Golgi-bound Rab34 is a novel member of the secretory pathways

Abstract

Background: Golgi-localized Rab34 has been implicated in repositioning of lysosomes and activation of macropinocytosis. 
 Methods: Using HeLa cells we undertook a detailed investigation of Rab34 involvement in intracellular vesicle transport. 
 Results: Immunoelectron microscopy and immunocytochemistry confirmed that Rab34 is localized to the Golgi stack and that active Rab34 shifts lysosomes to the cell centre. Contrary to a previous report, we found that Rab34 is not concentrated at membrane ruffles and is not involved in macropinocytosis. Also, Rab34 induced repositioning of lysosomes does not affect transport of the mannose 6-phosphate receptor to endosomes. Most strikingly, HeLa cells depleted of Rab34 by transfection with dominant-negative Rab34, or following RNA interference, failed to transport the temperature-sensitive Vesicular Stomatitis Virus G-protein fused to GFP (VSVG-GFP) from the Golgi to the plasma membrane. Transfection with mouse Rab34 rescued this defect. Using endogenous MHC class I (MHC) as a marker, an endoglycosidase H resistance assay showed that ER to medial Golgi traffic remains intact in knock-down cells indicating that Rab34 specifically functions in post-Golgi transport. Further, brefeldin A treatment revealed that Rab34 acts at the Golgi, not the trans-Golgi network. 
 Conclusion: Collectively, these results define Rab34 as a novel member of the secretory pathway acting at the Golgi.