Interaction of syntaxin with alpha-fodrin, a major component of the submembranous cytoskeleton

The soluble N-ethyl maleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor machinery is involved in membrane docking and fusion. In this machinery, the syntaxin family is a central coordinator and participates in multiple protein-protein interactions. In this study we have shown that alpha-fodrin, nonerythroid spectrin, is a new binding partner of the syntaxin family. alpha-Fodrin bound to syntaxin-1a, -3, and -4, all of which are localized on the plasma membrane. Syntaxin-3 interacted with alpha-fodrin in dose-dependent and saturable manners but not with alpha-spectrin, erythroid spectrin. Syntaxin-3 interacted with alpha-fodrin through its C-terminal coiled-coil region. Binding of Munc18 or SNAP-25 to syntaxin-1a inhibited the interaction of alpha-fodrin with syntaxin-1a. Available evidence indicates that alpha-fodrin is implicated in exocytosis, but a precise mode of action of alpha-fodrin in exocytosis remains unclear. Our results suggest that alpha-fodrin regulates exocytosis through the interaction with members of the syntaxin family.     

Syntaxin 18, a SNAP receptor that functions in the endoplasmic reticulum, intermediate compartment, and cis-Golgi vesicle trafficking

Members of the syntaxin family are target-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein receptors involved in vesicle docking and/or fusion within the exocytic and endocytotic pathways. By using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have identified a novel member of the syntaxin family, syntaxin 18, that binds to alpha-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein. Subcellular fractionation and immunocytochemical analysis revealed that syntaxin 18 is principally located in the endoplasmic reticulum. We examined the effect of overexpression of FLAG-tagged syntaxin 18 and a mutant lacking the N-terminal 81 amino acid residues on protein transport and organelles in the early secretory pathway. Both expressed proteins localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, and the expressed FLAG-syntaxin 18 caused remarkable aggregation of endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Although expression of the FLAG-syntaxin 18 lacking the N-terminal region produced less effect on the morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum, dispersion of the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment and cis-Golgi was elicited. Moreover, overexpression of the FLAG-syntaxin 18 mutant inhibited protein export from the endoplasmic reticulum. These results taken together suggest that syntaxin 18 functions in transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi.     

Golgi coiled-coil proteins contain multiple binding sites for Rab family G proteins

Vesicles and other carriers destined for the Golgi apparatus must be guided to the correct cisternae. Golgins, long coiled-coil proteins that localize to particular Golgi subdomains via their C termini, are candidate regulators of vesicle sorting. In this study, we report that the GRIP domain golgins, whose C termini bind the Arf-like 1 G protein on the trans-Golgi, can also bind four members of the Rab family of G proteins. The Rab2-, Rab6-, Rab19-, and Rab30-binding sites are within the coiled-coil regions that are not required for Golgi targeting. Binding sites for two of these Rabs are also present on two coiled-coil proteins of the cis-Golgi, the Drosophila melanogaster orthologues of GM130 and GMAP-210. We suggest an integrated model for a tentacular Golgi in which coiled-coil proteins surround the Golgi to capture and retain Rab-containing membranes, excluding other structures such as ribosomes. Binding sites for diverse Rabs could ensure that incoming carriers are captured on first contact and moved to their correct destination within the stack.     

BTBD1 and BTBD2 colocalize to cytoplasmic bodies with the RBCC/tripartite motif protein,TRIM5delta

We previously identified BTBD1 and BTBD2 as novel topoisomerase I-interacting proteins that share 80% amino acid identity. Here we report the characterization of their subcellular localization. In a number of mouse and human cells, BTBD1 and BTBD2 (BTBD1/2) colocalized to punctate or elongated cytoplasmic bodies (< 5 microm long and several per cell) that were larger and more elongated in cancer cell lines than in fibroblasts and myoblasts. A search for potential colocalizing proteins identified TRIM family members that localize to morphologically similar cytoplasmic bodies, which were then tested for colocalization with BTBD1/2. TRIM5delta, expressed as a GFP fusion, colocalized with BTBD1/2 immunostaining and appeared to serve as a scaffold for the assembly of endogenous BTBD1/2 proteins. TRIM family members contain a RING domain, B-box(es), and coiled-coil regions, which have a characteristic order and spacing (RBCC domain). RING-dependent ubiquitin ligase activity and multimerization via the coiled-coil region may be defining properties of the RBCC/TRIM protein family. We found that TRIM5delta with a deleted coiled-coil region or a mutated RING domain failed to colocalize with BTBD1/2. Additionally, TRIM5delta ubiquitylated itself in a RING finger- and UbcH5B-dependent manner. BTBD1/2 each contain a PHR-similarity region, repeated twice on the putative ubiquitin ligases PAM, highwire and RPM-1, which also contain a RING and B-box. Thus, four protein modules found on each of these putative ubiquitin ligases, a RING, a B-box and two PHR repeats, are present on BTBD1/2 and TRIM5delta that are colocalized to cytoplasmic bodies.     

GRIP domain-mediated targeting of two new coiled-coil proteins,GCC88 and GCC185, to subcompartments of the trans-Golgi network

The GRIP domain is a targeting sequence found in a family of coiled-coil peripheral Golgi proteins. Previously we demonstrated that the GRIP domain of p230/golgin245 is specifically recruited to tubulovesicular structures of the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Here we have characterized two novel Golgi proteins with functional GRIP domains, designated GCC88 and GCC185. GCC88 cDNA encodes a protein of 88 kDa, and GCC185 cDNA encodes a protein of 185 kDa. Both molecules are brefeldin A-sensitive peripheral membrane proteins and are predicted to have extensive coiled-coil regions with the GRIP domain at the C terminus. By immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy GCC88 and GCC185, and the GRIP protein golgin97, are all localized to the TGN of HeLa cells. Overexpression of full-length GCC88 leads to the formation of large electron dense structures that extend from the trans-Golgi. These de novo structures contain GCC88 and co-stain for the TGN markers syntaxin 6 and TGN38 but not for alpha2,6-sialyltransferase, beta-COP, or cis-Golgi GM130. The formation of these abnormal structures requires the N-terminal domain of GCC88. TGN38, which recycles between the TGN and plasma membrane, was transported into and out of the GCC88 decorated structures. These data introduce two new GRIP domain proteins and implicate a role for GCC88 in the organization of a specific TGN subcompartment involved with membrane transport.     

YspD: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Drug Design to Combat Yersinia enterocolitica Infection

YspD is an annotated hydrophilic translocator of Ysa–Ysp type III secretion system of Yersinia enterocolitica. YspD has sequence, secondary structure and three-dimensional structure similar to other hydrophilic translocators. All hydrophilic translocators lack transmembrane region and possess intramolecular coiled-coil region. Disordered regions are mostly clustered at the N-terminal. Large loops provide flexibility, allowing conformational changes during oligomerization and protein–protein interaction. LcrV and PcrV have globular N-terminal and C-terminal domains, connected by intramolecular coiled-coil region. YspD, IpaD, SipD and BipD lack globular N-terminal and C-terminal domains. Their N-terminal and C-terminal domain have a bundle like structure connected by the intramolecular coiled-coil. The intramolecular coiled-coil regions (helix-5&9) of YspD showed maximum conservation, followed by helices at N-terminal. Polar interactions are mainly involved during dimerization of YspD, involving polar residues from helix-9 of both the YspD molecules. A methionine forms the boundary of interaction between the two YspD molecules. The two YspD molecules are arranged in antiparallel fashion to form the dimer. N-terminal of YspB interacted with C-terminal of YspD molecule to form a pentameric complex, consisting four YspD molecules and one YspB molecule. Sequence, structural similarity and presence of specific motifs in YspD (like chaperone protein) indicate the ability of N-terminal domain to show self-chaperoning activity and regulate folding and conformational state of YspD during its journey from the bacterial cytoplasm to the needle tip. Structural analysis of YspD and its mechanism of interaction with other proteins would enable us to design drugs against this hydrophilic protein to combat Yersinia infection.

     

Syntaxin 11 is an atypical SNARE abundant in the immune system

Several classes of proteins have been identified that mediate and regulate membrane dynamics throughout the eukaryotic cell. One class of membrane-trafficking proteins, referred to as soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), have been implicated in mediating membrane fusion. Here we characterize syntaxin 11, an atypical syntaxin family member lacking a transmembrane domain. Syntaxin 11 was found to be enriched in tissues of the immune system including thymus, spleen and lymphnodes; however, lower levels of the protein are found in other tissues. Using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy techniques, we demonstrate that syntaxin 11 associates with intermediate compartment (IC) and post-Golgi membranes through a putative palmitoylation domain, as well as through formation of the 100-kDa complex with, as of yet, unidentified proteins. The coiled-coil forming H3 domain is required for the formation of the 100-kDa complex, and this complex can be dissociated upon addition of alphaSNAP. Thus, while the precise function of syntaxin 11 remains to be elucidated, it may be particularly important in regulating membrane dynamics of the immune system.     

Syntaxin 6 functions in trans-Golgi network vesicle trafficking.

The specific transfer of vesicles between organelles is critical in generating and maintaining the organization of membrane compartments within cells. Syntaxin 6 is a recently discovered member of the syntaxin family, whose constituents are required components of several vesicle trafficking pathways. To better understand the function of syntaxin 6, we generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize different epitopes of the protein. Immunoelectron microscopy shows syntaxin 6 primarily on the trans-Golgi network (TGN), where is partially colocalizes with the TGN adapter protein AP-1 on clathrin-coated membranes. Additional label is present on small vesicles in the vicinity of endosome-like structures. Immunoprecipitation of syntaxin 6 revealed that it is present in a complex or complexes with alpha-soluble NSF attachment protein, vesicle-associated membrane protein 2, or cellubrevin and a mammalian homologue of VPS45, which is a member of the sec1 family implicated in Golgi to prevacuolar compartment trafficking in yeast. We show that mammalian VPS45 is found in multiple tissues, is partially membrane associated, and is enriched in the Golgi region. Converging lines of evidence suggest that syntaxin 6 mediates a TGN trafficking event, perhaps targeting to endosomes in mammalian cells.     

Coordination of golgin tethering and SNARE assembly: GM130 binds syntaxin 5 in a p115-regulated manner

During membrane traffic, transport carriers are first tethered to the target membrane prior to undergoing fusion. Mechanisms exist to connect tethering with fusion, but in most cases, the details remain poorly understood. GM130 is a member of the golgin family of coiled-coil proteins tat is involved in membrane tethering at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi intermediate compartment and cis-Golgi. Here, we demonstrate that GM130 interacts with syntaxin 5, a t-SNARE also localized to the early secretory pathway. Binding to syntaxin 5 is specific, direct, and mediated by the membrane-proximal region of GM130. Interestingly, interaction with syntaxin 5 is inhibited by the binding of the vesicle docking protein p115 to a distal binding site in GM130. The interaction between GM130 and the small GTPase Rab1 is also inhibited by p115 binding. Our findings suggest a mechanism for coupling membrane tethering and fusion at the ER to Golgi intermediate compartment and cis-Golgi, with GM130 playing a central role in linking these processes. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find that depletion of GM130 by RNA interference slows the rate of ER to Golgi trafficking in vivo. The interactions of GM130 with syntaxin 5 and Rab1 are also regulated by mitotic phosphorylation, which is likely to contribute to the inhibition of ER to Golgi trafficking that occurs when mammalian cells enter mitosis.     

MARCH-II is a syntaxin-6-binding protein involved in endosomal trafficking

Membrane-associated RING-CH (MARCH) is a recently identified member of the mammalian E3 ubiquitin ligase family, some members of which down-regulate the expression of immune recognition molecules. Here, we have identified MARCH-II, which is ubiquitously expressed and localized to endosomal vesicles and the plasma membrane. Immunoprecipitation and in vitro binding studies established that MARCH-II directly associates with syntaxin 6. Overexpression of MARCH-II resulted in redistribution of syntaxin 6 as well as some syntaxin-6-interacting soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) into the MARCH-II-positive vesicles. In addition, the retrograde transport of TGN38 and a chimeric version of furin to trans-Golgi network (TGN) was perturbed--without affecting the endocytic degradative and biosynthetic secretory pathways--similar to effects caused by a syntaxin 6 mutant lacking the transmembrane domain. MARCH-II overexpression markedly reduced the cell surface expression of transferrin (Tf) receptor and Tf uptake and interfered with delivery of internalized Tf to perinuclear recycling endosomes. Depletion of MARCH-II by small interfering RNA perturbed the TGN localization of syntaxin 6 and TGN38/46. MARCH-II is thus likely a regulator of trafficking between the TGN and endosomes, which is a novel function for the MARCH family.     

The structure and function of PKN,a protein kinase having a catalytic domain homologous to that of PKC

PKN is a serine/threonine protein kinase that has a catalytic domain homologous to protein kinase C (PKC) family members and a unique regulatory region containing antiparallel coiled-coil (ACC) domains. PKN is the first identified serine/threonine protein kinase that can bind to and be activated by a small GTPase Rho, and it can also be activated by fatty acids such as arachidonic acid in vitro. PKN is widely distributed in various organisms such as mammal, frog, fly, and starfish. There are at least three different isoforms of PKN (PKNalpha/PAK-1/PRK-1, PKNbeta, and PRK2/PAK-2/PKNgamma) in mammals, each of which shows different enzymological properties, tissue distribution, and varied functions.     

A novel Rab6-interacting domain defines a family of Golgi-targeted coiled-coil proteins

In recent years, a large number of coiled-coil proteins localised to the Golgi apparatus have been identified using antisera from human patients with a variety of autoimmune conditions [1]. Because of their common method of discovery and extensive regions of coiled-coil, they have been classified as a family of proteins, the golgins [1]. This family includes golgin-230/245/256, golgin-97, GM130/golgin-95, golgin-160/MEA-2/GCP170, giantin/macrogolgin and a related group of proteins - possibly splice variants - GCP372 and GCP364[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. GM130 and giantin have been shown to function in the p115-mediated docking of vesicles with Golgi cisternae [12]. In this process, p115, another coiled-coil protein, is though to bind to giantin on vesicles and to GM130 on cisternae, thus acting as a tether holding the two together [12] [13]. Apart from giantin and GM130, none of the golgins has yet been assigned a function in the Golgi apparatus. In order to obtain clues as to the functions of the golgins, the targeting to the Golgi apparatus of two members of this family, golgin-230/245/256 and golgin-97, was investigated. Each of these proteins was shown to target to the Golgi apparatus through a carboxy-terminal domain containing a conserved tyrosine residue, which was critical for targeting. The domain preferentially bound to Rab6 on protein blots, and mutations that abolished Golgi targeting resulted in a loss of this interaction. Sequence analysis revealed that a family of coiled-coil proteins from mammals, worms and yeast contain this domain at their carboxyl termini. One of these proteins, yeast Imh1p, has previously been shown to have a tight genetic interaction with Rab6 [14]. On the basis of these data, it is proposed that this family of coiled-coil proteins functions in Rab6-regulated membrane-tethering events.     

Soluble NSF attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) in RBL-2H3 mast cells: functional role of syntaxin 4 in exocytosis and identification of a vesicle-associated membrane protein 8-containing secretory compartment

Mast cells upon stimulation through high affinity IgE receptors massively release inflammatory mediators by the fusion of specialized secretory granules (related to lysosomes) with the plasma membrane. Using the RBL-2H3 rat mast cell line, we investigated whether granule secretion involves components of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) machinery. Several isoforms of each family of SNARE proteins were expressed. Among those, synaptosome-associated protein of 23 kDa (SNAP23) was central in SNARE complex formation. Within the syntaxin family, syntaxin 4 interacted with SNAP23 and all vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMPs) examined, except tetanus neurotoxin insensitive VAMP (TI-VAMP). Overexpression of syntaxin 4, but not of syntaxin 2 nor syntaxin 3, caused inhibition of FcepsilonRI-dependent exocytosis. Four VAMP proteins, i.e., VAMP2, cellubrevin, TI-VAMP, and VAMP8, were present on intracellular membrane structures, with VAMP8 residing mainly on mediator-containing secretory granules. We suggest that syntaxin 4, SNAP23, and VAMP8 may be involved in regulation of mast cell exocytosis. Furthermore, these results are the first demonstration that the nonneuronal VAMP8 isoform, originally localized on early endosomes, is present in a regulated secretory compartment.     

Distinct protein domains are responsible for the interaction of Hrs-2 with SNAP-25. The role of Hrs-2 in 7 S complex formation

Regulated secretion of neurotransmitter at the synapse is likely to be mediated by dynamic protein interactions involving components of the vesicle (vesicle-associated membrane protein; VAMP) and plasma membrane (syntaxin and synaptosomal associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25)) along with additional molecules that allow for the regulation of this process. Recombinant Hrs-2 interacts with SNAP-25 in a calcium-dependent manner (they dissociate at elevated calcium levels) and inhibits neurotransmitter release. Thus, Hrs-2 has been hypothesized to serve a negative regulatory role in secretion through its interaction with SNAP-25. In this report, we show that Hrs-2 and SNAP-25 interact directly through specific coiled-coil domains in each protein. The presence of syntaxin enhances the binding of Hrs-2 to SNAP-25. Moreover, while both Hrs-2 and VAMP can separately bind to SNAP-25, they cannot bind simultaneously. Additionally, the presence of Hrs-2 reduces the incorporation of VAMP into the syntaxin.SNAP-25.VAMP (7 S) complex. These findings suggest that Hrs-2 may modulate exocytosis by regulating the assembly of a protein complex implicated in membrane fusion.     

rsly1 binding to syntaxin 5 is required for endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport but does not promote SNARE motif accessibility

Although some of the principles of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) function are well understood, remarkably little detail is known about sec1/munc18 (SM) protein function and its relationship to SNAREs. Popular models of SM protein function hold that these proteins promote or maintain an open and/or monomeric pool of syntaxin molecules available for SNARE complex formation. To address the functional relationship of the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi SM protein rsly1 and its SNARE binding partner syntaxin 5, we produced a conformation-specific monoclonal antibody that binds only the available, but not the cis-SNARE-complexed nor intramolecularly closed form of syntaxin 5. Immunostaining experiments demonstrated that syntaxin 5 SNARE motif availability is nonuniformly distributed and focally regulated. In vitro endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport assays revealed that rsly1 was acutely required for transport, and that binding to syntaxin 5 was absolutely required for its function. Finally, manipulation of rsly1-syntaxin 5 interactions in vivo revealed that they had remarkably little impact on the pool of available syntaxin 5 SNARE motif. Our results argue that although rsly1 does not seem to regulate the availability of syntaxin 5, its function is intimately associated with syntaxin binding, perhaps promoting a later step in SNARE complex formation or function.     

Transmembrane and Coiled-Coil Domain Family 1 Is a Novel Protein of the Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a continuous membrane network in eukaryotic cells comprising the nuclear envelope, the rough ER, and the smooth ER. The ER has multiple critical functions and a characteristic structure. In this study, we identified a new protein of the ER, TMCC1 (transmembrane and coiled-coil domain family 1). The TMCC family consists of at least 3 putative proteins (TMCC1–3) that are conserved from nematode to human. We show that TMCC1 is an ER protein that is expressed in diverse human cell lines. TMCC1 contains 2 adjacent transmembrane domains near the C-terminus, in addition to coiled-coil domains. TMCC1 was targeted to the rough ER through the transmembrane domains, whereas the N-terminal region and C-terminal tail of TMCC1 were found to reside in the cytoplasm. Moreover, the cytosolic region of TMCC1 formed homo- or hetero-dimers or oligomers with other TMCC proteins and interacted with ribosomal proteins. Notably, overexpression of TMCC1 or its transmembrane domains caused defects in ER morphology. Our results suggest roles of TMCC1 in ER organization.     

Crystal structure of the SMC head domain: an ABC ATPase with 900 residues antiparallel coiled-coil inserted

SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) proteins are large coiled-coil proteins involved in chromosome condensation, sister chromatid cohesion, and DNA double-strand break processing. They share a conserved five-domain architecture with three globular domains separated by two long coiled-coil segments. The coiled-coil segments are antiparallel, bringing the N and C-terminal globular domains together. We have expressed a fusion protein of the N and C-terminal globular domains of Thermotoga maritima SMC in Escherichia coli by replacing the approximately 900 residue coiled-coil and hinge segment with a short peptide linker. The SMC head domain (SMChd) binds and condenses DNA in an ATP-dependent manner. Using selenomethionine-substituted protein and multiple anomalous dispersion phasing, we have solved the crystal structure of the SMChd to 3.1 A resolution. In the monoclinic crystal form, six SMChd molecules form two turns of a helix. The fold of SMChd is closely related to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) ATPase family of proteins and Rad50, a member of the SMC family involved in DNA double-strand break repair. In SMChd, the ABC ATPase fold is formed by the N and C-terminal domains with the 900 residue coiled-coil and hinge segment inserted in the middle of the fold. The crystal structure of an SMChd confirms that the coiled-coil segments in SMC proteins are anti-parallel and shows how the N and C-terminal domains come together to form an ABC ATPase. Comparison to the structure of the MukB N-terminal domain demonstrates the close relationship between MukB and SMC proteins, and indicates a helix to strand conversion when N and C-terminal parts come together.     

Syntaxin specificity of cytokinesis in Arabidopsis

Syntaxins interact with other SNAREs (soluble NSF-attachment protein receptors) to form structurally related complexes that mediate membrane fusion in diverse intracellular trafficking pathways. The original SNARE hypothesis postulated that each type of transport vesicle has its own distinct vesicle-SNARE that pairs up with a unique target-SNARE, or syntaxin, on the target membrane. However, recent evidence suggests that small G-proteins of the Rab family and their effectors mediate the initial contact between donor and acceptor membranes, providing complementary specificity to SNARE pairing at a later step towards membrane fusion. To assess the role of syntaxin specificity in membrane recognition requires a biological assay in which one syntaxin is replaced by other family members that do not normally function in that trafficking pathway. Here, we examine whether membrane fusion in Arabidopsis thaliana cytokinesis, which involves a plant-specific syntaxin, the cell-cycle-regulated KNOLLE (KN) protein, can be mediated by other syntaxins if expressed under the control of KN cis-regulatory sequences. Only a non-essential syntaxin was targeted to the plane of cell division and sufficiently related to KN to perform its function, thus revealing syntaxin specificity of cytokinesis.     

Solution structural studies and low-resolution model of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe sap1 protein

Sap1 is a DNA-binding protein involved in controlling the mating type switch in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In the absence of any significant sequence similarity with any structurally known protein, a variety of biophysical techniques has been used to probe the solution low-resolution structure of the sap1 protein. First, sap1 is demonstrated to be an unusually elongated dimer in solution by measuring the translational diffusion coefficient with two independent techniques: dynamic light-scattering and ultracentrifugation. Second, sequence analysis revealed the existence of a long coiled-coil region, which is responsible for dimerization. The length of the predicted coiled-coil matches estimates drawn from the hydrodynamic experimental behaviour of the molecule. In addition, the same measurements done on a shorter construct with a coiled-coil region shortened by roughly one-half confirmed the localization of the long coiled-coil region. A crude T-shape model incorporating all these information was built. Third, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of the free molecule provided additional evidence for the model. In particular, the P(r) curve strikingly demonstrates the existence of long intramolecular distances. Using a novel 3D reconstruction algorithm, a low resolution 3D model of the protein has been independently constructed that matches the SAXS experimental data. It also fits the translation diffusion coefficients measurements and agrees with the first T-shaped model. This low-resolution model has clearly biologically relevant new functional implications, suggesting that sap1 is a bifunctional protein, with the two active sites being separated by as much as 120 A; a tetrapeptide repeated four times at the C terminus of the molecule is postulated to be of utmost functional importance.     

Molecular cloning, expression analysis, and chromosomal localization of human syntaxin 8 (STX8)

We report the cloning of a cDNA encoding human syntaxin 8 (STX8), using the regulator (R) domain of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) as a bait to screen a human fetal lung cDNA library by the yeast two-hybrid system. This gene was found broadly transcribed and its mRNA size is about 1.3 kb. The STX8 gene maps to chromosomal band 17p12 and it encodes a 236-amino-acid protein. Syntaxin 8 contains in its C-terminal half a coiled-coil domain found highly conserved in the t-SNARE (SNAP receptor on target membrane) superfamily of proteins, which are involved in vesicular trafficking and docking. In syntaxin 8, a C-terminal hydrophobic domain may constitute a transmembrane anchor. It was recently shown that CFTR-mediated chloride currents can be regulated by syntaxin 1A, a t-SNARE family member, through direct protein-protein interaction. This raises the possibility that syntaxin 8 may also be involved in such regulations.