Clathrin Terminal Domain-Ligand Interactions Regulate Sorting of Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptors Mediated by AP-1 and GGA Adaptors

Clathrin plays important roles in intracellular membrane traffic including endocytosis of plasma membrane proteins and receptors and protein sorting between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and endosomes. Whether clathrin serves additional roles in receptor recycling, degradative sorting, or constitutive secretion has remained somewhat controversial. Here we have used acute pharmacological perturbation of clathrin terminal domain (TD) function to dissect the role of clathrin in intracellular membrane traffic. We report that internalization of major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) is inhibited in cells depleted of clathrin or its major clathrin adaptor complex 2 (AP-2), a phenotype mimicked by application of Pitstop® inhibitors of clathrin TD function. Hence, MHCI endocytosis occurs via a clathrin/AP-2-dependent pathway. Acute perturbation of clathrin also impairs the dynamics of intracellular clathrin/adaptor complex 1 (AP-1)- or GGA (Golgi-localized, γ-ear-containing, Arf-binding protein)-coated structures at the TGN/endosomal interface, resulting in the peripheral dispersion of mannose 6-phosphate receptors. By contrast, secretory traffic of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein, recycling of internalized transferrin from endosomes, or degradation of EGF receptor proceeds unperturbed in cells with impaired clathrin TD function. These data indicate that clathrin is required for the function of AP-1- and GGA-coated carriers at the TGN but may be dispensable for outward traffic en route to the plasma membrane.     

Mapmodulin, Cytoplasmic Dynein, and Microtubules Enhance the Transport of Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptors from Endosomes to the Trans-Golgi Network

Late endosomes and the Golgi complex maintain their cellular localizations by virtue of interactions with the microtubule-based cytoskeleton. We study the transport of mannose 6-phosphate receptors from late endosomes to the trans-Golgi network in vitro. We show here that this process is facilitated by microtubules and the microtubule-based motor cytoplasmic dynein; transport is inhibited by excess recombinant dynamitin or purified microtubule-associated proteins. Mapmodulin, a protein that interacts with the microtubule-associated proteins MAP2, MAP4, and tau, stimulates the microtubule- and dynein-dependent localization of Golgi complexes in semi-intact Chinese hamster ovary cells. The present study shows that mapmodulin also stimulates the initial rate with which mannose 6-phosphate receptors are transported from late endosomes to the trans-Golgi network in vitro. These findings represent the first indication that mapmodulin can stimulate a vesicle transport process, and they support a model in which the microtubule-based cytoskeleton enhances the efficiency of vesicle transport between membrane-bound compartments in mammalian cells.     

Structure of the Human Cation-Independent Mannose 6-Phosphate/IGF2 Receptor Domains 7–11 Uncovers the Mannose 6-Phosphate Binding Site of Domain 9

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Lysosomal Hydrolase Mannose 6-Phosphate Uncovering Enzyme Resides in the trans-Golgi Network

A crucial step in lysosomal biogenesis is catalyzed by "uncovering" enzyme (UCE), which removes a covering N-acetylglucosamine from the mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) recognition marker on lysosomal hydrolases. This study shows that UCE resides in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and cycles between the TGN and plasma membrane. The cytosolic domain of UCE contains two potential endocytosis motifs: (488)YHPL and C-terminal (511)NPFKD. YHPL is shown to be the more potent of the two in retrieval of UCE from the plasma membrane. A green-fluorescent protein-UCE transmembrane-cytosolic domain fusion protein colocalizes with TGN 46, as does endogenous UCE in HeLa cells, showing that the transmembrane and cytosolic domains determine intracellular location. These data imply that the Man-6-P recognition marker is formed in the TGN, the compartment where Man-6-P receptors bind cargo and are packaged into clathrin-coated vesicles.     

Phosphatidylinositol 3–Kinase Is Required for the Formation of Constitutive Transport Vesicles from the TGN

An 85-kD cytosolic complex (p62^cplx), consisting of a 62-kD phosphoprotein (p62) and a 25-kD GTPase, has been shown to be essential for the cell-free reconstitution of polymeric IgA receptor (pIgA-R)-containing exocytic transport vesicle formation from the TGN (Jones, S.M., J.R. Crosby, J. Salamero, and K.E. Howell. 1993. J. Cell Biol. 122:775–788). Here the p62^cplx is identified as a regulatory subunit of a novel phosphatidylinositol 3–kinase (PI3-kinase). This p62^cplx-associated PI3-kinase activity is stimulated by activation of the p62^cplx-associated GTPase, and is specific for phosphatidylinositol (PI) as substrate, and is sensitive to wortmannin at micromolar concentrations. The direct role of this p62^cplx-associated PI3-kinase activity in TGN-derived vesicle formation is indicated by the finding that both lipid kinase activity and the formation of pIgA-R–containing exocytic vesicles from the TGN are inhibited by wortmannin with similar dose-response curves and 50% inhibitory concentrations (3.5 μM). These findings indicate that phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI[3]P) is required for the formation of TGN-derived exocytic transport vesicles, and that the p62^cplx-associated PI3-kinase and an activated GTPase are the essential molecules that drive production of this PI(3)P.     

Cation-independent Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor: A COMPOSITE OF DISTINCT PHOSPHOMANNOSYL BINDING SITES*

The 300-kDa cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR), which contains multiple mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) binding sites that map to domains 3, 5, and 9 within its 15-domain extracytoplasmic region, functions as an efficient carrier of Man-6-P-containing lysosomal enzymes. To determine the types of phosphorylated N-glycans recognized by each of the three carbohydrate binding sites of the CI-MPR, a phosphorylated glycan microarray was probed with truncated forms of the CI-MPR. Surface plasmon resonance analyses using lysosomal enzymes with defined N-glycans were performed to evaluate whether multiple domains are needed to form a stable, high affinity carbohydrate binding pocket. Like domain 3, adjacent domains increase the affinity of domain 5 for phosphomannosyl residues, with domain 5 exhibiting ∼60-fold higher affinity for lysosomal enzymes containing the phosphodiester Man-P-GlcNAc when in the context of a construct encoding domains 5–9. In contrast, domain 9 does not require additional domains for high affinity binding. The three sites differ in their glycan specificity, with only domain 5 being capable of recognizing Man-P-GlcNAc. In addition, domain 9, unlike domains 1–3, interacts with Man₈GlcNAc₂ and Man₉GlcNAc₂ oligosaccharides containing a single phosphomonoester. Together, these data indicate that the assembly of three unique carbohydrate binding sites allows the CI-MPR to interact with the structurally diverse phosphorylated N-glycans it encounters on newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes.     

Structure and Function of the DUF2233 Domain in Bacteria and in the Human Mannose 6-Phosphate Uncovering Enzyme

DUF2233, a domain of unknown function (DUF), is present in many bacterial and several viral proteins and was also identified in the mammalian transmembrane glycoprotein N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester α-N-acetylglucosaminidase (“uncovering enzyme” (UCE)). We report the crystal structure of BACOVA_00430, a 315-residue protein from the human gut bacterium Bacteroides ovatus that is the first structural representative of the DUF2233 protein family. A notable feature of this structure is the presence of a surface cavity that is populated by residues that are highly conserved across the entire family. The crystal structure was used to model the luminal portion of human UCE (hUCE), which is involved in targeting of lysosomal enzymes. Mutational analysis of several residues in a highly conserved surface cavity of hUCE revealed that they are essential for function. The bacterial enzyme (BACOVA_00430) has ∼1% of the catalytic activity of hUCE toward the substrate GlcNAc-P-mannose, the precursor of the Man-6-P lysosomal targeting signal. GlcNAc-1-P is a poor substrate for both enzymes. We conclude that, for at least a subset of proteins in this family, DUF2233 functions as a phosphodiester glycosidase.     

Mannitol Synthesis in Higher Plants : Evidence for the Role and Characterization of a NADPH-Dependent Mannose 6-Phosphate Reductase

Mannitol is a major photosynthetic product in many algae and higher plants. Photosynthetic pulse and pulse-chase ¹⁴C-radiolabeling studies with the mannitol-synthesizing species, celery (Apium graveolens L.) and privet (Ligustrum vulgare L.), showed that mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) and mannitol 1-phosphate were among the early photosynthetic products. A NADPH-dependent M6P reductase was detected in these species (representing two different higher plant families), and the enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity (68-fold with a 22% yield) and characterized from celery leaf extracts. The celery enzyme had a monomeric molecular mass, estimated from mobilities on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, of 35 kilodaltons. The isoelectric point was pH 4.9; the apparent K_m (M6P) was 15.8 millimolar, but the apparent K_m (mannitol 1-phosphate) averaged threefold higher; pH optima were 7.5 with M6P/NADPH and 8.5 with mannitol 1-phosphate/NADP as substrates. Substrate and cofactor requirements were quite specific. NADH did not substitute for NADPH, and there was no detectable activity with fructose 6-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 1-phosphate, mannose 1-phosphate, mannose, or mannitol. NAD only partially substituted for NADP. Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate had no apparent effects on the purified enzyme's activity. In vivo radiolabeling results and the enzyme's kinetics, specificity, and distribution (in two-plant families) all suggest that NADPH-dependent M6P reductase plays an important role in mannitol biosynthesis in higher plants.     

Myosin II Is Involved in the Production of Constitutive Transport Vesicles from the TGN

The participation of nonmuscle myosins in the transport of organelles and vesicular carriers along actin filaments has been documented. In contrast, there is no evidence for the involvement of myosins in the production of vesicles involved in membrane traffic. Here we show that the putative TGN coat protein p200 (Narula, N., I. McMorrow, G. Plopper, J. Doherty, K.S. Matlin, B. Burke, and J.L. Stow. 1992. J. Cell Biol. 114: 1113–1124) is myosin II. The recruitment of myosin II to Golgi membranes is dependent on actin and is regulated by G proteins. Using an assay that studies the release of transport vesicles from the TGN in vitro, we provide functional evidence that p200/myosin is involved in the assembly of basolateral transport vesicles carrying vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSVG) from the TGN of polarized MDCK cells. The 50% reduced efficiency in VSVG vesicle release from the TGN in vitro after depletion of p200/myosin II could be reestablished to control levels by the addition of purified nonmuscle myosin II. Several inhibitors of the actin-stimulated ATPase activity of myosin specifically inhibited the release of VSVG-containing vesicles from the TGN.     

Mannose 6–Phosphate Receptors Are Sorted from Immature Secretory Granules via Adaptor Protein AP-1, Clathrin, and Syntaxin 6–positive Vesicles

The occurrence of clathrin-coated buds on immature granules (IGs) of the regulated secretory pathway suggests that specific transmembrane proteins are sorted into these buds through interaction with cytosolic adaptor proteins. By quantitative immunoelectron microscopy of rat endocrine pancreatic β cells and exocrine parotid and pancreatic cells, we show for the first time that the mannose 6–phosphate receptors (MPRs) for lysosomal enzyme sorting colocalize with the AP-1 adaptor in clathrin-coated buds on IGs. Furthermore, the concentrations of both MPR and AP-1 decline by ~90% as the granules mature. Concomitantly, in exocrine secretory cells lysosomal proenzymes enter and then are sorted out of IGs, just as was previously observed in β cells (Kuliawat, R., J. Klumperman, T. Ludwig, and P. Arvan. 1997. J. Cell Biol. 137:595–608). The exit of MPRs in AP-1/clathrin-coated buds is selective, indicated by the fact that the membrane protein phogrin is not removed from maturing granules. We have also made the first observation of a soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor, syntaxin 6, which has been implicated in clathrin-coated vesicle trafficking from the TGN to endosomes (Bock, J.B., J. Klumperman, S. Davanger, and R.H. Scheller. 1997. Mol. Biol. Cell. 8:1261–1271) that enters and then exits the regulated secretory pathway during granule maturation. Thus, we hypothesize that during secretory granule maturation, MPR–ligand complexes and syntaxin 6 are removed from IGs by AP-1/clathrin-coated vesicles, and then delivered to endosomes.     

A Quantitative Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor-Basedin VitroAssay for Recombinant HumanN-Acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase

An assay was developed, using two similar formats, to simultaneously measure both the lysosomal targeting receptor binding and enzyme activity of the recombinant human enzymeN-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase. This assay also has potential application for all phosphorylated lysosomal enzymes that contain mannose-6-phosphate residues. The receptor was either purified from fetal bovine sera then adsorbed, or producedin situby growing and fixing diploid human fibroblast-like cells, to a solid phase. The enzyme substrate was 4-methylumbelliferyl sulfate which fluoresces after cleavage of the sulfate moiety. Both the precursor and mature forms of the recombinant enzyme were used to demonstrate the specificity and usefulness of the assay. The assay is rapid and sensitive and has a wide dynamic range. Association between the receptor and the mannose-6-phosphate residues was abrogated in the presence of a competitive inhibitor, mannose 6-phosphate. However, partial activity was still measured when the mature enzyme was incubated in the presence of mannose 6-phosphate when using the fixed fibroblast format. This would indicate that the recombinant enzymes contain at least one terminal sugar moiety other than mannose 6-phosphate which can recognize receptors on the surface of human fibroblast-like cells. Other possible applications of this assay are also discussed.     

Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor Proteins from Reptiles and Amphibians: Evidence for the Presence of MPR 300 and MPR 46

Two mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR 300 and MPR 46) are involved in transport of lysosomal enzymes. Both receptors are expressed in all mammalian species studied so far and in chicken. Here we present the first report on affinity purification of both MPRs from the liver tissues of reptiles and amphibians using Sepharose divinyl sulfone phosphomannan at pH 7.0. MPR 300 from both species show similar electrophoretic mobility as mammalian MPR 300 and cross-react with an antibody directed against MPR 300 from goat liver. Furthermore, MPR 46 from reptilian liver and amphibian oocytes cross-react with peptide-specific antibodies against the cytoplasmic domain of human MPR 46 (anti-MSC1).     

Genetic Mapping of Loci for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, Gluconate-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, and Gluconate-6-Phosphate Dehydrase in Escherichia coli

The loci on the Escherichia coli genome of mutations affecting the constitutive enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (zwf) and gluconate-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (gnd), and the inducible enzyme gluconate-6-phosphate dehydrase (edd), were determined by conjugation and transduction experiments, chiefly by three-factor crosses. They are in the same region of the chromosome, and their order is gnd-his-(edd, zwf)-aroD; gnd and his are cotransduceable, as are zwf and edd. The position of gnd in Salmonella typhimurium was shown to be similar to that in E. coli.     

Extending the Mannose 6-Phosphate Glycoproteome by High Resolution/Accuracy Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Control and Acid Phosphatase 5-Deficient Mice

In mammals, most newly synthesized lumenal lysosomal proteins are delivered to the lysosome by the mannose 6-phosphate (Man6P) targeting pathway. Man6P -containing proteins can be affinity-purified and characterized using proteomic approaches, and such studies have led to the discovery of new lysosomal proteins and associated human disease genes. One limitation to this approach is that in most cell types the Man6P modification is rapidly removed by acid phosphatase 5 (ACP5) after proteins are targeted to the lysosome, and thus, some lysosomal proteins may escape detection. In this study, we have extended the analysis of the lysosomal proteome using high resolution/accuracy mass spectrometry to identify and quantify proteins in a combined analysis of control and ACP5-deficient mice. To identify Man6P glycoproteins with limited tissue distribution, we analyzed multiple tissues and used statistical approaches to identify proteins that are purified with high specificity. In addition to 68 known Man6P glycoproteins, 165 other murine proteins were identified that may contain Man6P and may thus represent novel lysosomal residents. For four of these lysosomal candidates, (lactoperoxidase, phospholipase D family member 3, ribonuclease 6, and serum amyloid P component), we demonstrate lysosomal residence based on the colocalization of fluorescent fusion proteins with a lysosomal marker.The lysosome is a key site within the cell for the digestion of macromolecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids (1), and this catabolic function is enabled by the concerted action of numerous hydrolases that have evolved to function in the acidic environment of the lysosome. Most lysosomal hydrolases and their accessory proteins are soluble and located within the lumen of the lysosome, and to date, ∼70 such proteins have been identified (2, 3). Mutations in the genes encoding more than 30 of these proteins result in lysosomal storage diseases in which unhydrolyzed substrates accumulate within lysosomes, disrupting cellular function and frequently resulting in cell death (32).Most newly synthesized soluble, lumenal lysosomal proteins are directed to the lysosome via the mannose 6-phosphate (Man6P)¹ pathway (4). Here, select N-linked carbohydrates receive the Man6P modification that is recognized by two Man6P receptors (MPRs) that direct the vesicular trafficking of the lysosomal proteins from the trans-Golgi to an acidified prelysosomal compartment. In most cell types, the Man6P modification is rapidly removed by acid phosphatase 5 (ACP5) (5) upon arrival within the lysosome.The presence of Man6P provides a unique opportunity for the study of lysosomal proteins by allowing for the highly specific affinity purification of this class of proteins from complex mixtures using MPRs immobilized on a solid affinity support (6). Man6P-containing lysosomal proteins have been purified from a wide variety of biological sources, and their characterization by proteomic methods has provided valuable insights into the composition and function of the lysosome as well as the roles of lysosomal proteins in human disease (2, 7). In mammals, the tissue distribution of lysosomal proteins can be highly restricted, and thus one approach that has effectively increased proteome coverage has been to analyze multiple individual tissues (3).One limitation to the MPR affinity purification approach is that in most cells and tissues, a relatively small fraction of lysosomal proteins contain Man6P (8) because of natural dephosphorylation by ACP5 (5), with the notable exception of brain (9). As a result, minor lysosomal components or those that are particularly susceptible to dephosphorylation, either in vivo or during the course of purification, may be overlooked in proteomic surveys. In addition, as the proportion of Man6P glycoproteins in the complex mixture of proteins of an initial tissue extract becomes smaller, the proportion of contaminants is likely to increase in the purified preparation. In practical terms, extensive dephosphorylation of lysosomal proteins can make purification from limiting tissue sources in whole organism surveys a difficult or impossible prospect.In this study, we have extended the proteomic analysis of mammalian Man6P glycoproteins with an analysis of multiple tissues from the mouse. We address the problem of dephosphorylation of lysosomal proteins with the inclusion of multiple tissues from ACP5-deficient mice (10), and we apply high resolution/accuracy mass spectrometry to confidently identify components of the mixture. Sixty eight known Man6P glycoproteins (65 lysosomal and 3 nonlysosomal) are identified, which is comparable with earlier studies. However, the modified approach has also resulted in the identification of 165 other murine proteins that are specifically purified by MPR affinity chromatography and that may potentially represent lysosomal proteins. This is the most extensive list obtained to date for candidate mannose 6-phosphorylated proteins, and we demonstrate that four of these proteins localize to the lysosome using morphological methods.     

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase/6-Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase Ratio and the Glucose-6-Phosphate, 6-Phosphogluconate and Fructose-6-Phosphate Contents in Tobacco Plants Infected with Potato Virus Y

The ratio of activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (G6P DH/6PG DH), and the contents of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), 6-phosphogluconate (6PG) and fructose-6-phosphate (F6P) were studied at various stages of potato virus Y (PVY) multiplication in Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun. G6P DH/6PG DH increased through the experiment from 0.42 to 0.53 in leaves of healthy tobacco, and up to 0.59 in PVY systemically infected leaves. However, these ratios in the ruptured protoplast preparations, and the chloroplast and cytosol fractions of healthy protoplasts were similar to that from infected ones. The ratio lower than 1, found in the healthy and/or PVY- infected leaf tissues and in the infected protoplasts as well, confirms the assumption that G6P DH is the control enzyme of oxidative pentosephosphate pathway not only in the healthy but also in the infected plants. The contents of G6P, 6PG and F6P in the period of the highest PVY multiplication were strongly decreased (to 30 – 50 % when compared with control healthy leaves) and were negatively correlated with the G6P DH and 6PG DH activities.     

Estradiol Receptors Regulate Differential Connexin 43 Expression in F98 and C6 Glioma Cell Lines

Introduction

Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumour with male preponderance and poor prognosis. Glioma cells express variable amounts of connexin 43 (Cx43) and estrogen receptors (ERs). Both, Cx43 and ERs, play important roles in cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 17-ß estradiol (E2) on Cx43 expression in two glioma cell lines with variable native expression of Cx43.

Materials and Methods

F98 and C6 rat glioma cells were cultured for 24 h in the presence of 10 nM or 100 nM E2, and the E2-antagonist, Fulvestrant. An MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability. ERα, ERβ and Cx43 protein expressions were analysed by western blotting and Cx43 mRNA expression was analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. To quantify cell migration, an exclusive zone migration assay was used. Functional coupling of cells via gap junctions was examined using whole-cell patch-clamp technique.

Results

E2 reduced Cx43 expression in C6 cells, but increased Cx43 expression in F98 cultures. These effects were mediated via ERs. Moreover, E2 promoted C6 cell migration, but it did not affect F98 cell migration. The expression level of ERα was found to be high in C6, but low in F98 cells. ERβ was exclusively expressed in C6 cells. In addition, E2 treatment induced a significant decrease of ERβ in C6 cultures, while it decreased ERα expression in F98 glioma cells.

Discussion

These findings show that E2 differentially modulates Cx43 expression in F98 and C6 glioma cells, likely due to the differential expression of ERs in each of these cell lines. Our findings point to the molecular mechanisms that might contribute to the gender-specific differences in the malignancy of glioma and could have implications for therapeutic strategies against glioma.     

Mannose 6-Phosphate/Insulin-like Growth Factor–II Receptor Targets the Urokinase Receptor to Lysosomes via a Novel Binding Interaction

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) plays an important role on the cell surface in mediating extracellular degradative processes and formation of active TGF-β, and in nonproteolytic events such as cell adhesion, migration, and transmembrane signaling. We have searched for mechanisms that determine the cellular location of uPAR and may participate in its disposal. When using purified receptor preparations, we find that uPAR binds to the cation-independent, mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor–II (IGF-II) receptor (CIMPR) with an affinity in the low micromolar range, but not to the 46-kD, cation-dependent, mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CDMPR). The binding is not perturbed by uPA and appears to involve domains DII + DIII of the uPAR protein moiety, but not the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The binding occurs at site(s) on the CIMPR different from those engaged in binding of mannose 6-phosphate epitopes or IGF-II. To evaluate the significance of the binding, immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy studies were performed in transfected cells, and the results show that wild-type CIMPR, but not CIMPR lacking an intact sorting signal, modulates the subcellular distribution of uPAR and is capable of directing it to lysosomes. We conclude that a site within CIMPR, distinct from its previously known ligand binding sites, binds uPAR and modulates its subcellular distribution.     

Divergent Roles for Macrophage C-type Lectin Receptors,Dectin-1 and Mannose Receptors,in the Intestinal Inflammatory Response

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ATP- and Cytosol-dependent Release of Adaptor Proteins from Clathrin-coated Vesicles: A Dual Role for Hsc70

Clathrin-coated vesicles (CCV) mediate protein sorting and vesicular trafficking from the plasma membrane and the trans-Golgi network. Before delivery of the vesicle contents to the target organelles, the coat components, clathrin and adaptor protein complexes (APs), must be released. Previous work has established that hsc70/the uncoating ATPase mediates clathrin release in vitro without the release of APs. AP release has not been reconstituted in vitro, and nothing is known about the requirements for this reaction. We report a novel quantitative assay for the ATP- and cytosol- dependent release of APs from CCV. As expected, hsc70 is not sufficient for AP release; however, immunodepletion and reconstitution experiments establish that it is necessary. Interestingly, complete clathrin release is not a prerequisite for AP release, suggesting that hsc70 plays a dual role in recycling the constituents of the clathrin coat. This assay provides a functional basis for identification of the additional cytosolic factor(s) required for AP release.