Galectin-4-mediated transcytosis of transferrin receptor

A Bispecific METxMET Antibody-Drug Conjugate with Cleavable Linker Is Processed in Recycling and Late Endosomes

Most antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) approved for the treatment of cancer contain protease-cleavable linkers. ADCs that traffic to lysosomes traverse highly acidic late endosomes, while ADCs that recycle to the plasma membrane traffic through mildly acidic sorting and recycling endosomes. Although endosomes have been proposed to process cleavable ADCs, the precise identity of the relevant compartments and their relative contributions to ADC processing remain undefined. Here we show that a METxMET biparatopic antibody internalizes into sorting endosomes, rapidly traffics to recycling endosomes, and slowly reaches late endosomes. In agreement with the current model of ADC trafficking, late endosomes are the primary processing site of MET, EGFR, and prolactin receptor ADCs. Interestingly, recycling endosomes contribute up to 35% processing of the MET and EGFR ADCs in different cancer cells, mediated by cathepsin-L, which localizes to this compartment. Taken together, our findings provide insight into the relationship between transendosomal trafficking and ADC processing and suggest that receptors that traffic through recycling endosomes might be suitable targets for cleavable ADCs.

Single-molecule characterization of a bright and photostable deep-red fluorescent squaraine-figure-eight (SF8) dye

Squaraine Figure Eight (SF8) dyes are a unique class of deep-red fluorescent dyes with self-threaded molecular architecture that provides structural rigidity while simultaneously encapsulating and protecting the emissive fluorochrome. Previous cell microscopy and bulk phase studies of SF8 dyes indicated order of magnitude enhancements in photostability over conventional pentamethine cyanine dyes such as Cy5. Studies conducted at the single molecule level now reveal that these ensemble level enhancements carry over to the single molecule level in terms of enhanced emission quantum yields, longer times to photobleaching, and enhanced total photon yields. When compared to Cy5, the SF8-based dye SF8(D4)2 possesses a three-fold larger single molecule emission quantum yield, exhibits order of magnitude longer average times before photobleaching, and exhibits twenty times larger photon yields. Additional features such as water solubility, fluorochrome encapsulation to protect it against nucleophilic attack, and selective biomarker targeting capability make SF8-based dyes promising candidates for biological labeling and microscopy applications and single molecule tracking.

Sonic hedgehog is basolaterally sorted from the TGN and transcytosed to the apical domain involving Dispatched-1 at Rab11-ARE

Hedgehog proteins (Hhs) secretion from apical and/or basolateral domains occurs in different epithelial cells impacting development and tissue homeostasis. Palmitoylation and cholesteroylation attach Hhs to membranes, and Dispatched-1 (Disp-1) promotes their release. How these lipidated proteins are handled by the complex secretory and endocytic pathways of polarized epithelial cells remains unknown. We show that polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells address newly synthesized sonic hedgehog (Shh) from the TGN to the basolateral cell surface and then to the apical domain through a transcytosis pathway that includes Rab11-apical recycling endosomes (Rab11-ARE). Both palmitoylation and cholesteroylation contribute to this sorting behavior, otherwise Shh lacking these lipid modifications is secreted unpolarized. Disp-1 mediates first basolateral secretion from the TGN and then transcytosis from Rab11-ARE. At the steady state, Shh predominates apically and can be basolaterally transcytosed. This Shh trafficking provides several steps for regulation and variation in different epithelia, subordinating the apical to the basolateral secretion.

Cytochrome P450 1B1: A Key Regulator of Ocular Iron Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1B1 belongs to the superfamily of heme-containing monooxygenases. Unlike other CYP enzymes, which are highly expressed in the liver, CYP1B1 is predominantly found in extrahepatic tissues, such as the brain, and ocular tissues including retina and trabecular meshwork. CYP1B1 metabolizes exogenous chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. CYP1B1 also metabolizes endogenous bioactive compounds including estradiol and arachidonic acid. These metabolites impact various cellular and physiological processes during development and pathological processes. We previously showed that CYP1B1 deficiency mitigates ischemia-mediated retinal neovascularization and drives the trabecular meshwork dysgenesis through increased levels of oxidative stress. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for CYP1B1-deficiency-mediated increased oxidative stress remain largely unresolved. Iron is an essential element and utilized as a cofactor in a variety of enzymes. However, excess iron promotes the production of hydroxyl radicals, lipid peroxidation, increased oxidative stress, and cell damage. The retinal endothelium is recognized as a major component of the blood-retinal barrier, which controls ocular iron levels through the modulation of proteins involved in iron regulation present in retinal endothelial cells, as well as other ocular cell types including trabecular meshwork cells. We previously showed increased levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in the absence of CYP1B1, and in the retinal vasculature and trabecular meshwork, which was reversed by administration of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Here, we review the important role CYP1B1 expression and activity play in maintaining retinal redox homeostasis through the modulation of iron levels by retinal endothelial cells. The relationship between CYP1B1 expression and activity and iron levels has not been previously delineated. We review the potential significance of CYP1B1 expression, estrogen metabolism, and hepcidin-ferroportin regulatory axis in the local regulation of ocular iron levels.

Glycolipid-dependent and lectin-driven transcytosis in mouse enterocytes

Glycoproteins and glycolipids at the plasma membrane contribute to a range of functions from growth factor signaling to cell adhesion and migration. Glycoconjugates undergo endocytic trafficking. According to the glycolipid-lectin (GL-Lect) hypothesis, the construction of tubular endocytic pits is driven in a glycosphingolipid-dependent manner by sugar-binding proteins of the galectin family. Here, we provide evidence for a function of the GL-Lect mechanism in transcytosis across enterocytes in the mouse intestine. We show that galectin-3 (Gal3) and its newly identified binding partner lactotransferrin are transported in a glycosphingolipid-dependent manner from the apical to the basolateral membrane. Transcytosis of lactotransferrin is perturbed in Gal3 knockout mice and can be rescued by exogenous Gal3. Inside enterocytes, Gal3 is localized to hallmark structures of the GL-Lect mechanism, termed clathrin-independent carriers. These data pioneer the existence of GL-Lect endocytosis in vivo and strongly suggest that polarized trafficking across the intestinal barrier relies on this mechanism.

Membrane trafficking in the retinal pigment epithelium at a glance

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a highly specialised pigmented monolayer sandwiched between the choroid and the photoreceptors in the retina. Key functions of the RPE include transport of nutrients to the neural retina, removal of waste products and water from the retina to the blood, recycling of retinal chromophores, absorption of scattered light and phagocytosis of the tips of the photoreceptor outer segments. These functions place a considerable membrane trafficking burden on the RPE. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we focus on RPE-specific adaptations of trafficking pathways. We outline mechanisms underlying the polarised expression of membrane proteins, melanosome biogenesis and movement, and endocytic trafficking, as well as photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis and degradation. We also briefly discuss theories of how dysfunction in trafficking pathways contributes to retinal disease.

Galectins in Intra- and Extracellular Vesicles

Carbohydrate-binding galectins are expressed in various tissues of multicellular organisms. They are involved in autophagy, cell migration, immune response, inflammation, intracellular transport, and signaling. In recent years, novel roles of galectin-interaction with membrane components have been characterized, which lead to the formation of vesicles with diverse functions. These vesicles are part of intracellular transport pathways, belong to the cellular degradation machinery, or can be released for cell-to-cell communication. Several characteristics of galectins in the lumen or at the membrane of newly formed vesicular structures are discussed in this review and illustrate the need to fully elucidate their contributions at the molecular and structural level.

[Iron and age-related macular degeneration: a new track]

Iron has a fundamental role for cell physiology and especially in retina as a cofactor of many pathways of the visual transduction. A tightly regulated homeostasis avoids the accumulation of prooxidant and proinflammatory free iron. A dysfunction of iron retinal homeostasis is associated with many genetic or age-related degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we describe various mechanisms reported during AMD, enhanced by iron accumulation and its homeostasis dysregulation. We have investigated a local treatment with transferrin, the natural iron carrier, to control these pathological pathways and iron dysfunction, without side effects. Iron has a central role in pathogenesis of AMD and is a target for futures therapies.

From Rust to Quantum Biology: The Role of Iron in Retina Physiopathology

Iron is essential for cell survival and function. It is a transition metal, that could change its oxidation state from Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺ involving an electron transfer, the key of vital functions but also organ dysfunctions. The goal of this review is to illustrate the primordial role of iron and local iron homeostasis in retinal physiology and vision, as well as the pathological consequences of iron excess in animal models of retinal degeneration and in human retinal diseases. We summarize evidence of the potential therapeutic effect of iron chelation in retinal diseases and especially the interest of transferrin, a ubiquitous endogenous iron-binding protein, having the ability to treat or delay degenerative retinal diseases.

The cell biology of the retinal pigment epithelium

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of post-mitotic polarized epithelial cells, strategically situated between the photoreceptors and the choroid, is the primary caretaker of photoreceptor health and function. Dysfunction of the RPE underlies many inherited and acquired diseases that cause permanent blindness. Decades of research have yielded valuable insight into the cell biology of the RPE. In recent years, new technologies such as live-cell imaging have resulted in major advancement in our understanding of areas such as the daily phagocytosis and clearance of photoreceptor outer segment tips, autophagy, endolysosome function, and the metabolic interplay between the RPE and photoreceptors. In this review, we aim to integrate these studies with an emphasis on appropriate models and techniques to investigate RPE cell biology and metabolism, and discuss how RPE cell biology informs our understanding of retinal disease.

Leucine zipper transcription factor-like 1 binds adaptor protein complex-1 and 2 and participates in trafficking of transferrin receptor 1

LZTFL1 participates in immune synapse formation, ciliogenesis, and the localization of ciliary proteins, and knockout of LZTFL1 induces abnormal distribution of heterotetrameric adaptor protein complex-1 (AP-1) in the Lztfl1-knockout mouse photoreceptor cells, suggesting that LZTFL1 is involved in intracellular transport. Here, we demonstrate that in vitro LZTFL1 directly binds to AP-1 and AP-2 and coimmunoprecipitates AP-1 and AP-2 from cell lysates. DxxFxxLxxxR motif of LZTFL1 is essential for these bindings, suggesting LZTFL1 has roles in AP-1 and AP-2-mediated protein trafficking. Since AP-1 and AP-2 are known to be involved in transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) trafficking, the effect of LZTFL1 on TfR1 recycling was analyzed. TfR1, AP-1 and LZTFL1 from cell lysates could be coimmunoprecipitated. However, pull-down results indicate there is no direct interaction between TfR1 and LZTFL1, suggesting that LZTFL1 interaction with TfR1 is indirect through AP-1. We report the colocalization of LZTFL1 and AP-1, AP-1 and TfR1 as well as LZTFL1 and TfR1 in the perinuclear region (PNR) and the cytoplasm, suggesting a potential complex between LZTFL1, AP-1 and TfR1. The results from the disruption of adaptin recruitment with brefeldin A treatment suggested ADP-ribosylation factor-dependent localization of LZFL1 and AP-1 in the PNR. Knockdown of AP-1 reduces the level of LZTFL1 in the PNR, suggesting that AP-1 plays a role in LZTFL1 trafficking. Knockout of LZTFL1 reduces the cell surface level and the rate of internalization of TfR1, leading to a decrease of transferrin uptake, efflux, and internalization. However, knockout of LZTFL1 did not affect the cell surface levels of epidermal growth factor receptor and cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor, indicating that LZTFL1 specifically regulates the cell surface level of TfR1. These data support a novel role of LZTFL1 in regulating the cell surface TfR1 level by interacting with AP-1 and AP-2.

The multifaceted role of iron in renal health and disease

Iron is an essential element that is indispensable for life. The delicate physiological body iron balance is maintained by both systemic and cellular regulatory mechanisms. The iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin assures maintenance of adequate systemic iron levels and is regulated by circulating and stored iron levels, inflammation and erythropoiesis. The kidney has an important role in preventing iron loss from the body by means of reabsorption. Cellular iron levels are dependent on iron import, storage, utilization and export, which are mainly regulated by the iron response element-iron regulatory protein (IRE-IRP) system. In the kidney, iron transport mechanisms independent of the IRE-IRP system have been identified, suggesting additional mechanisms for iron handling in this organ. Yet, knowledge gaps on renal iron handling remain in terms of redundancy in transport mechanisms, the roles of the different tubular segments and related regulatory processes. Disturbances in cellular and systemic iron balance are recognized as causes and consequences of kidney injury. Consequently, iron metabolism has become a focus for novel therapeutic interventions for acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, which has fuelled interest in the molecular mechanisms of renal iron handling and renal injury, as well as the complex dynamics between systemic and local cellular iron regulation.

Transferrin Functionization Elevates Transcytosis of Nanogranules across Epithelium by Triggering Polarity-Associated Transport Flow and Positive Cellular Feedback Loop

Overcoming the epithelial barriers to enhance drug transport is a focused topic for gastrointestinal, intratracheal, intranasal, vaginal, and intrauterine delivery. Nanomedicines with targeting functionization promote such a process owing to specific ligand-receptor interaction. However, compared to the cell uptake of targeting nanotherapies, currently few studies concentrate on their transcytosis including endocytosis for "in" and exocytosis for "out". In fact, the cellular regulatory mechanism for these pathways as well as the principle of ligand's effect on the transcytosis are almost ignored. Here, we fabricated transferrin (Tf) functionalized nanogranules (Tf-NG) as the nanomedicine model and confirmed the difference in polar distributions of Tf receptors (TfRs) between two epithelium models (bipolarity for Caco-2 and unipolarity for MDCK cells). Compared to the nonspecific reference, Tf-conjugation boosted the endocytosis by different pathways in two cell models and transformed the intracellular route of Tf-NG in both cells differently, affecting exocytosis, recycling, and degradation but not the secretion pathway. Only bipolar cells could establish a complete transport flow from "in" to "out", leading to the enhanced transcytosis of Tf-NG. Importantly, epithelia could make responses to Tf-NG transcytosis. Based on the quantitative proteomics, the intracellular trafficking of Tf-NG altered the protein expression profiles, in which the endocytosis- and transcytosis-related proteins were specifically upregulated. Particularly, only bipolar cells could positively feed back to such trafficking via accelerating the subsequent Tf-NG transcytosis. Here, all the cell transport of Tf-NG was polarity associated. In summary, Tf modification elevated the transcytosis of Tf-NG across the epithelium by triggering the polarity-associated transport flow and positive cell feedback loop. These findings provided an insight into the targeting nanodelivery for efficient transport through epithelial barriers.

Transcytosis maintains CFTR apical polarity in the face of constitutive and mutation-induced basolateral missorting

Apical polarity of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is essential for solute and water transport in secretory epithelia and can be impaired in human diseases. Maintenance of apical polarity in the face of CFTR non-polarized delivery and inefficient apical retention of mutant CFTRs lacking PDZ-domain protein (NHERF1, also known as SLC9A3R1) interaction, remains enigmatic. Here, we show that basolateral CFTR delivery originates from biosynthetic (∼35%) and endocytic (∼65%) recycling missorting. Basolateral channels are retrieved via basolateral-to-apical transcytosis (hereafter denoted apical transcytosis), enhancing CFTR apical expression by two-fold and suppressing its degradation. In airway epithelia, CFTR transcytosis is microtubule-dependent but independent of Myo5B, Rab11 proteins and NHERF1 binding to its C-terminal DTRL motif. Increased basolateral delivery due to compromised apical recycling and accelerated internalization upon impaired NHERF1-CFTR association is largely counterbalanced by efficient CFTR basolateral internalization and apical transcytosis. Thus, transcytosis represents a previously unrecognized, but indispensable, mechanism for maintaining CFTR apical polarity that acts by attenuating its constitutive and mutation-induced basolateral missorting.

A dileucine motif in the COOH-terminal domain of NKCC1 targets the cotransporter to the plasma membrane

Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^- cotransporter-1 (NKCC1) mediates the electroneutral transport of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^- and is normally localized to the basolateral membrane of polarized epithelial cells. We recently reported the first known solute carrier family 12 member 2 ( SLC12A2) mutation (we call NKCC1-DFX) that causes epithelial dysfunction in an undiagnosed disease program case. The heterozygous mutation leads to truncation of the COOH-terminal tail of the cotransporter, resulting in both mutant and wild-type cotransporters being mistrafficked to the apical membrane of polarized epithelial cells. Here we demonstrate by using consecutive truncations and site-directed mutagenesis of the COOH-terminal domain of NKCC1 that truncation of NKCC1 COOH domain uncouples the cotransporter from the lateral membrane. We identify a dileucine motif that, when mutated, leads to cotransporter accumulation in the cytoplasm and mistrafficking to the apical/subapical region of epithelial cells, thereby recapitulating the phenotype observed with the patient mutation. We show that truncation deletion and LL substitution mutants are trafficked out of the endoplasmic reticulum and trans-Golgi network but accumulate in early and late endosomes where they are degraded.

Galectin-3 modulates the polarized surface delivery of β1-integrin in epithelial cells

Epithelial cells require a precise intracellular transport and sorting machinery to establish and maintain their polarized architecture. This machinery includes β-galactoside-binding galectins for targeting of glycoprotein to the apical membrane. Galectin-3 sorts cargo destined for the apical plasma membrane into vesicular carriers. After delivery of cargo to the apical milieu, galectin-3 recycles back into sorting organelles. We analysed the role of galectin-3 in the polarized distribution of β1-integrin in MDCK cells. Integrins are located primarily at the basolateral domain of epithelial cells. We demonstrate that a minor pool of β1-integrin interacts with galectin-3 at the apical plasma membrane. Knockdown of galectin-3 decreases apical delivery of β1-integrin. This loss is restored by supplementation with recombinant galectin-3 and galectin-3 overexpression. Our data suggest that galectin-3 targets newly synthesized β1-integrin to the apical membrane and promotes apical delivery of β1-integrin internalized from the basolateral membrane. In parallel, knockout of galectin-3 results in a reduction in cell proliferation and an impairment in proper cyst development. Our results suggest that galectin-3 modulates the surface distribution of β1-integrin and affects the morphogenesis of polarized cells.

Galectin-8 induces partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition with invasive tumorigenic capabilities involving a FAK/EGFR/proteasome pathway in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Epithelial cells can acquire invasive and tumorigenic capabilities through epithelial–mesenchymal-transition (EMT). The glycan-binding protein galectin-8 (Gal-8) activates selective β1-integrins involved in EMT and is overexpressed by certain carcinomas. Here we show that Gal-8 overexpression or exogenous addition promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion in nontumoral Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, involving focal-adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), likely triggered by α5β1integrin binding. Under subconfluent conditions, Gal-8–overexpressing MDCK cells (MDCK-Gal-8^H) display hallmarks of EMT, including decreased E-cadherin and up-regulated expression of vimentin, fibronectin, and Snail, as well as increased β-catenin activity. Changes related to migration/invasion included higher expression of α5β1 integrin, extracellular matrix-degrading MMP13 and urokinase plasminogen activator/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPA/uPAR) protease systems. Gal-8–stimulated FAK/EGFR pathway leads to proteasome overactivity characteristic of cancer cells. Yet MDCK-Gal-8^H cells still develop apical/basolateral polarity reverting EMT markers and proteasome activity under confluence. This is due to the opposite segregation of Gal-8 secretion (apical) and β1-integrins distribution (basolateral). Strikingly, MDCK-Gal-8^H cells acquired tumorigenic potential, as reflected in anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and tumor generation in immunodeficient NSG mice. Therefore, Gal-8 can promote oncogenic-like transformation of epithelial cells through partial and reversible EMT, accompanied by higher proliferation, migration/invasion, and tumorigenic properties.

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.

Glycolipids and Lectins in Endocytic Uptake Processes

A host of endocytic processes has been described at the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. Their categorization has most commonly referenced cytosolic machinery, of which the clathrin coat has occupied a preponderant position. In what concerns intra-membrane constituents, the focus of interest has been on phosphatidylinositol lipids and their capacity to orchestrate endocytic events on the cytosolic leaflet of the membrane. The contribution of extracellular determinants to the construction of endocytic pits has received much less attention, depite the fact that (glyco)sphingolipids are exoplasmic leaflet fabric of membrane domains, termed rafts, whose contributions to predominantly clathrin-independent internalization processes is well recognized. Furthermore, sugar modifications on extracellular domains of proteins, and sugar-binding proteins, termed lectins, have also been linked to the uptake of endocytic cargoes at the plasma membrane. In this review, we first summarize these contributions by extracellular determinants to the endocytic process. We thus propose a molecular hypothesis - termed the GL-Lect hypothesis - on how GlycoLipids and Lectins drive the formation of compositional nanoenvrionments from which the endocytic uptake of glycosylated cargo proteins is operated via clathrin-independent carriers. Finally, we position this hypothesis within the global context of endocytic pathway proposals that have emerged in recent years.

The Apical Localization of Na+, K+-ATPase in Cultured Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Depends on Expression of the β2 Subunit

Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, or the Na⁺ pump, is a key component in the maintenance of the epithelial phenotype. In most epithelia, the pump is located in the basolateral domain. Studies from our laboratory have shown that the β₁ subunit of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase plays an important role in this mechanism because homotypic β₁-β₁ interactions between neighboring cells stabilize the pump in the lateral membrane. However, in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the Na⁺ pump is located in the apical domain. The mechanism of polarization in this epithelium is unclear. We hypothesized that the apical polarization of the pump in RPE cells depends on the expression of its β₂ subunit. ARPE-19 cells cultured for up to 8 weeks on inserts did not polarize, and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase was expressed in the basolateral membrane. In the presence of insulin, transferrin and selenic acid (ITS), ARPE-19 cells cultured for 4 weeks acquired an RPE phenotype, and the Na⁺ pump was visible in the apical domain. Under these conditions, Western blot analysis was employed to detect the β₂ isoform and immunofluorescence analysis revealed an apparent apical distribution of the β₂ subunit. qPCR results showed a time-dependent increase in the level of β₂ isoform mRNA, suggesting regulation at the transcriptional level. Moreover, silencing the expression of the β₂ isoform in ARPE-19 cells resulted in a decrease in the apical localization of the pump, as assessed by the mislocalization of the α₂ subunit in that domain. Our results demonstrate that the apical polarization of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in RPE cells depends on the expression of the β₂ subunit.

Alpha-synuclein modulates retinal iron homeostasis by facilitating the uptake of transferrin-bound iron: Implications for visual manifestations of Parkinson's disease

Aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in neurons of the substantia nigra is diagnostic of Parkinson's disease (PD), a neuro-motor disorder with prominent visual symptoms. Here, we demonstrate that α-syn, the principal protein involved in the pathogenesis of PD, is expressed widely in the neuroretina, and facilitates the uptake of transferrin-bound iron (Tf-Fe) by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that form the outer blood-retinal barrier. Absence of α-syn in knock-out mice (α-syn(-/-)) resulted in down-regulation of ferritin in the neuroretina, indicating depletion of cellular iron stores. A similar phenotype of iron deficiency was observed in the spleen, femur, and brain tissue of α-syn(-)(/-) mice, organs that utilize mainly Tf-Fe for their metabolic needs. The liver and kidney, organs that take up significant amounts of non-Tf-bound iron (NTBI), showed minimal change. Evaluation of the underlying mechanism in the human RPE47 cell line suggested a prominent role of α-syn in the uptake of Tf-Fe by modulating the endocytosis and recycling of transferrin (Tf)/transferrin-receptor (TfR) complex. Down-regulation of α-syn in RPE cells by RNAi resulted in the accumulation of Tf/TfR complex in common recycling endosomes (CREs), indicating disruption of recycling to the plasma membrane. Over-expression of exogenous α-syn in RPE cells, on the other hand, up-regulated ferritin and TfR expression. Interestingly, exposure to exogenous iron increased membrane association and co-localization of α-syn with TfR, supporting its role in iron uptake by the Tf/TfR complex. Together with our observations indicating basolateral expression of α-syn and TfR on RPE cells in vivo, this study reveals a novel function of α-syn in the uptake of Tf-Fe by the neuroretina. It is likely that retinal iron dyshomeostasis due to impaired or altered function of α-syn contributes to the visual symptoms associated with PD.

The fast-recycling receptor Megalin defines the apical recycling pathway of epithelial cells

The basolateral recycling and transcytotic pathways of epithelial cells were previously defined using markers such as transferrin (TfR) and polymeric IgA (pIgR) receptors. In contrast, our knowledge of the apical recycling pathway remains fragmentary. Here we utilize quantitative live-imaging and mathematical modelling to outline the recycling pathway of Megalin (LRP-2), an apical receptor with key developmental and renal functions, in MDCK cells. We show that, like TfR, Megalin is a long-lived and fast-recycling receptor. Megalin enters polarized MDCK cells through segregated apical sorting endosomes and subsequently intersects the TfR and pIgR pathways at a perinuclear Rab11-negative compartment termed common recycling endosomes (CRE). Whereas TfR recycles to the basolateral membrane from CRE, Megalin, like pIgR, traffics to subapical Rab11-positive apical recycling endosomes (ARE) and reaches the apical membrane in a microtubule- and Rab11-dependent manner. Hence, Megalin defines the apical recycling pathway of epithelia, with CRE as its apical sorting station.

Measuring receptor recycling in polarized MDCK cells

Recycling of proteins such as channels, pumps, and receptors is critical for epithelial cell function. In this chapter we present a method to measure receptor recycling in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells using an iodinated ligand. We describe a technique to iodinate transferrin (Tf), we discuss how (125)I-Tf can be used to label a cohort of endocytosed Tf receptor, and then we provide methods to measure the rate of recycling of the (125)I-Tf-receptor complex. We also show how this approach, which is easily adaptable to other proteins, can be used to simultaneously measure the normally small amount of (125)I-Tf transcytosis and degradation.

Structural and functional analysis of endosomal compartments in epithelial cells

Epithelial cells display segregated early endosomal compartments, termed apical sorting endosomes and basolateral sorting endosomes, that converge into a common late endosomal-lysosomal degradative compartment and common recycling endosomes (CREs). Unlike recycling endosomes of nonpolarized cells, CREs have the ability to sort apical and basolateral plasma membrane proteins into distinct apical and basolateral recycling routes, utilizing mechanisms similar to those employed by the trans Golgi network in the biosynthetic pathway. The apical recycling route includes an additional compartment, the apical recycling endosomes, consisting of multiple vesicles bundled around the basal body. Recent evidence indicates that, in addition to their role in internalizing ligands and recycling their receptors back to the cell surface, endosomal compartments act as intermediate stations in the biosynthetic routes to the plasma membrane. Here we review methods employed by our laboratory to study the endosomal compartments of epithelial cells and their multiple trafficking roles.

The galectin lattice at a glance

Galectins are a family of widely expressed β-galactoside-binding lectins in metazoans. The 15 mammalian galectins have either one or two conserved carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs), with galectin-3 being able to pentamerize; they form complexes that crosslink glycosylated ligands to form a dynamic lattice. The galectin lattice regulates the diffusion, compartmentalization and endocytosis of plasma membrane glycoproteins and glycolipids. The galectin lattice also regulates the selection, activation and arrest of T cells, receptor kinase signaling and the functionality of membrane receptors, including the glucagon receptor, glucose and amino acid transporters, cadherins and integrins. The affinity of transmembrane glycoproteins to the galectin lattice is proportional to the number and branching of their N-glycans; with branching being mediated by Golgi N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-branching enzymes and the supply of UDP-GlcNAc through metabolite flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. The relative affinities of glycoproteins for the galectin lattice depend on the activities of the Golgi enzymes that generate the epitopes of their ligands and, thus, provide a means to analyze biological function of lectins and of the 'glycome' more broadly.

Recycling of galectin-3 in epithelial cells

Galectins, a family of β-galactoside binding proteins, do not possess a signalling sequence to enter the endoplasmic reticulum as a starting point for the classical secretory pathway. They use a so-called unconventional secretion mechanism for translocation across the plasma membrane and/or into the lumen of transport vesicles. The β-galactoside binding protein galectin-3 is highly expressed in a variety of epithelial cell lines. Polarized MDCK cells secrete this lectin predominantly into the apical medium. The lectin re-enters the cell by non-clathrin mediated endocytosis and passages through endosomal organelles. This internalized galectin-3 plays an important role in apical protein trafficking by directing the subcellular targeting of apical glycoproteins via oligomerization into high molecular weight clusters, a process that can be fine-tuned by changes in the environmental pH. Following release at the apical plasma membrane, the lectin can reenter the cell for another round of recycling and apical protein sorting. This review will briefly address galectin-3-functions in epithelia and focus on distinct phases in apical recycling of the lectin.