VAMP-associated protein-A regulates partitioning of oxysterol-binding protein-related protein-9 between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus

We recently showed that oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP), one of twelve related PH domain containing proteins with lipid and sterol binding activity, interacts with VAMP-associated protein (VAP)-A on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In addition to OSBP, seven OSBP-related proteins (ORPs) bind VAP-A via a conserved E-F/Y-F/Y-DA 'FFAT' motif. We focused on this interaction for ORP9, which is expressed as a full-length (ORP9L) or truncated version missing the PH domain (ORP9S). Mutation analysis showed that the interaction required the ORP9 FFAT motif and the N-terminal conserved domain of VAP. Endogenous ORP9L displayed Golgi localization, which was partially mediated by the PH domain based on limited localization of OPR9-PH-GFP with the Golgi apparatus. When inducibly overexpressed, ORP9S and ORP9L colocalized with VAP-A and caused vacuolation of the ER as well as retention of the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment marker ERGIC-53/p58 in the ER. ORP9L mutated in the VAP-A binding domain (ORP9L-FY-->AA) did not localize to the ER but appeared with giantin and Sec31 on large vesicular structures, suggesting the presence of a hybrid Golgi-COPII compartment. Normal Golgi localization was also observed for ORP9L-FY-->AA. Results show that VAP binding and PH domains target ORP9 to the ER and a Golgi-COPII compartment, respectively, and that ORP9L overexpression in these compartments severely perturbed their organization.     

Characterization of the sterol-binding domain of oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP)-related protein 4 reveals a novel role in vimentin organization

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) and OSBP-related protein 4 (ORP4; also designated OSBP2 and HLM) are implicated in sterol-transport and/or sensing via binding to protein partners. The aggregation of vimentin by an N-terminal-truncated variant of ORP4 (ORP4S), but not full-length ORP4L, suggested a functional interaction with this intermediate filament. Herein, we identify ORP4 domains that interact with vimentin, and determine how sterols and OSBP influence this activity. In CHO cells, ORP4L co-localized with filamentous vimentin but extensive remodeling of vimentin filaments required mutation of a leucine repeat motif (amino acids 361-382) adjacent to the oxysterol-binding domain. Similarly, the absence of the leucine repeat in ORP4S 418-878 resulted in co-localization with aggregated vimentin filaments, suggesting that both the sterol-binding domain and leucine repeat are involved. Transient expression of OSBP leucine repeat mutants also promoted vimentin aggregation by a mechanism involving heterodimerization with ORP4L. Glutathione S-transferase (GST)-ORP4 380-878 bound vimentin, cholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol in vitro. However, sterol-binding or a mutation that ablated sterol-binding did not influence the interaction of GST-ORP4 with vimentin. Thus the sterol-binding domain of ORP4 binds vimentin, cholesterol and oxysterols, and interacts with the filamentous vimentin network.     

Oxysterol Binding Protein–related Protein 9 (ORP9) Is a Cholesterol Transfer Protein That Regulates Golgi Structure and Function

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) and OSBP-related proteins (ORPs) constitute a large gene family that differentially localize to organellar membranes, reflecting a functional role in sterol signaling and/or transport. OSBP partitions between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus where it imparts sterol-dependent regulation of ceramide transport and sphingomyelin synthesis. ORP9L also is localized to the ER–Golgi, but its role in secretion and lipid transport is unknown. Here we demonstrate that ORP9L partitioning between the trans-Golgi/trans-Golgi network (TGN), and the ER is mediated by a phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI-4P)-specific PH domain and VAMP-associated protein (VAP), respectively. In vitro, both OSBP and ORP9L mediated PI-4P–dependent cholesterol transport between liposomes, suggesting their primary in vivo function is sterol transfer between the Golgi and ER. Depletion of ORP9L by RNAi caused Golgi fragmentation, inhibition of vesicular somatitus virus glycoprotein transport from the ER and accumulation of cholesterol in endosomes/lysosomes. Complete cessation of protein transport and cell growth inhibition was achieved by inducible overexpression of ORP9S, a dominant negative variant lacking the PH domain. We conclude that ORP9 maintains the integrity of the early secretory pathway by mediating transport of sterols between the ER and trans-Golgi/TGN.     

Co-opted Oxysterol-Binding ORP and VAP Proteins Channel Sterols to RNA Virus Replication Sites via Membrane Contact Sites

Viruses recruit cellular membranes and subvert cellular proteins involved in lipid biosynthesis to build viral replicase complexes and replication organelles. Among the lipids, sterols are important components of membranes, affecting the shape and curvature of membranes. In this paper, the tombusvirus replication protein is shown to co-opt cellular Oxysterol-binding protein related proteins (ORPs), whose deletion in yeast model host leads to decreased tombusvirus replication. In addition, tombusviruses also subvert Scs2p VAP protein to facilitate the formation of membrane contact sites (MCSs), where membranes are juxtaposed, likely channeling lipids to the replication sites. In all, these events result in redistribution and enrichment of sterols at the sites of viral replication in yeast and plant cells. Using in vitro viral replication assay with artificial vesicles, we show stimulation of tombusvirus replication by sterols. Thus, co-opting cellular ORP and VAP proteins to form MCSs serves the virus need to generate abundant sterol-rich membrane surfaces for tombusvirus replication.

Authors Summary

Cellular proteins and cellular membranes are usurped by positive-stranded RNA viruses to assemble viral replicase complexes required for their replication. Tombusviruses, which are small RNA viruses of plants, depend on sterol-rich membranes for replication. The authors show that the tombusviral replication protein binds to cellular oxysterol-binding ORP proteins. Moreover, the endoplasmic reticulum resident cellular VAP proteins also co-localize with viral replication proteins. These protein interactions likely facilitate the formation of membrane contact sites that are visible in cells replicating tombusvirus RNA. The authors also show that sterols are recruited and enriched to the sites of viral replication. In vitro replication assay was used to show that sterols indeed stimulate tombusvirus replication. In summary, tombusviruses use subverted cellular proteins to build sterol-rich membrane microdomain to promote the assembly of the viral replicase complex. The paper connects efficient virus replication with cellular lipid transport and membrane structures.     

The mammalian oxysterol-binding protein-related proteins (ORPs) bind 25-hydroxycholesterol in an evolutionarily conserved pocket

OSBP (oxysterol-binding protein) homologues, ORPs (OSBP-related proteins), constitute a 12-member family in mammals. We employed an in vitro [3H]25OH (25-hydroxycholesterol)-binding assay with purified recombinant proteins as well as live cell photo-cross-linking with [3H]photo-25OH and [3H]photoCH (photo-cholesterol), to investigate sterol binding by the mammalian ORPs. ORP1 and ORP2 [a short ORP consisting of an ORD (OSBP-related ligand-binding domain) only] were in vitro shown to bind 25OH. GST (glutathione S-transferase) fusions of the ORP1L [long variant with an N-terminal extension that carries ankyrin repeats and a PH domain (pleckstrin homology domain)] and ORP1S (short variant consisting of an ORD only) variants bound 25OH with similar affinity (ORP1L, K(d)=9.7x10(-8) M; ORP1S, K(d)=8.4 x10(-8) M), while the affinity of GST-ORP2 for 25OH was lower (K(d)=3.9x10(-6) M). Molecular modelling suggested that ORP2 has a sterol-binding pocket similar to that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Osh4p. This was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis of residues in proximity of the bound sterol in the structural model. Substitution of Ile249 by tryptophan or Lys150 by alanine markedly inhibited 25OH binding by ORP2. In agreement with the in vitro data, ORP1L, ORP1S, and ORP2 were cross-linked with photo-25OH in live COS7 cells. Furthermore, in experiments with either truncated cDNAs encoding the OSBP-related ligand-binding domains of the ORPs or the full-length proteins, photo-25OH was bound to OSBP, ORP3, ORP4, ORP5, ORP6, ORP7, ORP8, ORP10 and ORP11. In addition, the ORP1L variant and ORP3, ORP5, and ORP8 were cross-linked with photoCH. The present study identifies ORP1 and ORP2 as OSBPs and suggests that most of the mammalian ORPs are able to bind sterols.     

Novel members of the human oxysterol-binding protein family bind phospholipids and regulate vesicle transport

Oxysterol-binding proteins (OSBPs) are a family of eukaryotic intracellular lipid receptors. Mammalian OSBP1 binds oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol and mediates sterol and phospholipid synthesis through as yet poorly undefined mechanisms. The precise cellular roles for the remaining members of the oxysterol-binding protein family remain to be elucidated. In yeast, a family of OSBPs has been identified based on primary sequence similarity to the ligand binding domain of mammalian OSBP1. Yeast Kes1p, an oxysterol-binding protein family member that consists of only the ligand binding domain, has been demonstrated to regulate the Sec14p pathway for Golgi-derived vesicle transport. Specifically, inactivation of the KES1 gene resulted in the ability of yeast to survive in the absence of Sec14p, a phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer protein that is normally required for cell viability due to its essential requirement in transporting vesicles from the Golgi. We cloned the two human members of the OSBP family, ORP1 and ORP2, with the highest degree of similarity to yeast Kes1p. We expressed ORP1 and ORP2 in yeast lacking Sec14p and Kes1p function and found that ORP1 complemented Kes1p function with respect to cell growth and Golgi vesicle transport, whereas ORP2 was unable to do so. Phenotypes associated with overexpression of ORP2 in yeast were a dramatic decrease in cell growth and a block in Golgi-derived vesicle transport distinct from that of ORP1. Purification of ORP1 and ORP2 for ligand binding studies demonstrated ORP1 and ORP2 did not bind 25-hydroxycholesterol but instead bound phospholipids with both proteins exhibiting strong binding to phosphatidic acid and weak binding to phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. In Chinese hamster ovary cells, ORP1 localized to a cytosolic location, whereas ORP2 was associated with the Golgi apparatus, consistent with our vesicle transport studies that indicated ORP1 and ORP2 function at different steps in the regulation of vesicle transport.     

The OSBP-related protein family in humans

Oxysterols are oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol that have a number of biological effects and play a key role in the maintenance of the body cholesterol balance. In this study, we describe the cDNA sequences and genomic structures of the recently identified human oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP)-related protein (ORP) family (Laitinen, S. et al. 1999. J. Lipid Res. 40: 2204-2211). The family now includes 12 genes/proteins, which can be divided into six distinct subfamilies. The ORP have two major structural features: a highly conserved OSBP-type sterol-binding domain in the C-terminal half and a pleckstrin homology domain present in the N-terminal region of most family members. Several ORP genes are present in S. cerevisiae, D. melanogaster, and C. elegans, suggesting that the protein family has functions of fundamental importance in the eukaryotic kingdom. Analysis of ORP mRNA levels in unloaded or acetylated LDL-loaded human macrophages revealed that the expression of ORP genes was not significantly affected by the loading, with the exception of ORP6, which was up-regulated 2-fold. The present study summarizes the basic characteristics of the OSBP-related gene/protein family in humans, and provides tools for functional analysis of the encoded proteins.     

Cholesterol sensor ORP1L contacts the ER protein VAP to control Rab7–RILP–p150Glued and late endosome positioning

Late endosomes (LEs) have characteristic intracellular distributions determined by their interactions with various motor proteins. Motor proteins associated to the dynactin subunit p150^Glued bind to LEs via the Rab7 effector Rab7-interacting lysosomal protein (RILP) in association with the oxysterol-binding protein ORP1L. We found that cholesterol levels in LEs are sensed by ORP1L and are lower in peripheral vesicles. Under low cholesterol conditions, ORP1L conformation induces the formation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–LE membrane contact sites. At these sites, the ER protein VAP (VAMP [vesicle-associated membrane protein]-associated ER protein) can interact in trans with the Rab7–RILP complex to remove p150^Glued and associated motors. LEs then move to the microtubule plus end. Under high cholesterol conditions, as in Niemann-Pick type C disease, this process is prevented, and LEs accumulate at the microtubule minus end as the result of dynein motor activity. These data explain how the ER and cholesterol control the association of LEs with motor proteins and their positioning in cells.     

氧化固醇结合蛋白结构、功能与应用

氧化固醇结合蛋白(oxysterol binding protein,OSBP)是存在于真核细胞内的一类参与脂质代谢的非囊泡运输蛋白质,在哺乳动物中被称为氧化固醇结合蛋白相关蛋白质(oxysterol binding protein-related proteins,ORPs),而在酵母中被称为氧化固醇结合蛋白同源物质(oxysterol-binding protein homologues,OSH）。近年来人们对氧化固醇结合蛋白的研究不断深入,特别是对其同源蛋白质（例如,ORP5/8、Osh3/4、ORP4L等）的结构功能差异和其在信号转导中的作用的相关研究,以及在生物医药方面的应用更成为了本领域的热点。本文综述了关于OSBP及其同源蛋白质结构和功能的相关研究,指出了该领域存在的一些关键问题。与此同时,对OSH和ORPs在细胞内的膜接触位点（membrane contact sites,MCS）进行对比,以及对今后OSBP的研究方向做了展望。     

PI4P/PS countertransport by ORP10 at ER–endosome membrane contact sites regulates endosome fission

Membrane contact sites (MCSs) serve as a zone for nonvesicular lipid transport by oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP)-related proteins (ORPs). ORPs mediate lipid countertransport, in which two distinct lipids are transported counterdirectionally. How such lipid countertransport controls specific biological functions, however, remains elusive. We report that lipid countertransport by ORP10 at ER–endosome MCSs regulates retrograde membrane trafficking. ORP10, together with ORP9 and VAP, formed ER–endosome MCSs in a phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P)-dependent manner. ORP10 exhibited a lipid exchange activity toward its ligands, PI4P and phosphatidylserine (PS), between liposomes in vitro, and between the ER and endosomes in situ. Cell biological analysis demonstrated that ORP10 supplies a pool of PS from the ER, in exchange for PI4P, to endosomes where the PS-binding protein EHD1 is recruited to facilitate endosome fission. Our study highlights a novel lipid exchange at ER–endosome MCSs as a nonenzymatic PI4P-to-PS conversion mechanism that organizes membrane remodeling during retrograde membrane trafficking.     

Molecular mechanisms and regulation of ceramide transport

De novo biosynthesis of sphingolipids begins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and continues in the Golgi apparatus and plasma membrane. A crucial step in sphingolipid biosynthesis is the transport of ceramide by vesicular and non-vesicular mechanisms from its site of synthesis in the ER to the Golgi apparatus. The recent discovery of the ceramide transport protein CERT has revealed a novel pathway for the delivery of ceramide to the Golgi apparatus for sphingomyelin (SM) synthesis. In addition to a ceramide-binding START domain, CERT has FFAT (referring to two phenylalanines [FF] in an acidic tract) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains that recognize the ER integral membrane protein VAMP-associated protein (VAP) and Golgi-associated PtdIns 4-phosphate, respectively. Mechanisms for vectorial transport involving dual-organellar targeting and sites of deposition of ceramide in the Golgi apparatus are proposed. Similar Golgi-ER targeting motifs are also present in the oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP), which regulates ceramide transport and SM synthesis in an oxysterol-dependent manner. Consequently, this emerges as a potential mechanism for integration of sphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism. The identification of organellar targeting motifs in other related lipid-binding/transport proteins indicate that concepts learned from the study of ceramide transport can be applied to other lipid transport processes.     

Osh proteins regulate phosphoinositide metabolism at ER-plasma membrane contact sites

Sac1 phosphoinositide (PI) phosphatases are essential regulators of PI-signaling networks. Yeast Sac1, an integral endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, controls PI4P levels at the ER, Golgi, and plasma membrane (PM). Whether Sac1 can act in trans and turn over PI4P at the Golgi and PM from the ER remains a paradox. We find that Sac1-mediated PI4P metabolism requires the oxysterol-binding homology (Osh) proteins. The PH domain-containing family member, Osh3, localizes to PM/ER membrane contact sites dependent upon PM PI4P levels. We reconstitute Osh protein-stimulated Sac1 PI phosphatase activity in vitro. We also show that the ER membrane VAP proteins, Scs2/Scs22, control PM PI4P levels and Sac1 activity in vitro. We propose that Osh3 functions at ER/PM contact sites as both a sensor of PM PI4P and an activator of the ER Sac1 phosphatase. Our findings further suggest that the conserved Osh proteins control PI metabolism at additional membrane contact sites.     

Targeting of OSBP-related protein 3 (ORP3) to endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane is controlled by multiple determinants

The intracellular targeting determinants of oxysterol binding protein (OSBP)-related protein 3 (ORP3) were studied using a series of truncated and point mutated constructs. The pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of ORP3 binds the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) products, PI(3,4)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3. A functional PH domain and flanking sequences are crucial for the plasma membrane (PM) targeting of ORP3. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting of ORP3 is regulated the by a FFAT motif (EFFDAxE), which mediates interaction with VAMP-associated protein (VAP)-A. The targeting function of the FFAT motif dominates over that of the PH domain. In addition, the exon 10/11 region modulates interaction of ORP3 with the ER and the nuclear membrane. Analysis of a chimeric ORP3:OSBP protein suggests that ligand binding by the C-terminal domain of OSBP induces allosteric changes that activate the N-terminal targeting modules of ORP3. Notably, over-expression of ORP3 together with VAP-A induces stacked ER membrane structures also known as organized smooth ER (OSER). Moreover, lipid starvation promotes formation of dilated peripheral ER (DPER) structures dependent on the ORP3 protein. Based on the present data, we introduce a model for the inter-relationships of the functional domains of ORP3 in the membrane targeting of the protein.     

Identification of MOSPD2, a novel scaffold for endoplasmic reticulum membrane contact sites

Membrane contact sites are cellular structures that mediate interorganelle exchange and communication. The two major tether proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), VAP‐A and VAP‐B, interact with proteins from other organelles that possess a small VAP‐interacting motif, named FFAT [two phenylalanines (FF) in an acidic track (AT)]. In this study, using an unbiased proteomic approach, we identify a novel ER tether named motile sperm domain‐containing protein 2 (MOSPD2). We show that MOSPD2 possesses a Major Sperm Protein (MSP) domain which binds FFAT motifs and consequently allows membrane tethering in vitro. MOSPD2 is an ER‐anchored protein, and it interacts with several FFAT‐containing tether proteins from endosomes, mitochondria, or Golgi. Consequently, MOSPD2 and these organelle‐bound proteins mediate the formation of contact sites between the ER and endosomes, mitochondria, or Golgi. Thus, we characterized here MOSPD2, a novel tethering component related to VAP proteins, bridging the ER with a variety of distinct organelles.     

CARTS biogenesis requires VAP–lipid transfer protein complexes functioning at the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi interface

Vesicle-associated membrane protein–associated protein (VAP) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident integral membrane protein that controls a nonvesicular mode of ceramide and cholesterol transfer from the ER to the Golgi complex by interacting with ceramide transfer protein and oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP), respectively. We report that VAP and its interacting proteins are required for the processing and secretion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma up-regulated factor, whose transport from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the cell surface is mediated by transport carriers called “carriers of the trans-Golgi network to the cell surface” (CARTS). In VAP-depleted cells, diacylglycerol level at the TGN was decreased and CARTS formation was impaired. We found that VAP forms a complex with not only OSBP but also Sac1 phosphoinositide phosphatase at specialized ER subdomains that are closely apposed to the trans-Golgi/TGN, most likely reflecting membrane contact sites. Immobilization of ER–Golgi contacts dramatically reduced CARTS production, indicating that association–dissociation dynamics of the two membranes are important. On the basis of these findings, we propose that the ER–Golgi contacts play a pivotal role in lipid metabolism to control the biogenesis of transport carriers from the TGN.     

Vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein-A (VAP-A) interacts with the oxysterol-binding protein to modify export from the endoplasmic reticulum

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) is 1 of 12 related proteins implicated in the regulation of vesicle transport and sterol homeostasis. A yeast two-hybrid screen using full-length OSBP as bait was undertaken to identify partner proteins that would provide clues to the function of OSBP. This resulted in the cloning of vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein-A (VAP-A), a syntaxin-like protein implicated in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi vesicle transport, and phospholipid regulation in mammalian cells and yeast, respectively. By using a combination of yeast two-hybrid, glutathione S-transferase pull-down and immunoprecipitation experiments, the VAP-A-binding region in OSBP was localized to amino acids 351-442. This region did not include the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain but overlapped with the N terminus of the oxysterol binding and OSBP homology domains. C- and N-terminal truncations or deletions of VAP prevented interaction with OSBP but did not affect VAP multimerization. Although the OSBP PH domain was not necessary for VAP-A binding in vitro, interaction with VAP-A was enhanced in cells by mutation of the conserved PH domain tryptophan (OSBP W174A) or deletion of the C-terminal half of the PH domain (OSBP Delta 132-182). OSBP W174A retained oxysterol binding activity, association with phospholipid vesicles via the PH domain, and localized with VAP in unusual ER-associated structures. At 40 degrees C, misfolded ts045-vesicular stomatitis virus G protein fused to green fluorescent protein was co-localized with VAP-A/OSBP W174A structures on the ER but was exported to the Golgi when folded normally at 32 degrees C. A fluorescent ceramide analogue also accumulated in these ER inclusions, and export to the Golgi was partially inhibited as indicated by decreased Golgi staining and a 30% reduction in sphingomyelin synthesis. These studies show that OSBP binding to the ER and Golgi apparatus is regulated by its PH domain and VAP interactions, and the complex is involved at a stage of protein and ceramide transport from the ER.     

Oxysterol-binding Protein (OSBP)-related Protein 4 (ORP4) Is Essential for Cell Proliferation and Survival

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) and OSBP-related proteins (ORPs) comprise a large gene family with sterol/lipid transport and regulatory activities. ORP4 (OSBP2) is a closely related paralogue of OSBP, but its function is unknown. Here we show that ORP4 binds similar sterol and lipid ligands as OSBP and other ORPs but is uniquely required for the proliferation and survival of cultured cells. Recombinant ORP4L and a variant without a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain (ORP4S) bind 25-hydroxycholesterol and extract and transfer cholesterol between liposomes. Two conserved histidine residues in the OSBP homology domain ORP4 are essential for binding phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate but not sterols. The PH domain of ORP4L also binds phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate in the Golgi apparatus. However, in the context of ORP4L, the PH domain is required for normal organization of the vimentin network. Unlike OSBP, RNAi silencing of all ORP4 variants (including a partial PH domain truncation termed ORP4M) in HEK293 and HeLa cells resulted in growth arrest but not cell death. ORP4 silencing in non-transformed intestinal epithelial cells (IEC)-18 caused apoptosis characterized by caspase 3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase processing, DNA cleavage, and JNK phosphorylation. IEC-18 transformed with oncogenic H-Ras have increased expression of ORP4L and ORP4S proteins and are resistant to the growth-inhibitory effects of ORP4 silencing. Results suggest that ORP4 promotes the survival of rapidly proliferating cells.     

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) is required for the perinuclear localization of intra-Golgi v-SNAREs

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) and OSBP-related proteins (ORPs) have been implicated in the distribution of sterols among intracellular organelles. OSBP regulates the Golgi cholesterol level, but how it relates to Golgi function is elusive. Here we report that OSBP is essential for the localization of intra-Golgi soluble vesicle N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion attachment protein receptors (v-SNAREs). Depletion of OSBP by small interfering RNA causes mislocalization of intra-Golgi v-SNAREs GS28 and GS15 throughout the cytoplasm without affecting the perinuclear localization of Golgi target-SNARE syntaxin5 and reduces the abundance of a Golgi enzyme, mannosidase II (Man II). GS28 mislocalization and Man II reduction are also induced by cellular cholesterol depletion. Three domains of OSBP—an endoplasmic reticulum–targeting domain, a Golgi-targeting domain, and a sterol-binding domain—are all required for Golgi localization of GS28. Finally, GS28 mislocalization and Man II reduction in OSBP-depleted cells are largely restored by depletion of ArfGAP1, a regulator of the budding of coat protein complex (COP)-I vesicles. From these results, we postulate that Golgi cholesterol level, which is controlled by OSBP, is essential for Golgi localization of intra-Golgi v-SNAREs by ensuring proper COP-I vesicle transport.     

ORP10, a cholesterol binding protein associated with microtubules, regulates apolipoprotein B-100 secretion

ORP10/OSBPL10 is a member of the oxysterol-binding protein family, and genetic variation in OSBPL10 is associated with dyslipidemias and peripheral artery disease. In this study we investigated the ligand binding properties of ORP10 in vitro as well as its localization and function in human HuH7 hepatocytes. The pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of ORP10 selectively interacts with phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate, while the C-terminal ligand binding domain binds cholesterol and several acidic phospholipids. Full-length ORP10 decorates microtubules (MT), while the ORP10 N-terminal fragment (aa 1-318) localizes at Golgi membranes. Removal of the C-terminal aa 712-764 of ORP10 containing a predicted coiled-coil segment abolishes the MT association, but allows partial Golgi targeting. A PH domain-GFP fusion protein is distributed mainly in the cytosol and the plasma membrane, indicating that the Golgi affinity of ORP10 involves other determinants in addition to the PH domain. HuH7 cells expressing ORP10-specific shRNA display increased accumulation of apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100), but not of albumin, in culture medium, and contain reduced levels of intracellular apoB-100. Pulse-chase analysis of cellular [(35)S]apoB-100 demonstrates enhanced apoB-100 secretion by cells expressing ORP10-specific shRNA. The apoB-100 secretion phenotype is replicated in HepG2 cells transduced with the ORP10 shRNA lentiviruses. As a conclusion, the present study dissects the determinants of ORP10 association with MT and the Golgi complex and provides evidence for a specific role of this protein in β-lipoprotein secretion by human hepatocytes.     

OSBP-related protein 11 (ORP11) dimerizes with ORP9 and localizes at the Golgi-late endosome interface

We characterize here ORP11, a member of the oxysterol-binding protein family. ORP11 is present at highest levels in human ovary, testis, kidney, liver, stomach, brain, and adipose tissue. Immunohistochemistry demonstrates abundant ORP11 in the epithelial cells of kidney tubules, testicular tubules, caecum, and skin. ORP11 in HEK293 cells resides on Golgi complex and LE, co-localizing with GFP-Rab9, TGN46, GFP-Rab7, and a fluorescent medial-trans-Golgi marker. Under electron microscopic observation, cells overexpressing ORP11 displayed lamellar lipid bodies associated with vacuolar structures or the Golgi complex, indicating a disturbance of lipid trafficking. N-terminal fragment of ORP11 (aa 1-292) localized partially to Golgi, but displayed enhanced localization on Rab7- and Rab9-positive LE, while the C-terminal ligand-binding domain (aa 273-747) was cytosolic, demonstrating that the membrane targeting determinants are N-terminal. Yeast two-hybrid screen revealed interaction of ORP11 with the related ORP9. The interacting region was delineated within aa 98-372 of ORP9 and aa 154-292 of ORP11. Overexpressed ORP9 was able to recruit EGFP-ORP11 to membranes, and ORP9 silencing inhibited ORP11 Golgi association. The results identify ORP11 as an OSBP homologue distributing at the Golgi-LE interface and define the ORP9-ORP11 dimer as a functional unit that may act as an intracellular lipid sensor or transporter.