Molecular mechanism of signal sequence orientation in the endoplasmic reticulum

We have analyzed in vivo how model signal sequences are inserted and oriented in the membrane during cotranslational integration into the endoplasmic reticulum. The results are incompatible with the current models of retention of positive flanking charges or loop insertion of the polypeptide into the translocon. Instead they indicate that these N-terminal signals initially insert head-on with a cytoplasmic C-terminus before they invert their orientation to translocate the C-terminus. The rate of inversion increases with more positive N-terminal charge and is reduced with increasing hydrophobicity of the signal. Inversion may proceed for up to approximately 50 s, when it is terminated by a signal-independent process. These findings provide a mechanism for the topogenic effects of flanking charges as well as of signal hydrophobicity.     

Structural determinants for signal sequence function in the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum

Signal sequences function in protein targeting to and translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. To investigate the structural requirements for signal sequence function, chimeras of the Escherichia coli LamB signal peptide and prolactin were prepared. The LamB signal peptide was chosen by virtue of the extensive biophysical and biological characterization of its activity. In vitro, nascent prolactin chains bearing the LamB signal peptide (LamB) were targeted in a signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent manner to rough microsomes but remained protease- and salt-sensitive and translocated at low efficiency. Full translocation activity was obtained in a gain of function mutant (LamB*) in which three hydrophobic residues in the LamB hydrophobic core were converted to leucine residues. Cross-linking studies demonstrated that the LamB* signal sequence displayed markedly enhanced interactions with SRP and integral membrane proteins. In contrast, chemically denatured LamB and LamB*-precursors bound with identical efficiencies and in a salt-resistant manner to rough microsomes, suggesting that during de novo synthesis the signal sequence of LamB-bearing precursors assumes a conformation refractory to translocation. These data indicate that a leucine-rich signal sequence is necessary for optimal interaction with SRP and suggest that SRP, by maintaining the signal sequence in a conformation suitable for membrane binding, performs a chaperone function.     

Segregation of the signal sequence receptor protein in the rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane

The signal sequence receptor (SSR), an integral membrane glycoprotein of 34 kDa, has previously been shown to be a component of the molecular environment which nascent polypeptide chains meet in passage through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. We have used antibodies directed against the SSR and both immunocytochemistry and cell fractionation to determine its distribution in rat liver cells. SSR was found largely restricted to the rough ER. Only small amounts of the protein were detected in smooth ER. These results provide further evidence for a functional differentiation of rough and smooth ER and for a role of SSR in protein translocation across the ER membrane.     

Identification of signal sequence binding proteins integrated into the rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane.

An azidophenacyl derivative of a chemically synthesized consensus signal peptide has been prepared. The peptide, when photoactivated in the presence of rough or high-salt-stripped microsomes from pancreas, leads to inhibition of their activity in cotranslational processing of secretory pre-proteins translated from their mRNA in vitro. The peptide binds specifically with high affinity to components in the microsomal membranes from pancreas and liver, and photoreaction of a radioactive form of the azidophenacyl derivative leads to covalent linkage to yield two closely related radiolabelled proteins of Mr about 45,000. These proteins are integrated into the membrane, with large 30,000-Mr domains embedded into the phospholipid bilayer to which the signal peptide binds. A smaller, endopeptidase-sensitive, domain is exposed on the cytoplasmic surface of the microsomal vesicles. The specificity and selectivity of the binding of azidophenacyl-derivatized consensus signal peptide was demonstrated by concentration-dependent inhibition of photolabelling by the 'cold' synthetic consensus signal peptide and by a natural internal signal sequence cleaved and isolated from ovalbumin. The properties of the labelled 45,000-Mr protein-signal peptide complexes, i.e. mass, pI, ease of dissociation from the membrane by detergent or salts and immunological properties, distinguish them from other proteins, e.g. subunits of signal recognition particle, docking protein and signal peptidase, already known to be involved in targetting and processing of nascent secretory proteins at the rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Although the 45,000-Mr signal peptide binding protein displays properties similar to those of the signal peptidase, a component of the endoplasmic reticulum, the azido-derivatized consensus signal peptide does not interact with it. It is proposed that the endoplasmic reticulum proteins with which the azidophenacyl-derivatized consensus signal peptide interacts to yield the 45,000-Mr adducts may act as receptors for signals in nascent secretory pre-proteins in transduction of changes in the endoplasmic reticulum which bring about translocation of secretory protein across the membrane.     

The retention signal for soluble proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum

The lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contains a number of soluble proteins, many of which help the maturation of newly synthesized secretory proteins. Retention of these resident proteins in the ER is dependent on a carboxy-terminal signal, which in animal cells is usually Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu (KDEL). This signal is thought to be recognized by a membrane-bound receptor that continually retrieves the proteins from a later compartment of the secretory pathway and returns them to the ER.     

The juxtamembrane sequence of cytochrome P-450 2C1 contains an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal

The N-terminal signal anchor of cytochrome P-450 2C1 mediates retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane of several reporter proteins. The same sequence fused to the C terminus of the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor permits transport of the chimeric protein to the plasma membrane. In the N-terminal position, the ER retention function of this signal depends on the polarity of the hydrophobic domain and the sequence KQS in the short hydrophilic linker immediately following the transmembrane domain. To determine what properties are required for the ER retention function of the signal anchor in a position other than the N terminus, the effect of mutations in the linker and hydrophobic domains on subcellular localization in COS1 cells of chimeric proteins with the P-450 signal anchor in an internal or C-terminal position was analyzed. For the C-terminal position, the signal anchor was fused to the end of the luminal domain of epidermal growth factor receptor, and green fluorescent protein was additionally fused at the C terminus of the signal anchor for the internal position. In these chimeras, the ER retention function of the signal anchor was rescued by deletion of three leucines at the C-terminal side of its hydrophobic domain; however, deletion of three valines from the N-terminal side did not affect transport to the cell surface. ER retention of the C-terminal deletion mutants was eliminated by substitution of alanines for glutamine and serine in the linker sequence. These data are consistent with a model in which the position of the linker sequence at the membrane surface, which is critical for ER retention, is dependent on the transmembrane domain.     

Microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum via its carboxyl-terminal 35 amino acids

Rat microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase (msALDH) has no amino-terminal signal sequence, but instead it has a characteristic hydrophobic domain at the carboxyl terminus (Miyauchi, K., R. Masaki, S. Taketani, A. Yamamoto, A. Akayama, and Y. Tashiro. 1991. J. Biol. Chem. 266:19536- 19542). This membrane-bound enzyme is a useful model protein for studying posttranslational localization to its final destination. When expressed from cDNA in COS-1 cells, wild-type msALDH is localized exclusively in the well-developed ER. The removal of the hydrophobic domain results in the cytosolic localization of truncated proteins, thus suggesting that the portion is responsible for membrane anchoring. The last 35 amino acids of msALDH, including the hydrophobic domain, are sufficient for targeting of E. coli beta-galactosidase to the ER membrane. Further studies using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase fusion proteins suggest that two hydrophilic sequences on either side of the hydrophobic domain play an important role in ER targeting.     

The contribution of N-glycans and their processing in the endoplasmic reticulum to glycoprotein biosynthesis

The attachment of N-glycans to nascent glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is intimately related to glycoprotein biogenesis. Processing of N-linked oligosaccharides begins in the ER and participates in glycoprotein folding and assembly. The elucidation of N-glycan processing mechanisms in the ER is uncovering their role in glycoprotein biosynthesis.     

AAP1 transports uncharged amino acids into roots of Arabidopsis

Amino acids are available to plants in some soils in significant amounts, and plants frequently make use of these nitrogen sources. The goal of this study was to identify transporters involved in the uptake of amino acids into root cells. Based on the fact that high concentrations of amino acids inhibit plant growth, we hypothesized that mutants tolerating toxic levels of amino acids might be deficient in the uptake of amino acids from the environment. To test this hypothesis, we employed a forward genetic screen for Arabidopsis thaliana mutants tolerating toxic concentrations of amino acids in the media. We identified an Arabidopsis mutant that is deficient in the amino acid permease 1 (AAP1, At1g58360) and resistant to 10 mm phenylalanine and a range of other amino acids. The transporter was localized to the plasma membrane of root epidermal cells, root hairs, and throughout the root tip of Arabidopsis. Feeding experiments with [(14)C]-labeled neutral, acidic and basic amino acids showed significantly reduced uptake of amino acids in the mutant, underscoring that increased tolerance of aap1 to high levels of amino acids is coupled with reduced uptake by the root. The growth and uptake studies identified glutamate, histidine and neutral amino acids, including phenylalanine, as physiological substrates for AAP1, whereas aspartate, lysine and arginine are not. We also demonstrate that AAP1 imports amino acids into root cells when these are supplied at ecologically relevant concentrations. Together, our data indicate an important role of AAP1 for efficient use of nitrogen sources present in the rhizosphere.     

Mutations in the signal sequence of prepro-alpha-factor inhibit both translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum and processing by signal peptidase in yeast cells.

The effects of five single-amino-acid substitution mutations within the signal sequence of yeast prepro-alpha-factor were tested in yeast cells. After short pulse-labelings, virtually all of the alpha-factor precursor proteins from a wild-type gene were glycosylated and processed by signal peptidase. In contrast, the signal sequence mutations resulted in the accumulation of mostly unglycosylated prepro-alpha-factor after a short labeling interval, indicating a defect in translocation of the protein into the endoplasmic reticulum. Confirming this interpretation, unglycosylated mutant prepro-alpha-factor in cell extracts was sensitive to proteinase K and therefore in a cytosolic location. The signal sequence mutations reduced the rate of translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum by as much as 25-fold or more. In at least one case, mutant prepro-alpha-factor molecules were translocated almost entirely posttranslationally. Four of the five mutations also reduced the rate of proteolytic processing by signal peptidase in vivo, even though the signal peptide alterations are not located near the cleavage site. This study demonstrates that a single-amino-acid substitution mutation within a eucaryotic signal peptide can affect both translocation and proteolytic processing in vivo and may indicate that the recognition sequences for translocation and processing overlap within the signal peptide.     

Prion protein contains a second endoplasmic reticulum targeting signal sequence located at its C terminus

Prion protein (PrP) is synthesized at the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in three different topological forms as follows: a fully translocated one ((sec)PrP) and two with opposite orientations in the membrane ((Ntm)PrP and (Ctm)PrP). We asked whether other signal sequences exist in the PrP, other than the N-terminal signal sequence, that contribute to its topological diversity. In vitro translocation assays showed that PrP lacking its N-terminal signal sequence could still translocate into ER microsomes, although at reduced efficiency. Deletion of each of the two hydrophobic regions in PrP revealed that the C-terminally located hydrophobic region (TM2) can function as second signal sequence in PrP. Translocation mediated by the TM2 alone can occur post-translationally and yields mainly (Ctm)PrP, which is implicated in some forms of neurodegeneration in prion diseases. We conclude that, in vitro, PrP can insert into ER membranes co- and post-translationally and can use two different signal sequences. We propose that the unusually complex topology of PrP results from the differential utilization of two signal sequences in PrP.     

Identification of the endoplasmic reticulum targeting signal in vesicle-associated membrane proteins

The vesicle-associated membrane proteins (Vamp(s)) function as soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor proteins in the intracellular trafficking of vesicles. The membrane attachment of Vamps requires a carboxyl-terminal hydrophobic sequence termed an insertion sequence. Unlike other insertion sequence-containing proteins, targeting of the highly homologous Vamp1 and Vamp2 to the endoplasmic reticulum requires ATP and a membrane-bound receptor. To determine if this mechanism of targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum extends to other Vamps, we compared the membrane binding of Vamp1 and Vamp2 with the distantly related Vamp8. Similar to the other Vamps, Vamp8 requires both ATP and a membrane component to target to the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, binding curves for the three Vamps overlap, suggesting a common receptor-mediated process. We identified a minimal endoplasmic reticulum targeting domain that is both necessary and sufficient to confer receptor-mediated, ATP-dependent, binding of a heterologous protein to microsomes. Surprisingly, this conserved sequence includes four positively charged amino acids spaced along an amphipathic sequence, which unlike the carboxyl-terminal targeting sequence in mitochondrial Vamp isoforms, is amino-terminal to the insertion sequence. Because Vamps do not bind to phospholipid vesicles, it is likely that these residues mediate an interaction with a protein, rather than bind to acidic phospholipids. Therefore, we suggest that a bipartite motif is required for the specific targeting and integration of Vamps into the endoplasmic reticulum with receptor-mediated recognition of specifically configured positive residues leading to the insertion of the hydrophobic tail into the membrane.     

The nontransmembrane tyrosine phosphatase PTP-1B localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum via its 35 amino acid C-terminal sequence.

We report the first intracellular characterization of an endogenous nontransmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP). Using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies, we have identified PTP-1B as a 50 kd serine phosphoprotein in immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting assays. Surprisingly, indirect immunofluorescence experiments indicate that PTP-1B is localized predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Subcellular fractionation is consistent with this localization and establishes that PTP-1B is tightly associated with microsomal membranes, with its phosphatase domain oriented towards the cytoplasm. The C-terminal 35 amino acids of PTP-1B are both necessary and sufficient for targeting to the ER. The finding of a tyrosine phosphatase on the ER suggests new possibilities for cellular events controlled by tyrosine phosphorylation.     

Novel N-terminal amino acid sequence required for retention of a hepatitis B virus glycoprotein in the endoplasmic reticulum.

The preS1 surface glycoprotein of hepatitis B virus is targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is retained in this organelle when expressed in the absence of other viral gene products. The protein is also acylated at its N terminus with myristic acid. Sequences responsible for its ER retention have been identified through examination of mutants bearing lesions in the preS1 coding region. These studies reveal that such sequences map to the N terminus of the molecule, between residues 6 and 19. Molecules in which this region was present remained in the ER; those in which it had been deleted were secreted from the cell. Although all deletions which allowed efficient secretion also impaired acylation of the polypeptide, myristylation alone was not sufficient for ER retention: point mutations which eliminated myristylation did not lead to secretion. These data indicate that an essential element for ER retention resides in a 14-amino-acid sequence that is unrelated to previously described ER retention signals.     

Fatty acids and the endoplasmic reticulum in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a burgeoning public health concern in westernized nations. The obesity-related disorder is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and liver failure. Although the underlying pathogenesis of NAFLD is unclear, increasing evidence suggests that excess saturated fatty acids presented to or stored within the liver may play a role in both the development and progression of the disorder. A putative mechanism linking saturated fatty acids to NAFLD may be endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Specifically, excess saturated fatty acids may induce an ER stress response that, if left unabated, can activate stress signaling pathways, cause hepatocyte cell death, and eventually lead to liver dysfunction. In the current review we discuss the involvement of saturated fatty acids in the pathogenesis of NAFLD with particular emphasis on the role of ER stress.     

ERGIC-53 KKAA signal mediates endoplasmic reticulum retrieval in yeast

Studies on the ERGIC-53 KKAA signal have revealed a new mechanism for static retention of mammalian proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (Andersson, H., Kappeler, F., Hauri, H. P. (1999): Protein targeting to endoplasmic reticulum by dilysine signals involves direct retention in addition to retrieval. J. Biol. Chem. 274,15080 - 15084). To test if this mechanism was conserved in yeast, the ERGIC-53 KKAA signal was transferred on two different yeast reporter proteins. Making use of a genetic assay, we demonstrate that this signal induces COPI-dependent ER retrieval. ER retention of KKAA-tagged proteins was impaired in yeast mutants affected in COPI subunits. Furthermore, biochemical analysis of post-ER carbohydrate modifications detected on reporter proteins indicated that KKAA-tagged proteins recycle continuously within early compartments of the secretory pathway. Therefore in yeast, the KKAA signal might only function as a classical dilysine ER retrieval signal.     

蛋白激酶R样内质网激酶信号通路在内质网应激中作用的研究进展

蛋白激酶R样内质网激酶(protein kinase R-like ER kinase,PERK)是一种位于内质网膜上的I型跨膜蛋白,属于eIF2α上游激酶家族.当发生内质网应激时,PERK被激活,通过磷酸化真核细胞起始因子2α(eukaryotic initiation factor 2α,eIF2α)抑制蛋白质合成,并活化转录活化因子4介导的细胞凋亡途径,参与细胞的整合应激反应.PERK本身的活性可以被特异性的磷酸酶去磷酸化抑制,所调控的信号途径在心力衰竭、缺血-再灌注损伤及代谢异常等病理过程中发挥重要作用.     

Membrane-anchored prolyl hydroxylase with an export signal from the endoplasmic reticulum

We cloned a novel prolyl 4-hydroxylase (PH; EC 1.14.11.2) homolog cDNA from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) BY-2 cells based on expression sequence tag information. Like other PHs, this tobacco PH polypeptide has two conserved histidine residues, and it comprises 286 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 32 kDa. Interestingly, this protein and homologs in Arabidopsis and rice have predicted transmembrane sequences in their N-terminal regions. This PH homolog was expressed in BY-2 cells as a His-tagged protein, and the expressed protein showed PH activity. Incubation of membranes with high salt, urea, and protease with or without detergents indicated that this protein is an integral membrane protein with a type II configuration. Its membrane-anchored nature is specific for plants because no integral membrane PH has been found in animals. A membrane fractionation study and immunocytochemical studies indicate that this protein localizes in both the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus. Analysis of this protein fused to green fluorescent protein indicated that basic amino acids in the cytoplasmic, N-terminal region of the PH play a role in its export from the ER.