Differences in the endosomal distributions of the two mannose 6- phosphate receptors

Multiple immunolabeling of cryosections was performed to compare the subcellular distributions of the two mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) involved in the intracellular targeting of lysosomal enzymes: the cation-dependent (CD) and cation-independent (CI) MPR. In two cell types, the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and BHK cells double transfected with cDNA's encoding for the human CD-MPR and CI-MPR, we found the two receptors at the same sites: the trans-Golgi reticulum (TGR), endosomes, electron-dense cytoplasmic vesicles, and the plasma membrane. In the TGR the two receptors colocalized and were concentrated to the same extent in the same HA I-adaptor positive coated buds and vesicles. Endosomes were identified by the presence of exogenous tracers. The two MPR codistributed to the same endosomes, but semiquantitative analysis showed a relative enrichment of the CI-MPR in endosomes containing many internal vesicles. Two endosomal subcompartments were discerned, the central vacuole and the associated tubules and vesicles (ATV). We found an enrichment of CD-MPR over CI- MPR in the ATV. Lateral segregation of the two receptors within the plane of membranes was also detected on isolated organelles. Double immunolabeling for the CD-MPR and the asialoglycoprotein receptor, which mainly recycles between endosomes and the plasma membrane, revealed that these two receptors were concentrated in different subpopulations of endosomal ATV. The small GTP-binding protein rab4, which has been shown to mediate recycling from endosomes to the plasma membrane, was localized at the cytosolic face of many endosomal ATV. Quantitative analysis of double-immunolabeled cells revealed only a limited codistribution of the MPRs and rab4 in ATV. These data suggest that the two MPRs exit the TGR via the same coated vesicles, but that upon arrival in the endosomes CD-MPR is more rapidly than CI-MPR, segregated into ATV which probably are destined to recycle MPRs to TGR.     

Isolation and characterization of membranes from bovine liver which are highly enriched in mannose 6-phosphate receptors

We have developed a method for the isolation of the subcellular organelles from bovine liver which are enriched in the cation- independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) and the cation- dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CD-MPR). The purification scheme consists of sedimentation of a postnuclear supernatant fraction on a sucrose gradient followed by immunoisolation using specific anti- peptide antibodies conjugated to magnetic polystyrene beads. Antibodies that recognize the cytoplasmic domain of either the CI-MPR or the CD- MPR routinely give membrane preparations that are approximately 50-fold enriched in each of the respective receptors, as determined by quantitative Western blotting. The immunoisolated membranes are also enriched in the other MPR, as well as in the asialoglycoprotein receptor. They contain significantly lower levels of enzyme activities representative of the plasma membrane (5' nucleotidase) or the Golgi complex (galactosyltransferase and sialyltransferase). There is little or no enrichment for either the lysosomal enzymes beta-hexosaminidase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, or the mitochondrial enzyme succinate-tetrazolium reductase. These data, together with electron microscopy of the immunoisolated material, suggest that the bulk of MPR- containing membranes we have isolated from bovine liver correspond to endosomes. Analysis by SDS-PAGE indicates that several proteins, including two with apparent molecular weights of 170 K and 400 K, are significantly enriched in the purified fractions and may represent potential markers for MPR-containing endosomes.     

Differential sorting of lysosomal enzymes in mannose 6-phosphate receptor-deficient fibroblasts.

In higher eukaryotes, the transport of soluble lysosomal enzymes involves the recognition of their mannose 6-phosphate signal by two receptors: the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (CI-MPR) and the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CD-MPR). It is not known why these two different proteins are present in most cell types. To investigate their relative function in lysosomal enzyme targeting, we created cell lines that lack either or both MPRs. This was accomplished by mating CD-MPR-deficient mice with Thp mice that carry a CI-MPR deleted allele. Fibroblasts prepared from embryos that lack the two receptors exhibit a massive missorting of multiple lysosomal enzymes and accumulate undigested material in their endocytic compartments. Fibroblasts that lack the CI-MPR, like those lacking the CD-MPR, exhibit a milder phenotype and are only partially impaired in sorting. This demonstrates that both receptors are required for efficient intracellular targeting of lysosomal enzymes. More importantly, comparison of the phosphorylated proteins secreted by the different cell types indicates that the two receptors may interact in vivo with different subgroups of hydrolases. This observation may provide a rational explanation for the existence of two distinct mannose 6-phosphate binding proteins in mammalian cells.     

Strategies for carbohydrate recognition by the mannose 6-phosphate receptors

The two members of the P-type lectin family, the 46 kDa cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CD-MPR) and the 300 kDa cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR), are ubiquitously expressed throughout the animal kingdom and are distinguished from all other lectins by their ability to recognize phosphorylated mannose residues. The best-characterized function of the MPRs is their ability to direct the delivery of approximately 60 different newly synthesized soluble lysosomal enzymes bearing mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) on their N-linked oligosaccharides to the lysosome. In addition to its intracellular role in lysosome biogenesis, the CI-MPR, but not the CD-MPR, participates in a number of other biological processes by interacting with various molecules at the cell surface. The list of extracellular ligands recognized by this multifunctional receptor has grown to include a diverse spectrum of Man-6-P-containing proteins as well as several non-Man-6-P-containing ligands. Recent structural studies have given us a clearer view of how these two receptors use related, but yet distinct, approaches in the recognition of phosphomannosyl residues.     

Binding receptors for α-l-fucosidase in human B-lymphoid cell lines

An established mechanism for directing newly made acid hydrolases to lysosomes involves acquisition of mannose 6-phosphate residues by the carbohydrate portion of acid hydrolases followed by binding to specific membrane-bound transport receptors and delivery to lysosomes. Two distinct phosphomannosyl receptors (CI-MPR and CD-MPR) have been identified. Alternative mechanisms for trafficking acid hydrolases exist. This report examines means for the possible receptor-mediated intracellular transport of -l-fucosidase in lymphoid cells. The binding of -l-fucosidase to intact cells and to total cell membrane preparations, in conjunction with immunoassays of solubilized membrane preparations, revealed the presence of CI-MPR and CD-MPR on human lymphoid and fibroblast cell lines. The mean level of CD-MPR in nine lymphoid cell lines was 7.2-fold greater than CI-MPR. The mean level of CI-MPR in two fibroblast lines was 3.8-fold greater than CD-MPR. The mean content of CI-MPR was 19.5-fold greater in the fibroblasts than in the lymphoid cells. The CD-MPR content of fibroblasts and lymphoid cells was nearly equivalent. Among these cell lines were a fibroblast and a lymphoid line from the same individual. These results indicate that human B-lymphoid cells are deficient in CI-MPR and suggest that modulation of expression of CI-MPR and CD-MPR in lymphoid cells differs from that in fibroblasts, including cell lines with identical genomes. No specific receptor capable of binding -l-fucosidase independent of mannose 6-phosphate was demonstrable, despite published results that support the existence of a mannose 6-phosphate independent trafficking mechanism in lymphoid cells for this enzyme.     

Identification of a low affinity mannose 6-phosphate-binding site in domain 5 of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor

The 300-kDa cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) and the 46-kDa cation-dependent MPR (CD-MPR) are type I integral membrane glycoproteins that play a critical role in the intracellular delivery of newly synthesized mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P)-containing acid hydrolases to the lysosome. The extracytoplasmic region of the CI-MPR contains 15 contiguous domains, and the two high affinity ( approximately 1 nm) Man-6-P-binding sites have been mapped to domains 1-3 and 9, with essential residues localized to domains 3 and 9. Domain 5 of the CI-MPR exhibits significant sequence homology to domains 3 and 9 as well as to the CD-MPR. A structure-based sequence alignment was performed that predicts that domain 5 contains the four conserved key residues (Gln, Arg, Glu, and Tyr) identified as essential for carbohydrate recognition by the CD-MPR and domains 3 and 9 of the CI-MPR, but lacks two cysteine residues predicted to form a disulfide bond within the binding pocket. To determine whether domain 5 harbors a carbohydrate-binding site, a construct that encodes domain 5 alone (Dom5His) was expressed in Pichia pastoris. Microarray analysis using 30 different oligosaccharides demonstrated that Dom5His bound specifically to a Man-6-P-containing oligosaccharide (pentamannosyl 6-phosphate). Frontal affinity chromatography showed that the affinity of Dom5His for Man-6-P was approximately 300-fold lower (K(i) = 5.3 mm) than that observed for domains 1-3 and 9. The interaction affinity for the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase was also much lower (K(d) = 54 microm) as determined by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the CI-MPR contains a third Man-6-P recognition site that is located in domain 5 and that exhibits lower affinity than the carbohydrate-binding sites present in domains 1-3 and 9.     

The palmitoyltransferase of the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor cycles between the plasma membrane and endosomes

The cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CD-MPR) mediates the transport of lysosomal enzymes from the trans-Golgi network to endosomes. Evasion of lysosomal degradation of the CD-MPR requires reversible palmitoylation of a cysteine residue in its cytoplasmic tail. Because palmitoylation is reversible and essential for correct trafficking, it presents a potential regulatory mechanism for the sorting signals within the cytoplasmic domain of the CD-MPR. Characterization of the palmitoylation performing an in vitro palmitoylation assay by using purified full-length CD-MPR revealed that palmitoylation of the CD-MPR occurs enzymatically by a membrane-bound palmitoyltransferase. In addition, analysis of the localization revealed that the palmitoyltransferase cycles between endosomes and the plasma membrane. This was identified by testing fractions from HeLa cell homogenate separated on a density gradient in the in vitro palmitoylation assay and further confirmed by in vivo labeling experiments by using different treatments to block specific protein trafficking steps within the cell. We identified a novel palmitoyltransferase activity in the endocytic pathway responsible for palmitoylation of the CD-MPR. The localization of the palmitoyltransferase not only fulfills the requirement of our hypothesis to be a regulator of the intracellular trafficking of the CD-MPR but also may affect the sorting/activity of other receptors cycling through endosomes.     

Intracellular sorting and basolateral appearance of the G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

The polarity of the surface distribution of viral glycoproteins during virus infection has been studied in the Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cell line on nitrocellulose filters. Using a surface radioimmunoassay on Madin-Darby canine kidney strain I cells that had been infected with vesicular stomatitis virus or with avian influenza fowl plague virus, we found that the surface G protein was 97% basolateral, whereas the fowl plague virus hemagglutinin was 88% apical. Newly synthesized, pulse-labeled vesicular stomatitis virus appeared first on the basolateral plasma membrane as measured by an immunoprecipitation assay in which the anti-G protein antibody was applied to the monolayer either from the apical or the basolateral side. Labeled G protein could be accumulated inside the cell at a late stage of transport by decreasing the temperature to 20 degrees C during the chase. Reversal to 37 degrees C led to its rapid and synchronous transport to the basolateral surface at an initial rate 61-fold greater than that of transport to the apical side. These results demonstrate that the newly synthesized G protein is transported directly to the basolateral membrane and does not pass over the apical membrane en route. Since a previous study of the surface appearance of influenza virus hemagglutinins showed that the newly synthesized hemagglutinins were inserted directly from an intracellular site into the apical membrane (Matlin, K., and K. Simons, 1984, J. Cell Biol., 99:2131-2139), we conclude that the divergence of the transport pathway for the apical and basolateral viral glycoproteins has to occur intracellularly, i.e., before reaching the cell surface.     

Mannose 6-phosphate receptor in porcine thyroid follicle cells. Localization and possible implications for the intracellular transport of thyroglobulin

Thyroglobulin has been shown to be phosphorylated and to carry the mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) signal in terminal position. In order to investigate whether the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) can possibly play a role in the transport of thyroglobulin the localization of the receptor was analyzed in thyroid follicle cells. The immunocytochemical observations showed that the CI-MPR is primarily located in elements of the endocytic pathway such as coated pits and endosomes. This localization of the CI-MPR in thyrocytes differs from the receptor sites in other cell types by the rare occurrence of the CI-MPR in cisternae of the Golgi complex. The observations are interpreted as an indication that the relatively small amount of receptor in the Golgi complex might be occupied primarily by lysosomal hydrolases. The CI-MPR in thyrocytes might, therefore, be unable to bind and to convey thyroglobulin efficiently. The receptor is, however, a binding site for thyroglobulin at the apical plasma membrane and may, therefore, be involved in the binding of thyroglobulin and its transfer from the follicle lumen to lysosomes.     

The distribution of mannose-6-phosphate receptors changes from newborns to adults in rat liver

The co-existence of two types of mannose-6-phosphate receptors (CD-MPR and CI-MPR) in most cell types is still not well explained. Some evidence suggests that the CI-MPR could be actively involved in the regulation of growth factors in the early stages of mammalian organ development. In this study, it was demonstrated that both receptors are distributed in a non-overlapping fashion in rat liver, and that the distribution of CI-MPR changes over a percoll gradient between newborn and adult animals. By using marker proteins it was observed that in newborns the CI-MPR is located both in intracellular fractions and in fractions that coincide with a plasma membrane marker, whereas in adults it is only detected in intracellular fractions. It was also noted that N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase distribution is closer to CI-MPR than to CD-MPR and that acid phosphatase did not match with any receptor. This evidence may also suggest that both receptors have different functions, mainly at early stages in the development of organs.     

Biosynthesis and endocytosis of lysosomal enzymes in human colon carcinoma SW 1116 cells: impaired internalization of plasma membrane-associated cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor.

The human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines SW 948, SW 1116, and SW 1222 were tested for their ability to sort and internalize lysosomal enzymes. The biosynthesis of the lysosomal enzymes cathepsin B, arylsulfatase A, and beta-hexosaminidase in these cell lines exhibits no significant differences to that in human fibroblasts. The intracellular targeting of newly synthesized hydrolases to the lysosomes relies in colon carcinoma cells on the mannose 6-phosphate receptor system. Both the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) and the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor are expressed in all colon carcinoma cell lines investigated. Endocytosis of lysosomal enzymes via mannose 6-phosphate receptors is reduced in colon carcinoma cells as compared with human fibroblasts. SW 1116 cells were shown to be deficient in receptor-mediated endocytosis of mannose 6-phosphate containing ligands. Ligands of other endocytic receptors as well as the fluid-phase marker horseradish peroxidase were internalized at normal rates. While antibodies against CI-MPR bind to the surface of SW 1116 cells, these antibodies cannot be internalized. These data suggest that the cycling of CI-MPR is specifically impaired in SW 1116 cells.     

Domain 5 of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor preferentially binds phosphodiesters (mannose 6-phosphate N-acetylglucosamine ester)

The 300 kDa cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) and the 46 kDa cation-dependent MPR (CD-MPR) are key components of the lysosomal enzyme targeting system that bind newly synthesized mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P)-containing acid hydrolases and divert them from the secretory pathway. Previous studies have mapped two high-affinity Man-6-P binding sites of the CI-MPR to domains 1-3 and 9 and one low-affinity site to domain 5 within its 15-domain extracytoplasmic region. A structure-based sequence alignment predicts that domain 5 contains the four conserved residues (Gln, Arg, Glu, Tyr) identified as essential for Man-6-P binding by the CD-MPR and domains 1-3 and 9 of the CI-MPR. Here we show by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses of constructs containing single amino acid substitutions that these conserved residues (Gln-644, Arg-687, Glu-709, Tyr-714) are critical for carbohydrate recognition by domain 5. Furthermore, the N-glycosylation site at position 711 of domain 5, which is predicted to be located near the binding pocket, has no influence on the carbohydrate binding affinity. Endogenous ligands for the MPRs that contain solely phosphomonoesters (Man-6-P) or phosphodiesters (mannose 6-phosphate N-acetylglucosamine ester, Man-P-GlcNAc) were generated by treating the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) with recombinant GlcNAc-phosphotransferase and uncovering enzyme (N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase). SPR analyses using these modified GAAs demonstrate that, unlike the CD-MPR or domain 9 of the CI-MPR, domain 5 exhibits a 14-18-fold higher affinity for Man-P-GlcNAc than Man-6-P, implicating this region of the receptor in targeting phosphodiester-containing lysosomal enzymes to the lysosome.     

Characterization of the endosomal sorting signal of the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor

Intracellular cycling of the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CD-MPR) between different compartments is directed by signals localized in its cytoplasmic tail. A di-aromatic motif (Phe18-Trp19 with Trp19 as the key residue) in its cytoplasmic tail is required for the sorting of the receptor from late endosomes back to the Golgi apparatus. However, the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) lacks such a di-aromatic motif. Therefore the ability of amino acids other than aromatic residues to replace Trp19 in the CD-MPR cytoplasmic tail was tested. Mutant constructs with bulky hydrophobic residues (valine, isoleucine, or leucine) instead of Trp19 exhibited 30-60% decreases in binding to the tail interacting protein of 47 kDa (Tip47), a protein mediating this transport step, and partially prevented receptor delivery to lysosomes. Decreasing hydrophobicity of residues at position 19 resulted in further impairment of Tip47 binding and an increase of receptor accumulation in lysosomes. Intriguingly, mutants mislocalized to lysosomes did not completely co-localize with a lysosomal membrane protein, which might suggest the presence of subdomains within lysosomes. These data indicate that sorting of the CD-MPR in late endosomes requires a distinct di-aromatic motif with only limited possibilities for variations, in contrast to the CI-MPR, which seems to require a putative loop (Pro49-Pro-Ala-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly55) along with additional hydrophobic residues in the cytoplasmic tail. This raises the possibility of two separate binding sites on Tip47 because both receptors require binding to Tip47 for endosomal sorting.     

Role for dynamin in late endosome dynamics and trafficking of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor

It is well established that dynamin is involved in clathrin-dependent endocytosis, but relatively little is known about possible intracellular functions of this GTPase. Using confocal imaging, we found that endogenous dynamin was associated with the plasma membrane, the trans-Golgi network, and a perinuclear cluster of cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR)-containing structures. By electron microscopy (EM), it was shown that these structures were late endosomes and that the endogenous dynamin was preferentially localized to tubulo-vesicular appendices on these late endosomes. Upon induction of the dominant-negative dynK44A mutant, confocal microscopy demonstrated a redistribution of the CI-MPR in mutant-expressing cells. Quantitative EM analysis of the ratio of CI-MPR to lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 in endosome profiles revealed a higher colocalization of the two markers in dynK44A-expressing cells than in control cells. Western blot analysis showed that dynK44A-expressing cells had an increased cellular procathepsin D content. Finally, EM revealed that in dynK44A-expressing cells, endosomal tubules containing CI-MPR were formed. These results are in contrast to recent reports that dynamin-2 is exclusively associated with endocytic structures at the plasma membrane. They suggest instead that endogenous dynamin also plays an important role in the molecular machinery behind the recycling of the CI-MPR from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network, and we propose that dynamin is required for the final scission of vesicles budding from endosome tubules.     

Serine phosphorylation site of the 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor is required for transport to the plasma membrane in Madin-Darby canine kidney and mouse fibroblast cells.

Up to 4% of the human 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR46) expressed in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are localized at the cell surface. At steady state, the expression of MPR46 on the apical surface of filter-grown MDCK cells is about sixfold lower than on the basolateral surface. The cytoplasmic domain of the MPR46 is phosphorylated on serine 56 at low stoichiometry. By expressing mutant MPR46 we have shown that the MPR46 phosphorylation site is required for delivery to the plasma membrane. In addition, mutant MPR46 expressed in MPR-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts were not detected at the cell surface and their ability to sort newly synthesized cathepsin D was not altered. Since the loss of MPR46 phosphorylation correlates with the lack of cell surface expression, phosphorylation of serine 56 may either function as a direct plasma membrane targeting signal or inhibit MPR46 recycling from endosomes to Golgi, resulting in trafficking to the cell surface.     

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors in an ancient vertebrate, zebrafish

The endosome/lysosome system plays key roles in embryonic development, but difficulties posed by inaccessible mammalian embryos have hampered detailed studies. The accessible, transparent embryos of Danio rerio, together with the genetic and experimental approaches possible with this organism, provide many advantages over rodents. In mammals, mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) target acid hydrolases to endosomes and lysosomes, but nothing is known of acid hydrolase targeting in zebrafish. Here, we describe the sequence of the zebrafish cation-dependent MPR (CD-MPR) and cation-independent MPR (CI-MPR), and compare them with their mammalian orthologs. We show that all residues critical for mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) recognition are present in the extracellular domains of the zebrafish receptors, and that trafficking signals in the cytoplasmic tails are also conserved. This suggests that the teleost receptors possess M6P binding sites with properties similar to those of mammalian MPRs, and that targeting of lysosomal enzymes by MPRs represents an ancient pathway in vertebrate cell biology. We also determined the expression patterns of the CD-MPR and CI-MPR during embryonic development in zebrafish. Both genes are expressed from the one-cell stage through to the hatching period. In early embryos, expression is ubiquitous, but in later stages, expression of both receptors is restricted to the anterior region of the embryo, covering the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. The expression patterns suggest time- and tissue-specific functions for the receptors, with particular evidence for roles in neural development. Our study establishes zebrafish as a novel, genetically tractable model for in vivo studies of MPR function and lysosome biogenesis.     

Endocytosed cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor traffics via the endocytic recycling compartment en route to the trans-Golgi network and a subpopulation of late endosomes

Although the distribution of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) has been well studied, its intracellular itinerary and trafficking kinetics remain uncertain. In this report, we describe the endocytic trafficking and steady-state localization of a chimeric form of the CI-MPR containing the ecto-domain of the bovine CI-MPR and the murine transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains expressed in a CHO cell line. Detailed confocal microscopy analysis revealed that internalized chimeric CI-MPR overlaps almost completely with the endogenous CI-MPR but only partially with individual markers for the trans-Golgi network or other endosomal compartments. After endocytosis, the chimeric receptor first enters sorting endosomes, and it then accumulates in the endocytic recycling compartment. A large fraction of the receptors return to the plasma membrane, but some are delivered to the trans-Golgi network and/or late endosomes. Over the course of an hour, the endocytosed receptors achieve their steady-state distribution. Importantly, the receptor does not start to colocalize with late endosomal markers until after it has passed through the endocytic recycling compartment. In CHO cells, only a small fraction of the receptor is ever detected in endosomes bearing substrates destined for lysosomes (kinetically defined late endosomes). These data demonstrate that CI-MPR takes a complex route that involves multiple sorting steps in both early and late endosomes.     

Actin Dependence of Polarized Receptor Recycling in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cell Endosomes

Mammalian epithelial cell plasma membrane domains are separated by junctional complexes supported by actin. The extent to which actin acts elsewhere to maintain cell polarity remains poorly understood. Using latrunculin B (Lat B) to depolymerize actin filaments, several basolateral plasma membrane proteins were found to lose their polarized distribution. This loss of polarity did not reflect lateral diffusion through junctional complexes because a low-density lipoprotein receptor mutant lacking a functional endocytosis signal remained basolateral after Lat B treatment. Furthermore, Lat B treatment did not facilitate membrane diffusion across the tight junction as observed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or dimethyl sulfoxide treatment. Detailed analysis of transferrin recycling confirmed Lat B depolarized recycling of transferrin from endosomes to the basolateral surface. Kinetic analysis suggested sorting was compromised at both basolateral early endosomes and perinuclear recycling endosomes. Despite loss of function, these two endosome populations remained distinct from each other and from early endosomes labeled by apically internalized ligand. Furthermore, apical and basolateral early endosomes were functionally distinct populations that directed traffic to a single common recycling endosomal compartment even after Lat B treatment. Thus, filamentous actin may help to guide receptor traffic from endosomes to the basolateral plasma membrane.     

The mammalian retromer regulates transcytosis of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor

Epithelial cells have separate apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains with distinct compositions. After delivery to one surface, proteins can be endocytosed and then recycled, degraded or transcytosed to the opposite surface. Proper sorting into the transcytotic pathway is essential for maintaining polarity, as most proteins are endocytosed many times during their lifespan. The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) transcytoses polymeric IgA (pIgA) from the basolateral to the apical surface of epithelial cells and hepatocytes. However, the molecular machinery that controls polarized sorting of pIgR-pIgA and other receptors is only partially understood. The retromer is a multimeric protein complex, originally described in yeast, which mediates intracellular sorting of Vps10p, a receptor that transports vacuolar enzymes. The yeast retromer contains two sub-complexes. One includes the Vps5p and Vps17p subunits, which provide mechanical force for vesicle budding. The other is the Vps35p-Vps29p-Vps26p subcomplex, which provides cargo specificity. The mammalian retromer binds to the mannose 6-phosphate receptor, which sorts lysosomal enzymes from the trans-Golgi network to the lysosomal pathway. Here, we show a function for the mammalian Vps35-Vps29-Vps26 retromer subcomplex in promoting pIgR-pIgA transcytosis.     

Insulin recruits GLUT4 from specialized VAMP2-carrying vesicles as well as from the dynamic endosomal/trans-Golgi network in rat adipocytes

Insulin treatment of fat cells results in the translocation of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter type 4, GLUT4, from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane. However, the precise nature of these intracellular GLUT4-carrying compartments is debated. To resolve the nature of these compartments, we have performed an extensive morphological analysis of GLUT4-containing compartments, using a novel immunocytochemical technique enabling high labeling efficiency and 3-D resolution of cytoplasmic rims isolated from rat epididymal adipocytes. In basal cells, GLUT4 was localized to three morphologically distinct intracellular structures: small vesicles, tubules, and vacuoles. In response to insulin the increase of GLUT4 at the cell surface was compensated by a decrease in small vesicles, whereas the amount in tubules and vacuoles was unchanged. Under basal conditions, many small GLUT4 positive vesicles also contained IRAP (88%) and the v-SNARE, VAMP2 (57%) but not markers of sorting endosomes (EEA1), late endosomes, or lysosomes (lgp120). A largely distinct population of GLUT4 vesicles (56%) contained the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CD-MPR), a marker protein that shuttles between endosomes and the trans-Golgi network (TGN). In response to insulin, GLUT4 was recruited both from VAMP2 and CD-MPR positive vesicles. However, while the concentration of GLUT4 in the remaining VAMP2-positive vesicles was unchanged, the concentration of GLUT4 in CD-MPR-positive vesicles decreased. Taken together, we provide morphological evidence indicating that, in response to insulin, GLUT4 is recruited to the plasma membrane by fusion of preexisting VAMP2-carrying vesicles as well as by sorting from the dynamic endosomal-TGN system.