent advances in circulating exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancers are discussed. These studies indicated that miRNAs can be detected in exosomes isolated from body fluids such as saliva, which suggests potential advantages of using exosomal miRNAs as noninvasive novel biomarkers.

Mitotic cells form actin-based bridges with adjacent cells to provide intercellular communication during rounding

In order to achieve accurate chromosome segregation, eukaryotic cells undergo a dramatic change in morphology to obtain a spherical shape during mitosis. Interphase cells communicate directly with each other by exchanging ions and small molecules via gap junctions, which have important roles in controlling cell growth and differentiation. As cells round up during mitosis, the gap junctional communication between mitotic cells and adjacent interphase cells ceases. Whether mitotic cells use alternative mechanisms for mediating direct cell-cell communication during rounding is currently unknown. Here, we have studied the mechanisms involved in the remodeling of gap junctions during mitosis. We further demonstrate that mitotic cells are able to form actin-based plasma membrane bridges with adjacent cells during rounding. These structures, termed “mitotic nanotubes,” were found to be involved in mediating the transport of cytoplasm, including Rab11-positive vesicles, between mitotic cells and adjacent cells. Moreover, a subpool of the gap-junction channel protein connexin43 localized in these intercellular bridges during mitosis. Collectively, the data provide new insights into the mechanisms involved in the remodeling of gap junctions during mitosis and identify actin-based plasma membrane bridges as a novel means of communication between mitotic cells and adjacent cells during rounding.

Preparing the lethal hit: interplay between exo- and endocytic pathways in cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes patrol our body in search for infected cells which they kill through the release of cytotoxic substances contained in cytotoxic granules. The fusion of cytotoxic granules occurs at a specially formed contact site, the immunological synapse, and is tightly controlled to ensure specificity. In this review, we discuss the contribution of two intracellular compartments, endosomes and cytotoxic granules, to the formation, function and disassembly of the immunological synapse. We highlight a recently proposed sequential process of fusion events at the IS upon target cell recognition. First, recycling endosomes fuse with the plasma membrane to deliver cargo required for the docking of cytotoxic granules. Second, cytotoxic granules arrive and fuse upon docking in a SNARE-dependent manner. Following fusion, membrane components of the cytotoxic granule are retrieved through endocytosis to ensure the fast, efficient serial killing of target cells that is characteristic of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Two-Pore Channels and Parkinson's Disease: Where's the Link?

Two-pore channels are endolysosomal Ca2+ release channels involved in proper trafficking to and from those organelles. They are the likely targets for the Ca2+-mobilizing messenger NAADP, and are further regulated by a variety of mechanisms including phosphoinositide levels and Rab proteins. As discussed here, recent studies highlight a role for these channels in the pathomechanism(s) underlying Parkinson's disease, with important implications for possible alternative treatment strategies.

Influenza Virus Induces Cholesterol-Enriched Endocytic Recycling Compartments for Budozone Formation via Cell Cycle-Independent Centrosome Maturation

Influenza virus particles are assembled at the plasma membrane in concert with incorporation of the virus genome, but the details of its spatio-temporal regulation are not understood. Here we showed that influenza virus infection induces the assembly of pericentrosomal endocytic recycling compartment (ERC) through the activation of Rab11a GTPase and cell cycle-independent maturation of centrosome by YB-1, a multifunctional protein that is involved in mitotic division, RNA metabolism and tumorigenesis. YB-1 is recruited to the centrosome in infected cells and is required for anchoring microtubules to the centrosome. We also found that viral infection accumulates cholesterol in ERC and is dependent on YB-1. Depletion of YB-1 shows reduced cholesterol-enriched ERC and prevented budozone formation at the plasma membrane. These results suggest that cholesterol in recycling endosomes, which are emanated from ERC, may trigger the virus assembly concomitantly with the packaging of the virus genome. We propose that the virus genome is transported to the plasma membrane by cholesterol-enriched recycling endosomes through cell cycle-independent activation of the centrosome by YB-1.

Influenza virus particles are assembled at the plasma membrane in concert with incorporation of the virus genome, but the details of its spatiotemporal regulation are unknown. We found that the virus genome is transported to the plasma membrane using cholesterol-enriched recycling endosomes through cell cycle-independent activation of the centrosome by recruiting YB-1, which is a mitotic centrosomal protein. We also revealed that the cholesterol-enriched endosomes are important for clustering of viral structural proteins at lipid rafts to assemble the virus particles. These results suggest that local accumulation of cholesterol, via fusion of endosomes to the plasma membrane, is one of the triggers for the virus assembly concomitantly with arrival of the virus genome beneath the plasma membrane.

Right Time, Right Place: Probing the Functions of Organelle Positioning

The proper spatial arrangement of organelles underlies many cellular processes including signaling, polarization, and growth. Despite the importance of local positioning, the precise connection between subcellular localization and organelle function is often not fully understood. To address this, recent studies have developed and employed different strategies to directly manipulate organelle distributions, such as the use of (light-sensitive) heterodimerization to control the interaction between selected organelles and specific motor proteins, adaptor molecules, or anchoring factors. We review here the importance of subcellular localization as well as tools to control local organelle positioning. Because these approaches allow spatiotemporal control of organelle distribution, they will be invaluable tools to unravel local functioning and the mechanisms that control positioning.

Structural and functional hepatocyte polarity and liver disease

Hepatocytes form a crucially important cell layer that separates sinusoidal blood from the canalicular bile. They have a uniquely organized polarity with a basal membrane facing liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, while one or more apical poles can contribute to several bile canaliculi jointly with the directly opposing hepatocytes. Establishment and maintenance of hepatocyte polarity is essential for many functions of hepatocytes and requires carefully orchestrated cooperation between cell adhesion molecules, cell junctions, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix and intracellular trafficking machinery. The process of hepatocyte polarization requires energy and, if abnormal, may result in severe liver disease. A number of inherited disorders affecting tight junction and intracellular trafficking proteins have been described and demonstrate clinical and pathophysiological features overlapping those of the genetic cholestatic liver diseases caused by defects in canalicular ABC transporters. Thus both structural and functional components contribute to the final hepatocyte polarity phenotype. Many acquired liver diseases target factors that determine hepatocyte polarity, such as junctional proteins. Hepatocyte depolarization frequently occurs but is rarely recognized because hematoxylin-eosin staining does not identify the bile canaliculus. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects are not well understood. Here we aim to provide an update on the key factors determining hepatocyte polarity and how it is affected in inherited and acquired diseases.

Distinct subcellular trafficking resulting from monomeric vs multimeric targeting to endothelial ICAM-1: implications for drug delivery

Ligand-targeted, receptor-mediated endocytosis is commonly exploited for intracellular drug delivery. However, cells-surface receptors may follow distinct endocytic fates when bound by monomeric vs multimeric ligands. Our purpose was to study this paradigm using ICAM-1, an endothelial receptor involved in inflammation, to better understand its regulation and potential for drug delivery. Our procedure involved fluorescence microscopy of human endothelial cells to determine the endocytic behavior of unbound ICAM-1 vs ICAM-1 bound by model ligands: monomeric (anti-ICAM) vs multimeric (anti-ICAM biotin–streptavidin conjugates or anti-ICAM coated onto 100 nm nanocarriers). Our findings suggest that both monomeric and multimeric ligands undergo a similar endocytic pathway sensitive to amiloride (∼50% inhibition), but not inhibitors of clathrin-pits or caveoli. After 30 min, ∼60–70% of both ligands colocalized with Rab11a-compartments. By 3–5 h, ∼65–80% of multimeric anti-ICAM colocalized with perinuclear lysosomes with ∼60–80% degradation, while 70% of monomeric anti-ICAM remained associated with Rab11a at the cell periphery and recycled to and from the cell-surface with minimal (<10%) lysosomal colocalization and minimal (≤15%) degradation. In the absence of ligands, ICAM-1 also underwent amiloride-sensitive endocytosis with peripheral distribution, suggesting that monomeric (not multimeric) anti-ICAM follows the route of this receptor. In conclusion, ICAM-1 can mediate different intracellular itineraries, revealing new insight into this biological pathway and alternative avenues for drug delivery.

TLR sorting by Rab11 endosomes maintains intestinal epithelial-microbial homeostasis

Compartmentalization of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) regulates distinct immune responses to microbes; however, the specific cellular machinery that controls this mechanism has not been fully identified. Here we provide genetic evidences that the recycling endosomal compartment in enterocytes maintains a homeostatic TLR9 intracellular distribution, supporting mucosal tolerance to normal microbiota. Genetic ablation of a recycling endosome resident small GTPase, Rab11a, a gene adjacent to a Crohn's disease risk locus, in mouse IECs and in Drosophila midgut caused epithelial cell-intrinsic cytokine production, inflammatory bowel phenotype, and early mortality. Unlike wild-type controls, germ-free Rab11a-deficient mouse intestines failed to tolerate the intraluminal stimulation of microbial agonists. Thus, Rab11a endosome controls intestinal host-microbial homeostasis at least partially via sorting TLRs.

The small GTPase RAB-11 directs polarized exocytosis of the intracellular pathogen N. parisii for fecal-oral transmission from C. elegans

Pathogen exit is a key stage in the spread and propagation of infectious disease, with the fecal-oral route being a common mode of disease transmission. However, it is poorly understood which molecular pathways provide the major modes for intracellular pathogen exit and fecal-oral transmission in vivo. Here, we use the transparent nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate intestinal cell exit and fecal-oral transmission by the natural intracellular pathogen Nematocida parisii, which is a recently identified species of microsporidia. We show that N. parisii exits from polarized host intestinal cells by co-opting the host vesicle trafficking system and escaping into the lumen. Using a genetic screen, we identified components of the host endocytic recycling pathway that are required for N. parisii spore exit via exocytosis. In particular, we show that the small GTPase RAB-11 localizes to apical spores, is required for spore-containing compartments to fuse with the apical plasma membrane, and is required for spore exit. In addition, we find that RAB-11-deficient animals exhibit impaired contagiousness, supporting an in vivo role for this host trafficking factor in microsporidia disease transmission. Altogether, these findings provide an in vivo example of the major mode of exit used by a natural pathogen for disease spread via fecal-oral transmission.

The mechanical activation of mTOR signaling: an emerging role for late endosome/lysosomal targeting

It is well recognized that mechanical signals play a critical role in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass, and the maintenance of muscle mass is essential for mobility, disease prevention and quality of life. Furthermore, over the last 15 years it has become established that signaling through a protein kinase called the mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) is essential for mechanically-induced changes in protein synthesis and muscle mass, however, the mechanism(s) via which mechanical stimuli regulate mTOR signaling have not been defined. Nonetheless, advancements are being made, and an emerging body of evidence suggests that the late endosome/lysosomal (LEL) system might play a key role in this process. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize this body of evidence. Specifically, we will first explain why the Ras homologue enriched in brain (Rheb) and phosphatidic acid (PA) are considered to be direct activators of mTOR signaling. We will then describe the process of endocytosis and its involvement in the formation of LEL structures, as well as the evidence which indicates that mTOR and its direct activators (Rheb and PA) are all enriched at the LEL. Finally, we will summarize the evidence that has implicated the LEL in the regulation of mTOR by various growth regulatory inputs such as amino acids, growth factors and mechanical stimuli.

Synergism between upregulation of Rab7 and inhibition of autophagic degradation caused by mycoplasma facilitates intracellular mycoplasma infection

Following fusion of a mycoplasma with a host cell membrane, the inserted components of mycoplasma may then be transported through the endocytic pathway. However, the effects of mycoplasmas on the host cell endomembrane system are largely unknown. In this study, mycoplasma-induced changes in the dynamics of endocytic and autophagic systems were investigated. Endocytosis and autophagy are two major processes involved in the survival of intracellular prokaryotic pathogens. It was found that, immediately following infection, mycoplasmas induce endocytosis in the host cell; however, in the long term the mycoplasmas suppress turnover of the components of the endocytic pathway. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that Rab7 and LC3-II are recruited to the intracellular mycoplasma-containing compartments. Western blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed that mycoplasmas increase expression of Rab7 by upregulating transcription, but increase levels of LC3-II and p62 by post-translational regulation. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that mycoplasma infection causes inhibition of autophagic degradation of LC3-II and p62. In addition, it was found that upregulation of Rab7 and inhibition of autophagic degradation synergistically contributes to intracellular mycoplasma accumulation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that mycoplasmas may manipulate host cell endosomal and autophagic systems in order to facilitate intracellular infection.

A functional interplay between the small GTPase Rab11a and mitochondria-shaping proteins regulates mitochondrial positioning and polarization of the actin cytoskeleton downstream of Src family kinases

It is believed that mitochondrial dynamics is coordinated with endosomal traffic rates during cytoskeletal remodeling, but the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. The adenovirus early region 4 ORF4 protein (E4orf4) subverts signaling by Src family kinases (SFK) to perturb cellular morphology, membrane traffic, and organellar dynamics and to trigger cell death. Using E4orf4 as a model, we uncovered a functional connection between mitochondria-shaping proteins and the small GTPase Rab11a, a key regulator of polarized transport via recycling endosomes. We found that E4orf4 induced dramatic changes in the morphology of mitochondria along with their mobilization at the vicinity of a polarized actin network typifying E4orf4 action, in a manner controlled by SFK and Rab11a. Mitochondrial remodeling was associated with increased proximity between Rab11a and mitochondrial membranes, changes in fusion-fission dynamics, and mitochondrial relocalization of the fission factor dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), which was regulated by the Rab11a effector protein FIP1/RCP. Knockdown of FIP1/RCP or inhibition of Drp1 markedly impaired mitochondrial remodeling and actin assembly, involving Rab11a-mediated mitochondrial dynamics in E4orf4-induced signaling. A similar mobilization of mitochondria near actin-rich structures was mediated by Rab11 and Drp1 in viral Src-transformed cells and contributed to the biogenesis of podosome rosettes. These findings suggest a role for Rab11a in the trafficking of Drp1 to mitochondria upon SFK activation and unravel a novel functional interplay between Rab11a and mitochondria during reshaping of the cell cytoskeleton, which would facilitate mitochondria redistribution near energy-requiring actin-rich structures.

GTP hydrolysis of TC10 promotes neurite outgrowth through exocytic fusion of Rab11- and L1-containing vesicles by releasing exocyst component Exo70

The use of exocytosis for membrane expansion at nerve growth cones is critical for neurite outgrowth. TC10 is a Rho family GTPase that is essential for specific types of vesicular trafficking to the plasma membrane. Recent studies have shown that TC10 and its effector Exo70, a component of the exocyst tethering complex, contribute to neurite outgrowth. However, the molecular mechanisms of the neuritogenesis-promoting functions of TC10 remain to be established. Here, we propose that GTP hydrolysis of vesicular TC10 near the plasma membrane promotes neurite outgrowth by accelerating vesicle fusion by releasing Exo70. Using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors, we show that TC10 activity at the plasma membrane decreased at extending growth cones in hippocampal neurons and nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated PC12 cells. In neuronal cells, TC10 activity at vesicles was higher than its activity at the plasma membrane, and TC10-positive vesicles were found to fuse to the plasma membrane in NGF-treated PC12 cells. Therefore, activity of TC10 at vesicles is presumed to be inactivated near the plasma membrane during neuronal exocytosis. Our model is supported by functional evidence that constitutively active TC10 could not rescue decrease in NGF-induced neurite outgrowth induced by TC10 depletion. Furthermore, TC10 knockdown experiments and colocalization analyses confirmed the involvement of Exo70 in TC10-mediated trafficking in neuronal cells. TC10 frequently resided on vesicles containing Rab11, which is a key regulator of recycling pathways and implicated in neurite outgrowth. In growth cones, most of the vesicles containing the cell adhesion molecule L1 had TC10. Exocytosis of Rab11- and L1-positive vesicles may play a central role in TC10-mediated neurite outgrowth. The combination of this study and our previous work on the role of TC10 in EGF-induced exocytosis in HeLa cells suggests that the signaling machinery containing TC10 proposed here may be broadly used for exocytosis.

Intracellular itinerary of internalised β-secretase, BACE1, and its potential impact on β-amyloid peptide biogenesis

β-Secretase (BACE1) cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) represents the initial step in the formation of the Alzheimer's disease associated amyloidogenic Aβ peptide. Substantive evidence indicates that APP processing by BACE1 is dependent on intracellular sorting of this enzyme. Nonetheless, knowledge of the intracellular trafficking pathway of internalised BACE1 remains in doubt. Here we show that cell surface BACE1 is rapidly internalised by the AP2/clathrin dependent pathway in transfected cells and traffics to early endosomes and Rab11-positive, juxtanuclear recycling endosomes, with very little transported to the TGN as has been previously suggested. Moreover, BACE1 is predominantly localised to the early and recycling endosome compartments in different cell types, including neuronal cells. In contrast, the majority of internalised wild-type APP traffics to late endosomes/lysosomes. To explore the relevance of the itinerary of BACE1 on APP processing, we generated a BACE1 chimera containing the cytoplasmic tail of TGN38 (BACE/TGN38), which cycles between the cell surface and TGN in an AP2-dependent manner. Wild-type BACE1 is less efficient in Aβ production than the BACE/TGN38 chimera, highlighting the relevance of the itinerary of BACE1 on APP processing. Overall the data suggests that internalised BACE1 and APP diverge at early endosomes and that Aβ biogenesis is regulated in part by the recycling itinerary of BACE1.