An ion-transporting ATPase encodes multiple apical localization signals.

Epithelial cells accumulate distinct populations of membrane proteins at their two plasmalemmal domains. We have examined the molecular signals which specify the differential subcellular distributions of two closely related ion pumps. The Na,K-ATPase is normally restricted to the basolateral membranes of numerous epithelial cell types, whereas the H,K-ATPase is a component of the apical surfaces of the parietal cells of the gastric epithelium. We have expressed full length and chimeric H,K-ATPase/Na,K-ATPase cDNAs in polarized renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (LLC-PK1). We find that both the alpha and beta subunits of the H,K-ATPase encode independent signals that specify apical localization. Furthermore, the H,K-ATPase beta-subunit possesses a sequence which mediates its participation in the endocytic pathway. The interrelationship between epithelial sorting and endocytosis signals suggested by these studies supports the redefinition of apical and basolateral as functional, rather than simply topographic domains.

Cytoplasmic sequence required for basolateral targeting of LDL receptor in livers of transgenic mice.

When expressed in livers of transgenic mice, the human low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor is specifically targeted to the basolateral (sinusoidal) surface of hepatocytes as determined by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. The COOH-terminal cytoplasmic domain of the receptor (residues 790-839) contains a signal for this targeting. A mutant receptor truncated at residue 812 was localized exclusively to the apical (bile canalicular) surface. A mutant receptor terminating at residue 829 showed the normal basolateral distribution, as did a receptor in which alanine was substituted for serine 833, which was previously shown to be a site for phosphorylation in vitro. These data localize the basolateral targeting signal to the 17-residue segment between residues 812 and 828. A 10-amino acid stretch within this segment shows a 4/10 match with a sequence within a previously identified basolateral sorting motif for the receptor for polymeric IgA/IgM in MDCK cells. The four shared residues are spaced at intervals of three, raising the possibility that they all face the same side of an alpha-helix. We conclude that this 10-amino acid stretch may contain a signal that directs certain proteins, including the LDL receptor and the polymeric IgG/IgM receptor, to the basolateral surface of polarized epithelia.

Antibodies directed against the peroxisomal targeting signal of firefly luciferase recognize multiple mammalian peroxisomal proteins.

We have previously shown that the peroxisomal targeting signal in firefly luciferase consists of the COOH-terminal three amino acids of the protein, serine-lysine-leucine (Gould, S.J., G.A. Keller, N. Hosken, J. Wilkinson, and S. Subramani, 1989. J. Cell Biol. 108:1657-1664). Antibodies were raised against a synthetic peptide that contained this tripeptide at its COOH terminus. Immunofluorescence and immunocryoelectron microscopy revealed that the anti-peptide antibodies specifically detected peroxisomes in mammalian cells. Further characterization revealed that the antibodies were primarily directed against the COOH-terminal three amino acids of the peptide. In Western blot experiments, the antibodies recognized 15-20 rat liver peroxisomal proteins, but reacted with only a few proteins from other subcellular compartments. These results provide independent immunological evidence that the peroxisomal targeting signal identified in firefly luciferase is present in many peroxisomal proteins.

Role of the human transferrin receptor cytoplasmic domain in endocytosis: localization of a specific signal sequence for internalization.

Wild-type and mutant human transferrin receptors have been expressed in chicken embryo fibroblasts using a helper-independent retroviral vector. The internalization of mutant human transferrin receptors, in which all but four of the 61 amino acids of the cytoplasmic domain had been deleted, was greatly impaired. However, when expressed at high levels, such "tailless" mutant receptors could provide chicken embryo fibroblasts with sufficient iron from diferric human transferrin to support a normal rate of growth. As the rate of recycling of the mutant receptors was not significantly different from wild-type receptors, an estimate of relative internalization rates could be obtained from the distribution of receptors inside the cell and on the cell surface under steady-state conditions. This analysis and the results of iron uptake studies both indicate that the efficiency of internalization of tailless mutant receptors is approximately 10% that of wild-type receptors. Further studies of a series of mutant receptors with different regions of the cytoplasmic domain deleted suggested that residues within a 10-amino acid region (amino acids 19-28) of the human transferrin receptor cytoplasmic domain are required for efficient endocytosis. Insertion of this region into the cytoplasmic domain of the tailless mutant receptors restored high efficiency endocytosis. The only tyrosine residue (Tyr 20) in the cytoplasmic domain of the human transferrin receptor is found within this 10-amino acid region. A mutant receptor containing glycine instead of tyrosine at position 20 was estimated to be approximately 20% as active as the wild-type receptor. We conclude that the cytoplasmic domain of the transferrin receptor contains a specific signal sequence located within amino acid residues 19-28 that determines high efficiency endocytosis. Further, Tyr 20 is an important element of that sequence.

The sequence NPFXD defines a new class of endocytosis signal in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The yeast membrane protein Kex2p uses a tyrosine-containing motif within the cytoplasmic domain for localization to a late Golgi compartment. Because Golgi membrane proteins mislocalized to the plasma membrane in yeast can undergo endocytosis, we examined whether the Golgi localization sequence or other sequences in the Kex2p cytoplasmic domain mediate endocytosis. To assess endocytic function, the Kex2p cytoplasmic domain was fused to an endocytosis-defective form of the alpha-factor receptor. Ste2p. Like intact Ste2p, the chimeric protein, Stex22p, undergoes rapid endocytosis that is dependent on clathrin and End3p. Uptake of Stex22p does not require the Kex2p Golgi localization motif. Instead, the sequence NPFSD, located 37 amino acids from the COOH terminus, is essential for Stex22p endocytosis. Internalization was abolished when the N, P, or F residues were converted to alanine and severely impaired upon conversion of D to A. NPFSD restored uptake when added to the COOH terminus of an endocytosis-defective Ste2p chimera lacking lysine-based endocytosis signals present in wild-type Ste2p. An NPF sequence is present in the cytoplasmic domain of the a-factor receptor, Ste3p. Mutation of this sequence prevented pheromone-stimulated endocytosis of a truncated form of Ste3p. Our results identify NPFSD as a clathrin-dependent endocytosis signal that is distinct from the aromatic amino acid-containing Golgi localization motif and lysine-based, ubiquitin-dependent endocytosis signals in yeast.

trans splicing in Leishmania enriettii and identification of ribonucleoprotein complexes containing the spliced leader and U2 equivalent RNAs.

The 5' ends of Leishmania mRNAs contain an identical 35-nucleotide sequence termed the spliced leader (SL) or 5' mini-exon. The SL sequence is at the 5' end of an 85-nucleotide primary transcript that contains a consensus eucaryotic 5' intron-exon splice junction immediately 3' to the SL. The SL is added to protein-coding genes immediately 3' to a consensus eucaryotic 3' intron-exon splice junction. Our previous work demonstrated possible intermediates in discontinuous mRNA processing that contain the 50 nucleotides of the SL primary transcript 3' to the SL, the SL intron sequence (SLIS). These RNAs have a 5' terminus at the splice junction of the SL and the SLIS. We examined a Leishmania nuclear extract for these RNAs in ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles. Density centrifugation analysis showed that the SL RNA is predominantly in RNP complexes at 60S, while the SLIS-containing RNAs are in complexes at 40S. We also demonstrated that the SLIS can be released from polyadenylated RNA by incubation with a HeLa cell extract containing debranching enzymatic activity. These data suggested that Leishmania enriettii mRNAs are assembled by bimolecular or trans splicing as has been recently demonstrated for Trypanosoma brucei. Furthermore, we determined the partial sequence of the Leishmania U2 equivalent RNA and demonstrated that it cosediments with the SL RNA at 60S in a nuclear extract. These RNP particles may be analogous to so-called spliceosomes that have been demonstrated in other systems.

Peroxisome targeting signal of rat liver acyl-coenzyme A oxidase resides at the carboxy terminus.

To identify the topogenic signal of peroxisomal acyl-coenzyme A oxidase (AOX) of rat liver, we carried out in vitro import experiments with mutant polypeptides of the enzyme. Full-length AOX and polypeptides that were truncated at the N-terminal region were efficiently imported into peroxisomes, as determined by resistance to externally added proteinase K. Polypeptides carrying internal deletions in the C-terminal region exhibited much lower import activities. Polypeptides that were truncated or mutated at the extreme C terminus were totally import negative. When the five amino acid residues at the extreme C terminus were attached to some of the import-negative polypeptides, the import activities were rescued. Moreover, the C-terminal 199 and 70 amino acid residues of AOX directed fusion proteins with two bacterial enzymes to peroxisomes. These results are interpreted to mean that the peroxisome targeting signal of AOX residues at the C terminus and the five or fewer residues at the extreme terminus have an obligatory function in targeting. The C-terminal internal region also has an important role for efficient import, possibly through a conformational effect.

The NPEY sequence is not necessary for endocytosis and processing of insulin-receptor complexes.

The tetrameric amino acid sequence AsnProXTyr (NPXY), where X represents any amino acid, is conserved in the intracytoplasmic domains of several membrane proteins and has been postulated to play a role in receptor-mediated endocytosis. The human insulin receptor (hIR) contains a single copy of the sequence AsnProGluTyr (NPEY) in its intracytoplasmic domain. To determine if this putative consensus sequence is necessary for endocytic functions of hIR, we constructed a mutant receptor, hIR delta NPEY, that lacks NPEY sequence, stably expressed this mutant receptor in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and then studied its endocytic functions. When compared to wild type hIR similarly expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the hIR delta NPEY mutant exhibited: 1) normal subunit organization and insulin binding affinity; 2) essentially normal internalization of covalent photoaffinity labeled insulin-receptor complexes; and 3) normal internalization of receptor-bound [125I]insulin as well as normal degradation and release of the internalized insulin. Therefore, we conclude that the NPEY sequence in the juxtamembrane domain of hIR is not necessary for its endocytic function.

Sequence requirement for nucleolar localization of rat ribosomal protein L31.

Nucleolar localization of the fusion protein of rat ribosomal protein L31 and beta-galactosidase was investigated by immunocytochemical means, using the ribosomal protein deletion or substitution mutants that were transiently expressed in COS-1 cells. The signal responsible for nucleolar localization is encoded by the amino acid residues 87 to 92, RLSRKR, located near the C terminus of the ribosomal protein. Mutation of residues 87R and 90R prevented nucleolar localization, whereas mutations including 90R prevented nuclear and nucleolar localization. Further mutations in the sequence revealed that the tetrapeptide RLSR, which was amenable to substitutions at the L and S positions, is critical for nucleolar localization.

The hydrogenosomal enzyme hydrogenase from the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix sp. L2 is recognized by antibodies, directed against the C-terminal microbody protein targeting signal SKL.

The question was addressed whether antibodies directed against the general microbody C-terminal protein targeting signal SKL recognized hydrogenosomal proteins from Neocallimastix sp. L2. Immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting experiments using these antibodies indicated the presence of hydrogenosomal proteins containing SKL-COOH. One of these proteins, the hydrogenase, was purified to homogeneity. It has a native molecular mass of 87 kDa and consists of two subunits of approximately 30 and 60 kDa, both cross-reacting with anti-SKL antibodies. Its activity could be inhibited by CO, NO2-, and acetylene, suggesting a (Ni-Fe-Se) hydrogenase. Immunocytochemistry using polyclonal antibodies raised against the hydrogenase revealed the location of this protein in the hydrogenosomal matrix. The results described in this paper suggest that hydrogenosomes from Neocallimastix sp. L2 are related to microbodies from aerobic eukaryotes and support the idea of a common evolutionary origin for these organelles.

Analysis of the C-terminal secretion signal of the Rhizobium leguminosarum nodulation protein NodO; a potential system for the secretion of heterologous proteins during nodule invasion.

We used deletions to analyze the domains required for secretion of the Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae nodulation protein, NodO, by the sec-independent pathway. Deletion of the C-terminal 24 amino-acids (residues 261 to 284) reduced secretion by at least 95%. A monoclonal antibody that recognizes the C-terminal domain of NodO was used to identify four nested deletions that retained the C-terminal 24 residues of NodO but had lost up to 133 residues (amino acids 128 to 259); all four proteins were secreted into the growth medium with an efficiency between 50 and 90% of normal. A deleted derivative of NodO that retained residues 1 to 21 and 167 to 284 (and therefore lacked most of the N-terminal Ca(2+)-binding domain) was secreted at around 80% of normal efficiency. Taken together, these observations indicate that the C-terminal 24 amino acids are sufficient for NodO secretion although the region adjacent to this domain appears to affect secretion efficiency. A derivative of the Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase (phoA) gene was cloned into two derivatives of nodO such that PhoA (lacking the N-terminal transit peptide) was in-frame at both ends, with the C terminus fused to either the last 24 or 50 amino acids of NodO. These fusion proteins were secreted at 40 and 80% of the wild-type level, respectively, and the larger of the two retained alkaline phosphatase activity. A hybrid protein, containing E. coli beta-glucuronidase (GUS) fused to the N terminus of NodO, was not secreted, and it reduced the levels of wild-type NodO secreted by R. leguminosarum bv. viciae. The nature of the NodO C-terminal secretion signal is discussed with regard to its use as a delivery system for heterologous proteins useful for investigating the Rhizobium-legume interaction.

A novel plasmid recombination mechanism of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7002.

We describe a novel mechanism of site-specific recombination in the unicellular marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7002. The specific recombination sites on the smallest plasmid pAQ1 were localized by studying the properties of pAQ1-derived shuttle-vectors. We found that a palindromic element, the core sequence of which is G(G/A)CGATCGCC, functions as a resolution site for site-specific plasmid recombination. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis analysis of the element show that the site-specific recombination in the cyanobacterium requires sequence specificity, symmetry in the core sequence and, in part, the spacing between the elements. Interestingly, this element is over-represented not only in pAQ1 and in the genome of the cyanobacterium, but also in the accumulated cyanobacterial sequences from Synechococcus sp. PCC6301, PCC7942, vulcanus and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 within GenBank and EMBL databases. Thus, these findings strongly suggest that the site-specific recombination mechanism based on the palindromic element should be common in these cyanobacteria.

Complete sequence of the mouse type-II keratin EndoA: its amino-terminal region resembles mitochondrial signal peptides.

We have isolated a clone, pKA56, from a cDNA library prepared from poly(A)/RNA of F9ACc19 cells. Northern-blot analysis showed that this clone recognizes a 1.9-kb mRNA which is expressed strongly in F9 differentiated cells but only faintly detected in F9 stem cells. Sequence determination revealed that this mRNA codes for EndoA, the murine homologue of the human type-II keratin No. 8. This is the first report of the complete coding sequence of a mammalian keratin No. 8. Comparison of mouse EndoA with keratin No. 8 of humans, cows and frogs indicated a strong evolutionary conservation. The first 16 amino acid residues of the N-terminal domain of EndoA are also homologous to other type-II keratins and, to a lesser extent, to other intermediate filament (IF) proteins. Furthermore, this region is predicted to adopt an amphiphilic alpha-helical conformation similar to that of mitochondrial signal peptides. Conservation of that sequence and of other segments of the end domains of EndoA supports the idea that those regions are implicated in the specific organization of the IF network in the cell and in the interactions of IF with other cell constituents.

A genomic clone containing the promoter for the gene encoding the human lysosomal enzyme, alpha-galactosidase A.

We have isolated and characterized a human genomic clone for a lysosomal enzyme gene. The start point of transcription was identified using primer extension of poly(A)+ mRNA. This genomic clone is specific for human alpha-galactosidase A, and it includes sequences for the promoter, complete signal peptide, first exon, and part of the first intron. Direct and inverted repeat elements of 10, 11, 16, 19, and 22 nucleotides (nt) flank the promoter site. A (GA)n repeat element of approx. 60 nt with strong homology to similar elements identified in several species is located upstream from the promoter. A GGGCGG site specific for DNA-binding protein Sp1 is located near a CAAT box, and the CCGCCC inverted repeat of the Sp1 binding sequence is located by the TATA box. The sequence immediately flanking the ATG start codon of the human alpha-galactosidase A is highly homologous to sequences flanking the ATG start codons of the other human lysosomal hydrolases for which sequence information is available (beta-glucocerebrosidase, cathepsin B, cathepsin D, and beta-hexosaminidase alpha chain), but not for any of the other 133 human signal peptides examined. Our analysis also reveals that conversion of the propeptide to the mature enzyme involves cleavage of a C-terminal rather than an N-terminal fragment. This information about the normal alpha-galactosidase A gene will be useful for comparison to data obtained from patients with Fabry disease, who are characterized by a deficiency of this enzyme. This is the first genomic clone described to date for any lysosomal enzyme, and it establishes a reference for future analyses of the molecular events that mediate the expression of this important class of enzymes.

Purification and characterization of wheat alpha-gliadin synthesized in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The development of efficient methods for production and purification of plant seed storage proteins in heterologous microbial hosts would facilitate structure-function studies of these proteins. This report describes such methods applied to the production and isolation of wheat alpha-gliadin, a prolamine-type seed storage protein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Beginning with the vector, growth conditions, and extraction methods of Neill et al. [Gene 55 (1987) 303-317], we implemented several improvements to increase the yields of alpha-gliadin per volume of yeast cell culture. The CYCl::Gli-A2-Y transcriptional fusion vector, pAY31 (Neill et al., 1987), was modified by replacing the ARS1 region of replication with that of the 2 mu plasmid of yeast. We formulated a new medium, a derivative of synthetic defined (SD) medium supplemented with several nitrogen sources, that allows both selection for maintenance of plasmids and growth to high cell densities. Stationary phase cultures of cells bearing the modified expression vector, and grown in this medium with glycerol and lactate as carbon sources, contain significantly higher levels of alpha-gliadin than log-phase cultures grown in SD glucose. Sonication in 80% ethanol selectively and efficiently extracts the alpha-gliadin from cell pellets of small- or large-scale cultures, allowing the purification of several hundred micrograms of the wheat protein per liter in just a few high-yield steps. The alpha-gliadin isolated from yeast elutes at the same position in HPLC as the A-gliadin fraction purified from wheat flour. N-terminal amino acid (aa) sequencing reveals that the signal peptide is removed from the gliadin precursor in yeast cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for a signal peptide at the amino-terminal end of human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase.

A full-length cDNA clone coding for human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH I) was isolated from a human fetal muscle cDNA library. Sequence analysis revealed structural similarities between the amino-terminal end of ALDH I and other known targeting sequences responsible for protein uptake into the mitochondria.

The primary structure of ornithine aminotransferase. Identification of active-site sequence and site of post-translational proteolysis.

Tentative assignments of functional residues in rat liver mitochondrial ornithine aminotransferase have recently been made using the amino acid sequence deduced from a cDNA clone [(1985) J.Biol.Chem. 260, 12993-12997]. Partial sequences obtained using the pure mature protein demonstrate that one of these assignments, that of Lys 292 as the residue that binds the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate, is correct. However, the identification of the Glu 34-Gln 35 bond as the site of post-translational proteolysis is in error. This cleavage occurs instead at Ala 25-Thr 26.

The N-terminus of amine oxidase of Hansenula polymorpha contains a peroxisomal targeting signal.

Here we describe the identification of the targeting sequence of peroxisomal amine oxidase (AMO) of H. polymorpha. Deletion analysis revealed that essential targeting information is located within the extreme N-terminal 16 amino acids. Moreover, this sequence can direct a reporter protein to the peroxisomal matrix of H. polymorpha. The N-terminal 16 amino acids of AMO contain a sequence with strong homology to the conserved PTS2 sequence. Therefore, AMO is considered to be a PTS2 protein.

Nucleotide sequence of the maltotetraohydrolase gene from Pseudomonas saccharophila.

The nucleotide sequence of the Pseudomonas saccharophila gene encoding maltotetraohydrolase (G4-forming amylase) has been determined. The coding region for the G4-forming amylase precursor contained 1653 nucleotides. The deduced precursor protein included an N-terminal 21-residue putative signal peptide; the deduced mature form of G4-forming amylase contains 530 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 57 740 Da. Sequence similarities between the G4-forming amylase and other amylolytic enzymes of species ranging from prokaryotes to eukaryotes are quite limited. However, three regions, which are involved in both the catalytic and substrate-binding sites of various amylolytic enzymes, are highly conserved in the G4-forming amylase of P. saccharophila.