Dominant and recessive distal renal tubular acidosis mutations of kidney anion exchanger 1 induce distinct trafficking defects in MDCK cells

Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), a kidney disease resulting in defective urinary acidification, can be caused by dominant or recessive mutations in the kidney Cl-/HCO3- anion exchanger (kAE1), a glycoprotein expressed in the basolateral membrane of alpha-intercalated cells. We compared the effect of two dominant (R589H and S613F) and two recessive (S773P and G701D) dRTA point mutations on kAE1 trafficking in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells. In contrast to wild-type (WT) kAE1 that was localized to the basolateral membrane, the dominant mutants (kAE1 R589H and S613F) were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in MDCK cells, with a few cells showing in addition some apical localization. The recessive mutant kAE1 S773P, while misfolded and largely retained in the ER in non-polarized MDCK cells, was targeted to the basolateral membrane after polarization. The other recessive mutants, kAE1 G701D and designed G701E, G701R but not G701A or G701L mutants, were localized to the Golgi in both non-polarized and polarized cells. The results suggest that introduction of a polar mutation into a transmembrane segment resulted in Golgi retention of the recessive G701D mutant. When coexpressed, the dominant mutants retained kAE1 WT intracellularly, while the recessive mutants did not. Coexpression of recessive G701D and S773P mutants in polarized cells showed that these proteins could interact, yet no G701D mutant was detected at the basolateral membrane. Therefore, compound heterozygous patients expressing both recessive mutants (G701D/S773P) likely developed dRTA due to the lack of a functional kAE1 at the basolateral surface of alpha-intercalated cells.     

Pharmacochaperones post-translationally enhance cell surface expression by increasing conformational stability of wild-type and mutant vasopressin V2 receptors

Some membrane-permeable antagonists restore cell surface expression of misfolded receptors retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are therefore termed pharmacochaperones. Whether pharmacochaperones increase protein stability, thereby preventing rapid degradation, or assist folding via direct receptor interactions or interfere with quality control components remains elusive. We now show that the cell surface expression and function (binding of the agonist) of the mainly ER-retained wild-type murine vasopressin V2 receptor GFP fusion protein (mV2R.GFP) is restored by the vasopressin receptor antagonists SR49059 and SR121463B with EC50 values similar to their KD values. This effect was preserved when protein synthesis was abolished. In addition, SR121463B rescued eight mutant human V2Rs (hV2Rs, three are responsible for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus) characterized by amino acid exchanges at the C-terminal end of transmembrane helix TM I and TM VII. In contrast, mutants with amino acid exchanges at the interface of TM II and IV were not rescued by either antagonist. The mechanisms involved in successful rescue of cell surface delivery are explained in a three-dimensional homology model of the antagonist-bound hV2R.     

Characterization of Three Vasopressin Receptor 2 Variants: An Apparent Polymorphism (V266A) and Two Loss-of-Function Mutations (R181C and M311V)

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is released from the posterior pituitary and controls water homeostasis. AVP binding to vasopressin V2 receptors (V2Rs) located on kidney collecting duct epithelial cells triggers activation of Gs proteins, leading to increased cAMP levels, trafficking of aquaporin-2 water channels, and consequent increased water permeability and antidiuresis. Typically, loss-of-function V2R mutations cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), whereas gain-of-function mutations cause nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (NSIAD). Here we provide further characterization of two mutant V2Rs, R181C and M311V, reported to cause complete and partial NDI respectively, together with a V266A variant, in a patient diagnosed with NSIAD. Our data in HEK293FT cells revealed that for cAMP accumulation, AVP was about 500- or 30-fold less potent at the R181C and M311V mutants than at the wild-type receptor respectively (and about 4000- and 60-fold in COS7 cells respectively). However, in contrast to wild type V2R, the R181C mutant failed to increase inositol phosphate production, while with the M311V mutant, AVP exhibited only partial agonism in addition to a 37-fold potency decrease. Similar responses were detected in a BRET assay for β-arrestin recruitment, with the R181C receptor unresponsive to AVP, and partial agonism with a 23-fold decrease in potency observed with M311V in both HEK293FT and COS7 cells. Notably, the V266A V2R appeared functionally identical to the wild-type receptor in all assays tested, including cAMP and inositol phosphate accumulation, β-arrestin interaction, and in a BRET assay of receptor ubiquitination. Each receptor was expressed at comparable levels. Hence, the M311V V2R retains greater activity than the R181C mutant, consistent with the milder phenotype of NDI associated with this mutant. Notably, the R181C mutant appears to be a Gs protein-biased receptor incapable of signaling to inositol phosphate or recruiting β-arrestin. The etiology of NSIAD in the patient with V266A V2R remains unknown.     

Polarized expression of the GFP-tagged rat V(1a) vasopressin receptor.

We investigated the targeting of the V(1a) receptor fused with the green fluorescence protein (V(1a)R-GFP) in polarized MDCK cells. Cells expressing V(1a)R-GFP displayed binding to vasopressin (AVP) and AVP-induced calcium responses, similar to cells expressing the wild-type V1a receptor. Interestingly, as with the wild-type V(1a)R, V(1a)R-GFP is preferentially distributed in the basolateral side of MDCK cells as monitored by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, AVP induced internalization of GFP-tagged receptors. Therefore, the GFP-tagged V(1a) receptor retains all the sorting signals of the wild-type receptor and offers an excellent system to elucidate the mechanisms of cell trafficking of V(1a) receptors.     

V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) mutations in partial nephrogenic diabetes insipidus highlight protean agonism of V2R antagonists

Inactivating mutations of the V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) cause cross-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), resulting in renal resistance to the antidiuretic hormone AVP. In two families showing partial NDI, characterized by an apparently normal response to diagnostic tests and an increase in the basal ADH levels suggesting AVP resistance, we have identified two V2R mutations, Ser-333del and Y128S. Both mutant V2Rs, when expressed in COS-7 cells, show partial defects in vasopressin-stimulated cAMP accumulation and intracellular localization. The inhibition of internalization does not rescue their localization. In contrast, the non-peptide V2R antagonists OPC41061 and OPC31260 partially rescue the membrane localization and basal function of these V2R mutants, whereas they inhibit the basal activity of the wild-type V2R. These results indicate that a partial loss of function of Ser-333del and Y128S mutant V2Rs results from defective membrane trafficking. These findings further indicate that V2R antagonists can act as protean agonists, serving as pharmacological chaperones for inactivating V2R mutants and also as inverse agonists of wild-type receptors. We speculate that this protean agonism could underlie the possible dual beneficial effects of the V2R antagonist: improvement of hyponatremia with heart failure or polycystic kidney disease and potential rescue of NDI.     

Association of calnexin with wild type and mutant AVPR2 that causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Over 155 mutations within the V2 vasopressin receptor (AVPR2) gene are responsible for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). The expression and subcellular distribution of four of these was investigated in transfected cells. These include a point mutation in the seventh transmembrane domain (S315R), a frameshift mutation in the third intracellular loop (804delG), and two nonsense mutations that code for AVPR2 truncated within the first cytoplasmic loop (W71X) and in the proximal portion of the carboxyl tail (R337X). RT-PCR revealed that mRNA was produced for all mutant receptor constructs. However, no receptor protein, as assessed by Western blot analysis, was detected for 804delG. The S315R was properly processed through the Golgi and targeted to the plasma membrane but lacked any detectable AVP binding or signaling. Thus, this mutation induces a conformational change that is compatible with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export but dramatically affects hormone recognition. In contrast, the W71X and R337X AVPR2 were retained inside the cell as determined by immunofluorescence. Confocal microscopy revealed that they were both retained in the ER. To determine if calnexin could be involved, its interaction with the AVPR2 was assessed. Sequential coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that calnexin associated with the precursor forms of both wild-type (WT) and mutant receptors in agreement with its general role in protein folding. Moreover, its association with the ER-retained R337X mutant was found to be longer than with the WT receptor suggesting that this molecular chaperone also plays a role in quality control and ER retention of misfolded G protein-coupled receptors.     

Difference in arginine vasopressin responsive cAMP production between apical and basolateral membrane of cultured renal epithelial cells (MDCK)

It has been reported that vasopressin (AVP)-sensitive renal epithelial cell line (MDCK) forms morphologically polarized monolayers when cultured on plates. We studied whether the AVP-responsive cAMP production system would be located solely on the basolateral surface of these cells as has already been shown on the renal tubules. We used two methods to overcome the inaccessibility to the basolateral surface of the cultured cell layer and to study the apical and basolateral surfaces separately. One was culture on collagen sheet and the other was on Millipore filters. Our experiments showed that MDCK cell increased adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) content prominently only when vasopressin was accessible to the basolateral surface. Accordingly, MDCK cells were shown to have the AVP-responsive cAMP production system predominantly on the basolateral surface of the cell membrane.     

Regulation of the vasopressin V2 receptor by vasopressin in polarized renal collecting duct cells

Binding of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) to its V2 receptor (V2R) in the basolateral membrane of principal cells induces Aquaporin-2-mediated water reabsorption in the kidney. To study the regulation of the V2R by dDAVP in a proper model, a polarized renal cell line stably-expressing V2R-GFP was generated. Labeled AVP-binding studies revealed an equal basolateral vs. apical membrane distribution for V2R-GFP and endogenous V2R. In these cells, GFP-V2R was expressed in its mature form and localized for 75% in the basolateral membrane and for 25% to late endosomes/lysosomes. dDAVP caused a dose- and time-dependent internalization of V2R-GFP, which was completed within 1 h with 100 nM dDAVP, was prevented by coincubation with a V2R antagonist, and which reduced its half-life from 11.5 to 2.8 h. Semiquantification of the V2R-GFP colocalization with E-cadherin (basolateral membrane), early endosomal antigen-1 (EEA-1) and lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP-2) in time revealed that most dDAVP-bound V2R was internalized via early endosomes to late endosomes/lysosomes, where it was degraded. The dDAVP-internalized V2R did not recycle to the basolateral membrane. In conclusion, we established the itinerary of the V2R in a polarized cell model that likely resembles the in vivo V2R localization and regulation by AVP to a great extent.     

Rescue of vasopressin V2 receptor mutants by chemical chaperones: specificity and mechanism

Because missense mutations in genetic diseases of membrane proteins often result in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of functional proteins, drug-induced rescue of their cell surface expression and understanding the underlying mechanism are of clinical value. To study this, we tested chemical chaperones and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump inhibitors on Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing nine ER-retained vasopressin type-2 receptor (V2R) mutants involved in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Of these nine, only V2R-V206D showed improved maturation and plasma membrane rescue with glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), thapsigargin/curcumin, and ionomycin but not with other osmolytes or growth at 27 degrees C. This revealed that rescue is mutant specific and that this mutant is prone to rescue by multiple compounds. Rescue did not involve changed expression of molecular chaperones calnexin, heat-shock protein (HSP) 70, or HSP90. V2R antagonist SR121463B treatment revealed that V2R-V206D and V2R-S167T were rescued and matured to a greater extent, suggesting that the rescuing activity of a pharmacological versus chemical chaperone is broader and stronger. Calcium measurements showed that rescue of V2R-V206D by thapsigargin, curcumin, and ionomycin was because of increased cytosolic calcium level, rather than decreased endoplasmic reticulum calcium level. The molecular mechanism underlying rescue by DMSO, glycerol, and SR121463B is different, because with these compounds intracellular calcium levels were unaffected.     

Apical and basolateral coated pits of MDCK cells differ in their rates of maturation into coated vesicles, but not in the ability to distinguish between mutant hemagglutinin proteins with different internalization signals

In polarized epithelial MDCK cells, all known endogenous endocytic receptors are found on the basolateral domain. The influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) which is normally sorted to the apical plasma membrane, can be converted to a basolateral protein by specific mutations in its short cytoplasmic domain that also create internalization signals. For some of these mutations, sorting to the basolateral surface is incomplete, allowing internalization of two proteins that differ by a single amino acid of the internalization signal to be compared at both the apical and basolateral surfaces of MDCK cells. The rates of internalization of HA-Y543 and HA-Y543,R546 from the basolateral surface of polarized MDCK cells resembled those in nonpolarized cells, whereas their rates of internalization from the apical cell surface were fivefold slower. However, HA-Y543,R546 was internalized approximately threefold faster than HA-Y543 at both membrane domains, indicating that apical endocytic pits in polarized MDCK cells retained the ability to discriminate between different internalization signals. Slower internalization from the apical surface could not be explained by a limiting number of coated pits: apical membrane contained 0.7 as many coated pits per cell cross-section as did basolateral membranes. 10-14% of HA-Y543 at the apical surface of polarized MDCK cells was found in coated pits, a percentage not significantly different from that observed in apical coated pits of nonpolarized MDCK cells, where internalization was fivefold faster. Thus, there was no lack of binding sites for HA-Y543 in apical coated pits of polarized cells. However, at the apical surface many more shallow pits, and fewer deep, mature pits, were observed than were seen at the basolateral. These results suggest that the slower internalization at the apical surface is due to slower maturation of coated pits, and not to a difference in recognition of internalization signals.     

Basolateral sorting of transforming growth factor-alpha precursor in polarized epithelial cells: characterization of cytoplasmic domain determinants

In polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, newly synthesized transforming growth factor-alpha precursor (proTGFalpha) is directly sorted to the basolateral cell surface where it is sequentially cleaved and released into the basolateral conditioned medium (Dempsey, P.J., Coffey, R.J., J. Biol. Chem. 269 (1994) 16878-16889). In the present study, the role of the proTGFalpha cytoplasmic domain in basolateral sorting has been investigated using deletional and site-directed mutagenesis, as well as chimeric analyses of different TGFalpha constructs stably expressed in MDCK cells. The loss of polarized secretion of a proTGFalpha secretory mutant (TGFsec88) indicated that the proTGFalpha transmembrane and/or cytoplasmic domains contain essential basolateral sorting information. Using reporter chimeras with two apically sorted membrane proteins, p75 neurotrophin growth factor receptor and placental alkaline phosphatase, we show that the proTGFalpha cytoplasmic domain contains dominant basolateral sorting information. Analysis of proTGFalpha cytoplasmic domain truncation and internal deletion mutants, together with site-directed mutagenesis studies within the full-length proTGFalpha cytoplasmic domain, revealed redundant basolateral sorting motifs. Importantly, the C-terminal type I PDZ-binding motif was not required for basolateral sorting as determined by the integrity of basolateral sorting in deletion mutants lacking this motif. ProTGFalpha basolateral sorting may have important consequences for ligand presentation and spatial compartmentalization of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling networks in polarized epithelial cells.     

Phenotypic differences in PFIC2 and BRIC2 correlate with protein stability of mutant Bsep and impaired taurocholate secretion in MDCK II cells

Progressive familial cholestasis (PFIC) 2 and benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) 2 are caused by mutations in the bile salt export pump (BSEP, ABCB11) gene; however, their prognosis differs. PFIC2 progresses to cirrhosis and requires liver transplantation, whereas BRIC2 is clinically benign. To identify the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for the phenotypic differences, eight PFIC2 and two BRIC2 mutations were introduced in rat Bsep, which was transfected in MDCK II cells. Taurocholate transport activity, protein expression, and subcellular distribution of these mutant proteins were studied in a polarized MDCK II monolayer. The taurocholate transport activity was approximately half of the wild-type (WT) in BRIC2 mutants (A570T and R1050C), was substantially less in two PFIC2 mutants (D482G and E297G), and was almost abolished in six other PFIC2 mutants (K461E, G982R, R1153C, R1268Q, 3767-3768insC, and R1057X). Bsep protein expression levels correlated closely with transport activity, except for R1057X. The half-life of the D482G mutant was shorter than that of the WT (1.35 h vs. 3.49 h in the mature form). BRIC2 mutants and three PFIC mutants (D482G, E297G, and R1057X) were predominantly distributed in the apical membrane. The other PFIC2 mutants remained intracellular. The R1057X mutant protein was stably expressed and trafficked to the apical membrane, suggesting that the COOH-terminal tail is required for transport activity but not for correct targeting. In conclusion, taurocholate transport function was impaired in proportion to rapid degradation of Bsep protein in the mutants, which were aligned in the following order: A570T and R1050C > D482G > E297G > K461E, G982R, R1153C, R1268Q, 3767-3768insC, and R1057X. These results may explain the phenotypic difference between BRIC2 and PFIC2.     

The role of N-glycosylation in transport to the plasma membrane and sorting of the neuronal glycine transporter GLYT2

Glycine transporter GLYT2 is an axonal glycoprotein involved in the removal of glycine from the synaptic cleft. To elucidate the role of the carbohydrate moiety on GLYT2 function, we analyzed the effect of the disruption of the putative N-glycosylation sites on the transport activity, intracellular traffic in COS cells, and asymmetrical distribution of this protein in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Transport activity was reduced by 35-40% after enzymatic deglycosylation of the transporter reconstituted into liposomes. Site-directed mutagenesis of the four glycosylation sites (Asn-345, Asn-355, Asn-360, and Asn-366), located in the large extracellular loop of GLYT2, produced an inactive protein that was retained in intracellular compartments when transiently transfected in COS cells or in nonpolarized MDCK cells. When expressed in polarized MDCK cells, wild type GLYT2 localizes in the apical surface as assessed by transport and biotinylation assays. However, a partially unglycosylated mutant (triple mutant) was distributed in a nonpolarized manner in MDCK cells. The apical localization of GLYT2 occurred by a glycolipid rafts independent pathway.     

A novel cellular phenotype for familial hypercholesterolemia due to a defect in polarized targeting of LDL receptor

Basolateral targeting of membrane proteins in polarized epithelial cells typically requires cytoplasmic domain sorting signals. In the familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)-Turku LDL receptor allele, a mutation of glycine 823 residue affects the signal required for basolateral targeting in MDCK cells. We show that the mutant receptor is mistargeted to the apical surface in both MDCK and hepatic epithelial cells, resulting in reduced endocytosis of LDL from the basolateral/sinusoidal surface. Consequently, virally encoded mutant receptor fails to mediate cholesterol clearance in LDL receptor-deficient mice, suggesting that a defect in polarized LDL receptor expression in hepatocytes underlies the hypercholesterolemia in patients harboring this allele. This evidence directly links the pathogenesis of a human disease to defects in basolateral targeting signals, providing a genetic confirmation of these signals in maintaining epithelial cell polarity.     

Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate regulates the formation of the basolateral plasma membrane in epithelial cells

Polarity is a central feature of eukaryotic cells and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) has a central role in the polarization of neurons and chemotaxing cells. In polarized epithelial cells, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 is stably localized at the basolateral plasma membrane, but excluded from the apical plasma membrane, as shown by localization of GFP fused to the PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-binding pleckstrin-homology domain of Akt (GFP-PH-Akt), a fusion protein that indicates the location of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. Here, we ectopically inserted exogenous PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 into the apical plasma membrane of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Within 5 min many cells formed protrusions that extended above the apical surface. These protrusions contained basolateral plasma membrane proteins and excluded apical proteins, indicating that their plasma membrane was transformed from apical to basolateral. Addition of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 to the basolateral surface of MDCK cells grown as cysts caused basolateral protrusions. MDCK cells grown in the presence of a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor had abnormally short lateral surfaces, indicating that PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 regulates the formation of the basolateral surface.     

A point mutation in the ectodomain-transmembrane 2 interface eliminates the inhibitory effects of ethanol in P2X4 receptors

ATP-gated P2X4 receptors (P2X4R) are abundantly expressed in the CNS. However, little is known about the molecular targets for ethanol action in P2X4Rs. The current investigation tested the hypothesis that the ectodomain-transmembrane (TM) interface contains residues that are important for the action of ethanol in P2X4Rs. Wild type (WT) and mutant P2X4R were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. ATP concentration–response curves and ethanol (10–200 mM)-induced changes in ATP EC₁₀-gated currents were determined using two-electrode voltage clamp (−70 mV). Alanine substitution at the ectodomain-TM1 interface (positions 50–61) resulted in minimal changes in ethanol response. On the other hand, alanine substitution at the ectodomain-TM2 interface (positions 321–337) identified two key residues (D331 and M336) that significantly reduced ethanol inhibition of ATP-gated currents without causing marked changes in ATP I _max, EC₅₀, or Hill's slope. Other amino acid substitutions at positions 331 and 336 significantly altered or eliminated the modulatory effects of ethanol. Linear regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between hydropathy and polarity, but not molecular volume/molecular weight of the residues at these two positions. The results support the proposed hypothesis and represent an important step toward developing ethanol-insensitive receptors for investigating the role of P2X4Rs in mediating behavioral effects of ethanol.     

The rat liver Na(+)/bile acid cotransporter. Importance of the cytoplasmic tail to function and plasma membrane targeting

To understand the potential functions of the cytoplasmic tail of Na(+)/taurocholate cotransporter (Ntcp) and to determine the basolateral sorting mechanisms for this transporter, green fluorescent protein-fused wild type and mutant rat Ntcps were constructed and the transport properties and cellular localization were assessed in transfected COS 7 and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Truncation of the 56-amino acid cytoplasmic tail demonstrates that the cytoplasmic tail of rat Ntcp is involved membrane delivery of this protein in nonpolarized and polarized cells and removal of the tail does not affect the bile acid transport function of Ntcp. Using site-directed mutagenesis, two tyrosine residues, Tyr-321 and Tyr-307, in the cytoplasmic tail of Ntcp have been identified as important for the basolateral sorting of rat Ntcp in transfected MDCK cells. Tyr-321 appears to be the major basolateral-sorting determinant, and Tyr-307 acts as a supporting determinant to ensure delivery of the transporter to the basolateral surface, especially at high levels of protein expression. When the two Tyr-based basolateral sorting motifs have been removed, the N-linked carbohydrate groups direct the tyrosine to alanine mutants to the apical surface of transfected MDCK cells. The major basolateral sorting determinant Tyr-321 is within a novel beta-turn unfavorable tetrapeptide Y(321)KAA, which has not been found in any naturally occurring basolateral sorting motifs. Two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy of a 24-mer peptide corresponding to the sequence from Tyr-307 to Thr-330 on the cytoplasmic tail of Ntcp confirms that both the Tyr-321 and Tyr-307 regions do not adopt any turn structure. Since the major motif YKAA contains a beta-turn unfavorable structure, the Ntcp basolateral sorting may not be related to the clathrin-adaptor complex pathway, as is the case for many basolateral proteins.     

Selective control of basolateral membrane protein polarity by cdc42

The rho GTPase cdc42 is implicated in several aspects of cell polarity. A recent study (Kroschewski R, Hall A, Mellman I. Nat Cell Biol 1999;1:8–13) demonstrated that a dominant negative mutant of cdc42 abolishes the polarity of basolateral membrane proteins in MDCK cells, but did not elucidate whether this effect was selective for basolateral proteins or nonselective for all secreted proteins. To answer this question, we analyzed the polarity of newly synthesized membrane and soluble proteins in MDCK cell lines previously induced to overexpress mutant forms of cdc42. GTPase-deficient and dominant negative cdc42 did not affect the apical targeting of a newly synthesized apical membrane protein, but reversed to apical the distribution of two exogenous basolateral membrane proteins. In striking contrast, GTPase-deficient cdc42 did not affect polarized exocytosis of endogenous soluble proteins, either apical or basolateral. The exquisitely selective regulation of polarized protein targeting by cdc42 may allow cells to fine-tune their membrane composition in response to extracellular signals during development, migration and in response to injury.     

Rab8 promotes polarized membrane transport through reorganization of actin and microtubules in fibroblasts

Rab8 is a small Ras-like GTPase that regulates polarized membrane transport to the basolateral membrane in epithelial cells and to the dendrites in neurons. It has recently been demonstrated that fibroblasts sort newly synthesized proteins into two different pathways for delivery to the cell surface that are equivalent to the apical and the basolateral post-Golgi routes in epithelial cells (Yoshimori, T., P. Keller, M.G. Roth, and K. Simons. 1996. J. Cell Biol. 133:247-256). To determine the role of Rab8 in fibroblasts, we used both transient expression systems and stable cell lines expressing mutant or wild-type (wt) Rab8. A dramatic change in cell morphology occurred in BHK cells expressing both the wt Rab8 and the activated form of the GTPase, the Rab8Q67L mutant. These cells formed processes as a result of a reorganization of both their actin filaments and microtubules. Newly synthesized vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein, a basolateral marker protein in MDCK cells, was preferentially delivered into these cell outgrowths. Based on these findings, we propose that Rab8 provides a link between the machinery responsible for the formation of cell protrusions and polarized biosynthetic membrane traffic.     

Transmembrane domain of influenza virus neuraminidase, a type II protein, possesses an apical sorting signal in polarized MDCK cells.

The influenza virus neuraminidase (NA), a type II transmembrane protein, is directly transported to the apical plasma membrane in polarized MDCK cells. By using deletion mutants and chimeric constructs of influenza virus NA with the human transferrin receptor, a type II basolateral transmembrane protein, we investigated the location of the apical sorting signal of influenza virus NA. When these mutant and chimeric proteins were expressed in stably transfected polarized MDCK cells, the transmembrane domain of NA, and not the cytoplasmic tail, provided a determinant for apical targeting in polarized MDCK cells and this transmembrane signal was sufficient for sorting and transport of the ectodomain of a reporter protein (transferrin receptor) directly to the apical plasma membrane of polarized MDCK cells. In addition, by using differential detergent extraction, we demonstrated that influenza virus NA and the chimeras which were transported to the apical plasma membrane also became insoluble in Triton X-100 but soluble in octylglucoside after extraction from MDCK cells during exocytic transport. These data indicate that the transmembrane domain of NA provides the determinant(s) both for apical transport and for association with Triton X-100-insoluble lipids.