Comprehensive analysis of copper-metabolism-related genes about prognosis and immune microenvironment in osteosarcoma

Despite being significant in various diseases, including cancers, the impact of copper metabolism on osteosarcoma (OS) remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to use bioinformatics analyses to identify a reliable copper metabolism signature that could improve OS patient prognosis prediction, immune landscape understanding, and drug sensitivity. Through nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering, we revealed distinct prognosis-associated clusters of OS patients based on copper metabolism-related genes (CMRGs), showing differential gene expression linked to immune processes. The risk model, comprising 13 prognostic CMRGs, was established using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression, closely associated with the OS microenvironment's immune situation and drug sensitivity. Furthermore, we developed an integrated nomogram, combining the risk score and clinical traits to quantitatively predict OS patient prognosis. The calibration plot, timeROC, and timeROC analyses demonstrated its predictable accuracy and clinical usefulness. Finally, we identified three independent prognostic signatures for OS patients: COX11, AP1B1, and ABCB6. This study confirmed the involvement of CMRGs in OS patient prognosis, immune processes, and drug sensitivity, suggesting their potential as promising prognostic signatures and therapeutic targets for OS.

A homozygous AP3D1 missense variant in patients with sensorineural hearing loss as the leading manifestation

Loss-of-function variants in AP3D1 have been linked to Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) 10, a severe multisystem disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, immunodeficiency, neurodevelopmental delay, hearing loss (HL), and neurological abnormalities, fatal in early childhood. Here, we report a consanguineous family who presented with presumably isolated autosomal recessive (AR) HL. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on all core family members, and selected patients were screened using array-based copy-number analysis and karyotyping. Candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and assessed in silico. A homozygous, likely pathogenic p.V711I missense variant in AP3D1 segregated with the HL. The family was characterized by thorough medical and laboratory examination. The HL was consistent across patients and accompanied by neurological manifestations in two brothers. The sole female patient was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. Further findings, including mild neutropenia and reduced NK-cell cytotoxicity in some as well as brain alterations in all homozygous patients, were reminiscent of HPS10, though milder and lacking the characteristic albinism. Previously unrecognized, milder, isolated HL was identified in all heterozygous carriers. A protein model indicates that the variant interferes with protein-protein interactions. These results suggest that a missense variant alters inner-ear-specific functions leading to HL with mild HPS10-like symptoms of variable penetrance. Milder HL in heterozygous carriers may point towards semi-dominant inheritance of this trait. Since all previously reported HPS10 cases were pediatric, it is unknown whether the observed primary ovarian insufficiency recapitulates the subfertility in Ap3d1-deficient mice.

Proteome-Wide Discovery of Cortical Proteins That May Provide Motor Resilience to Offset the Negative Effects of Pathologies in Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Motor resilience proteins have not been identified. This proteome-wide discovery study sought to identify proteins that may provide motor resilience.

METHODS

We studied the brains of older decedents with annual motor testing, postmortem brain pathologies, and proteome-wide data. Parkinsonism was assessed using 26 items of a modified United Parkinson Disease Rating Scale. We used linear mixed-effect models to isolate motor resilience, defined as the person-specific estimate of progressive parkinsonism after controlling for age, sex, and 10 brain pathologies. A total of 8 356 high-abundance proteins were quantified from dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex using tandem mass tag and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

There were 391 older adults (70% female), mean age 80 years at baseline and 89 years at death. Five proteins were associated with motor resilience: A higher level of AP1B1 (Estimate -0.504, SE 0.121, p = 3.12 × 10-5) and GNG3 (Estimate -0.276, SE 0.068, p = 4.82 × 10-5) was associated with slower progressive parkinsonism. By contrast, a higher level of TTC38 (Estimate 0.140, SE 0.029, p = 1.87 × 10-6), CARKD (Estimate 0.413, SE 0.100, p = 3.50 × 10-5), and ABHD14B (Estimate 0.175, SE 0.044, p = 6.48 × 10-5) was associated with faster progressive parkinsonism. Together, these 5 proteins accounted for almost 25% of the variance of progressive parkinsonism above the 17% accounted for by 10 indices of brain pathologies.

DISCUSSION

Cortical proteins may provide more or less motor resilience in older adults. These proteins are high-value therapeutic targets for drug discovery that may lead to interventions that maintain motor function despite the accumulation of as yet untreatable brain pathologies.

Characterization of 22q12 Microdeletions Causing Position Effect in Rare NF2 Patients with Complex Phenotypes

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is an autosomal dominant tumor-prone disorder mainly caused by NF2 point mutations or intragenic deletions. Few individuals with a complex phenotype and 22q12 microdeletions have been described. The 22q12 microdeletions’ pathogenic effects at the genetic and epigenetic levels are currently unknown. We here report on 22q12 microdeletions’ characterization in three NF2 patients with different phenotype complexities. A possible effect of the position was investigated by in silico analysis of 22q12 topologically associated domains (TADs) and regulatory elements, and by expression analysis of 12 genes flanking patients’ deletions. A 147 Kb microdeletion was identified in the patient with the mildest phenotype, while two large deletions of 561 Kb and 1.8 Mb were found in the other two patients, showing a more severe symptomatology. The last two patients displayed intellectual disability, possibly related to AP1B1 gene deletion. The microdeletions change from one to five TADs, and the 22q12 chromatin regulatory landscape, according to the altered expression levels of four deletion-flanking genes, including PIK3IP1, are likely associated with an early ischemic event occurring in the patient with the largest deletion. Our results suggest that the identification of the deletion extent can provide prognostic markers, predictive of NF2 phenotypes, and potential therapeutic targets, thus overall improving patient management.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome: a disease of protein trafficking and organelle function

The Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a collection of related autosomal recessive disorders which are genetically heterogeneous. There are eight human HPS subtypes, characterized by oculocutaneous albinism and platelet storage disease; prolonged bleeding, congenital neutropenia, pulmonary fibrosis, and granulomatous colitis can also occur. HPS is caused primarily by defects in intracellular protein trafficking that result in the dysfunction of intracellular organelles known as lysosome-related organelles. HPS gene products are all ubiquitously expressed and all associate in various multi-protein complexes, yet HPS has cell type-specific disease expression. Impairment of specialized secretory cells such as melanocytes, platelets, lung alveolar type II epithelial cells and cytotoxic T cells are observed in HPS. This review summarizes recent molecular, biochemical and cell biological analyses together with clinical studies that have led to the correlation of molecular pathology with clinical manifestations and led to insights into such diverse disease processes such as albinism, fibrosis, hemorrhage, and congenital neutropenia.

Melanocytes derived from patients with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome types 1, 2, and 3 have distinct defects in cargo trafficking

Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder in which mutations in one of several genes interrupts biogenesis of melanosomes, platelet dense bodies, and lysosomes. Affected patients have oculocutaneous albinism, a bleeding diathesis, and sometimes develop granulomatous colitis or pulmonary fibrosis. In order to assess the role of HPS genes in melanosome biogenesis, melanocytes cultured from patients with HPS subtypes 1, 2, or 3 were assessed for the localization of various melanocyte proteins. Tyrosinase, Tyrp1, and Dct/Tyrp2 were atypically and distinctly expressed in HPS-1 and HPS-3 melanocytes, whereas only tyrosinase showed an atypical distribution in HPS-2 melanocytes. The HPS1 and AP3B1 (i.e., HPS-2) gene products showed no expression in HPS-1 and HPS-2 melanocytes, respectively, whereas HPS-3 melanocytes exhibited normal expression for both proteins. In normal human melanocytes, the HPS1 protein was expressed as an approximately 80 kDa molecule with both granular and reticular intracellular profiles. In HPS-1, lysosome associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), and LAMP3 were localized to abnormal large granules; in HPS-2, all LAMPs exhibited a normal granular expression; and in HPS-3, LAMP1, and LAMP3 exhibited a distinct less granular and more floccular pattern. In contrast, the expressions of Rab 27, transferrin, and cKit were unaffected in all three HPS genotypes. These data demonstrate that the three initially identified subtypes of human HPS exhibit distinct defects in the trafficking of various melanocyte-specific proteins.

Hereditary neutropenia: dogs explain human neutrophil elastase mutations

Mutations in ELA2, the gene encoding neutrophil elastase (NE), cause the human diseases cyclic neutropenia (CN) and severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). Numerous mutations are known, but their lack of consistent biochemical effect has proven puzzling. The recent finding that mutation of AP3B1, which encodes the beta subunit of adaptor protein complex 3 (AP3), is the cause of canine CN suggests a model for the molecular basis of hereditary neutropenias, involving the mistrafficking of NE: AP3 recognizes NE as a cargo protein, and their interaction implies that NE is a transmembrane protein. Computerized algorithms predict two NE transmembrane domains. Most CN mutations fall within predicted transmembrane domains and lead to excessive deposition of NE in granules, whereas SCN mutations usually disrupt the AP3 recognition sequence, resulting in excessive transport to the plasma membrane.

Reduced pigmentation (rp), a mouse model of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, encodes a novel component of the BLOC-1 complex

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), a disorder of organelle biogenesis, affects lysosomes, melanosomes, and platelet dense bodies. Seven genes cause HPS in humans (HPS1-HPS7) and at least 15 nonallelic mutations cause HPS in mice. Where their function is known, the HPS proteins participate in protein trafficking and vesicle docking/fusion events during organelle biogenesis. HPS-associated genes participate in at least 4 distinct protein complexes: the adaptor complex AP-3; biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 1 (BLOC-1), consisting of 4 HPS proteins (pallidin, muted, cappuccino, HPS7/sandy); BLOC-2, consisting of HPS6/ruby-eye, HPS5/ruby-eye-2, and HPS3/cocoa; and BLOC-3, consisting of HPS1/pale ear and HPS4/light ear. Here, we report the cloning of the mouse HPS mutation reduced pigmentation (rp). We show that the wild-type rp gene encodes a novel, widely expressed 195-amino acid protein that shares 87% amino acid identity with its human orthologue and localizes to punctate cytoplasmic structures. Further, we show that phosphorylated RP is part of the BLOC-1 complex. In mutant rp/rp mice, a premature stop codon truncates the protein after 79 amino acids. Defects in all the 5 known components of BLOC-1, including RP, cause severe HPS in mice, suggesting that the subunits are nonredundant and that BLOC-1 plays a key role in organelle biogenesis.

Genetic analysis of the neuronal and ubiquitous AP-3 adaptor complexes reveals divergent functions in brain

Neurons express adaptor (AP)-3 complexes assembled with either ubiquitous (beta3A) or neuronal-specific (beta3B) beta3 isoforms. However, it is unknown whether these complexes indeed perform distinct functions in neuronal tissue. Here, we explore this hypothesis by using genetically engineered mouse models lacking either beta3A- or beta3B-containing AP-3 complexes. Somatic and neurological phenotypes were specifically associated with the ubiquitous and neuronal adaptor deficiencies, respectively. At the cellular level, AP-3 isoforms were localized to distinct neuronal domains. beta3B-containing AP-3 complexes were preferentially targeted to neuronal processes. Consistently, beta3B deficiency compromised synaptic zinc stores assessed by Timm's staining and the synaptic vesicle targeting of membrane proteins involved in zinc uptake (ZnT3 and ClC-3). Surprisingly, despite the lack of neurological symptoms, beta3A-deficient mouse brain possessed significantly increased synaptic zinc stores and synaptic vesicle content of ZnT3 and ClC-3. These observations indicate that the functions of beta3A- and beta3B-containing complexes are distinct and divergent. Our results suggest that concerted nonredundant functions of neuronal and ubiquitous AP-3 provide a mechanism to control the levels of selected membrane proteins in synaptic vesicles.

An Ear-Core Interaction Regulates the Recruitment of the AP-3 Complex to Membranes

AP-3 is a heterotetrameric adaptor involved in the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles. The function of AP-3 as an adaptor relies on its ability to bind to membranes in an Arf-dependent fashion and to recognize sorting signals in the cytosolic tails of the transmembrane cargo. Here, we report an interdomain interaction involving the ear domain of the delta subunit and the sigma3 subunit of AP-3. This interaction interferes with the binding of AP-3 to Arf but not to dileucine-based sorting signals. As a consequence, the delta-ear inhibits the recruitment of AP-3 to membranes both in vitro and in vivo and impairs the sorting of lysosomal membrane proteins. These observations suggest a new regulatory mechanism for the recruitment of AP-3 to membranes involving delta-ear-sigma3 interactions.

Localization of the AP-3 adaptor complex defines a novel endosomal exit site for lysosomal membrane proteins

The adaptor protein (AP) 3 adaptor complex has been implicated in the transport of lysosomal membrane proteins, but its precise site of action has remained controversial. Here, we show by immuno-electron microscopy that AP-3 is associated with budding profiles evolving from a tubular endosomal compartment that also exhibits budding profiles positive for AP-1. AP-3 colocalizes with clathrin, but to a lesser extent than does AP-1. The AP-3- and AP-1-bearing tubular compartments contain endocytosed transferrin, transferrin receptor, asialoglycoprotein receptor, and low amounts of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor and the lysosome-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) 1 and 2. Quantitative analysis revealed that of these distinct cargo proteins, only LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 are concentrated in the AP-3-positive membrane domains. Moreover, recycling of endocytosed LAMP-1 and CD63 back to the cell surface is greatly increased in AP-3-deficient cells. Based on these data, we propose that AP-3 defines a novel pathway by which lysosomal membrane proteins are transported from tubular sorting endosomes to lysosomes.

Adaptor protein 3–dependent microtubule-mediated movement of lytic granules to the immunological synapse

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by platelet defects and oculocutaneous albinism. Individuals with HPS type 2 (HPS2) lack the cytosolic adaptor protein 3 (AP-3) involved in lysosomal sorting, and are also immunodeficient. Here we characterize an HPS2 mutation and demonstrate that AP-3 deficiency leads to a loss of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated cytotoxicity. Although the lysosomal protein CD63 was mislocalized to the plasma membrane, perforin and granzymes were correctly localized to the lytic granules in AP-3-deficient CTLs. However, the lytic granules of AP-3-deficient CTLs were enlarged and were unable to move along microtubules and dock within the secretory domain of the immunological synapse. These data show that AP-3 is essential for polarized secretion from CTLs.

Aberrant lung structure, composition, and function in a murine model of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a genetically heterogeneous inherited disease causing hypopigmentation and prolonged bleeding times. An additional serious clinical problem of HPS is the development of lung pathology, which may lead to severe lung disease and premature death. No cure for the disease exists, and previously, no animal model for the HPS lung abnormalities has been reported. A mouse model of HPS, which is homozygously recessive for both the Hps1 (pale ear) and Hps2 (pearl) genes, exhibits striking abnormalities of lung type II cells. Type II cells and lamellar bodies of this mutant are greatly enlarged, and the lamellar bodies are engorged with surfactant. Mutant lungs accumulate excessive autofluorescent pigment. The air spaces of mutant lungs contain age-related elevations of inflammatory cells and foamy macrophages. In vivo measurement of lung hysteresivity demonstrated aberrant lung function in mutant mice. All these features are similar to the lung pathology described in HPS patients. Morphometry of mutant lungs indicates a significant emphysema. These mutant mice provide a model to further investigate the lung pathology and therapy of HPS. We hypothesize that abnormal type II cell lamellar body structure/function may predict future lung pathology in HPS.

Ru2 and Ru encode mouse orthologs of the genes mutated in human Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome types 5 and 6

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a genetically heterogeneous disease involving abnormalities of melanosomes, platelet dense granules and lysosomes. Here we have used positional candidate and transgenic rescue approaches to identify the genes mutated in ruby-eye 2 and ruby-eye mice (ru2 and ru, respectively), two 'mimic' mouse models of HPS. We also show that these genes are orthologs of the genes mutated in individuals with HPS types 5 and 6, respectively, and that their protein products directly interact. Both genes are previously unknown and are found only in higher eukaryotes, and together represent a new class of genes that have evolved in higher organisms to govern the synthesis of highly specialized lysosome-related organelles.

Differential roles of arrestin-2 interaction with clathrin and adaptor protein 2 in G protein-coupled receptor trafficking

The non-visual arrestins, arrestin-2 and arrestin-3, play a critical role in regulating the signaling and trafficking of many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Molecular insight into the role of arrestins in GPCR trafficking has suggested that arrestin interaction with clathrin, beta(2)-adaptin (the beta-subunit of the adaptor protein AP2), and phosphoinositides contributes to this process. In the present study, we have attempted to better define the molecular basis and functional role of arrestin-2 interaction with clathrin and beta(2)-adaptin. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the C-terminal region of arrestin-2 mediated beta(2)-adaptin and clathrin interaction with Phe-391 and Arg-395 having an essential role in beta(2)-adaptin binding and LIELD (residues 376-380) having an essential role in clathrin binding. Interestingly, arrestin-2-R169E, an activated form of arrestin that binds to GPCRs in a phosphorylation-independent manner, has significantly enhanced binding to beta(2)-adaptin and clathrin. This suggests that receptor-induced conformational changes in the C-terminal tail of arrestin-2 will likely play a major role in mediating arrestin interaction with clathrin-coated pits. In an effort to clarify the role of these interactions in GPCR trafficking we generated arrestin mutants that were completely and selectively defective in either clathrin (arrestin-2-DeltaLIELD) or beta(2)-adaptin (arrestin-2-F391A) interaction. Analysis of these mutants in COS-1 cells revealed that arrestin/clathrin interaction was essential for agonist-promoted internalization of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor, while arrestin/beta(2)-adaptin interaction appeared less critical. Arrestin-2 mutants defective in both clathrin and beta(2)-adaptin binding functioned as effective dominant negatives in HEK293 cells and significantly attenuated beta(2)-adrenergic receptor internalization. These mutants should prove useful in better defining the role of arrestins in mediating receptor trafficking.

The delta subunit of AP-3 is required for efficient transport of VSV-G from the trans-Golgi network to the cell surface

Vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) is a transmembrane protein that functions as the surface coat of enveloped viral particles. We report the surprising result that VSV-G uses the tyrosine-based di-acidic motif (-YTDIE-) found in its cytoplasmic tail to recruit adaptor protein complex 3 for export from the trans-Golgi network. The same sorting code is used to recruit coat complex II to direct efficient transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. These results demonstrate that a single sorting sequence can interact with sequential coat machineries to direct transport through the secretory pathway. We propose that use of this compact sorting domain reflects a need for both efficient endoplasmic reticulum export and concentration of VSV-G into specialized post-trans-Golgi network secretory-lysosome type transport containers to facilitate formation of viral coats at the cell surface.

Regulation of arrestin-3 phosphorylation by casein kinase II

Arrestins play an important role in regulating the function of G protein-coupled receptors including receptor desensitization, internalization, down-regulation, and signaling via nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Previous studies have revealed that arrestins themselves are also subject to regulation. In the present study, we focused on identifying potential mechanisms involved in regulating the function of arrestin-3. Using metabolic labeling, phosphoamino acid analysis, and mutagenesis studies, we found that arrestin-3 is constitutively phosphorylated at Thr-382 and becomes dephosphorylated upon beta(2)-adrenergic receptor activation in COS-1 cells. Casein kinase II (CKII) appears to be the major kinase mediating arrestin-3 phosphorylation, since 1) Thr-382 is contained within a canonical consensus sequence for CKII phosphorylation and 2) wild type arrestin-3 but not a T382A mutant is phosphorylated by CKII in vitro. Functional analysis reveals that mutants mimicking the phosphorylated (T382E) and dephosphorylated (T382A or T382V) states of arrestin-3 promote beta(2)-adrenergic receptor internalization and bind clathrin, beta-adaptin, and Src to comparable levels as wild type arrestin-3. This suggests that the phosphorylation of arrestin-3 does not directly regulate interaction with endocytic (clathrin, beta-adaptin) or signaling (Src) components and is in contrast to arrestin-2, where phosphorylation appears to regulate interaction with clathrin and Src. However, additional analysis reveals that arrestin-3 phosphorylation may regulate formation of a large arrestin-3-containing protein complex. Differences between the regulatory roles of arrestin-2 and -3 phosphorylation may contribute to the different cellular functions of these proteins in G protein-coupled receptor signaling and regulation.

Endocytic adaptor complexes bind the C-terminal domain of CFTR

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) functions at the apical membrane of epithelial cells to regulate chloride permeability. Recent studies have shown that CFTR is rapidly and efficiently internalized from the plasma membrane. We have shown that such internalization is mediated solely by clathrin-coated pathways, and that other pathways, such as caveolae, exclude CFTR. Moreover, CFTR co-precipitates with alpha-adaptin, a component of the endocytic adaptor complex (AP-2). The goal of our current studies was to elucidate further the molecular mechanisms that facilitate entry of CFTR into endocytic clathrin-coated vesicles. Protein-protein interactions generated by incubation of full-length in-vitro-translated CFTR with partially purified bovine brain adaptor complexes were evaluated following immunoprecipitation using an antibody against the alpha-adaptin subunit of the AP-2 complex. Such studies revealed co-immunoprecipitation of alpha-adaptin with full-length but not partially translated CFTR, suggesting that the C-terminus of CFTR may be responsible for this interaction. To test this hypothesis a C-terminal GST fusion protein (amino acids 1404-1480; CF-GST) was used in a "pull-down" assay with purified adaptor complexes. CF-GST sepharose was able to pull-down AP-2 endocytic adaptor complexes, as determined by immunoblot analyses of the precipitates using antibodies directed against alpha-adaptin. In contrast, CF-GST sepharose was unable to pull-down gamma-adaptin, a component of the Golgi-derived AP-1 clathrin adaptor complex. Thus, we demonstrate that CFTR is endocytosed via clathrin-coated vesicles, and that targeting of CFTR to these structures is mediated by binding of the AP-2 adaptor complex to the C-terminal domain of CFTR.

beta-Arrestin/AP-2 interaction in G protein-coupled receptor internalization: identification of a beta-arrestin binging site in beta 2-adaptin

beta-Arrestins, proteins involved in the turn-off of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation, bind to the beta(2)-adaptin subunit of the clathrin adaptor AP-2. The interaction of beta(2)-adaptin with beta-arrestin involves critical arginine residues in the C-terminal domain of beta-arrestin and plays an important role in initiating clathrin-mediated endocytosis of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) (Laporte, S. A., Oakley, R. H., Holt, J. A., Barak, L. S., and Caron, M. G. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 23120--23126). However, the beta-arrestin-binding site in beta(2)-adaptin has not been identified, and little is known about the role of beta-arrestin/AP-2 interaction in the endocytosis of other GPCRs. Using in vitro binding assays, we have identified two glutamate residues (Glu-849 and Glu-902) in beta(2)-adaptin that are important in beta-arrestin binding. These residues are located in the platform subdomain of the C terminus of beta(2)-adaptin, where accessory/adapter endocytic proteins for other classes of receptors interact, distinct from the main site where clathrin interacts. The functional significance of the beta-arrestin/AP-2/clathrin complex in the endocytosis of GPCRs such as the beta(2)AR and vasopressin type II receptor was evaluated using mutant constructs of the beta(2)-adaptin C terminus containing either the clathrin and the beta-arrestin binding domains or the beta-arrestin-binding domain alone. When expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, both constructs acted as dominant negatives inhibiting the agonist-induced internalization of the beta(2)AR and the vasopressin type II receptor. In addition, although the beta(2)-adaptin construct containing both the clathrin and beta-arrestin binding domains was able to block the endocytosis of transferrin receptors, a beta(2)-adaptin construct capable of associating with beta-arrestin but lacking its high affinity clathrin interaction did not interfere with transferrin receptor endocytosis. These results suggest that the interaction of beta-arrestin with beta(2)-adaptin represents a selective endocytic trigger for several members of the GPCR family.

The Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome 1 (HPS1) and HPS2 genes independently contribute to the production and function of platelet dense granules, melanosomes, and lysosomes

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is an inherited hemorrhagic disease affecting the related subcellular organelles platelet dense granules, lysosomes, and melanosomes. The mouse genes for HPS, pale ear and pearl, orthologous to the human HPS1 and HPS2 (ADTB3A) genes, encode a novel protein of unknown function and the beta(3)A subunit of the AP-3 adaptor complex, respectively. To test for in vivo interactions between these genes in the production and function of intracellular organelles, mice doubly homozygous for the 2 mutant genes were produced by appropriate breeding. Cooperation between the 2 genes in melanosome production was evident in increased hypopigmentation of the coat together with dramatic quantitative and qualitative alterations of melanosomes of the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid of double mutant mice. Lysosomal and platelet dense granule abnormalities, including hyposecretion of lysosomal enzymes from kidneys and depression of serotonin concentrations of platelet dense granules were likewise more severe in double than single mutants. Also, lysosomal enzyme concentrations were significantly increased in lungs of double mutant mice. Interaction between the 2 genes was specific in that effects on organelles were confined to melanosomes, lysosomes, and platelet dense granules. Together, the evidence indicates these 2 HPS genes function largely independently at the whole organism level to affect the production and function of all 3 organelles. Further, the increased lysosomal enzyme levels in lung of double mutant mice suggest a cause of a major clinical problem of HPS, lung fibrosis. Finally, doubly mutant HPS mice are a useful laboratory model for analysis of severe HPS phenotypes.

Nonsense mutations in ADTB3A cause complete deficiency of the beta3A subunit of adaptor complex-3 and severe Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is an autosomal recessive disease consisting of oculocutaneous albinism and a storage pool deficiency resulting from absent platelet dense bodies. The disorder is genetically heterogeneous. The majority of patients, including members of a large genetic isolate in northwest Puerto Rico, have mutations in HPS1. Another gene, ADTB3A, was shown to cause HPS-2 in two brothers having compound heterozygous mutations that allowed for residual production of the gene product, the beta3A subunit of adaptor complex-3 (AP-3). This heterotetrameric complex serves as a coat protein-mediating formation of intracellular vesicles, e.g. the melanosome and platelet dense body, from membranes of the trans-Golgi network. We determined the genomic organization of the human ADTB3A gene, with intron/exon boundaries, and describe a third patient with beta3A deficiency. This 5-y-old boy has two nonsense mutations, C1578T (R-->X) and G2028T (E-->X), which produce no ADTB3A mRNA and no beta3A protein. The associated mu3 subunit of AP-3 is also entirely absent. In fibroblasts, the cell biologic concomitant of this deficiency is robust and aberrant trafficking through the plasma membrane of LAMP-3, an integral lysosomal membrane protein normally carried directly to the lysosome. The clinical concomitant is a severe, G-CSF-responsive neutropenia in addition to oculocutaneous albinism and platelet storage pool deficiency. Our findings expand the molecular, cellular, and clinical spectrum of HPS-2 and call for an increased index of suspicion for this diagnosis among patients with features of albinism, bleeding, and neutropenia.

Using new genetic tools to study the pathogenesis of Blastomyces dermatitidis

Fungal pathogens have emerged as a public health menace owing to the expanding population of vulnerable patients and a heightened exposure to fungi in our environment, particularly for the systemic dimorphic fungi that inhabit soil worldwide. A better understanding of these invaders and their pathogenic mechanisms is badly needed to further research into therapeutic options. Advances in the molecular tools available for genetic manipulation of Blastomyces dermatitidis have enhanced our ability to study this poorly understood dimorphic fungal pathogen. Recent refinements in gene-transfer techniques, new selection markers, reliable reporter fusions and successes in gene targeting have shed light upon the importance of the mycelium-to-yeast transition and the crucial and complex role the BAD1 adhesin plays in pathogenesis.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 3 in Ashkenazi Jews and other non-Puerto Rican patients with hypopigmentation and platelet storage-pool deficiency

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), consisting of oculocutaneous albinism and a bleeding diathesis due to the absence of platelet dense granules, displays extensive locus heterogeneity. HPS1 mutations cause HPS-1 disease, and ADTB3A mutations cause HPS-2 disease, which is known to involve abnormal intracellular vesicle formation. A third HPS-causing gene, HPS3, was recently identified on the basis of homozygosity mapping of a genetic isolate of HPS in central Puerto Rico. We now describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of eight patients with HPS-3 who are of non-Puerto Rican heritage. Five are Ashkenazi Jews; three of these are homozygous for a 1303+1G-->A splice-site mutation that causes skipping of exon 5, deleting an RsaI restriction site and decreasing the amounts of mRNA found on northern blotting. The other two are heterozygous for the 1303+1G-->A mutation and for either an 1831+2T-->G or a 2621-2A-->G splicing mutation. Of 235 anonymous Ashkenazi Jewish DNA samples, one was heterozygous for the 1303+1G-->A mutation. One seven-year-old boy of German/Swiss extraction was compound heterozygous for a 2729+1G-->C mutation, causing skipping of exon 14, and resulting in a C1329T missense (R396W), with decreased mRNA production. A 15-year-old Irish/English boy was heterozygous for an 89-bp insertion between exons 16 and 17 resulting from abnormal splicing; his fibroblast HPS3 mRNA is normal in amount but is increased in size. A 12-year-old girl of Puerto Rican and Italian background has the 3,904-bp founder deletion from central Puerto Rico on one allele. All eight patients have mild symptoms of HPS; two Jewish patients had received the diagnosis of ocular, rather than oculocutaneous, albinism. These findings expand the molecular diagnosis of HPS, provide a screening method for a mutation common among Jews, and suggest that other patients with mild hypopigmentation and decreased vision should be examined for HPS.

Adaptins: the final recount

Adaptins are subunits of adaptor protein (AP) complexes involved in the formation of intracellular transport vesicles and in the selection of cargo for incorporation into the vesicles. In this article, we report the results of a survey for adaptins from sequenced genomes including those of man, mouse, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and the yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We find that humans, mice, and Arabidopsis thaliana have four AP complexes (AP-1, AP-2, AP-3, and AP-4), whereas D. melanogaster, C. elegans, S. cerevisiae, and S. pombe have only three (AP-1, AP-2, and AP-3). Additional diversification of AP complexes arises from the existence of adaptin isoforms encoded by distinct genes or resulting from alternative splicing of mRNAs. We complete the assignment of adaptins to AP complexes and provide information on the chromosomal localization, exon-intron structure, and pseudogenes for the different adaptins. In addition, we discuss the structural and evolutionary relationships of the adaptins and the genetic analyses of their function. Finally, we extend our survey to adaptin-related proteins such as the GGAs and stonins, which contain domains homologous to the adaptins.

Clathrin interactions with C-terminal regions of the yeast AP-1 beta and gamma subunits are important for AP-1 association with clathrin coats

Heterotetrameric adaptor (AP) complexes are thought to coordinate cargo recruitment and clathrin assembly during clathrin-coated vesicle biogenesis. We have identified, and characterized the physiological significance of clathrin-binding activities in the two large subunits of the AP-1 complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using GST-fusion chromatography, two clathrin-binding sites were defined in the beta1 subunit that match consensus clathrin-binding sequences in other mammalian and yeast clathrin-binding proteins. Clathrin interactions were also identified with the C-terminal region of the gamma subunit. When introduced into chromosomal genes, point mutations in the beta1 clathrin-binding motifs, or deletion of the gamma C-terminal region, reduced association of AP-1 with clathrin in coimmunoprecipitation assays. The beta1 mutations or the gamma truncation individually produced minor effects on AP-1 distribution by subcellular fractionation. However, when beta1 and gamma mutations were combined, severe defects were observed in AP-1 association with membranes and incorporation into clathrin-coated vesicles. The combination of subunit mutations accentuated growth and alpha-factor pheromone maturation defects in chc1-ts cells, though not to the extent caused by complete loss of AP-1 activity. Our results suggest that both the beta1 and gamma subunits contribute interactions with clathrin that are important for stable assembly of AP-1 complexes into clathrin coats in vivo.

Developmental and morphological regulation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis inTrypanosoma brucei

Essentially all macromolecular communication between Trypanosoma brucei and its host is confined to vesicular trafficking events occurring at or around the flagellar pocket. The vertebrate stage bloodstream form trypomastigote exhibits an extremely high rate of endocytosis required for nutrient uptake and probably also evasion of the host immune system. However, the rate of endocytosis is very low in the procyclic vector parasite, indicating that endocytosis is subject to a marked level of developmental regulation. Previous ultrastructural studies and crude biochemical fractionations have indicated the presence of coated pits and vesicles that are analogous to clathrin coats in the bloodstream form, but not in the procyclic. However, a definitive description of the components of this coat and its molecular function in T. brucei has remained elusive. We describe the molecular cloning and initial characterisation of components of the T. brucei endocytic coats: clathrin heavy chain (TbCLH) and a β-adaptin (TbAPβ1). TbCLH is markedly upregulated in the bloodstream form compared with the procyclic, whereas TbAPβ1 is subject to more limited developmental regulation. We generated antisera against both proteins and show that the clathrin coat is tightly associated with the flagellar pocket in both major life stages. However, in bloodstream parasites TbCLH is also extensively distributed throughout the posterior end of the cell on numerous large vesicular and tubular structures. By cryoimmuno EM, clathrin is localised to collecting tubules at the flagellar pocket and is also associated with the trans-Golgi network. These EM data confirm that the electron dense coats reported on trypanosome vesicles and tubules contain clathrin. The TbAPβ1 exhibits an atypical distribution relative to previously characterised adaptins, associating not only with the trans-Golgi but also with other tubular-vesicular elements. Localisation of TbAPβ1 is also subject to developmental regulation. These data describe major endocytic coat proteins in T. brucei for the first time, and indicate stage-specific expression of the clathrin heavy chain. Modulation of clathrin expression is likely to be an important factor in the developmental regulation of endocytosis and recycling in the African trypanosome.

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

A native immunoisolation procedure has been used to investigate the role of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) in the transport of vacuolar proteins between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the prevacuolar/endosome compartments in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that Apl2p, one large subunit of the adaptor protein-1 complex, and Vps10p, the carboxypeptidase Y vacuolar protein receptor, are associated with clathrin molecules. Vps10p packaging in CCVs is reduced in pep12 Delta and vps34 Delta, two mutants that block Vps10p transport from the TGN to the endosome. However, Vps10p sorting is independent of Apl2p. Interestingly, a Vps10C(t) Delta p mutant lacking its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, the portion of the receptor responsible for carboxypeptidase Y sorting, is also coimmunoprecipitated with clathrin. Our results suggest that CCVs mediate Vps10p transport from the TGN to the endosome independent of direct interactions between Vps10p and clathrin coats. The Vps10p C-terminal domain appears to play a principal role in retrieval of Vps10p from the prevacuolar compartment rather than in sorting from the TGN.

A novel motor, KIF13A, transports mannose-6-phosphate receptor to plasma membrane through direct interaction with AP-1 complex

Intracellular transport mediated by kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) is a highly regulated process. The molecular mechanism of KIFs binding to their respective cargoes remains unclear. We report that KIF13A is a novel plus end-directed microtubule-dependent motor protein and associates with beta 1-adaptin, a subunit of the AP-1 adaptor complex. The cargo vesicles of KIF13A contained AP-1 and mannnose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR). Overexpression of KIF13A resulted in mislocalization of the AP-1 and the M6PR. Functional blockade of KIF13A reduced cell surface expression of the M6PR. Thus, KIF13A transports M6PR-containing vesicles and targets the M6PR from TGN to the plasma membrane via direct interaction with the AP-1 adaptor complex.

Defective organellar membrane protein trafficking in Ap3b1-deficient cells

AP-3 is a heterotetrameric protein complex involved in intracellular vesicle transport. Molecular analyses show that Ap3b1, which encodes the AP-3 (&bgr;)3A subunit, is altered in pearl mice. To provide genetic evidence that mutation of Ap3b1 is responsible for the pearl phenotype and to determine the null phenotype, the Ap3b1 gene was disrupted by homologous recombination. Mice homozygous for the resulting allele, Ap3b1(LN), or compound heterozygotes with pearl, displayed phenotypes similar to those of pearl mice, confirming that Ap3b1 is the causal gene for pearl. Moreover, pearl is likely to be a hypomorph as the Ap3b1(LN) homozygotes had a lighter coat color and accumulated fewer of the micro3 and (&dgr;)3 subunits of AP-3 than did pearl mice. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis of fibroblasts and melanocytes cultured from Ap3b1(LN) homozygotes revealed that the lysosomal membrane proteins Lamp I and Lamp II and the melanosomal membrane protein tyrosinase were mislocalized. In particular, the Lamp proteins were clustered on the cell surface. These findings strengthen the evidence for an alternate pathway via the plasma membrane for cargo normally transported to organelles by AP-3.

beta2-adaptin is constitutively de-phosphorylated by serine/threonine protein phosphatase PP2A and phosphorylated by a staurosporine-sensitive kinase

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis includes cycles of assembly and disassembly of the clathrin-coated vesicle constituents. How these cycles are regulated is still not fully known but previous studies have indicated that phosphorylation of coat subunits may play a role. Here we describe that beta2-adaptin undergoes cycles of phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation in intact cells. Thus, beta2-adaptin was constitutively de-phosphorylated by serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A and phosphorylated by a staurosporine-sensitive kinase in vivo. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated that phosphorylated AP2 complexes were found more evenly distributed at the plasma membrane compared to non-phosphorylated AP2 complexes which were found in aggregates. Finally, we found that phosphorylation of beta2-adaptin correlated with inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our results support the hypothesis that phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation of coat proteins plays a regulatory role in the assembly/disassembly cycle of clathrin-coated vesicles.

The structure and function of the beta 2-adaptin appendage domain

The heterotetrameric AP2 adaptor (alpha, beta 2, mu 2 and sigma 2 subunits) plays a central role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We present the protein recruitment function and 1.7 A resolution structure of its beta 2-appendage domain to complement those previously determined for the mu 2 subunit and alpha appendage. Using structure-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate the ability of the beta 2 appendage alone to bind directly to clathrin and the accessory proteins AP180, epsin and eps15 at the same site. Clathrin polymerization is promoted by binding of clathrin simultaneously to the beta 2-appendage site and to a second site on the adjacent beta 2 hinge. This results in the displacement of the other ligands from the beta 2 appendage. Thus clathrin binding to an AP2-accessory protein complex would cause the controlled release of accessory proteins at sites of vesicle formation.

Hippocampal auditory gating in the hyperactive mocha mouse

The mouse mutants mocha (mh) and mocha2J (mh2J) result from separate mutations in the same gene (AP-3 delta) that arose independently on different backgrounds of inbred strains. They exhibit a neurological phenotype that includes hyperactivity, an epileptiform EEG and changes in the basic function of the hippocampus. Depth electrode recordings of hippocampal auditory evoked potentials revealed that the response to the first of two paired tones was significantly enhanced in mocha and mocha2J, as compared with littermate controls. The pronounced theta rhythm characteristic of unanesthetized mocha mice was not observed in these chloral-hydrate anesthetized mice, whereas spike discharge activity was frequently present in the recordings.

Duplications on human chromosome 22 reveal a novel Ret Finger Protein-like gene family with sense and endogenous antisense transcripts

Analysis of 600 kb of sequence encompassing the beta-prime adaptin (BAM22) gene on human chromosome 22 revealed intrachromosomal duplications within 22q12-13 resulting in three active RFPL genes, two RFPL pseudogenes, and two pseudogenes of BAM22. The genomic sequence of BAM22vartheta1 shows a remarkable similarity to that of BAM22. The cDNA sequence comparison of RFPL1, RFPL2, and RFPL3 showed 95%-96% identity between the genes, which were most similar to the Ret Finger Protein gene from human chromosome 6. The sense RFPL transcripts encode proteins with the tripartite structure, composed of RING finger, coiled-coil, and B30-2 domains, which are characteristic of the RING-B30 family. Each of these domains are thought to mediate protein-protein interactions by promoting homo- or heterodimerization. The MID1 gene on Xp22 is also a member of the RING-B30 family and is mutated in Opitz syndrome (OS). The autosomal dominant form of OS shows linkage to 22q11-q12. We detected a polymorphic protein-truncating allele of RFPL1 in 8% of the population, which was not associated with the OS phenotype. We identified 6-kb and 1.2-kb noncoding antisense mRNAs of RFPL1S and RFPL3S antisense genes, respectively. The RFPL1S and RFPL3S genes cover substantial portions of their sense counterparts, which suggests that the function of RFPL1S and RFPL3S is a post-transcriptional regulation of the sense RFPL genes. We illustrate the role of intrachromosomal duplications in the generation of RFPL genes, which were created by a series of duplications and share an ancestor with the RING-B30 domain containing genes from the major histocompatibility complex region on human chromosome 6.

The beta3A subunit gene (Ap3b1) of the AP-3 adaptor complex is altered in the mouse hypopigmentation mutant pearl, a model for Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and night blindness

Lysosomes, melanosomes and platelet-dense granules are abnormal in the mouse hypopigmentation mutant pearl. The beta3A subunit of the AP-3 adaptor complex, which likely regulates protein trafficking in the trans - Golgi network/endosomal compartments, was identified as a candidate for the pearl gene by a positional/candidate cloning approach. Mutations, including a large internal tandem duplication and a deletion, were identified in two respective pearl alleles and are predicted to abrogate function of the beta3A protein. Significantly lowered expression of altered beta3A transcripts occurred in kidney of both mutant alleles. The several distinct pearl phenotypes suggest novel functions for the AP-3 complex in mammals. These experiments also suggest mutations in AP-3 subunits as a basis for unique forms of human Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and congenital night blindness, for which the pearl mouse is an appropriate animal model.

Interactions of the cytoplasmic domains of human and simian retroviral transmembrane proteins with components of the clathrin adaptor complexes modulate intracellular and cell surface expression of envelope glycoproteins

The cytoplasmic domains of the transmembrane (TM) envelope proteins (TM-CDs) of most retroviruses have a Tyr-based motif, YXXO, in their membrane-proximal regions. This signal is involved in the trafficking and endocytosis of membrane receptors via clathrin-associated AP-1 and AP-2 adaptor complexes. We have used CD8-TM-CD chimeras to investigate the role of the Tyr-based motif of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and human T-leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) TM-CDs in the cell surface expression of the envelope glycoprotein. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy studies showed that this motif is a major determinant of the cell surface expression of the CD8-HTLV chimera. The YXXO motif also plays a key role in subcellular distribution of the envelope of lentiviruses HIV-1 and SIV. However, these viruses, which encode TM proteins with a long cytoplasmic domain, have additional determinants distal to the YXXO motif that participate in regulating cell surface expression. We have also used the yeast two-hybrid system and in vitro binding assays to demonstrate that all three retroviral YXXO motifs interact with the micro1 and micro2 subunits of AP complexes and that the C-terminal regions of HIV-1 and SIV TM proteins interact with the beta2 adaptin subunit. The TM-CDs of HTLV-1, HIV-1, and SIV also interact with the whole AP complexes. These results clearly demonstrate that the cell surface expression of retroviral envelope glycoproteins is governed by interactions with adaptor complexes. The YXXO-based signal is the major determinant of this interaction for the HTLV-1 TM, which contains a short cytoplasmic domain, whereas the lentiviruses HIV-1 and SIV have additional determinants distal to this signal that are also involved.

An immunologically distinct beta-adaptin on tubulovesicles of gastric oxyntic cells

Clathrin and the gamma-adaptin subunit of the AP-1 clathrin adaptor have been previously identified on H-K-ATPase-rich tubulovesicles from gastric acid secretory (oxyntic) cells [C. T. Okamoto, S. M. Karam, Y. Y. Jeng, J. G. Forte, and J. Goldenring. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Cell Physiol. 43): C1017-C1029]. We further characterized this AP-1 adaptor from rabbit and hog tubulovesicles biochemically and immunologically. Clathrin coat proteins were stripped from purified tubulovesicular membranes and fractionated by hydroxyapatite chromatography. The AP-1 adaptor appears to elute at 200 mM sodium phosphate, based on the presence of proteins in this fraction that are immunoreactive with antibodies against three of the four subunits of this heterotetrameric complex: the gamma-, mu1-, and sigma1-adaptin subunits. Although the putative beta-adaptin subunit in this fraction is not immunoreactive with the anti-beta-adaptin monoclonal antibody (MAb), this beta-adaptin is immunoreactive with polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) directed against the peptide sequence Gly625-Asp-Leu-Leu-Gly-Asp-Leu-Leu-Asn-Leu-Asp-Leu-Gly-Pro-Pro- Val640 , a region conserved between beta1- and beta2-adaptins that is thought to be involved in the binding of clathrin heavy chain. Immunoprecipitation of the AP-1 adaptor complex from this fraction with anti-gamma-adaptin MAb 100/3 resulted in the coimmunoprecipitation of the beta-adaptin that did not react with the anti-beta-adaptin MAb but did react with the anti-beta-adaptin PAbs. In contrast, immunoprecipitation of the AP-1 adaptor complex from crude clathrin-coated vesicles from brain resulted in the coimmunoprecipitation of a beta-adaptin that was recognized by both the anti-beta-adaptin MAb and PAbs. These results suggest that the tubulovesicular AP-1 adaptor complex may be distinct from that found in the trans-Golgi network and may contain an immunologically distinct beta-adaptin. This immunologically distinct beta-adaptin may be diagnostic of apical tubulovesicular endosomes of epithelial cells.

Renal Na/H exchanger NHE-3 and Na-PO4 cotransporter NaPi-2 protein expression in glucocorticoid excess and deficient states

Administration of pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoid in vivo increases renal proximal tubule apical membrane Na/H exchange and decreases Na/PO4 cotransport activity (1). Current data suggest that the NHE-3 and NaPi-2 proteins mediate significant fractions of proximal tubule apical membrane Na/H exchange and Na/PO4 cotransport, respectively. This study examines whether glucocorticoid excess or deficiency affects NHE-3 and NaPi-2 protein abundance and the intrarenal distribution of these transporters. Protein abundance of NHE-3 and NaPi-2 in control rats was compared to rats rendered glucocorticoid-deficient by bilateral adrenalectomy, and to rats receiving pharmacologic doses of dexamethasone using immunoblots and immunohistochemistry. Adrenalectomy had modest effects on NHE-3 protein abundance, but dexamethasone administration to either adrenalectomized or sham-operated rats significantly increased NHE-3 protein abundance in both the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb, but not the thin descending limb. Adrenalectomy increased NaPi-2 protein abundance in the proximal tubule, whereas dexamethasone administration dramatically suppressed NaPi-2 protein on the apical membrane in both adrenalectomized and sham-operated animals. No significant reciprocal increase in subapical NaPi-2 staining was seen in the dexamethasone-treated rats. The present study shows that glucocorticoids regulate proximal tubule apical membrane Na/H exchange and NaPi cotransport by changes in protein abundance of NHE-3 and NaPi-2, respectively.

ATM binds to beta-adaptin in cytoplasmic vesicles

Inherited mutations in the ATM gene lead to a complex clinical phenotype characterized by neuronal degeneration, oculocutaneous telangiectasias, immune dysfunction, and cancer predisposition. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we demonstrate that ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) binds to beta-adaptin, one of the components of the AP-2 adaptor complex, which is involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis of receptors. The interaction between ATM and beta-adaptin was confirmed in vitro, and coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization studies show that the proteins also associate in vivo. ATM also interacts in vitro with beta-NAP, a neuronal-specific beta-adaptin homolog that was identified as an autoantigen in a patient with cerebellar degeneration. Our data describing the association of ATM with beta-adaptin in vesicles indicate that ATM may play a role in intracellular vesicle and/or protein transport mechanisms.

Role of phosphorylation in regulation of the assembly of endocytic coat complexes

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis involves cycles of assembly and disassembly of clathrin coat components and their accessory proteins. Dephosphorylation of rat brain extract was shown to promote the assembly of dynamin 1, synaptojanin 1, and amphiphysin into complexes that also included clathrin and AP-2. Phosphorylation of dynamin 1 and synaptojanin 1 inhibited their binding to amphiphysin, whereas phosphorylation of amphiphysin inhibited its binding to AP-2 and clathrin. Thus, phosphorylation regulates the association and dissociation cycle of the clathrin-based endocytic machinery, and calcium-dependent dephosphorylation of endocytic proteins could prepare nerve terminals for a burst of endocytosis.

Mutation in AP-3 delta in the mocha mouse links endosomal transport to storage deficiency in platelets, melanosomes, and synaptic vesicles

The mouse mutant mocha, a model for the Hermansky-Pudlak storage pool deficiency syndrome, is characterized by defective platelets, coat and eye color dilution, lysosomal abnormalities, inner ear degeneration, and neurological deficits. Here, we show that mocha is a null allele of the delta subunit of the adaptor-like protein complex AP-3, which is associated with coated vesicles budding from the trans-Golgi network, and that AP-3 is missing in mocha tissues. In mocha brain, the ZnT-3 transporter is reduced, resulting in a lack of zinc-associated Timm historeactivity in hippocampal mossy fibers. Our results demonstrate that the AP-3 complex is responsible for cargo selection to lysosome-related organelles such as melanosomes and platelet dense granules as well as to neurotransmitter vesicles.

A function for the AP3 coat complex in synaptic vesicle formation from endosomes

Synaptic vesicles can be coated in vitro in a reaction that is ARF-, ATP-, and temperature-dependent and requires synaptic vesicle membrane proteins. The coat is largely made up of the heterotetrameric complex, adaptor protein 3, recently implicated in Golgi-to-vacuole traffic in yeast. Depletion of AP3 from brain cytosol inhibits small vesicle formation from PC12 endosomes in vitro. Budding from washed membranes can be reconstituted with purified AP3 and recombinant ARF1. We conclude that AP3 coating is involved in at least one pathway of small vesicle formation from endosomes.

Identification of clathrin and clathrin adaptors on tubulovesicles of gastric acid secretory (oxyntic) cells

gamma-Adaptin and clathrin heavy chain were identified on tubulovesicles of gastric oxyntic cells with the anti-gamma-adaptin monoclonal antibody (MAb) 100/3 and an anti-clathrin heavy chain MAb (MAb 23), respectively. In Western blots, crude gastric microsomes from rabbit and rat and density gradient-purified, H-K-ATPase-rich microsomes from these same species were immunoreactive for gamma-adaptin and clathrin. In immunofluorescent labeling of isolated rabbit gastric glands, anti-gamma-adaptin and anti-clathrin heavy chain immunoreactivity appeared to be concentrated in oxyntic cells. In primary cultures of rabbit oxyntic cells, the immunocytochemical distribution of gamma-adaptin immunoreactivity was similar to that of the tubulovesicular membrane marker in oxyntic cells, the H-K-ATPase. Further biochemical characterization of the tubulovesicular gamma-adaptin-containing complex suggested that it has a subunit composition that is typical of that for a clathrin adaptor: in addition to the gamma-adaptin subunit, it contains a beta-adaptin subunit and other subunits of apparent molecular masses of 50 kDa and 19 kDa. From solubilized gastric microsomes from rabbit, gamma-adaptin could be copurified with the major cargo protein of tubulovesicles, the H-K-ATPase. Thus this tubulovesicular coat may bind directly to the H-K-ATPase and may thereby mediate the regulated trafficking of the H-K-ATPase at the apical membrane of the oxyntic cell during the gastric acid secretory cycle. Given the similarities of the regulated trafficking of the H-K-ATPase with recycling of cargo through the apical recycling endosome of many epithelial cells, we propose that tubulovesicular clathrin and adaptors may regulate some part of an apical recycling pathway in other epithelial cells.

Co-localization of HIV-1 Nef with the AP-2 adaptor protein complex correlates with Nef-induced CD4 down-regulation

The nef gene of human and simian immunodeficiency viruses is critical for AIDS pathogenesis. Its function in vivo is unknown, but in vitro natural isolates of Nef down-regulate expression of the cell surface CD4 molecule, a component of the T cell antigen receptor and the viral receptor, by accelerating its endocytosis. We have used chimeric proteins comprised of the natural HIV-1 NA7 Nef fused to a strongly fluorescing mutant of green fluorescent protein (GFP) to correlate Nef function with intracellular localization in human CD4-positive Jurkat T cells. The NA7-GFP fusion protein co-localizes with components of the clathrin coat, including clathrin and the beta-subunit of the AP-2 adaptor protein complex, at discrete locations that are consistent with the normal cellular distribution of clathrin coats at the plasma membrane. The NA7-GFP protein is also found in the perinuclear region of the cell, which is likely to reflect the Golgi apparatus. Evidence from a CD4-negative fibroblast cell line indicates that co-localization of NA7-GFP with components of the clathrin coat does not require expression of the CD4 molecule. Analysis of a large panel of chimeric molecules containing mutant Nef moieties demonstrated that the N-terminal membrane targeting signal cooperates with additional element(s) in the disordered loops in the Nef molecule to co-localize the Nef protein with AP-2 adaptor complexes at the cell margin. This localization of NA7-GFP correlates with, but is not sufficient for, down-regulation of surface CD4 and at least one additional function of Nef is required. In T cells co-expressing CD4 and NA7-GFP, CD4 at the cell surface is redistributed into a discrete pattern that co-localizes with that of NA7-GFP. Our observations place NA7-GFP in physical proximity to AP-2-containing clathrin coat at the plasma membrane and imply that Nef interacts, either directly or indirectly, with a component of the AP-2-containing coat at this location. This evidence supports a model whereby Nef recruits CD4 to the endocytic machinery via AP-2-containing clathrin coats at the plasma membrane.

Characterization of the mouse beta-prime adaptin gene; cDNA sequence, genomic structure, and chromosomal localization

Adaptins are important subunits of heterotetrameric complexes called adaptors, which participate in the clathrin-coated, vesicle-mediated endocytosis and intracellular receptor transport. The gene family of adaptins is divided into three classes, alpha, beta, and gamma, with further subdivision into beta- and beta-prime components. Two beta-prime adaptins, the rat AP105a and the human BAM22, have previously been characterized. The BAM22 gene is located on human Chromosome (Chr) 22q12 and can be considered a candidate meningioma tumor suppressor gene. We report here the characterization of the mouse ortholog of the BAM22 gene, and we suggest the name adtb1 for the mouse gene. Like the BAM22 gene, the adtb1 transcript is highly and ubiquitously expressed. We provide 3885-bp cDNA sequence, which entirely covers the open reading frame of the adtb1, capable of encoding a protein of 943 amino acids. The adtb1 protein is highly conserved (>96% identity) when compared with AP105a and BAM22 proteins. We also report the genomic organization of adtb1, which is similar to the BAM22 gene. The adtb1 gene has been assigned to mouse Chr 11, band 11A2, which confirms the synteny between human Chr 22q12 and mouse Chr 11.

Beta3A-adaptin, a subunit of the adaptor-like complex AP-3

Recent studies have described a widely expressed adaptor-like complex, named AP-3, which is likely involved in protein sorting in exocytic/endocytic pathways. The AP-3 complex is composed of four distinct subunits. Here, we report the identification of one of the subunits of this complex, which we call beta3A-adaptin. The predicted amino acid sequence of beta3A-adaptin reveals that the protein is closely related to the neuron-specific protein beta-NAP (61% overall identity) and more distantly related to the beta1- and beta2-adaptin subunits of the clathrin-associated adaptor complexes AP-1 and AP-2, respectively. Sequence comparisons also suggest that beta3A-adaptin has a domain organization similar to beta-NAP and to beta1- and beta2-adaptins. beta3A-adaptin is expressed in all tissues and cells examined. Co-purification and co-precipitation analyses demonstrate that beta3A-adaptin corresponds to the approximately 140-kDa subunit of the ubiquitous AP-3 complex, the other subunits being delta-adaptin, p47A (now called mu3A) and sigma3 (A or B). beta3A-adaptin is phosphorylated on serine residues in vivo while the other subunits of the complex are not detectably phosphorylated. beta3A-adaptin is not present in significant amounts in clathrin-coated vesicles. The characteristics of beta3A-adaptin reported here lend support to the idea that AP-3 is a structural and functional homolog of the clathrin-associated adaptors AP-1 and AP-2.

Characterization of the adaptor-related protein complex, AP-3

We have recently shown that two proteins related to two of the adaptor subunits of clathrincoated vesicles, p47 (mu3) and beta-NAP (beta3B), are part of an adaptor-like complex not associated with clathrin (Simpson, F., N.A. Bright, M.A. West, L.S. Newman, R.B. Darnell, and M.S. Robinson, 1996. J. Cell Biol. 133:749-760). In the present study we have searched the EST database and have identified, cloned, and sequenced a ubiquitously expressed homologue of beta-NAP, beta3A, as well as homologues of the alpha/gamma and sigma adaptor subunits, delta and sigma3, which are also ubiquitously expressed. Antibodies raised against recombinant delta and sigma3 show that they are the other two subunits of the adaptor-like complex. We are calling this complex AP-3, a name that has also been used for the neuronalspecific phosphoprotein AP180, but we feel that it is a more appropriate designation for an adaptor-related heterotetramer. Immunofluorescence using anti-delta antibodies reveals that the AP-3 complex is associated with the Golgi region of the cell as well as with more peripheral structures. These peripheral structures show only limited colocalization with endosomal markers and may correspond to a postTGN biosynthetic compartment. The delta subunit is closely related to the protein product of the Drosophila garnet gene, which when mutated results in reduced pigmentation of the eyes and other tissues. Because pigment granules are believed to be similar to lysosomes, this suggests either that the AP-3 complex may be directly involved in trafficking to lysosomes or alternatively that it may be involved in another pathway, but that missorting in that pathway may indirectly lead to defects in pigment granules.

Transferrin receptor containing the SDYQRL motif of TGN38 causes a reorganization of the recycling compartment but is not targeted to the TGN

The SDYQRL motif of the cytoplasmic domain of TGN38 is involved in targeting TGN38 from endosomes to the TGN. To create a system for studying this pathway, we replaced the native transferrin receptor (TR) internalization motif (YTRF) with the SDYQRL TGN-targeting motif. The advantages of using TR as a reporter molecule include the ability to monitor trafficking, in both biochemical and microscopy experiments, using the natural ligand transferrin. When expressed in CHO cells, the SDYQRL-TR construct accumulated in juxtanuclear tubules and vesicles that are in the vicinity of the TGN. The SDYQRL-TR-containing structures, however, do not colocalize with TGN markers (e.g., NBD ceramide), and therefore the SDYQRL motif is not sufficient to target the TR to the TGN. The morphology of the SDYQRL-TR-containing juxtanuclear structures is different from the recycling compartment found in cells expressing the wild-type TR. In addition, the SDYQRL-TR-containing juxtanuclear compartment is more acidic than the recycling compartment in cells expressing the wild-type TR. The juxtanuclear compartment, however, is a bona fide recycling compartment since SDYQRL-TR was recycled back to the cell surface at a rate comparable to the wild-type TR, and sphingomyelin and cellubrevin, both of which label all compartments of the endocytic recycling pathway, colocalize with SDYQRL-TR in the juxtanuclear structures. These findings demonstrate that expression of the SDYQRL-TR construct alters the morphology and pH of endocytic recycling compartments rather than selectively affecting the intracellular trafficking pathway of the SDYQRL-TR construct. Therefore, the SDYQRL trafficking motif is not simply a molecular address that targets proteins to the TGN, but it can play an active role in determining the physical characteristics of endosomal compartments.