Mutations in Disordered Regions Can Cause Disease by Creating Dileucine Motifs.

Many disease-causing missense mutations affect intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins, but the molecular mechanism of their pathogenicity is enigmatic. Here, we employ a peptide-based proteomic screen to investigate the impact of mutations in IDRs on protein-protein interactions. We find that mutations in disordered cytosolic regions of three transmembrane proteins (GLUT1, ITPR1, and CACNA1H) lead to an increased clathrin binding. All three mutations create dileucine motifs known to mediate clathrin-dependent trafficking. Follow-up experiments on GLUT1 (SLC2A1), the glucose transporter causative of GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, revealed that the mutated protein mislocalizes to intracellular compartments. Mutant GLUT1 interacts with adaptor proteins (APs) in vitro, and knocking down AP-2 reverts the cellular mislocalization and restores glucose transport. A systematic analysis of other known disease-causing variants revealed a significant and specific overrepresentation of gained dileucine motifs in structurally disordered cytosolic domains of transmembrane proteins. Thus, several mutations in disordered regions appear to cause "dileucineopathies."

Development of selective inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase C2α.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase type 2α (PI3KC2α) and related class II PI3K isoforms are of increasing biomedical interest because of their crucial roles in endocytic membrane dynamics, cell division and signaling, angiogenesis, and platelet morphology and function. Herein we report the development and characterization of PhosphatidylInositol Three-kinase Class twO INhibitors (PITCOINs), potent and highly selective small-molecule inhibitors of PI3KC2α catalytic activity. PITCOIN compounds exhibit strong selectivity toward PI3KC2α due to their unique mode of interaction with the ATP-binding site of the enzyme. We demonstrate that acute inhibition of PI3KC2α-mediated synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphates by PITCOINs impairs endocytic membrane dynamics and membrane remodeling during platelet-dependent thrombus formation. PITCOINs are potent and selective cell-permeable inhibitors of PI3KC2α function with potential biomedical applications ranging from thrombosis to diabetes and cancer.

A phosphoinositide conversion mechanism for exit from endosomes.

Phosphoinositides are a minor class of short-lived membrane phospholipids that serve crucial functions in cell physiology ranging from cell signalling and motility to their role as signposts of compartmental membrane identity. Phosphoinositide 4-phosphates such as phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) are concentrated at the plasma membrane, on secretory organelles, and on lysosomes, whereas phosphoinositide 3-phosphates, most notably phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P), are a hallmark of the endosomal system. Directional membrane traffic between endosomal and secretory compartments, although inherently complex, therefore requires regulated phosphoinositide conversion. The molecular mechanism underlying this conversion of phosphoinositide identity during cargo exit from endosomes by exocytosis is unknown. Here we report that surface delivery of endosomal cargo requires hydrolysis of PI(3)P by the phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphatase MTM1, an enzyme whose loss of function leads to X-linked centronuclear myopathy (also called myotubular myopathy) in humans. Removal of endosomal PI(3)P by MTM1 is accompanied by phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase-2α (PI4K2α)-dependent generation of PI(4)P and recruitment of the exocyst tethering complex to enable membrane fusion. Our data establish a mechanism for phosphoinositide conversion from PI(3)P to PI(4)P at endosomes en route to the plasma membrane and suggest that defective phosphoinositide conversion at endosomes underlies X-linked centronuclear myopathy caused by mutation of MTM1 in humans.

A SEPT1-based scaffold is required for Golgi integrity and function.

Compartmentalization of membrane transport and signaling processes is of pivotal importance to eukaryotic cell function. While plasma membrane compartmentalization and dynamics are well known to depend on the scaffolding function of septin GTPases, the roles of septins at intracellular membranes have remained largely elusive. Here, we show that the structural and functional integrity of the Golgi depends on its association with a septin 1 (SEPT1)-based scaffold, which promotes local microtubule nucleation and positioning of the Golgi. SEPT1 function depends on the Golgi matrix protein GM130 (also known as GOLGA2) and on centrosomal proteins, including CEP170 and components of γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-Turc), to facilitate the perinuclear concentration of Golgi membranes. Accordingly, SEPT1 depletion triggers a massive fragmentation of the Golgi ribbon, thereby compromising anterograde membrane traffic at the level of the Golgi.

Spatiotemporal control of endocytosis by phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate.

Phosphoinositides serve crucial roles in cell physiology, ranging from cell signalling to membrane traffic. Among the seven eukaryotic phosphoinositides the best studied species is phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), which is concentrated at the plasma membrane where, among other functions, it is required for the nucleation of endocytic clathrin-coated pits. No phosphatidylinositol other than PI(4,5)P2 has been implicated in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, whereas the subsequent endosomal stages of the endocytic pathway are dominated by phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphates(PI(3)P). How phosphatidylinositol conversion from PI(4,5)P2-positive endocytic intermediates to PI(3)P-containing endosomes is achieved is unclear. Here we show that formation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P2) by class II phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase C2α (PI(3)K C2α) spatiotemporally controls clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Depletion of PI(3,4)P2 or PI(3)K C2α impairs the maturation of late-stage clathrin-coated pits before fission. Timed formation of PI(3,4)P2 by PI(3)K C2α is required for selective enrichment of the BAR domain protein SNX9 at late-stage endocytic intermediates. These findings provide a mechanistic framework for the role of PI(3,4)P2 in endocytosis and unravel a novel discrete function of PI(3,4)P2 in a central cell physiological process.

SEPT9 negatively regulates ubiquitin-dependent downregulation of EGFR.

Septins constitute a family of GTP-binding proteins that are involved in a variety of biological processes. Several isoforms have been implicated in disease, but the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis are poorly understood. Here, we show that depletion of SEPT9 decreases surface levels of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) by enhancing receptor degradation. We identify a consensus motif within the SEPT9 N-terminal domain that supports its association with the adaptor protein CIN85 (also known as SH3KBP1). We further show CIN85-SEPT9 to be localized exclusively to the plasma membrane, where SEPT9 is recruited to EGF-engaged receptors in a CIN85-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrate that SEPT9 negatively regulates EGFR degradation by preventing the association of the ubiquitin ligase Cbl with CIN85, resulting in reduced EGFR ubiquitylation. Taken together, these data provide a mechanistic explanation of how SEPT9, though acting exclusively at the plasma membrane, impairs the sorting of EGFRs into the degradative pathway.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα function at endosomes is regulated by the ubiquitin ligase Itch.

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) and its metabolizing enzymes serve important functions in cell signalling and membrane traffic. PI 4-kinase type IIα (PI4KIIα) regulates Wnt signalling, endosomal sorting of signalling receptors, and promotes adaptor protein recruitment to endosomes and the trans-Golgi network. Here we identify the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch as binding partner and regulator of PI4KIIα function. Itch directly associates with and ubiquitinates PI4KIIα, and both proteins colocalize on endosomes containing Wnt-activated frizzled 4 (Fz4) receptor. Depletion of PI4KIIα or Itch regulates Wnt signalling with corresponding changes in Fz4 internalization and degradative sorting. These findings unravel a new molecular link between phosphoinositide-regulated endosomal membrane traffic, ubiquitin and the modulation of Wnt signalling.

Inhibition clathrin mediated endocytosis: Pitstop 1 and Pitstop 2 chimeras.

Twenty-five chimera compounds of Pitstop® 1 and 2 were synthesised and screened for their ability to block the clathrin terminal domain-amphiphysin protein-protein interaction (NTD-PPI using an ELISA) and clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME) in cells.  Library 1 was based on Pitstop 2, but no notable clathrin PPI or in-cell activity was observed.  With the Pitstop 1, 16 analogues were produced with 1,8-naphthalic imide core as a foundation.  Analogues with methylene spaced linkers and simple amides showed a modest to good range of PPI inhibition (7.6 to 42.5 mM, naphthyl 39 and 4-nitrophenyl 40 respectively) activity.  These data reveal the importance of the naphthalene sulfonate moiety, with no des-SO3 analogue displaying PPI inhibition.  This was consistent with the observed analogue docked poses within the clathrin terminal domain Site 1 binding pocket.  Further modifications targeted the naphthalene imide moiety, with the installation of 5-Br (45a), 5-OH (45c) and 5-propyl ether (45d) moieties.  Among them, the OH 45c and propyl ether 45d retained PPI inhibition, with propyl ether 45d being the most active with a PPI inhibition IC50 = 7.3 mM.  This is 2x more potent than Pitstop® 2 and 3x more potent than Pitstop 1.

Synaptotagmin 1-triggered lipid signaling facilitates coupling of exo- and endocytosis.

Exocytosis and endocytosis are essential physiological processes and are of prime importance for brain function. Neurotransmission depends on the Ca2+-triggered exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SVs). In neurons, exocytosis is spatiotemporally coupled to the retrieval of an equal amount of membrane and SV proteins by compensatory endocytosis. How exocytosis and endocytosis are balanced to maintain presynaptic membrane homeostasis and, thereby, sustain brain function is essentially unknown. We combine mouse genetics with optical imaging to show that the SV calcium sensor Synaptotagmin 1 couples exocytic SV fusion to the endocytic retrieval of SV membranes by promoting the local activity-dependent formation of the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) at presynaptic sites. Interference with these mechanisms impairs PI(4,5)P2-triggered SV membrane retrieval but not exocytic SV fusion. Our findings demonstrate that the coupling of SV exocytosis and endocytosis involves local Synaptotagmin 1-induced lipid signaling to maintain presynaptic membrane homeostasis in central nervous system neurons.

Molecular basis for association of PIPKI gamma-p90 with clathrin adaptor AP-2.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) is an essential determinant in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). In mammals three type I phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIPK) enzymes are expressed, with the I gamma-p90 isoform being highly expressed in the brain where it regulates synaptic vesicle (SV) exo-/endocytosis at nerve terminals. How precisely PI(4,5)P(2) metabolism is controlled spatially and temporally is still uncertain, but recent data indicate that direct interactions between type I PIPK and components of the endocytic machinery, in particular the AP-2 adaptor complex, are involved. Here we demonstrated that PIPKI gamma-p90 associates with both the mu and beta2 subunits of AP-2 via multiple sites. Crystallographic data show that a peptide derived from the splice insert of the human PIPKI gamma-p90 tail binds to a cognate recognition site on the sandwich subdomain of the beta2 appendage. Partly overlapping aromatic and hydrophobic residues within the same peptide also can engage the C-terminal sorting signal binding domain of AP-2mu, thereby potentially competing with the sorting of conventional YXXØ motif-containing cargo. Biochemical and structure-based mutagenesis analysis revealed that association of the tail domain of PIPKI gamma-p90 with AP-2 involves both of these sites. Accordingly the ability of overexpressed PIPKI gamma tail to impair endocytosis of SVs in primary neurons largely depends on its association with AP-2 beta and AP-2mu. Our data also suggest that interactions between AP-2 and the tail domain of PIPKI gamma-p90 may serve to regulate complex formation and enzymatic activity. We postulate a model according to which multiple interactions between PIPKI gamma-p90 and AP-2 lead to spatiotemporally controlled PI(4,5)P(2) synthesis during clathrin-mediated SV endocytosis.

Evidence that a septin diffusion barrier is dispensable for cytokinesis in budding yeast.

Septins are essential for cytokinesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but their precise roles remain elusive. Currently, it is thought that before cytokinesis, the hourglass-shaped septin structure at the mother-bud neck acts as a scaffold for assembly of the actomyosin ring (AMR) and other cytokinesis factors. At the onset of cytokinesis, the septin hourglass splits to form a double ring that sandwiches the AMR and may function as diffusion barriers to restrict diffusible cytokinesis factors to the division site. Here, we show that in cells lacking the septin Cdc10 or the septin-associated protein Bud4, the septins form a ring-like structure at the mother-bud neck that fails to re-arrange into a double ring early in cytokinesis. Strikingly, AMR assembly and constriction, the localization of membrane-trafficking and extracellular-matrix-remodeling factors, cytokinesis, and cell-wall-septum formation all occur efficiently in cdc10Δ and bud4Δ mutants. Thus, diffusion barriers formed by the septin double ring do not appear to be critical for S. cerevisiae cytokinesis. However, an AMR mutation and a septin mutation have synergistic effects on cytokinesis and the localization of cytokinesis proteins, suggesting that tethering to the AMR and a septin diffusion barrier may function redundantly to localize proteins to the division site.

Septin Remodeling During Mammalian Cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis mediates the final separation of a mother cell into two daughter cells. Septins are recruited to the cleavage furrow at an early stage. During cytokinetic progression the septin cytoskeleton is constantly rearranged, ultimately leading to a concentration of septins within the intercellular bridge (ICB), and to the formation of two rings adjacent to the midbody that aid ESCRT-dependent abscission. The molecular mechanisms underlying this behavior are poorly understood. Based on observations that septins can associate with actin, microtubules and associated motors, we review here established roles of septins in mammalian cytokinesis, and discuss, how septins may support cytokinetic progression by exerting their functions at particular sites. Finally, we discuss how this might be assisted by phosphoinositide-metabolizing enzymes.

Band-structure-dependent demagnetization in the Heusler alloy Co2Mn(1-x)FexSi.

We investigate the ultrafast demagnetization for two Heusler alloys (Co2Mn(1-x)FexSi) with a different lineup of the minority band gap and the Fermi level. Even though electronic spin-flip transitions are partially blocked by the band gap in one compound, the respective magnetization dynamics, as measured by the time-resolved Kerr effect, are remarkably similar. Based on a dynamical model that includes momentum and spin-dependent carrier scattering, we show that the magnetization dynamics are dominated by hole spin-flip processes, which are not influenced by the gap.

Comparing large pore lightweight mesh versus small pore heavyweight mesh in open mesh plug repair of primary and recurrent unilateral inguinal hernia - A questionnaire study for a retrospective analysis of a cohort of elective groin hernia patients using propensity score matching.

PURPOSE: For surgical treatment of inguinal hernia, large-pore, lightweight mesh has been shown to offer advantages over small-pore, heavyweight options in terms of chronic post-operative inguinal pain, but without the disadvantage of having to deal with an increased recurrence rate. Limited data are available for the mesh plug repair technique. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to compare large-pore, lightweight mesh versus small-pore, heavyweight mesh for mesh plug repair with regard to chronic pain and recurrences in elective primary unilateral hernias. In addition, we report our experience in repairing recurrent hernias. METHODS: Using a modified version of the questionnaire from the Danish Hernia Registry, two groups were surveyed: elective primary unilateral hernias and recurrent unilateral hernias. In both groups small-pore, heavyweight mesh (HWM) and lightweight, large-pore mesh (LWM) were compared with respect to chronic pain and recurrences. Propensity score matching (PS) was carried out on a pool of 1,782 patients. Effect sizes were assessed by using Cohen's d and Cramer's V. RESULTS: If the questionnaire item 'lump/swelling' is considered as a surrogate for recurrence (clinically verified in our study), the results in primary hernias after HWM show a 6.0% recurrence rate and 7.3% after LWM (p = 0.487) with a mean follow up of 31,3 months in HWM and 29,2 months in LWM respectively. The questionnaire item 'pain impacting on work/leisure activities' was answered with Yes in 11.5% following HWM and in 10.5% following LWM (p = 0.665). After the evaluation of the overall surgical results, we did not find differences. Comparing primary and recurrent hernia repair we found below small effect size differences with respect to the items of the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LWM in repairing elective unilateral primary hernias by the mesh plug technique does not result in less chronic pain and more recurrences when compared with HWM. Recurrent hernias repaired by the mesh plug technique may have same outcomes like in primary hernia repair when considering the magnitude of effect sizes.

Vps34 derived phosphatidylinositol 3-monophosphate modulates megakaryocyte maturation and proplatelet production through late endosomes/lysosomes.

BACKGROUND: Development of platelet precursor cells, megakaryocytes (MKs), implies an increase in their size; formation of the elaborate demarcation membrane system (DMS); and extension of branched cytoplasmic structures, proplatelets, that will release platelets. The membrane source(s) for MK expansion and proplatelet formation have remained elusive. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that traffic of membranes regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-monophosphate (PI3P) contributes to MK maturation and proplatelet formation. RESULTS: In immature MKs, PI3P produced by the lipid kinase Vps34 is confined to perinuclear early endosomes (EE), while in mature MKs PI3P shifts to late endosomes and lysosomes (LE/Lys). PI3P partially colocalized with the plasma membrane marker phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2 ) and with LE/Lys in mature MKs, suggests that PI3P-containing LE/Lys membranes contribute to MK expansion and proplatelet formation. Consistently, we found that sequestration of PI3P, specific pharmacological inhibition of Vps34-mediated PI3P production, or depletion of PI3P by PI3-phosphatase (MTM1)-mediated hydrolysis potently blocked proplatelet formation. Moreover, Vps34 inhibition led to the intracellular accumulation of enlarged LE/Lys, and decreased expression of surface LE/Lys markers. Inhibiting Vps34 at earlier MK stages caused aberrant DMS development. Finally, inhibition of LE/Lys membrane fusion by a dominant negative mutant of the small GTPase Rab7 or pharmacological inhibition of PI3P conversion into PI(3,5)P2 led to enlarged LE/Lys, reduced surface levels of LE/Lys markers, and decreased proplatelet formation. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that PI3P-positive LE/Lys contribute to the membrane growth and proplatelet formation in MKs by their translocation to the cell periphery and fusion with the plasma membrane.

ARF6 stimulates clathrin/AP-2 recruitment to synaptic membranes by activating phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase type Igamma.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis of synaptic vesicle membranes involves the recruitment of clathrin and AP-2 adaptor complexes to the presynaptic plasma membrane. Phosphoinositides have been implicated in nucleating coat assembly by directly binding to several endocytotic proteins including AP-2 and AP180. Here, we show that the stimulatory effect of ATP and GTPgammaS on clathrin coat recruitment is mediated at least in part by increased levels of PIP2. We also provide evidence for a role of ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) via direct stimulation of a synaptically enriched phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase type Igamma (PIPKIgamma), in this effect. These data suggest a model according to which activation of PIPKIgamma by ARF6-GTP facilitates clathrin-coated pit assembly at the synapse.

Identifying Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Clathrin Terminal Domain.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a universal and evolutionarily conserved process that enables the internalization of numerous cargo proteins, including receptors for nutrients and signaling molecules, as well as synaptic vesicle reformation. Multiple genetic and chemical approaches have been developed to interfere with this process. However, many of these tools do not selectively block CME, for example by targeting components shared with clathrin-independent endocytosis pathways or by interfering with other cellular processes that indirectly affect CME.Clathrin, via interactions of endocytic proteins with its terminal domain (TD), serves as a central interaction hub for coat assembly in CME. Here, we describe an ELISA-based, high-throughput screening method used to identify small molecules that inhibit these interactions. In addition, we provide protocols for the purification of recombinant protein domains used for screening, e.g., the clathrin TD and the amphiphysin B/C domain. The screen has been applied successfully in the past, and ultimately led to the discovery of the Pitstop® family of inhibitors, but remains in use to evaluate the inhibitory potency of derivatives of these compounds, and to screen for completely novel inhibitor families.