scholarly journals Revisiting Rab7 Functions in Mammalian Autophagy: Rab7 Knockout Studies

Cells ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshihiko Kuchitsu ◽  
Mitsunori Fukuda

Rab7 (or Ypt7 in yeast) is one of the well-characterized members of the Rab family small GTPases, which serve as master regulators of membrane trafficking in eukaryotes. It localizes to late endosomes and lysosomes and has multiple functions in the autophagic pathway as well as in the endocytic pathway. Because Rab7/Ypt7 has previously been shown to regulate the autophagosome-lysosome fusion step in yeast and fruit flies (i.e., autophagosome accumulation has been observed in both Ypt7-knockout [KO] yeast and Rab7-knockdown fruit flies), it is widely assumed that Rab7 regulates the autophagosome-lysosome fusion step in mammals. A recent analysis of Rab7-KO mammalian cultured cells, however, has revealed that Rab7 is essential for autolysosome maturation (i.e., autolysosome accumulation has been observed in Rab7-KO cells), but not for autophagosome-lysosome fusion, under nutrient-rich conditions. Thus, although Rab7/Ypt7 itself is essential for the proper progression of autophagy in eukaryotes, the function of Rab7/Ypt7 in autophagy in yeast/fruit flies and mammals must be different. In this review article, we describe novel roles of Rab7 in mammalian autophagy and discuss its functional diversification during evolution.

2001 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4041-4049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosana Mesa ◽  
Cristina Salomón ◽  
Marcelo Roggero ◽  
Philip D. Stahl ◽  
Luis S. Mayorga

Soon after endocytosis, internalized material is sorted along different pathways in a process that requires the coordinated activity of several Rab proteins. Although abundant information is available about the subcellular distribution and function of some of the endocytosis-specific Rabs (e.g. Rab5 and Rab4), very little is known about some other members of this family of proteins. To unveil some of the properties of Rab22a, one of the less studied endosome-associated small GTPases, we have expressed the protein tagged with the green fluorescent protein in CHO cells. The results indicate that Rab22a associates with early and late endosomes (labeled by a 5 minute rhodamine-transferrin uptake and the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor, respectively) but not with lysosomes (labeled by 1 hour rhodamine horseradish peroxidase uptake followed by 1 hour chase). Overexpression of the protein causes a prominent morphological enlargement of the early and late endosomes. Two mutants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis, a negative mutant (Rab22aS19N, with reduced affinity for GTP) and a constitutively active mutant (Rab22aQ64L, with reduced endogenous GTPase activity). The distribution of the negative mutant was mostly cytosolic, whereas the positive mutant associated with early and late endosomes and, interestingly also with lysosomes and autophagosomes (labeled with monodansylcadaverine). Cells expressing Rab22a wild type and Rab22aS19N displayed decreased endocytosis of a fluid phase marker. Conversely, overexpression of Rab22aQ64L, which strongly affects the morphology of endosomes, did not inhibit bulk endocytosis. Our results show that Rab22a has a unique distribution along the endocytic pathway that is not shared by any other Rab protein, and that it strongly affects the morphology and function of endosomes.


2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 4318-4329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morten K. Larsen ◽  
Simon Tuck ◽  
Nils J. Færgeman ◽  
Jens Knudsen

The budding and fission of vesicles during membrane trafficking requires many proteins, including those that coat the vesicles, adaptor proteins that recruit components of the coat, and small GTPases that initiate vesicle formation. In addition, vesicle formation in vitro is promoted by the hydrolysis of acyl-CoA lipid esters. The mechanisms by which these lipid esters are directed to the appropriate membranes in vivo, and their precise roles in vesicle biogenesis, are not yet understood. Here, we present the first report on membrane associated ACBP domain-containing protein-1 (MAA-1), a novel membrane-associated member of the acyl-CoA–binding protein family. We show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, MAA-1 localizes to intracellular membrane organelles in the secretory and endocytic pathway and that mutations in maa-1 reduce the rate of endosomal recycling. A lack of maa-1 activity causes a change in endosomal morphology. Although in wild type, many endosomal organelles have long tubular protrusions, loss of MAA-1 activity results in loss of the tubular domains, suggesting the maa-1 is required for the generation or maintenance of these domains. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MAA-1 binds fatty acyl-CoA in vitro and that this ligand-binding ability is important for its function in vivo. Our results are consistent with a role for MAA-1 in an acyl-CoA–dependent process during vesicle formation.


2005 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
pp. 99-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy C Simpson ◽  
Arwyn T Jones

Endocytic pathways are highly dynamic gateways for molecules to enter cells. Functionality and specificity is in part controlled by a number of small GTPases called Rabs. In defined cellular locations, Rabs mediate multiple functions in membrane trafficking via their specific interaction with organelle membranes and a host of affector and effector molecules. On endocytic pathways, Rabs have been shown to control the formation of vesicles on the plasma membrane and the downstream delivery of internalized molecules to a number of cellular locations. As numerous Rabs are located to endocytic pathways, an internalized molecule may traverse a number of Rab specific substations or subdomains en route to its final destination. Rabs 5, 21 and 22 have all been localized to the early endocytic pathway and have been shown to share a number of characteristics to merit their segregation into a single functional endocytic group. In this review, we compare experiments that describe similarities and differences in endosome morphology and function that is mediated by their expression in cells.


2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hölttä-Vuori ◽  
E. Ikonen

The endoplasmic reticulum is traditionally perceived as the key compartment for regulating intracellular cholesterol metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests that the endocytic pathway provides an additional regulatory level governing intracellular cholesterol trafficking and homoeostasis. Sterols can enter, and apparently also exit, endosomal compartments via both vesicular and non-vesicular mechanisms. A number of studies have focused on endosomal sterol removal as its defects lead to cholesterol storage diseases. So far, the bulk of evidence on endosomal sterol egress describes the involvement of membrane trafficking machineries. Interestingly, two late endosomal sterol-binding proteins were recently shown to regulate the movement of late endosomes along cytoskeletal tracks. These studies provide the first indications of how non-vesicular and vesicular mechanisms may co-operate in endosomal sterol trafficking.


1997 ◽  
Vol 110 (17) ◽  
pp. 2079-2087 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.J. Robinson ◽  
F. Aniento ◽  
J. Gruenberg

Protein transport between early and late endosomes is a major membrane trafficking pathway in the cell followed by many proteins, including all down-regulated receptors. Yet, little is known at the molecular level about the mechanisms regulating membrane interactions in the endocytic pathway beyond early endosomes. In this study, we have used an in vitro transport assay to study the biochemical properties of endosome docking/fusion events. Our data demonstrate that N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) sensitive factor (NSF) and its soluble associated proteins (SNAPs) are required for transport from early to late endosomes, as well as at all other steps of endosomal membrane transport. We also find that these proteins are enriched on endosomal membranes. In addition, our studies suggest that besides NSF/SNAPs, another NEM-sensitive component may also be involved in docking/fusion at this late stage of the pathway. Finally, we find that, in contrast to Golgi membranes, NSF association to both early and late endosomal membranes occurs via an ATP-independent mechanism, indicating that the binding properties of endosomal and biosynthetic NSF are different. Our data thus show that NSF/SNAPs, perhaps together with another NEM-sensitive factor, are part of the basic molecular machinery which controls docking/fusion events during transport from early to late endosomes, along the lysosomal degradation pathway.


1999 ◽  
Vol 146 (4) ◽  
pp. 765-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj J. Advani ◽  
Bin Yang ◽  
Rytis Prekeris ◽  
Kelly C. Lee ◽  
Judith Klumperman ◽  
...  

A more complete picture of the molecules that are critical for the organization of membrane compartments is beginning to emerge through the characterization of proteins in the vesicle-associated membrane protein (also called synaptobrevin) family of membrane trafficking proteins. To better understand the mechanisms of membrane trafficking within the endocytic pathway, we generated a series of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against the cytoplasmic domain of vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP-7). The antibodies recognize a 25-kD membrane-associated protein in multiple tissues and cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis reveals colocalization with a marker of late endosomes and lysosomes, lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1), but not with other membrane markers, including p115 and transferrin receptor. Treatment with nocodozole or brefeldin A does not disrupt the colocalization of VAMP-7 and LAMP-1. Immunoelectron microscopy analysis shows that VAMP-7 is most concentrated in the trans-Golgi network region of the cell as well as late endosomes and transport vesicles that do not contain the mannose-6 phosphate receptor. In streptolysin- O–permeabilized cells, antibodies against VAMP-7 inhibit the breakdown of epidermal growth factor but not the recycling of transferrin. These data are consistent with a role for VAMP-7 in the vesicular transport of proteins from the early endosome to the lysosome.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2776
Author(s):  
Selma Yilmaz Dejgaard ◽  
John F. Presley

Historically, studies of intracellular membrane trafficking have focused on the secretory and endocytic pathways and their major organelles. However, these pathways are also directly implicated in the biogenesis and function of other important intracellular organelles, the best studied of which are peroxisomes and lipid droplets. There is a large recent body of work on these organelles, which have resulted in the introduction of new paradigms regarding the roles of membrane trafficking organelles. In this review, we discuss the roles of membrane trafficking in the life cycle of lipid droplets. This includes the complementary roles of lipid phase separation and proteins in the biogenesis of lipid droplets from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, and the attachment of mature lipid droplets to membranes by lipidic bridges and by more conventional protein tethers. We also discuss the catabolism of neutral lipids, which in part results from the interaction of lipid droplets with cytosolic molecules, but with important roles for both macroautophagy and microautophagy. Finally, we address their eventual demise, which involves interactions with the autophagocytotic machinery. We pay particular attention to the roles of small GTPases, particularly Rab18, in these processes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4425
Author(s):  
Alazne Arrazola Arrazola Sastre ◽  
Miriam Luque Luque Montoro ◽  
Hadriano M. Lacerda ◽  
Francisco Llavero ◽  
José L. Zugaza

Small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) of the Rab and Arf families are key regulators of vesicle formation and membrane trafficking. Membrane transport plays an important role in the central nervous system. In this regard, neurons require a constant flow of membranes for the correct distribution of receptors, for the precise composition of proteins and organelles in dendrites and axons, for the continuous exocytosis/endocytosis of synaptic vesicles and for the elimination of dysfunctional proteins. Thus, it is not surprising that Rab and Arf GTPases have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Both pathologies share characteristics such as the presence of protein aggregates and/or the fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, hallmarks that have been related to both Rab and Arf GTPases functions. Despite their relationship with neurodegenerative disorders, very few studies have focused on the role of these GTPases in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarize their importance in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as their emergence as potential therapeutical targets for neurodegeneration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8165
Author(s):  
Amanda Chantziou ◽  
Kostas Theodorakis ◽  
Hara Polioudaki ◽  
Eelco de Bree ◽  
Marilena Kampa ◽  
...  

In breast cancer, expression of Cluster of Differentiation 24 (CD24), a small GPI-anchored glycoprotein at the cell periphery, is associated with metastasis and immune escape, while its absence is associated with tumor-initiating capacity. Since the mechanism of CD24 sorting is unknown, we investigated the role of glycosylation in the subcellular localization of CD24. Expression and localization of wild type N36- and/or N52-mutated CD24 were analyzed using immunofluorescence in luminal (MCF-7) and basal B (MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T) breast cancer cells lines, as well as HEK293T cells. Endogenous and exogenously expressed wild type and mutated CD24 were found localized at the plasma membrane and the cytoplasm, but not the nucleoplasm. The cell lines showed different kinetics for the sorting of CD24 through the secretory/endocytic pathway. N-glycosylation, especially at N52, and its processing in the Golgi were critical for the sorting and expression of CD24 at the plasma membrane of HEK293T and basal B type cells, but not of MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, our study highlights the contribution of N-glycosylation for the subcellular localization of CD24. Aberrant N-glycosylation at N52 of CD24 could account for the lack of CD24 expression at the cell surface of basal B breast cancer cells.


1993 ◽  
Vol 177 (3) ◽  
pp. 583-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Romagnoli ◽  
C Layet ◽  
J Yewdell ◽  
O Bakke ◽  
R N Germain

Invariant chain (Ii), which associates with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum, contains a targeting signal for transport to intracellular vesicles in the endocytic pathway. The characteristics of the target vesicles and the relationship between Ii structure and class II localization in distinct endosomal subcompartments have not been well defined. We demonstrate here that in transiently transfected COS cells expressing high levels of the p31 or p41 forms of Ii, uncleaved Ii is transported to and accumulates in transferrin-accessible (early) endosomes. Coexpressed MHC class II is also found in this same compartment. These early endosomes show altered morphology and a slower rate of content movement to later parts of the endocytic pathway. At more moderate levels of Ii expression, or after removal of a highly conserved region in the cytoplasmic tail of Ii, coexpressed class II molecules are found primarily in vesicles with the characteristics of late endosomes/prelysosomes. The Ii chains in these late endocytic vesicles have undergone proteolytic cleavage in the lumenal region postulated to control MHC class II peptide binding. These data indicate that the association of class II with Ii results in initial movement to early endosomes. At high levels of Ii expression, egress to later endocytic compartments is delayed and class II-Ii complexes accumulate together with endocytosed material. At lower levels of Ii expression, class II-Ii complexes are found primarily in late endosomes/prelysosomes. These data provide evidence that the route of class II transport to the site of antigen processing and loading involves movement through early endosomes to late endosomes/prelysosomes. Our results also reveal an unexpected ability of intact Ii to modify the structure and function of the early endosomal compartment, which may play a role in regulating this processing pathway.


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