Agonist-induced endocytosis of CC chemokine receptor 5 is clathrin dependent

The signaling activity of several chemokine receptors, including CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), is in part controlled by their internalization, recycling, and/or degradation. For CCR5, agonists such as the chemokine CCL5 induce internalization into early endosomes containing the transferrin receptor, a marker for clathrin-dependent endocytosis, but it has been suggested that CCR5 may also follow clathrin-independent routes of internalization. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the role of clathrin in chemokine-induced CCR5 internalization. Using CCR5-transfected cell lines, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy, we demonstrate that CCL5 causes the rapid redistribution of scattered cell surface CCR5 into large clusters that are associated with flat clathrin lattices. Invaginated clathrin-coated pits could be seen at the edge of these lattices and, in CCL5-treated cells, these pits contain CCR5. Receptors internalized via clathrin-coated vesicles follow the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway, and depletion of clathrin with small interfering RNAs inhibits CCL5-induced CCR5 internalization. We found no evidence for CCR5 association with caveolae during agonist-induced internalization. However, sequestration of cholesterol with filipin interferes with agonist binding to CCR5, suggesting that cholesterol and/or lipid raft domains play some role in the events required for CCR5 activation before internalization.     

Regulation of G protein-coupled receptor endocytosis by ARF6 GTP-binding proteins.

The function of G protein-coupled receptors is regulated by a broad variety of membrane-bound and intracellular proteins. These act in concert to activate signaling pathways that will lead to the desensitization of activated receptors and, for most receptor types, their trafficking to intracellular compartments. This review focuses mainly on the endocytic pathways used by a G protein-coupled receptor and on the proteins that play an essential role in the regulation of the internalization process, most specifically the ADP-ribosylation factors. This family of proteins has been shown to be important for vesicle trafficking between different cellular membranes. The latest findings regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate internalization of an agonist-stimulated receptor are presented here. Finally, a perspective on how ARF6 proteins might regulate the internalization process is also proposed.     

Axonal transport and neuronal transcytosis of trophic factors, tracers, and pathogens

Neurons can specifically internalize macromolecules, such as trophic factors, lectins, toxins, and other pathogens. Upon internalization in terminals, proteins can move retrogradely along axons, or, upon internalization at somatodendritic domains, they can move into an anterograde axonal transport pathway. Release of internalized proteins from neurons after either retrograde or anterograde axonal transport results in transcytosis and trafficking of proteins across multiple synapses. Recent studies of binding properties of several such proteins suggest that pathogens and lectins may utilize existing transport machineries designed for trafficking of trophic factors. Specific pathways may protect trophic factors, pathogens, and toxins from degradation after internalization and may target the trophic or pathogenic cargo for transcytosis after either retrograde or anterograde transport along axons. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of sorting steps and transport pathways will further our understanding of trophic signaling and could be relevant for an understanding and possible treatment of neurological diseases such as rabies, Alzheimer's disease, and prion encephalopathies. At present, our knowledge is remarkably sparse about the types of receptors used by pathogens for trafficking, the signals that sort trophins or pathogens into recycling or degradation pathways, and the mechanisms that regulate their release from somatodendritic domains or axon terminals. This review intends to draw attention to potential convergences and parallels in trafficking of trophic and pathogenic proteins. It discusses axonal transport/trafficking mechanisms that may help to understand and eventually treat neurological diseases by targeted drug delivery.     

Regulation of receptors and transporters by ubiquitination: new insights into surprisingly similar mechanisms

The function of many receptors and transport proteins that reside at the surface of the cell is regulated by endocytosis and postendocytic trafficking. Modification of receptors and transporters by ubiquitin conjugation has recently emerged as the major regulatory mechanism of internalization and intracellular sorting of these membrane proteins. This review will describe recent advances in elucidating the mechanisms of ubiquitination of mammalian receptors and transporters using two examples: the receptor for epidermal growth factor and the dopamine transporter. How ubiquitination controls the endocytosis and turnover of these proteins will be also discussed.     

Endocytosis of the viral chemokine receptor US28 does not require beta-arrestins but is dependent on the clathrin-mediated pathway

Arrestins bind phosphorylated G-protein coupled-receptors (GPCR) and inhibit agonist-induced signal transduction by uncoupling the receptors from their cognate G-proteins. β-arrestins also act as adaptors that target GPCR to endocytic clathrin-coated vesicles. Unlike cellular GPCRs, the human cytomegalovirus GPCRs and chemokine receptor, US28, shows constitutive signal transduction activity and undergoes constitutive endocytosis. To determine the role of β-arrestins in US28 trafficking, we used embryonic fibroblasts derived from β-arrestin knockout mice. In these cells, the internalization of transfected β2-adrenergic receptor and of the cellular chemokine receptor CCR5 was impaired. By contrast, US28 distribution was unaffected, and US28-mediated RANTES internalization was similar in normal and knockout cell lines. To investigate whether a clathrin-mediated pathway is involved in US28 endocytosis, we developed small interfering RNA against the μ2-adaptin subunit of the AP-2 adaptor complex. In cells transfected with μ2 small interfering RNA transferrin endocytosis was severely inhibited. Antibody-feeding experiments and biochemical analysis showed that US28 internalization was also inhibited. Together, these data indicate that US28 endocytosis occurs via a clathrin-mediated mechanism but is independent of β-arrestins .     

Actin filaments are involved in the regulation of trafficking of two closely related chemokine receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2

The ligand-induced internalization and recycling of chemokine receptors play a significant role in their regulation. In this study, we analyzed the involvement of actin filaments and of microtubules in the control of ligand-induced internalization and recycling of CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)1 and CXCR2, two closely related G protein-coupled receptors that mediate ELR-expressing CXC chemokine-induced cellular responses. Nocodazole, a microtubule-disrupting agent, did not affect the IL-8-induced reduction in cell surface expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2, nor did it affect the recycling of these receptors following ligand removal and cell recovery at 37 degrees C. In contrast, cytochalasin D, an actin filament depolymerizing agent, promoted the IL-8-induced reduction in cell surface expression of both CXCR1 and CXCR2. Cytochalasin D significantly inhibited the recycling of both CXCR1 and CXCR2 following IL-8-induced internalization, the inhibition being more pronounced for CXCR2 than for CXCR1. Potent inhibition of recycling was observed also when internalization of CXCR2 was induced by another ELR-expressing CXC chemokine, granulocyte chemotactic protein-2. By the use of carboxyl terminus-truncated CXCR1 and CXCR2 it was observed that the carboxyl terminus domains of CXCR1 and CXCR2 were partially involved in the regulation of the actin-mediated process of receptor recycling. The cytochalasin D-mediated inhibition of CXCR2 recycling had a functional relevance because it impaired the ability of CXCR2-expressing cells to mediate cellular responses. These results suggest that actin filaments, but not microtubules, are involved in the regulation of the intracellular trafficking of CXCR1 and CXCR2, and that actin filaments may be required to enable cellular resensitization following a desensitized refractory period.     

腺病毒感染及胞内运输途径的研究进展

目前关于腺病毒感染及胞内运输的分子机制研究主要来源于C亚群腺病毒在肿瘤细胞系中的研究结果。腺病毒对靶细胞的感染及胞内运输大致分为几步:病毒与细胞表面受体的特异结合,胞吞介导的病毒内化,病毒逃脱胞内体进入细胞质,病毒沿着微管运输至核孔,病毒基因组入核。病毒胞内运输效率极高,感染后1 h,80%以上的病毒基因组被送至核内。但是腺病毒胞内的运输方式会因以下几个因素变化而产生差异:靶细胞类型,细胞生理状态,病毒血清型。文中对腺病毒感染靶细胞及胞内运输的已有分子机制进行综述,为临床基因治疗用途的病毒载体研发提供思路。     

Endocytosis and trafficking of human lactoferrin in macrophage-like human THP-1 cells (1)

Different cell types have been reported to internalize lactoferrin (Lf) by specific or nonspecific receptors. Our studies focused on the endocytic pathway of human Lf in macrophage-like THP-1 cells. Lactoferrin was found to be internalized by THP-1 cells differentiated with phorbol myristate acetate. Incubation of cells with chlorpromazine and dansylcadaverine, inhibitors of clathrin-dependent endocytosis, led to a 50% inhibition of Lf internalization compared with untreated cells. Bafilomycin A1 and NH(4)Cl treatment also resulted in 40%-60% inhibition, respectively, suggesting that the internalization of Lf may partly be mediated by acidic endosome-like organelles. Endocytic uptake of Lf was also cholesterol-dependent, as shown by methyl-β-cyclodextrin or nystatin treatment of the cells prior to internalization. Partial colocalization of Lf and EEA-1, a marker specific for early endosomes, could be observed. Colocalization of Lf with a specific endoplasmic reticulum marker was also detected. Our results suggest that Lf is internalized mainly by the clathrin-dependent pathway in THP-1 cells and targets the ER. The physiological consequences of this intracellular trafficking will be the subject of future investigations.     

The regulatory mechanisms of export trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a superfamily of cell-surface receptors that regulate a variety of cell functions by responding to a myriad of ligands. The magnitude of the response elicited by a ligand is dictated by the level of receptor available at the plasma membrane. GPCR expression levels at the cell surface are a balance of three highly regulated, dynamic intracellular trafficking processes, namely export, internalization and degradation. This review will cover recent advances in understanding the mechanism underlying GPCR export trafficking by focusing on specific motifs required for ER export and the role of the Ras-like Rab1 GTPase and glycosylation in regulating ER–Golgi-cell-surface transport. The manifestation of diseases due to the disruption of GPCR export is also discussed.     

From transporter to transceptor: signaling from transporters provokes re-evaluation of complex trafficking and regulatory controls: endocytic internalization and intracellular trafficking of nutrient transceptors may, at least in part, be governed by their signaling function

When cells are starved of their substrate, many nutrient transporters are induced. These undergo rapid endocytosis and redirection of their intracellular trafficking when their substrate becomes available again. The discovery that some of these transporters also act as receptors, or transceptors, suggests that at least part of the sophisticated controls governing the trafficking of these proteins has to do with their signaling function rather than with control of transport. In yeast, the general amino acid permease Gap1 mediates signaling to the protein kinase A pathway. Its endocytic internalization and intracellular trafficking are subject to amino acid control. Other nutrient transceptors controlling this signal transduction pathway appear to be subject to similar trafficking regulation. Transporters with complex regulatory control have also been suggested to function as transceptors in other organisms. Hence, precise regulation of intracellular trafficking in nutrient transporters may be related to the need for tight control of nutrient-induced signaling.     

Regulation and intracellular trafficking pathways of the endothelin receptors

The effects of endothelin (ET) are mediated via the G protein-coupled receptors ET(A) and ET(B). However, the mechanisms of ET receptor desensitization, internalization, and intracellular trafficking are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ET receptor regulation and to characterize the intracellular pathways of ET-stimulated ET(A) and ET(B) receptors. By analysis of ET(A) and ET(B) receptor internalization in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells in the presence of overexpressed betaARK, beta-arrestin-1, beta-arrestin-2, or dynamin as well as dominant negative mutants of these regulators, we have demonstrated that both ET receptor subtypes follow an arrestin- and dynamin/clathrin-dependent mechanism of internalization. Fluorescence microscopy of Chinese hamster ovary and COS cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged ET receptors revealed that the ET(A) and ET(B) subtypes were targeted to different intracellular routes after ET stimulation. While ET(A)-GFP followed a recycling pathway and colocalized with transferrin in the pericentriolar recycling compartment, ET(B)-GFP was targeted to lysosomes after ET-induced internalization. Both receptor subtypes colocalized with Rab5 in classical early endosomes, indicating that this compartment is a common early intermediate for the two ET receptors during intracellular transport. The distinct intracellular routes of ET-stimulated ET(A) and ET(B) receptors may explain the persistent signal response through the ET(A) receptor and the transient response through the ET(B) receptor. Furthermore, lysosomal targeting of the ET(B) receptor could serve as a biochemical mechanism for clearance of plasma endothelin via this subtype.     

Cutting edge: vasoactive intestinal peptide acts as a potent suppressor of inflammation in vivo by trans-deactivating chemokine receptors

Chemokines mediate trafficking of leukocytes to sites of inflammation and immune responses through activation of G protein-coupled receptors, which thereby provide appealing targets for novel anti-inflammatory agents. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an immunosuppressive neurotransmitter. We show that VIP inhibited the function of chemokine receptors on monocytes and CD4(+) T lymphocytes, with impaired chemotaxis and calcium flux in response to the cognate chemokine ligands CXCL12, CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5. This was mediated by VIP receptor type 1 and was not caused by chemokine receptor internalization. However, VIP caused dose-dependent phosphorylation of the chemokine receptor CCR5. This trans-deactivation process was studied in a murine model of delayed-type hypersensitivity: continuous infusion of VIP resulted in significant abrogation of monocyte and lymphocyte infiltration. Circulating mononuclear cells from VIP-infused mice were unable to respond to chemokines. VIP may provide a novel approach to treatment of inflammatory diseases through inhibition of chemokine-dependent leukocyte recruitment.     

Tetanus toxin is internalized by a sequential clathrin-dependent mechanism initiated within lipid microdomains and independent of epsin1

Ligand-receptor complexes are internalized by a variety of endocytic mechanisms. Some are initiated within clathrin-coated membranes, whereas others involve lipid microdomains of the plasma membrane. In neurons, where alternative targeting to short- or long-range trafficking routes underpins the differential processing of synaptic vesicle components and neurotrophin receptors, the mechanism giving access to the axonal retrograde pathway remains unknown. To investigate this sorting process, we examined the internalization of a tetanus neurotoxin fragment (TeNT HC), which shares axonal carriers with neurotrophins and their receptors. Previous studies have shown that the TeNT HC receptor, which comprises polysialogangliosides, resides in lipid microdomains. We demonstrate that TeNT HC internalization also relies on a specialized clathrin-mediated pathway, which is independent of synaptic vesicle recycling. Moreover, unlike transferrin uptake, this AP-2-dependent process is independent of epsin1. These findings identify a pathway for TeNT, beginning with the binding to a lipid raft component (GD1b) and followed by dissociation from GD1b as the toxin internalizes via a clathrin-mediated mechanism using a specific subset of adaptor proteins.     

Identification and characterization of a new class of trafficking motifs for controlling clathrin-independent internalization and recycling

Plasma membrane proteins such as receptors and ion channels allow a cell to communicate with its environment and regulate many intracellular activities. Thus, the proper control of the surface number of these proteins is essential for maintaining the structural and functional homeostasis of a cell. Internalization and recycling plays a key role in determining the surface density of receptors and channels. Whereas the clathrin-mediated internalization and its associated recycling have been the focus of research in this field, recent studies have revealed that an increasing number of receptors and channels enter a cell via clathrin-independent pathways. However, little is known about the trafficking motifs involved in controlling clathrin-independent internalization and various associated recycling pathways. By using a potassium channel as a model system, we identified a class of trafficking motifs that function along a clathrin-independent pathway to increase the surface density of a membrane protein by preventing its rapid internalization and/or facilitating its recycling via the ADP-ribosylation factor 6-dependent recycling pathway. Moreover our data suggest that these motifs may enhance the association of membrane proteins with the EFA6 family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors for ADP-ribosylation factor 6.     

Interactions between opioid and chemokine receptors: heterologous desensitization

The opioid and chemokine receptors are both members of the seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. Desensitization is believed to be a major element of the regulation of the function of these receptors, and recent findings suggest that both agonist-dependent (homologous) desensitization and heterologous desensitization can control receptor activity. The cross-desensitization between opioid and chemokine receptors has significant implications for our understanding of both the regulation of leukocyte trafficking, as well as the regulation of chemokine receptor function in inflammatory disease states. We also review findings which suggest that pro-inflammatory chemokine receptor-induced heterologous desensitization of opioid receptors has important implications for the regulation of opioid receptor function in the nervous system.     

Heterophilic chemokine receptor interactions in chemokine signaling and biology

It is generally accepted that G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), like chemokine receptors, form dimers or higher order oligomers. Such homo- and heterophilic interactions have been identified not only among and between chemokine receptors of CC- or CXC-subfamilies, but also between chemokine receptors and other classes of GPCR, like the opioid receptors. Oligomerization affects different aspects of receptor physiology, like ligand affinity, signal transduction and the mode of internalization, in turn influencing physiologic processes such as cell activation and migration. As particular chemokine receptor pairs exert specific modulating effects on their individual functions, they might play particular roles in various disease types, such as cancer. Hence, chemokine receptor heteromers might represent attractive therapeutic targets. This review highlights the state-of-the-art knowledge on the technical and functional aspects of chemokine receptor multimerization in chemokine signaling and biology.     

Novel roles for arrestins in the post-endocytic trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest family of transmembrane signaling molecules in the human genome. As such, they interact with numerous intracellular molecules, which can act either to propagate or curtail signaling from the receptor. Their primary mode of cellular activation occurs through heterotrimeric G proteins, which in turn can activate a wide spectrum of effector molecules, including phosphodiesterases, phospholipases, adenylyl cyclases and ion channels. Active GPCRs are also the target of G protein-coupled receptor kinases, which phosphorylate the receptors culminating in the binding of the protein arrestin. This results in rapid desensitization through inhibition of G protein binding, as well as novel mechanisms of cellular activation that involve the scaffolding of cellular kinases to GPCR-arrestin complexes. Arrestins can also serve to mediate the internalization of certain GPCRs, a process which plays an important role in regulating cellular activity both by mediating long-term desensitization through down regulation (degradation) of receptors and by recycling desensitized receptors back to the cell surface to initiate additional rounds of signaling. The mechanisms that regulate the subsequent intracellular trafficking of GPCRs following internalization are largely unknown. Recently however, it has become clear that the pattern of receptor phosphorylation and subsequent binding of arrestin play a critical role in the intracellular trafficking of internalized receptors, thereby dictating the ultimate fate of the receptor. In addition, arrestins have now been shown to be required for the recycling of GPCRs that are capable of internalizing through arrestin-independent mechanisms. This review will summarize recent advances in our understanding of the roles of arrestins in post-endocytic GPCR trafficking.     

Effects of incorporation of immunoglobulin G and complement component C1q on uptake and degradation of Alzheimer's disease amyloid fibrils by microglia

Microglia are macrophage-like immune system cells found in the brain. They are associated with Alzheimer's Disease plaques, which contain fibrillar beta-amyloid (fAbeta) and other components such as complement proteins. We have shown previously that murine microglia bind and internalize fAbeta microaggregates via the type A scavenger receptor, but degradation of internalized fAbeta is significantly slower than normal degradation. In this study, we compared internalization by microglia of fAbeta microaggregates to that of anti-Abeta-antibody-coated fAbeta (IgG-fAbeta) microaggregates and found that the uptake of the latter is increased by about 1.5-fold versus unmodified fAbeta. The endocytic trafficking of IgG-fAbeta is similar to that of fAbeta microaggregates, following an endosomal/lysosomal pathway. We also compared the internalization of fAbeta microaggregates to that of complement protein, C1q-coated fAbeta microaggregates, and found that the levels of uptake are also increased by about 1.5-fold. Rates of degradation of both types of modified fAbeta microaggregates are unchanged compared with unmodified fAbeta microaggregates. We demonstrated by blocking studies that internalization of IgG-fAbeta is mediated by Fc receptors. These data suggest that, in vivo, several different microglial receptors may play a part in internalizing fAbeta, but the involvement of other receptors may not increase the degradation of fAbeta.     

The role of ubiquitin in down-regulation and intracellular sorting of membrane proteins: insights from yeast

Ubiquitination is a versatile tool used by all eukaryotic organisms for controlling the stability, function, and intracellular localization of a wide variety of proteins. Two of the best characterized functions of protein ubiquitination are to mark proteins for degradation by cytosolic proteasome and to promote the internalization of certain plasma membrane proteins via the endocytotic pathway, followed by their degradation in the vacuole. Recent studies of membrane proteins both in yeast and mammalian cells suggest that the role of ubiquitin may extend beyond its function as an internalization signal in that it also may be required for modification of some component(s) of the endocytotic machinery, and for cargo protein sorting at the late endosome and the Golgi apparatus level. In this review, I will attempt to bring together what is currently known about the role of ubiquitination in controlling protein trafficking between the yeast plasma membrane, the trans-Golgi network, and the vacuole/lysosome.     

The role of ubiquitin in down-regulation and intracellular sorting of membrane proteins: insights from yeast

Ubiquitination is a versatile tool used by all eukaryotic organisms for controlling the stability, function, and intracellular localization of a wide variety of proteins. Two of the best characterized functions of protein ubiquitination are to mark proteins for degradation by cytosolic proteasome and to promote the internalization of certain plasma membrane proteins via the endocytotic pathway, followed by their degradation in the vacuole. Recent studies of membrane proteins both in yeast and mammalian cells suggest that the role of ubiquitin may extend beyond its function as an internalization signal in that it also may be required for modification of some component(s) of the endocytotic machinery, and for cargo protein sorting at the late endosome and the Golgi apparatus level. In this review, I will attempt to bring together what is currently known about the role of ubiquitination in controlling protein trafficking between the yeast plasma membrane, the trans-Golgi network, and the vacuole/lysosome.