Differential functions of members of the low density lipoprotein receptor family suggested by their distinct endocytosis rates

The low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family is composed of a class of cell surface endocytic receptors that recognize extracellular ligands and internalize them for degradation by lysosomes. In addition to LDLR, mammalian members of this family include the LDLR-related protein (LRP), the very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), the apolipoprotein E receptor-2 (apoER2), and megalin. Herein we have analyzed the endocytic functions of the cytoplasmic tails of these receptors using LRP minireceptors, its chimeric receptor constructs, and full-length VLDLR and apoER2 stably expressed in LRP-null Chinese hamster ovary cells. We find that the initial endocytosis rates mediated by different cytoplasmic tails are significantly different, with half-times of ligand internalization ranging from less than 30 s to more than 8 min. The tail of LRP mediates the highest rate of endocytosis, whereas those of the VLDLR and apoER2 exhibit least endocytosis function. Compared with the tail of LRP, the tails of the LDLR and megalin display significantly lower levels of endocytosis rates. Ligand degradation analyses strongly support differential endocytosis rates initiated by these receptors. Interestingly apoER2, which has recently been shown to mediate intracellular signal transduction, exhibited the lowest level of ligand degradation efficiency. These results thus suggest that the endocytic functions of members of the LDLR family are distinct and that certain receptors in this family may play their main roles in areas other than receptor-mediated endocytosis.     

Tyrosine-based Signal Mediates LRP6 Receptor Endocytosis and Desensitization of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Signaling

Wnt/β-catenin signaling orchestrates a number of critical events including cell growth, differentiation, and cell survival during development. Misregulation of this pathway leads to various human diseases, specifically cancers. Endocytosis and phosphorylation of the LDL receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), an essential co-receptor for Wnt/β-catenin signaling, play a vital role in mediating Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction. However, its regulatory mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we define the mechanisms by which LRP6 endocytic trafficking regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation. We show that LRP6 mutant with defective tyrosine-based signal in its cytoplasmic tail has an increased cell surface distribution and decreased endocytosis rate. These changes in LRP6 endocytosis coincide with an increased distribution to caveolae, increased phosphorylation, and enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We further demonstrate that treatment of Wnt3a ligands or blocking the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of LRP6 leads to a redistribution of wild-type receptor to lipid rafts. The LRP6 tyrosine mutant also exhibited an increase in signaling activation in response to Wnt3a stimulation when compared with wild-type LRP6, and this activation is suppressed when caveolae-mediated endocytosis is blocked. Our results reveal molecular mechanisms by which LRP6 endocytosis routes regulate its phosphorylation and the strength of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and have implications on how this pathway can be modulated in human diseases.     

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 is an essential receptor for trichosanthin in 2 choriocarcinoma cell lines

Type-I ribosome-inactivating protein-trichosanthin (TCS) exhibits selective cytotoxicity toward different types of cells. It is believed that the cytotoxicity results from the inhibition of ribosomes to decrease protein synthesis, thereby indicating that there are specific mechanisms for TCS entry into target cells to reach the ribosomes. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a large scavenger receptor that is responsible for the binding and endocytosis of diverse biological ligands on the cell surface. In this study, we demonstrated that 2 choriocarcinoma cell lines can significantly bind and internalize TCS. In contrast, Hela cell line displayed no obvious TCS binding and endocytosis. Furthermore LRP1 gene silencing in JAR and BeWo cell lines blocked TCS binding; TCS could also interact with LRP1.The results of our study established that LRP1 was a major receptor for phagocytosis of TCS in JAR and BeWo cell lines and might be the molecular basis of TCS abortificient and anti-choriocarcinoma activity.     

Insulin stimulation of GLUT4 exocytosis, but not its inhibition of endocytosis, is dependent on RabGAP AS160

Insulin maintains whole body blood glucose homeostasis, in part, by regulating the amount of the GLUT4 glucose transporter on the cell surface of fat and muscle cells. Insulin induces the redistribution of GLUT4 from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane, by stimulating a large increase in exocytosis and a smaller inhibition of endocytosis. A considerable amount is known about the molecular events of insulin signaling and the complex itinerary of GLUT4 trafficking, but less is known about how insulin signaling is transmitted to GLUT4 trafficking. Here, we show that the AS160 RabGAP, a substrate of Akt, is required for insulin stimulation of GLUT4 exocytosis. A dominant-inhibitory mutant of AS160 blocks insulin stimulation of exocytosis at a step before the fusion of GLUT4-containing vesicles with the plasma membrane. This mutant, however, does not block insulin-induced inhibition of GLUT4 endocytosis. These data support a model in which insulin signaling to the exocytosis machinery (AS160 dependent) is distinct from its signaling to the internalization machinery (AS160 independent).     

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) mediates the endocytosis of the cellular prion protein

PrP(C) (cellular prion protein) is located at the surface of neuronal cells in detergent-insoluble lipid rafts, yet is internalized by clathrin-dependent endocytosis. As PrP(C) is glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored, it requires a transmembrane adaptor protein to connect it to the clathrin endocytosis machinery. Using receptor-associated protein and small interfering RNA against particular LDL (low-density lipoprotein) family members, in combination with immunofluorescence microscopy and surface biotinylation assays, we show that the transmembrane LRP1 (LDL receptor-related protein 1) is required for the Cu(2+)-mediated endocytosis of PrP(C) in neuronal cells. We show also that another LRP1 ligand that can cause neurodegenerative disease, the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein, does not modulate the endocytosis of PrP(C).     

Identification of a major cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A phosphorylation site within the cytoplasmic tail of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein: implication for receptor-mediated endocytosis

The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP) is a multiligand endocytic receptor that belongs to the LDL receptor family. Recently, studies have revealed new roles of LDL receptor family members as transducers of extracellular signals. Our previous studies have demonstrated LRP phosphorylation within its cytoplasmic tail, but the nature of LRP phosphorylation and its potential function was unknown. In the present study using both in vivo and in vitro analysis, we found that LRP phosphorylation is mediated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). Using site-directed mutagenesis and LRP minireceptor constructs, we further identified the predominant LRP phosphorylation site at serine 76 of its cytoplasmic tail. Finally, we demonstrated that mutations of serine 76, which abolish LRP phosphorylation by PKA, result in a decrease in the initial endocytosis rate of LRP and a lower efficiency in delivery of ligand for degradation. Thus, the role of PKA phosphorylation of LRP in receptor-mediated endocytosis may provide a mechanism by which the endocytic function of LRP can be regulated by external signals.     

A single lysine of the two-lysine recognition motif of the D3 domain of receptor-associated protein is sufficient to mediate endocytosis by low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

Ligand binding of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family is mediated by complement-type repeats (CR) each comprising a binding pocket for a single basic amino acid residue. It has been proposed that at least two CRs are required for high-affinity interaction by utilising two spatially distinct lysine residues on the ligand surface. LDL receptor-related protein (LRP) mediates the cellular uptake of a multitude of ligands, some of which bind LRP with a relatively low affinity suggesting a suboptimal positioning of the two critical lysines. We now addressed the role of the two critical lysines not only in LRP binding but also in LRP-dependent endocytosis. Variants of the third domain (D3) of receptor-associated protein (RAP) were created carrying lysine to alanine or arginine replacements at the putative contact residues K253, K256 and K270. Surface plasmon resonance revealed that replacement of K253 did not affect high-affinity LRP binding at all, whereas replacement of either K256 or K270 markedly reduced the affinity by approximately 10-fold. Binding was abolished when both lysines were replaced. Substitution by either alanine or arginine exerted an almost identical effect on LRP binding. This suggests that despite their positive charge, arginine residues do not support receptor binding at all. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry studies surprisingly revealed that the single mutants were still taken up and still competed for the uptake of full length RAP despite their receptor binding defect. We therefore propose that the presence of only one of the two critical lysines is sufficient to drive endocytosis.     

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 is a mitogenic receptor for lactoferrin in osteoblastic cells

Lactoferrin induces osteoblast proliferation and survival in vitro and is anabolic to bone in vivo. The molecular mechanisms by which lactoferrin exerts these biological actions are not known, but lactoferrin is known to bind to two members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, low- density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 1 (LRP1) and 2 (LRP2). We have examined the role(s) of these receptors in the actions of lactoferrin on osteoblasts. We show that lactoferrin binds to cultured osteoblastic cells, and that LRP1 and LRP2 are expressed in several osteoblastic cell types. In primary rat osteoblastic cells, the LRP1/2 inhibitor receptor associated protein blocks endocytosis of lactoferrin and abrogates lactoferrin-induced p42/44 MAPK signaling and mitogenesis. Lactoferrin-induced mitogenesis is also inhibited by an antibody to LRP1. Lactoferrin also induces receptor associated protein-sensitive activation of p42/44 MAPK signaling and proliferation in osteoblastic human SaOS-2 cells, which express LRP1 but not LRP2. The mitogenic response of LRP1-null fibroblastic cells to lactoferrin is substantially reduced compared with that of cells expressing wild-type LRP1. The endocytic and signaling functions of LRP1 are independent of each other, because lactoferrin can activate mitogenic signaling in conditions in which endocytosis is inhibited. Taken together, these results 1) suggest that mitogenic signaling through LRP1 to p42/44 MAPKs contributes to the anabolic skeletal actions of lactoferrin; 2) demonstrate growth-promoting actions of a third LRP family member in osteoblasts; and 3) provide further evidence that LRP1 functions as a signaling receptor in addition to its recognized role in ligand endocytosis.     

KIF13B enhances the endocytosis of LRP1 by recruiting LRP1 to caveolae

Multifunctional low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) recognizes and internalizes a large number of diverse ligands, including LDL and factor VIII. However, little is known about the regulation of LRP1 endocytosis. Here, we show that a microtubule-based motor protein, KIF13B, in an unexpected and unconventional function, enhances caveolin-dependent endocytosis of LRP1. KIF13B was highly expressed in the liver and was localized on the sinusoidal plasma membrane of hepatocytes. KIF13B knockout (KO) mice showed elevated levels of serum cholesterol and factor VIII, and KO MEFs showed decreased uptake of LDL. Exogenous KIF13B, initially localized on the plasma membrane with caveolae, was translocated to the vesicles in the cytoplasm with LRP1 and caveolin-1. KIF13B bound to hDLG1 and utrophin, which, in turn, bound to LRP1 and caveolae, respectively. These linkages were required for the KIF13B-enhanced endocytosis of LRP1. Thus, we propose that KIF13B, working as a scaffold, recruits LRP1 to caveolae via LRP1–hDLG1–KIF13B–utrophin–caveolae linkage and enhances the endocytosis of LRP1.     

Sorting nexin 17 facilitates LRP recycling in the early endosome

The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP) is a multiligand endocytic receptor and a member of the LDL receptor family. Here we show that sorting nexin 17 (Snx 17) is part of the cellular sorting machinery that regulates cell surface levels of LRP by promoting its recycling. While the phox (PX) domain of Snx 17 interacts with phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate for membrane association, the FERM domain and the carboxyl-terminal region participate in LRP binding. Immunoelectron microscopy shows that the membrane-bound fraction of Snx 17 is localized to the limiting membrane and recycling tubules of early endosomes. The NPxY motif, proximal to the plasma membrane in the LRP cytoplasmic tail, is identified as the Snx 17-binding motif. Functional mutation of this motif did not interfere with LRP endocytosis, but decreased LRP recycling from endosomes, resulting in increased lysosomal degradation. Similar effects are found after knockdown of endogenous Snx 17 expression by short interfering RNA. We conclude that Snx 17 binds to a motif in the LRP tail distinct from the endocytosis signals and promotes LRP sorting to the recycling pathway in the early endosomes.     

Slow endocytosis of the LDL receptor-related protein 1B: implications for a novel cytoplasmic tail conformation

The LDL receptor-related protein 1B (LRP1B) is a putative tumor suppressor homologous to LRP1. Both LRP1 and LRP1B contain cytoplasmic tails with several potential endocytosis motifs. Although the positions of these endocytic motifs are similar in both receptors, LRP1B is internalized at a 15-fold slower rate than LRP1. To determine whether the slow endocytosis of LRP1B is due to the utilization of an endocytosis motif other than the YATL motif used by LRP1, we tested minireceptors with mutations in each of the five potential motifs in the LRP1B tail. Only mutation of both NPXY motifs together abolished LRP1B endocytosis, suggesting that LRP1B can use either of these motifs for internalization. LRP1B contains a unique insertion of 33 amino acids not present in LRP1 that could lead to altered recognition of trafficking motifs. Surprisingly, deletion of this insertion had no effect on the endocytosis rate of LRP1B. However, replacing either half of the LRP1B tail with the corresponding LRP1 sequence markedly accelerated LRP1B endocytosis. From these data, we propose that both halves of the LRP1B cytoplasmic tail contribute to a unique global conformation, which results in less efficient recognition by endocytic adaptors and a slow endocytosis rate.     

Proteasome regulates the delivery of LDL receptor-related protein into the degradation pathway

The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-related protein (LRP) is a multiligand endocytic receptor that has broad cellular and physiological functions. Previous studies have shown that both tyrosine-based and di-leucine motifs within the LRP cytoplasmic tail are responsible for mediating its rapid endocytosis. Little is known, however, about the mechanism by which LRP is targeted for degradation. By examining both endogenous full-length and a minireceptor form of LRP, we found that proteasomal inhibitors, MG132 and lactacystin, prolong the cellular half-life of LRP. The presence of proteasomal inhibitors also significantly increased the level of LRP at the cell surface, suggesting that the delivery of LRP to the degradation pathway was blocked at a compartment from which recycling of the receptor to the cell surface still occurred. Immunoelectron microscopy analyses demonstrated a proteasomal inhibitor-dependent reduction in LRP minireceptor within both limiting membrane and internal vesicles of the multivesicular bodies, which are compartments that lead to receptor degradation. In contrast to the growth hormone receptor, we found that the initial endocytosis of LRP minireceptor does not require a functional ubiquitin-proteasome system. Finally, using truncated cytoplasmic mutants of LRP minireceptors, we found that a region of 19 amino acids within the LRP tail is required for proteasomal regulation. Taken together our results provide strong evidence that the cellular turnover of a cargo receptor, i.e., LRP, is regulated by the proteasomal system, suggesting a broader function of the proteasome in regulating the trafficking of receptors into the degradation pathway.     

The YXXL motif, but not the two NPXY motifs, serves as the dominant endocytosis signal for low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

All members of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family contain at least one copy of the NPXY sequence within their cytoplasmic tails. For the LDL receptor, it has been demonstrated that the NPXY motif serves as a signal for rapid endocytosis through coated pits. Thus, it is generally believed that the NPXY sequences function as endocytosis signals for all the LDL receptor family members. The primary aim of this study is to define the endocytosis signal(s) within the cytoplasmic tail of LDL receptor-related protein (LRP). By using LRP minireceptors, which mimic the function and trafficking of full-length endogenous LRP, we demonstrate that the YXXL motif, but not the two NPXY motifs, serves as the dominant signal for LRP endocytosis. We also found that the distal di-leucine motif within the LRP tail contributes to its endocytosis, and its function is independent of the YXXL motif. Although the proximal NPXY motif and the proximal di-leucine motif each play a limited role in LRP endocytosis in the context of the full-length tail, these motifs were functional within the truncated receptor tail. In addition, we show that LRP minireceptor mutants defective in endocytosis signal(s) accumulate at the cell surface and are less efficient in delivery of ligand for degradation.     

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 dependent endosomal trapping and recycling of apolipoprotein E

Background

Lipoprotein receptors from the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family are multifunctional membrane proteins which can efficiently mediate endocytosis and thereby facilitate lipoprotein clearance from the plasma. The biggest member of this family, the LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), facilitates the hepatic uptake of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) via interaction with apolipoprotein E (apoE). In contrast to the classical LDL degradation pathway, TRL disintegrate in peripheral endosomes, and core lipids and apoB are targeted along the endocytic pathway for lysosomal degradation. Notably, TRL-derived apoE remains within recycling endosomes and is then mobilized by high density lipoproteins (HDL) for re-secretion. The aim of this study is to investigate the involvement of LRP1 in the regulation of apoE recycling.

Principal Findings

Immunofluorescence studies indicate the LRP1-dependent trapping of apoE in EEA1-positive endosomes in human hepatoma cells. This processing is distinct from other LRP1 ligands such as RAP which is efficiently targeted to lysosomal compartments. Upon stimulation of HDL-induced recycling, apoE is released from LRP1-positive endosomes but is targeted to another, distinct population of early endosomes that contain HDL, but not LRP1. For subsequent analysis of the recycling capacity, we expressed the full-length human LRP1 and used an RNA interference approach to manipulate the expression levels of LRP1. In support of LRP1 determining the intracellular fate of apoE, overexpression of LRP1 significantly stimulated HDL-induced apoE recycling. Vice versa LRP1 knockdown in HEK293 cells and primary hepatocytes strongly reduced the efficiency of HDL to stimulate apoE secretion.

Conclusion

We conclude that LRP1 enables apoE to accumulate in an early endosomal recycling compartment that serves as a pool for the intracellular formation and subsequent re-secretion of apoE-enriched HDL particles.     

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) controls endocytosis and c-CBL-mediated ubiquitination of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR beta)

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) has been implicated in intracellular signaling functions as well as in lipid metabolism. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that LRP1 is a physiological modulator of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway. Here we show that in mouse fibroblasts LRP1 modulates PDGF-BB signaling by controlling endocytosis and ligand-induced down-regulation of the PDGF receptor beta (PDGFRbeta). In LRP1-deficient fibroblasts, basal PDGFRbeta tyrosine kinase activity was derepressed, and PDGF-BB-induced endocytosis and degradation of PDGFRbeta were accelerated as compared with control cells. This was accompanied by rapid uptake of receptor-bound PDGF-BB into the cells and by attenuated ERK activation in response to PDGF-BB stimulation. Pulse-chase analysis indicated that the steady-state turnover rate of PDGFRbeta was also accelerated in LRP-deficient fibroblasts. The rapid degradation of PDGFRbeta in the LRP1-deficient fibroblasts was prevented by MG132 and chloroquine. Furthermore, the association of PDGFRbeta with c-Cbl, a ubiquitin E3-ligase, as well as the ligand-induced ubiquitination of PDGFRbeta were increased in LRP1-deficient fibroblasts. We show that LRP1 can directly interact with c-Cbl, suggesting a Sprouty-like role for LRP1 in regulating the access of the PDGFRbeta to the ubiquitination machinery. Thus, LRP1 modulates PDGF signaling by controlling ubiquitination and endocytosis of the PDGFRbeta.     

Differential requirements for AP-2 in clathrin-mediated endocytosis

AP-2 complexes are key components in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). They trigger clathrin assembly, interact directly with cargo molecules, and recruit a number of endocytic accessory factors. Adaptor-associated kinase (AAK1), an AP-2 binding partner, modulates AP-2 function by phosphorylating its mu2 subunit. Here, we examined the effects of adenoviral-mediated overexpression of WT AAK1, kinase-dead, and truncation mutants in HeLa cells, and show that AAK1 also regulates AP-2 function in vivo. WT AAK1 overexpression selectively blocks transferrin (Tfn) receptor and LRP endocytosis. Inhibition was kinase independent, but required the full-length AAK1 as truncation mutants were not inhibitory. Although changes in mu2 phosphorylation were not detected, AAK1 overexpression significantly decreased the phosphorylation of large adaptin subunits and the normally punctate AP-2 distribution was dispersed, suggesting that AAK1 overexpression inhibited Tfn endocytosis by functionally sequestering AP-2. Surprisingly, clathrin distribution and EGF uptake were unaffected by AAK1 overexpression. Thus, AP-2 may not be stoichiometrically required for coat assembly, and may have a more cargo-selective function in CME than previously thought.     

Multiple functions of sterols in yeast endocytosis

Sterols are essential factors for endocytosis in animals and yeast. To investigate the sterol structural requirements for yeast endocytosis, we created a variety of ergDelta mutants, each accumulating a distinct set of sterols different from ergosterol. Mutant erg2Deltaerg6Delta and erg3Deltaerg6Delta cells exhibit a strong internalization defect of the alpha-factor receptor (Ste2p). Specific sterol structures are necessary for pheromone-dependent receptor hyperphosphorylation, a prerequisite for internalization. The lack of phosphorylation is not due to a defect in Ste2p localization or in ligand-receptor interaction. Contrary to most known endocytic factors, sterols seem to function in internalization independently of actin. Furthermore, sterol structures are required at a postinternalization step of endocytosis. ergDelta cells were able to take up the membrane marker FM4-64, but exhibited defects in FM4-64 movement through endosomal compartments to the vacuole. Therefore, there are at least two roles for sterols in endocytosis. Based on sterol analysis, the sterol structural requirements for these two processes were different, suggesting that sterols may have distinct functions at different places in the endocytic pathway. Interestingly, sterol structures unable to support endocytosis allowed transport of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein Gas1p from the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi compartment.     

Rapid endocytosis of the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein modulates cell surface distribution and processing of the beta-amyloid precursor protein

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a approximately 600-kDa multifunctional endocytic receptor that is highly expressed in the brain. LRP and its ligands apolipoprotein E, alpha2-macroglobulin, and beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), are genetically linked to Alzheimer disease and are found in characteristic plaque deposits in brains of patients with Alzheimer disease. To identify which extracellular domains of LRP interact with APP, we used minireceptors of each of the individual LRP ligand binding domains and assessed their ability to bind and degrade a soluble APP fragment. LRP minireceptors containing ligand binding domains II and IV, but not I or III, interacted with APP. To test whether APP trafficking is directly related to the rapid endocytosis of LRP, we generated stable Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing either a wild-type LRP minireceptor or its endocytosis mutants. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing wild-type LRP minireceptor had less cell surface APP than pcDNA3 vector-transfected cells, whereas those stably expressing endocytosis-defective LRP minireceptors accumulated APP at the cell surface. We also found that the steady-state levels of the amyloid beta-peptides (Abeta) is dictated by the relative expression levels of APP and LRP, probably reflecting the dual roles of LRP in both Abeta production and clearance. Together, these data establish a relationship between LRP rapid endocytosis and APP trafficking and proteolytic processing to generate Abeta.     

Identification of the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Receptor-related Protein-1 Interactome in Central Nervous System Myelin Suggests a Role in the Clearance of Necrotic Cell Debris

In the central nervous system (CNS), fast neuronal signals are facilitated by the oligodendrocyte-produced myelin sheath. Oligodendrocyte turnover or injury generates myelin debris that is usually promptly cleared by phagocytic cells. Failure to remove dying oligodendrocytes leads to accumulation of degraded myelin, which, if recognized by the immune system, may contribute to the development of autoimmunity in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. We recently identified low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) as a novel phagocytic receptor for myelin debris. Here, we report characterization of the LRP1 interactome in CNS myelin. Fusion proteins were designed corresponding to the extracellular ligand-binding domains of LRP1. LRP1 partners were isolated by affinity purification and characterized by mass spectrometry. We report that LRP1 binds intracellular proteins via its extracellular domain and functions as a receptor for necrotic cells. Peptidyl arginine deiminase-2 and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase are novel LRP1 ligands identified in our screen, which interact with full-length LRP1. Furthermore, the extracellular domain of LRP1 is a target of peptidyl arginine deiminase-2-mediated deimination in vitro. We propose that LRP1 functions as a receptor for endocytosis of intracellular components released during cellular damage and necrosis.     

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and gp330 bind similar ligands, including plasminogen activator-inhibitor complexes and lactoferrin, an inhibitor of chylomicron remnant clearance.

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor (LRP) and gp330, two members of the low density lipoprotein receptor gene family, share a multitude of cysteine-rich repeats. LRP has been shown to act as an endocytosis-mediating receptor for several ligands, including protease-antiprotease complexes and plasma lipoproteins. The former include alpha 2-macroglobulin-protease complexes and plasminogen activator inhibitor-activator complexes. The latter include chylomicron remnant-like particles designated beta-very low density lipoproteins (beta-VLDL) complexed with apoprotein E or lipoprotein lipase. The binding specificity of gp330 is unknown. In the current studies we show that gp330 from rat kidney membranes binds several of these ligands on nitrocellulose blots. We also show that both LRP and gp330 bind an additional ligand, bovine lactoferrin, which is known to inhibit the hepatic clearance of chylomicron remnants. Lactoferrin blocked the LRP-dependent stimulation of cholesteryl ester synthesis in cultured human fibroblasts elicited by apoprotein E-beta-VLDL or lipoprotein lipase-beta-VLDL complexes. Cross-competition experiments in fibroblasts showed that the multiple ligands recognize at least three distinct, but partially overlapping sites on the LRP molecule. Binding of all ligands to LRP and gp330 was inhibited by the 39-kDa protein, which co-purifies with the two receptors, suggesting that the 39-kDa protein is a universal regulator of ligand binding to both receptors. The correlation of the inhibitory effects of lactoferrin in vivo and in vitro support the notion that LRP functions as a chylomicron remnant receptor in liver. LRP and gp330 share a multiplicity of binding sites, and both may function as endocytosis-mediating receptors for a large number of ligands in different organs.