Capacity of the golgi apparatus for biogenesis from the endoplasmic reticulum

It is unclear whether the mammalian Golgi apparatus can form de novo from the ER or whether it requires a preassembled Golgi matrix. As a test, we assayed Golgi reassembly after forced redistribution of Golgi matrix proteins into the ER. Two conditions were used. In one, ER redistribution was achieved using a combination of brefeldin A (BFA) to cause Golgi collapse and H89 to block ER export. Unlike brefeldin A alone, which leaves matrix proteins in relatively large remnant structures outside the ER, the addition of H89 to BFA-treated cells caused ER accumulation of all Golgi markers tested. In the other, clofibrate treatment induced ER redistribution of matrix and nonmatrix proteins. Significantly, Golgi reassembly after either treatment was robust, implying that the Golgi has the capacity to form de novo from the ER. Furthermore, matrix proteins reemerged from the ER with faster ER exit rates. This, together with the sensitivity of BFA remnants to ER export blockade, suggests that presence of matrix proteins in BFA remnants is due to cycling via the ER and preferential ER export rather than their stable assembly in a matrix outside the ER. In summary, the Golgi apparatus appears capable of efficient self-assembly.     

Forskolin inhibits and reverses the effects of brefeldin A on Golgi morphology by a cAMP-independent mechanism

Brefeldin A (BFA) causes rapid redistribution of Golgi proteins into the ER, leaving no definable Golgi apparatus, and blocks transport of proteins into post-Golgi compartments in the cell. In this study we follow the disassembly of the Golgi apparatus in BFA-treated, living cells labeled with NBD-ceramide and demonstrate that forskolin can both inhibit and reverse this process. Long, tubular processes labeled with NBD-ceramide were observed emerging from Golgi elements and extending out to the cell periphery in cells treated with BFA for 5 min. With longer incubations in BFA, the NBD label was dispersed in a fine reticular pattern characteristic of the ER. Treatment with forskolin inhibited these effects of BFA as well as BFA's earliest morphologic effect on the Golgi apparatus: the redistribution to the cytosol of a 110-kD Golgi peripheral membrane protein. In addition, forskolin could reverse BFA's block in protein secretion. Forskolin inhibition of BFA's effects was dose dependent and reversible. High concentrations of BFA could overcome forskolin's inhibitory effect, suggesting forskolin and BFA interact in a competitive fashion. Remarkably, in cells already exposed to BFA, forskolin could reverse BFA's effects causing the 110-kD Golgi peripheral membrane protein to reassociate with Golgi membrane and juxtanuclear Golgi complexes to reassemble. Neither membrane permeant cAMP analogues nor cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors could replicate or enhance forskolin's inhibition of BFA. 1,9-Dideoxyforskolin, which does not activate adenylyl cyclase, was equally as effective as forskolin in antagonizing BFA. A derivative of forskolin, 7-HPP-forskolin, that is less potent than forskolin at binding to adenylyl cyclase, was also equally effective as forskolin in antagonizing BFA. In contrast a similar derivative, 6-HPP-forskolin, that is equipotent with forskolin at binding to adenylyl cyclase, did not inhibit BFA's effects. These results suggest that forskolin acts as a competitive antagonist to BFA, using a cAMP-independent mechanism to prevent and reverse the morphologic effects induced by BFA.     

Guanosine nucleotides modulate the inhibitory effect of brefeldin A on protein secretion

Brefeldin A (BFA) causes rapid redistribution of Golgi proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), leaving no definable Golgi-apparatus, and blocks transport of proteins from the ER to distal secretory compartments of the cell. Using pulse-chase experiments the present study shows that BFA (1 microgram/ml) inhibits basal and CCK-stimulated protein secretion in isolated pancreatic acinar cells by 65 +/- 6% and 84 +/- 5%, respectively. In isolated permeabilized cells higher concentrations of BFA (30 micrograms/ml) were necessary to obtain inhibition of protein secretion. In parallel experiments protein secretion was stimulated by GTP (1 mM). BFA had no inhibitory effect on protein secretion in the presence of GTP, indicating that BFA might act on a GTP-binding protein. Investigating the effect of BFA on small molecular weight GTP-binding proteins we observed that [alpha-32P]GTP binding to a 21 kDa protein in a subcellular fraction enriched in ER was increased in the presence of BFA. We conclude that this 21 kDa and possibly also other GTP-binding proteins may be the molecular target of Brefeldin A in pancreatic acinar cells.     

Microtubule-dependent retrograde transport of proteins into the ER in the presence of brefeldin A suggests an ER recycling pathway

Characteristics of brefeldin A (BFA)-induced redistribution of Golgi proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its relationship to an ER retrieval pathway were investigated. Retrograde movement of Golgi proteins into the ER occurred via long, tubulovesicular processes extending out of the Golgi along microtubules. Microtubule-disrupting agents (i.e., nocodazole), energy poisons, and reduced temperatures inhibited this pathway. In BFA-treated cells Golgi proteins appeared to cycle between the ER and an intermediate compartment marked by a 53 kd protein. Addition of nocodazole disrupted this dynamic cycle by preferentially inhibiting retrograde movement, causing Golgi proteins to accumulate in the intermediate compartment. In the absence of BFA, such an ER cycling pathway appeared to be followed normally by the 53 kd protein but not by Golgi proteins, as revealed by temperature shift experiments. We propose that BFA induces the interaction of the Golgi with an intermediate "recycling" compartment that utilizes a microtubule-dependent pathway into the ER.     

A Golgi-related structure remains after the brefeldin A-induced formation of an ER-Golgi hybrid compartment.

Brefeldin A (BFA) has previously been shown to block protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), to cause the redistribution of Golgi components to the ER, and to change profoundly the morphology of the Golgi apparatus. In order to quantitate the effects of this drug on the morphology of the ER and the Golgi apparatus in HeLa cells, the numerical, surface and volume densities of these organelles were determined by stereological means. We found that in cells treated with BFA (5 micrograms/ml) clusters of vesicles and tubules, often located near transitional elements of the ER, replaced the Golgi apparatus. The numerical density of these clusters in cells treated with BFA for 30 min or 4.5 h is similar to that of Golgi complexes and Golgi-related clusters in control cells. The surface density of the vesicles and tubules contained in these clusters is about 50% of that represented by Golgi elements in control cells. Concomitantly, a corresponding increase in the surface density of the ER-Golgi hybrid compartment was observed. This hybrid compartment contained Golgi-specific enzymes effecting modifications of N-linked oligosaccharides and the transfer of O-linked sugars. Antibodies recognizing different subcompartments of the Golgi apparatus or the intermediate compartment, labeled vesicles and tubules of the Golgi-related clusters. Applying low doses of BFA allowed for the dissection of the disassembly of the Golgi apparatus into at least two phases. At very low doses (10-20 ng/ml) the numerical density of vesicles in the clusters increased up to 4-fold above control, while the surface density did not markedly change, suggesting that vesiculation of the Golgi cisternae had occurred. Fusion of Golgi elements with the ER seemed to occur only at doses of BFA higher than 20 ng/ml. Contrary to observations on other cell types, removal of BFA from HeLa cell cultures resulted in a rather slow reformation (1-2 h) of the Golgi complex, which allowed us to observe several intermediate stages in this process. During this time period an ER was restored which no longer contained Golgi-specific O-glycosylation functions. Our results demonstrate that BFA does not simply cause the disappearance of the Golgi apparatus by fusion with the ER, but instead clusters of vesicles and tubules remain that contain Golgi-specific markers.     

Brefeldin A redistributes resident and itinerant Golgi proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum

Brefeldin A (BFA) has been reported to block protein transport from the ER and cause disassembly of the Golgi complex. We have examined the effects of BFA on the transport and processing of the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein, a model integral membrane protein. Delivery of G protein to the cell surface was reversibly blocked by 6 micrograms/ml BFA. Pulse-label experiments revealed that in the presence of BFA, G protein became completely resistant to endoglycosidase H digestion. Addition of sialic acid, a trans-Golgi event, was not observed. Despite processing by cis- and medial Golgi enzymes, G protein was localized by indirect immunofluorescence to a reticular distribution characteristic of the ER. By preventing transport of G protein from the ER with the metabolic inhibitor carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone or by use of the temperature-sensitive mutant ts045, which is restricted to the ER at 40 degrees C, we showed that processing of G protein occurred in the ER and was not due to retention of newly synthesized Golgi enzymes. Rather, redistribution of preexisting cis and medial Golgi enzymes to the ER occurred as soon as 2.5 min after addition of BFA, and was complete by 10-15 min. Delivery of Golgi enzymes to the ER was energy dependent and occurred only at temperatures greater than or equal to 20 degrees C. BFA also induced retrograde transport of G protein from the medial Golgi to the ER. Golgi enzymes were completely recovered from the ER 10 min after removal of BFA. These findings demonstrate that BFA induces retrograde transport of both resident and itinerant Golgi proteins to the ER in a fully reversible manner.     

Uncoupling of brefeldin a-mediated coatomer protein complex-I dissociation from Golgi redistribution

The Golgi complex functions in transport of molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane and other distal organelles as well as in retrograde transport to the ER. The fungal metabolite brefeldin A (BFA) promotes dissociation of ADP-ribosylation-factor-1 (ARF1) and the coatomer protein complex-I (COP-I) from Golgi membranes, followed by Golgi tubulation and fusion with the ER. Here we demonstrate that the cationic ionophore monensin inhibited the BFA-mediated Golgi redistribution to the ER without interfering with ARF1 and COP-I dissociation. Preservation of a perinuclear Golgi despite COP-I and ARF1 dissociation enables addressing the involvement of these proteins in anterograde ER to Golgi transport. The thermo-reversible folding mutant of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSVGtsO45) was retained in the ER in the presence of both monensin and BFA, thus supporting ARF1/COP-I participation in ER-exit processes. Live-cell imaging revealed that BFA-induced Golgi tubulation persisted longer in the presence of monensin, suggesting that monensin inhibits tubule fusion with the ER. Moreover, monensin also augmented Golgi-derived tubules that contained the ER-Golgi-intermediate compartment marker, p58, in the absence of BFA, signifying the generality of this effect. Taken together, we propose that monensin inhibits membrane fusion processes in the presence or absence of BFA.     

Guanine nucleotides modulate the effects of brefeldin A in semipermeable cells: regulation of the association of a 110-kD peripheral membrane protein with the Golgi apparatus

The release of a 110-kD peripheral membrane protein from the Golgi apparatus is an early event in brefeldin A (BFA) action, preceding the movement of Golgi membrane into the ER. ATP depletion also causes the reversible redistribution of the 110-kD protein from Golgi membrane into the cytosol, although no Golgi disassembly occurs. To further define the effects of BFA on the association of the 110-kD protein with the Golgi apparatus we have used filter perforation techniques to produce semipermeable cells. All previously observed effects of BFA, including the rapid redistribution of the 110-kD protein and the movement of Golgi membrane into the ER, could be reproduced in the semipermeable cells. The role of guanine nucleotides in this process was investigated using the nonhydrolyzable analogue of GTP, GTP gamma S. Pretreatment of semipermeable cells with GTP gamma S prevented the BFA-induced redistribution of the 110-kD protein from the Golgi apparatus and movement of Golgi membrane into the ER. GTP gamma S could also abrogate the observed release of the 110-kD protein from Golgi membranes which occurred in response to ATP depletion. Additionally, when the 110-kD protein had first been dissociated from Golgi membranes by ATP depletion, GTP gamma S could restore Golgi membrane association of the 110-kD protein, but not if BFA was present. All of these effects observed with GTP gamma S in semipermeable cells could be reproduced in intact cells treated with AlF4-. These results suggest that guanine nucleotides regulate the dynamic association/dissociation of the 110-kD protein with the Golgi apparatus and that BFA perturbs this process by interfering with the association of the 110-kD protein with the Golgi apparatus.     

Brefeldin A-induced disassembly of the Golgi apparatus is followed by disruption of the endoplasmic reticulum in plant cells

Brefeldin A (BFA), a fungal fatty acid derivative, is a potentagent for disrupting the Golgi apparatus in plant and animalcells. We have examined its action using marker antibodies whichrecognize an epitope in the plant Golgi apparatus (JIM 84),and for proteins held in the endoplasmic reticulum by the HDELER-retention signal (2E7), in combination with double immunolabelling.In maize root cells, disruption of the ER occurs after breakdownof the Golgi apparatus is initiated. The redistribution of theGolgi is shown to be predominantly separate from that of theER, and as with the Golgi, the action of BFA on the ER is alsoreversible. The mode of action of BFA on the ER and Golgi ofplant cells is compared with that described for animal cells. Key words: Zea mays L, Brefeldin A, plant cells, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus     

Golgi proteins persist in the tubulovesicular remnants found in brefeldin A-treated pancreatic acinar cells.

Brefeldin A (BFA) blocks protein export from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and causes dismantling of the Golgi cisternae with relocation of resident Golgi proteins to the ER in many cultured cell lines. We examined the effects of BFA on Golgi organization and the distribution of Golgi markers in the rat exocrine pancreas. Immediately after BFA addition, Golgi stacks began to disorganize and Golgi cisternae to vesiculate, and by 15 min no intact Golgi cisternae remained. However, even after prolonged BFA incubation, clusters of small vesicles surrounded by transitional elements of the ER persisted both in the Golgi region and dispersed throughout the apical cytoplasm. These vesicles were morphologically heterogeneous in the density of their content and in the presence of cytoplasmic coats. Immunogold labeling demonstrated that some vesicles within the clusters contained gp58, a cis Golgi marker, and some contained alpha-mannosidase II, a middle/trans Golgi marker in this cell type. Neither marker was detected in the rough ER by immunogold or immunofluorescence labeling. When AlF4- was added during BFA treatment some of the vesicles in the clusters appeared coated. When microsomes were subfractionated into Golgi (light) and rough ER (heavy) fractions on sucrose density gradients, greater than 65% of alpha-mannosidase II and galactosyltransferase activities were found in light fractions (1.14-1.16 g/ml) in both control and BFA-treated lobules. In both cases equally low enzyme activity was recovered in heavier fractions (1.2-1.23 g/ml) containing RNA and alpha-glucosidase activity. However, 5 to 8% of the total recovered RNA consistently codistributed with the Golgi enzyme peak. These results indicate that BFA rapidly inhibits secretion and causes dismantling of the Golgi stacks in pancreatic acinar cells, but clusters of vesicles consisting of bona fide Golgi remnants persist even with prolonged exposure to BFA. Many of the vesicles contain Golgi markers by immunolabeling. By cell fractionation Golgi membrane enzyme activities are recovered in equal amounts in light (Golgi) fractions in both controls and BFA-treated specimens. These findings indicate that in the exocrine pancreas there is a dissociation of BFA's effects on the exocytic pathway: there is a block in transport and Golgi organization is disrupted, but remnant Golgi vesicles and tubules persist and retain Golgi membrane antigens and enzyme activities.     

Dissociation of a 110-kD peripheral membrane protein from the Golgi apparatus is an early event in brefeldin A action

Brefeldin A (BFA) has a profound effect on the structure of the Golgi apparatus, causing Golgi proteins to redistribute into the ER minutes after drug treatment. Here we describe the dissociation of a 110-kD cytoplasmically oriented peripheral membrane protein (Allan, V. J., and T. E. Kreis. 1986. J. Cell Biol. 103:2229-2239) from the Golgi apparatus as an early event in BFA action, preceding other morphologic changes. In contrast, other peripheral membrane proteins of the Golgi apparatus were not released but followed Golgi membrane into the ER during BFA treatment. The 110-kD protein remained widely dispersed throughout the cytoplasm during drug treatment, but upon removal of BFA it reassociated with membranes during reformation of the Golgi apparatus. Although a 30-s exposure to the drug was sufficient to cause the redistribution of the 110-kD protein, removal of the drug after this short exposure resulted in the reassociation of the 110-kD protein and no change in Golgi structure. If cells were exposed to BFA for 1 min or more, however, a portion of the Golgi membrane was committed to move into and out of the ER after removal of the drug. ATP depletion also caused the reversible release of the 110-kD protein, but without Golgi membrane redistribution into the ER. These findings suggest that the interaction between the 110-kD protein and the Golgi apparatus is dynamic and can be perturbed by metabolic changes or the drug BFA.     

Brefeldin A induces endoplasmic reticulum-associated O-glycosylation of galactosyltransferase

Recent data from several laboratories show that Brefeldin A (BFA) induces a microtubule-dependent back-flow of Golgi components to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) thereby causing disassembly of the Golgi apparatus and its fusion with ER membranes. In order to delineate the effect of BFA on resident Golgi proteins, we investigated its effect on biosynthesis, maturation and intracellular transport of galactosyltransferase (gal-T), an established trans-Golgi enzyme. Using a protocol of metabolic labeling/immunoprecipitation followed by electrophoretic/fluorographic analysis, we show that in the presence of BFA, gal-T matures to a molecular form of 48.5 kD, a size intermediate between the 2 precursor forms of 44 and 47 and the mature form of 54 kD (Strous and Berger: J. Biol. Chem., 257:7623-28, 1982). Little mature form was detectable in the presence of BFA even after prolonged chase times of up to 28 hr. The intermediate form was sensitive to O-glycanase and endoglycosidase H, indicating early O-glycosylation without sialylation and lack of complex N-glycosylation, respectively. In order to define the compartment responsible for O-glycosylation in the presence of BFA, a temperature block of 25 degrees C was applied which inhibited recovery of Golgi elements from BFA-induced fusion with ER. At this temperature and in absence of BFA, biosynthesis of gal-T was not appreciably affected, while maturation was completely inhibited as indicated by the presence of unmodified precursor forms of gal-T. After 60 min preincubation with BFA, a time period sufficient to demonstrate complete fusion of Golgi with ER, subsequent biosynthesis of gal-T at 25 degrees C in absence of BFA led to the intermediate form, while precursor forms were not detectable. These data provide direct evidence for BFA-induced redistribution to the EF of Golgi enzymes involved in O-glycosylation and their early functional involvement in biosynthesis of newly synthesized gal-T.     

Post-Golgi membrane traffic: brefeldin A inhibits export from distal Golgi compartments to the cell surface but not recycling

Recent studies using the fungal metabolite brefeldin A (BFA) have provided important insights into the dynamics and the organization of the ER/Golgi membrane system. Here we examined the effect of BFA on the functional integrity of the distal part of the secretory pathway, i.e., transport between trans-Golgi cisternae and the cell surface. To assay export via the constitutive pathway, we followed the movement of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) G glycoprotein that had been accumulated in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) by incubation of infected BHK-21 cells at 20 degrees C. Addition of BFA rapidly and reversibly inhibited cell surface transport of G protein. The block to secretion was not due to redistribution of externalized G protein to internal pools. It was also not due to collapse of TGN to the ER, since VSV G protein blocked in treated cells resided in compartments that were distinct from the ER/Golgi system. Similar effects were found with a bulk-flow marker: BFA blocked constitutive secretion of glycosaminoglycan chains that had been synthesized and sulfated in the trans-Golgi cisternae. To examine export via the regulated secretory pathway, we assayed secretion of [35S]SO4 labeled secretogranin II from PC12 cells, a marker that has been used to study secretory granule budding from the TGN (Tooze, S. A., U. Weiss, and W. B. Huttner. 1990. Nature [Lond.]. 347:207-208). BFA potently inhibited secretion of sulfated secretogranin II induced by K+ depolarization. Inhibition was at the level of granule formation, since BFA had no effect on regulated secretion from preformed granules. Taken together, the results suggest that BFA blocks export via both the constitutive and the regulated pathways. In contrast, endocytosis and recycling of VSV G protein were not blocked by BFA, consistent with previous studies that endocytosis is unaffected (Misumi, Y., Y. Misumi, K. Miki, A Takatsuki, G. Tamura, and Y. Ikehara. 1986. J. Biol. Chem. 261:11398-11403). These and earlier results suggest that the exo/endocytic pathway of mammalian cells consist of two similar but distinct endomembrane systems: an ER/Golgi system and a post-Golgi system. BFA prevents forward transport without affecting return traffic in both systems.     

Redistribution of membrane proteins between the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum in plants is reversible and not dependent on cytoskeletal networks

We have fused the signal anchor sequences of a rat sialyl transferase and a human galactosyl transferase along with the Arabidopsis homologue of the yeast HDEL receptor (AtERD2) to the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) and transiently expressed the chimeric genes in tobacco leaves. All constructs targeted the Golgi apparatus and co-expression with DsRed fusions along with immunolabelling of stably transformed BY2 cells indicated that the fusion proteins located all Golgi stacks. Exposure of tissue to brefeldin A (BFA) resulted in the reversible redistribution of ST-GFP into the endoplasmic reticulum. This effect occurred in the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor and also in the absence of microtubules or actin filaments. Likewise, reformation of Golgi stacks on removal of BFA was not dependent on either protein synthesis or the cytoskeleton. These data suggest that ER to Golgi transport in the cell types observed does not require cytoskeletal-based mechanochemical motor systems. However, expression of an inhibitory mutant of Arabidopsis Rab 1b (AtRab1b(N121I) significantly slowed down the recovery of Golgi fluorescence in BFA treated cells indicating a role for Rab1 in regulating ER to Golgi anterograde transport.     

Sequential Depletion and Acquisition of Proteins during Golgi Stack Disassembly and Reformation

Herein, we report the stepwise transport of multiple plant Golgi membrane markers during disassembly of the Golgi apparatus in tobacco leaf epidermal cells in response to the induced expression of the GTP‐locked Sar1p or Brefeldin A (BFA), and reassembly on BFA washout. The distribution of fluorescent Golgi‐resident N‐glycan processing enzymes and matrix proteins (golgins) with specific cis–trans‐Golgi sub‐locations was followed by confocal microscopy during disassembly and reassembly. The first event during Golgi disassembly was the loss of trans‐Golgi enzymes and golgins from Golgi membranes, followed by a sequential redistribution of medial and cis‐Golgi enzymes into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whilst golgins were relocated to the ER or cytoplasm. This event was confirmed by fractionation and immuno‐blotting. The sequential redistribution of Golgi components in a trans–cis sequence may highlight a novel retrograde trafficking pathway between the trans‐Golgi and the ER in plants. Release of Golgi markers from the ER upon BFA washout occurred in the opposite sequence, with cis‐matrix proteins labelling Golgi‐like structures before cis/medial enzymes. Trans‐enzyme location was preceded by trans‐matrix proteins being recruited back to Golgi membranes. Our results show that Golgi disassembly and reassembly occur in a highly ordered fashion in plants.     

Rapid redistribution of Golgi proteins into the ER in cells treated with brefeldin A: evidence for membrane cycling from Golgi to ER

In cells treated with brefeldin A (BFA), movement of newly synthesized membrane proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus was blocked. Surprisingly, the glycoproteins retained in the ER were rapidly processed by cis/medial Golgi enzymes but not by trans Golgi enzymes. An explanation for these observations was provided from morphological studies at both the light and electron microscopic levels using markers for the cis/medial and trans Golgi. They revealed a rapid and dramatic redistribution to the ER of components of the cis/medial but not the trans Golgi in response to treatment with BFA. Upon removal of BFA, the morphology of the Golgi apparatus was rapidly reestablished and proteins normally transported out of the ER were efficiently and rapidly sorted to their final destinations. These results suggest that BFA disrupts a dynamic membrane-recycling pathway between the ER and cis/medial Golgi, effectively blocking membrane transport out of but not back to the ER.     

Perturbation of the morphology of the trans-Golgi network following Brefeldin A treatment: redistribution of a TGN-specific integral membrane protein, TGN38

Brefeldin A (BFA) has a dramatic effect on the morphology of the Golgi apparatus and induces a rapid redistribution of Golgi proteins into the ER (Lippincott-Schwartz, J., L. C. Yuan, J. S. Bonifacino, and R. D. Klausner. 1989. Cell. 56:801-813). To date, no evidence that BFA affects the morphology of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) has been presented. We describe the results of experiments, using a polyclonal antiserum to a TGN specific integral membrane protein (TGN38) (Luzio, J.P., B. Brake, G. Banting, K. E. Howell, P. Braghetta, and K. K. Stanley. 1990. Biochem. J. 270:97-102), which demonstrate that incubation of cells with BFA does induce morphological changes to the TGN. However, rather than redistributing to the ER, the majority of the TGN collapses around the microtubule organizing center (MTOC). The effect of BFA upon the TGN is (a) independent of protein synthesis, (b) fully reversible (c) microtubule dependent (as shown in nocodazole-treated cells), and (d) relies upon the hydrolysis of GTP (as shown by performing experiments in the presence of GTP gamma S). ATP depletion reduces the ability of BFA to induce a redistribution of Golgi proteins into the ER; however, it has no effect upon the BFA-induced relocalizations of the TGN. These data confirm that the TGN is an organelle which is independent of the Golgi, and suggest a dynamic interaction between the TGN and microtubules which is centered around the MTOC.     

Retrograde Transport from the Pre-Golgi Intermediate Compartment and the Golgi Complex Is Affected by the Vacuolar H+-ATPase Inhibitor Bafilomycin A1

The effect of the vacuolar H⁺-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1) on the localization of pre-Golgi intermediate compartment (IC) and Golgi marker proteins was used to study the role of acidification in the function of early secretory compartments. Baf A1 inhibited both brefeldin A- and nocodazole-induced retrograde transport of Golgi proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas anterograde ER-to-Golgi transport remained largely unaffected. Furthermore, p58/ERGIC-53, which normally cycles between the ER, IC, and cis-Golgi, was arrested in pre-Golgi tubules and vacuoles, and the number of p58-positive ~80-nm Golgi (coatomer protein I) vesicles was reduced, suggesting that the drug inhibits the retrieval of the protein from post-ER compartments. In parallel, redistribution of β-coatomer protein from the Golgi to peripheral pre-Golgi structures took place. The small GTPase rab1p was detected in short pre-Golgi tubules in control cells and was efficiently recruited to the tubules accumulating in the presence of Baf A1. In contrast, these tubules showed no enrichment of newly synthesized, anterogradely transported proteins, indicating that they participate in retrograde transport. These results suggest that the pre-Golgi structures contain an active H⁺-ATPase that regulates retrograde transport at the ER–Golgi boundary. Interestingly, although Baf A1 had distinct effects on peripheral pre-Golgi structures, only more central, p58-containing elements accumulated detectable amounts of 3-(2,4-dinitroanilino)-3′-amino-N-methyldipropylamine (DAMP), a marker for acidic compartments, raising the possibility that the lumenal pH of the pre-Golgi structures gradually changes in parallel with their translocation to the Golgi region.     

Live-cell assays to identify regulators of ER-to-Golgi trafficking

We applied fluorescence microscopy-based quantitative assays to living cells to identify regulators of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi trafficking and/or Golgi complex maintenance. We first validated an automated procedure to identify factors which influence Golgi-to-ER relocalization of GalT-CFP (β1,4-galactosyltransferase I-cyan fluorescent protein) after brefeldin A (BFA) addition and/or wash-out. We then tested 14 proteins that localize to the ER and/or Golgi complex when overexpressed for a role in ER-to-Golgi trafficking. Nine of them interfered with the rate of BFA-induced redistribution of GalT-CFP from the Golgi complex to the ER, six of them interfered with GalT-CFP redistribution from the ER to a juxtanuclear region (i.e. the Golgi complex) after BFA wash-out and six of them were positive effectors in both assays. Notably, our live-cell approach captures regulator function in ER-to-Golgi trafficking, which was missed in previous fixed cell assays, as well as assigns putative roles for other less characterized proteins. Moreover, we show that our assays can be extended to RNAi and chemical screens.     

Disruption of endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi transport leads to the accumulation of large aggregates containing beta-COP in pancreatic acinar cells.

When transport between the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi complex is blocked by Brefeldin A (BFA) treatment or ATP depletion, the Golgi apparatus and associated transport vesicles undergo a dramatic reorganization. Because recent studies suggest that coat proteins such as beta-COP play an important role in the maintenance of the Golgi complex, we have used immunocytochemistry to determine the distribution of beta-COP in pancreatic acinar cells (PAC) in which ER to Golgi transport was blocked by BFA treatment or ATP depletion. In controls, beta-COP was associated with Golgi cisternae and transport vesicles as expected. Upon BFA treatment, PAC Golgi cisternae are dismantled and replaced by clusters of remnant vesicles surrounded by typical ER transitional elements that are generally assumed to represent the exit site of vesicular carriers for ER to Golgi transport. In BFA-treated PAC, beta-COP was concentrated in large (0.5-1.0 micron) aggregates closely associated with remnant Golgi membranes. In addition to typical ER transitional elements, we detected a new type of transitional element that consists of specialized regions of rough ER (RER) with ribosome-free ends that touched or extended into the beta-COP containing aggregates. In ATP-depleted PAC, beta-COP was not detected on Golgi membranes but was concentrated in similar large aggregates found on the cis side of the Golgi stacks. The data indicate that upon arrest of ER to Golgi transport by either BFA treatment or energy depletion, beta-COP dissociates from PAC Golgi membranes and accumulates as large aggregates closely associated with specialized ER elements. The latter may correspond to either the site of entry or exit for vesicles recycling between the Golgi and the RER.