Mouse Brain Extracts Research Articles

Accelerated high fidelity prion amplification within and across prion species barriers.

Experimental obstacles have impeded our ability to study prion transmission within and, more particularly, between species. Here, we used cervid prion protein expressed in brain extracts of transgenic mice, referred to as Tg(CerPrP), as a substrate for in vitro generation of chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions by protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA). Characterization of this infectivity in Tg(CerPrP) mice demonstrated that serial PMCA resulted in the high fidelity amplification of CWD prions with apparently unaltered properties. Using similar methods to amplify mouse RML prions and characterize the resulting novel cervid prions, we show that serial PMCA abrogated a transmission barrier that required several hundred days of adaptation and subsequent stabilization in Tg(CerPrP) mice. While both approaches produced cervid prions with characteristics distinct from CWD, the subtly different properties of the resulting individual prion isolates indicated that adaptation of mouse RML prions generated multiple strains following inter-species transmission. Our studies demonstrate that combined transgenic mouse and PMCA approaches not only expedite intra- and inter-species prion transmission, but also provide a facile means of generating and characterizing novel prion strains.

Leucine-rich glioma inactivated 3 associates with syntaxin 1

Leucine-rich glioma inactivated 3 (LGI3) is a member of LGI/epitempin (EPTP) family. The biological function of LGI3 and its association with disease are not known. We previously reported that mouse LGI3 was highly expressed in brain in a developmentally and transcriptionally regulated manner. In this study, we identified syntaxin 1, a SNARE component in exocytosis, as a candidate functional target of LGI3. Western blot analysis of mouse brain extract with LGI3 antibodies detected multiple protein forms (75-, 60-, 35- and 25-kDa). Proteomic analysis, pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation experiments identified syntaxin 1 as an LGI3-associated protein. LGI3 colocalized with syntaxin 1 in processes of cortical neurons with punctate synaptic pattern and was enriched in synaptosomal fraction. Coimmunoprecipitation showed that LGI3-syntaxin 1 complex did not contain other SNARE components, SNAP25 and VAMP2. Recombinant LGI3 attenuated Ca 2+-evoked glutamate release from digitonin-permeabilized synaptosomes and transfection of PC12 cells with LGI3 decreased K +-induced secretion of human growth hormone. Thus, LGI3 may play a regulatory role in neuronal exocytosis via its interaction with syntaxin 1.

Drug Development-targeted Screening of Leptin Agonist Glycopeptides

A glycosylated dodecapeptide fragment corresponding to the hypothalamus-active cytokine leptin exhibits agonistic properties to the leptin receptor (ObR) in vitro and penetrates into the brain in vivo. In order to characterize the drug development potential of the lead peptide and to optimize it for pharmacological applicability, a series of biochemical screening assays were custom-tailored to the leptin/ObR system. To identify peptides that bind the extracellular domain of ObR, we characterized the optimal conditions for an ELISA-type assay where the leptin fragments were immobilized to the plates. With this technology we could identify low-dose binder peptidomimetics which, according to a comparison of the conventional cell proliferation assay and a measure of metabolically active cells, revealed that agonists identified by these cellular assays may not necessarily induce the expected growth characteristics in ObR expressing cells. The original glycopeptide lead displayed a 2 h half life in 25% diluted mouse serum but poor stability in mouse brain extract. Fifteen percent of the glycopeptide crossed a dual endothelial/astrocyte cell layer (representing an in vitro model of blood-brain-barrier) in 30 min, and the coexistence of the two cell types appeared necessary to quantify the level of brain accessibility. Finally, in an in vivo mouse model, a Cy5.5 labeled glycopeptide was more evenly distributed all over the body, including the brain, than a similarly labeled full-sized leptin protein.

(γ-Aminobutyric acid transporter 2와 mammalian Lin-7의 PDZ결합

Neurotransmitter transporters, which remove neurotransmittesr from the synaptic cleft, are regulated by second messenger such as protein kinases and binding proteins. Neuronal γ-aminobutyric acid transporters (GATs) are responsible for removing the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from the synaptic cleft. γ-aminobutyric acid transporters 2 (GAT2/BGT1) is involved in regulating neurotransmitter recycling, but the mechanism how they are stabilized and regulated by the specific binding protein has not yet been elucidated. Here, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify the specific binding protein(s) that interacts with the C-terminal region of GAT2 and found a specific interaction with the mammalian LIN-7b (MALS-2). MALS-2 protein bound to the tail region of GAT2 but not to other GAT members in the yeast two-hybrid assay. The “T-X-L” motif at the C-terminal end of GAT2 is essential for interaction with MALS-2. In addition, this protein showed specific interactions in the glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay. An antibody to GAT2 specifically co-immunoprecipitated MALS associated with GAT2 from mouse brain extracts. These results suggest that MALS may stabilize GAT2 in brain.

Identification of Novel RasGRF1 Interacting Partners by Large-Scale Proteomic Analysis

The brain-specific Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor RasGRF1 is a protein harbouring a complex array of structural motifs. It contains a pleckstrin homology (PH1) domain, a coiled coil region (CC) and an ilimaquinone (IQ) one in addition to the catalytic Ras and Rac exchange factor domains. In this study, we used the recombinant N-terminal PH1, CC and IQ region (PHCCIQ) fused to the chitin-binding domain to isolate interacting proteins from mouse brain extracts. The use of an advanced software tool, the Pep-Miner, allowed clustering similar spectra from multiple mass spectrometry analysis, simplifying and improving the analysis of the complex peptide mixture. The most representative classes of RasGRF1-interacting proteins were ribosomal and other RNA-binding proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and proteins involved in vesicular trafficking. We confirmed the interaction of some of the identified proteins using different experimental approaches. We also demonstrated an RNA-dependent association of the PHCCIQ moiety of RasGRF1 with ribosomal protein S6 and Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3-domain binding protein 2. In addition, we found that purified total RNA binds to the PHCCIQ fusion protein and the recombinant protein associates with poly(A)-sepharose. These data indicate that RasGRF1 can interact with different protein categories and exhibits a potential RNA-binding property.

Cys-Tag Proteins on Chips for Functional Proteomics

Protein chip technology is essential for high through-put functional proteomics. We developed a novel protein tag consisting of five tandem cysteine repeats (Cys-tag) at C-terminus of proteins which was covalently immobilized to the surface of a maleimide-modified diamond-like carbon-coated silicon chip substrate. Model proteins were created as a Cys-tagged enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and an EGFP-stathmin fusion proteins which included an oligo-histidine tag at N-terminus to allow its purification from expressed proteins in Escherichia coli using Ni beads. The purified Cys-tagged proteins could be captured on the maleimide-coated chip substrate at efficiency that 50 pg of the fusion protein was detected by fluorescence and 5 pg (0.2 fmole) could be detected by combination with enhanced immunofluorescence. Nano-LC-MS/MS enabled us to identify protein candidates for binding partners of stathmin in mouse brain extracts on the chip. We examined the merits of this protein chip system to identify stathmin-binding partners in the comparison with conventional beads system.

S5-03-03: Induction of cerebral beta-amyloidosis in transgenic mice

We have previously shown (Meyer-Lühmann et al., Science 313: 1781–84, 2006) that intracerebral injections of dilute, amyloid-beta (Abeta)-containing human or APP transgenic mouse brain extract can induce cerebral beta-amyloidosis and associated pathology in APP transgenic mice in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. After injecting extracts from APP/PS1 transgenic mice into APP hosts and vice versa, our results suggest the occurrence of polymorphic Abeta species, reminiscent of prion strains. We use dilute brain extracts as described in Meyer-Lühmann et al., Science 313: 1781–84, 2006. Results from ongoing experiments will be presented. The nature of the seeding agent and of the induced amyloid will be further characterized and peripheral routes of extract applications studied.

A protocol for immunoaffinity separation of the accumulated ubiquitin–protein conjugates solubilized with sodium dodecyl sulfate

Certain proteins insoluble in aqueous salt solutions are difficult to separate from impurities by immunoaffinity techniques, even when the proteins are solubilized with denaturants due to interference of the antigen–antibody reaction. Representative examples of such proteins are the ubiquitin–protein conjugates that accumulate in neuronal tissues of neurodegenerative diseases, the hallmark of such disorders. In this study, we developed a novel sample preparation method comprising two successive steps: Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) removal from the SDS-containing extracts and renaturation of the denatured proteins. The application of this method was tested on ubiquitin–protein conjugates in the brains of Niemann-Pick type C disease mouse and in heat-shocked K562 erythroleukemia cells. The ubiquitin–protein conjugates in both cases are insoluble in Tris-buffered saline but soluble in 2% SDS. The SDS-solubilized fractions prepared from each of the samples were further pretreated by the method mentioned above, and the ubiquitin–protein conjugates were efficiently immunoprecipitated with the anti-ubiquitin antibody from them. This method was also applied successfully to the immunoprecipitation of flotillin-1, a lipid raft protein, from mouse brain extract prepared with 2% SDS. These results indicate that this simple protocol has potential applications for excellent immunoaffinity separation of the less-soluble proteins in diverse cells and tissues.

MAP1A Light Chain-2 Interacts with GTP-RhoB to Control Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-dependent EGF Receptor Signaling

Rho GTPases have been implicated in the control of several cellular functions, including regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, cell proliferation, and oncogenesis. Unlike RhoA and RhoC, RhoB localizes in part to endosomes and controls endocytic trafficking. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen and a glutathione S-transferase pulldown assay, we identified LC2, the light chain of the microtubule-associated protein MAP1A, as a novel binding partner for RhoB. GTP binding and the 18-amino acid C-terminal hypervariable domain of RhoB are critical for its binding to MAP1A/LC2. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments showed that this interaction occurs in U87 cells. Down-regulation of MAP1A/LC2 expression decreased epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor expression and modified the signaling response to EGF treatment. We concluded that MAP1A/LC2 is critical for RhoB function in EGF-induced EGF receptor regulation. Because MAP1A/LC2 is thought to function as an adaptor between microtubules and other molecules, we postulate that the RhoB and MAP1A/LC2 interactions facilitate endocytic vesicle trafficking and regulate the trafficking of signaling molecules.

Sorting Nexin 17 Interacts Directly with Kinesin Superfamily KIF1Bβ Protein

KIF1Bbeta is a member of the Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs), which are microtubule-dependent molecular motors that are involved in various intracellular organellar transport processes. KIF1Bbeta is not restricted to neuronal systems, however, is widely expressed in other tissues, even though the function of KIF1Bbeta is still unclear. To elucidate the KIF1Bbeta-binding proteins in non-neuronal cells, we used the yeast two-hybrid system, and found a specific interaction of KIF1Bbeta and the sorting nexin (SNX) 17. The C-terminal region of SNX17 is required for the binding with KIF1Bbeta. SNX17 protein bound to the specific region of KIF1Bbeta (813-916. aa), but not to other kinesin family members. In addition, this specific interaction was also observed in the Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay. An antibody to SNX17 specifically co-immunoprecipitated KIF1Bbeta associated with SNX17 from mouse brain extracts. These results suggest that SNX17 might be involved in the KIF1Bbeta-mediated transport as a KIF1Bbeta adaptor protein.

HtrA2 Regulates β-Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Metabolism through Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Degradation

Alzheimer disease-associated beta-amyloid peptide is generated from its precursor protein APP. By using the yeast two-hybrid assay, here we identified HtrA2/Omi, a stress-responsive chaperone-protease as a protein binding to the N-terminal cysteinerich region of APP. HtrA2 coimmunoprecipitates exclusively with immature APP from cell lysates as well as mouse brain extracts and degrades APP in vitro. A subpopulation of HtrA2 localizes to the cytosolic side of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane where it contributes to ER-associated degradation of APP together with the proteasome. Inhibition of the proteasome results in accumulation of retrotranslocated forms of APP and increased association of APP with HtrA2 and Derlin-1 in microsomal membranes. In cells lacking HtrA2, APP holoprotein is stabilized and accumulates in the early secretory pathway correlating with elevated levels of APP C-terminal fragments and increased Abeta secretion. Inhibition of ER-associated degradation (either HtrA2 or proteasome) promotes binding of APP to the COPII protein Sec23 suggesting enhanced trafficking of APP out of the ER. Based on these results we suggest a novel function for HtrA2 as a regulator of APP metabolism through ER-associated degradation.

JSAP1과 Kinesin Light Chain 1의 결합 및 결합부위 규명

KIF5는 2분자의 kinesin heavy chain (KHC)과 2분자의 kinesin light cham (KLC)으로 구성되며 미세소관과 직접 결합한다. KIF5는 여러가지 세포 내 소기관을 이동시키나 KIF5가 이동시키는 운반체가 어떻게 특이적으로 결합하는지는 아직 밝혀지지 못하였다. 본 연구에서 효모 two-hybrid system을 사용하여 KLC1의 tetratricopeptide repeats (TRP) 부위와 결합하는 세포 내의 단백질을 분리하였다. 결과 KLC1와 특이적으로 결합하는JNK/stress-activated protein kinase-associated protein 1 (JSAP1/JIP3)을 분리하였다. 이러한 결합은 KLC1의 TRP1, 2 영역과 JSAP1의 leucine zipper 영역이 결합에 관여하며, 또한 효모 two-hybrid assay에서 JSAP1은 KLC2와 결합하지만 신경세포에서 발현하는 KIF5A, KIF5C 그리고 모든 세포에서 발현하는 KIF5B와는 결합하지 않았다. 단백질간의 결합을 pull-down assay로 확인한 결과 KLC1은 glutathione S-transferase (GST)와는 결합하지 않으나 GST결한 JSAP1과는 결합하였다. 또한 생쥐의 뇌 파쇄 액으로부터 JSAP1 항체로 면역침강을 행한 결과 KLC1은 JSAP1과 같이 침강하였다. 이러한 결과들은 KLC1은 JSAP1과 결합하며, JSAP1은 KLC1의 수용체로세포 내 KIF5의 수송의 매개 단백질로 작용함을 시사한다. A conventional kinesin, KIF5/kinesin-I, is composed of two kinesin heavy chains (KHCs) and two kinesin light chains (KLCs) and binds directly to microtubules. KIF5 motor mediates the transport of various membranous organelles, but the mechanism how they recognize and bind to a specific cargo has not yet been completely elucidated. Here, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify the neuronal protein(s) that interacts with the tetratricopeptide repeats (TRP) of KLCI and found a specific interaction with JNK/stress-activated protein kinase-associated protein 1 (JSAP1/JIPP3). The yeast two-hybrid assay demonstrated that the TRP 1,2 domain-containing region of KLCI mediated binding to the leucine zipper domain of JSAP1. JSAP1 also bound to the TRP region of lac2 but not to neuronal KIF5A, KIF5C and ubiquitous KIF5B in the yeast two-hybrid assay. In addition, these proteins showed specific interactions in the GST pull-down assay and by co-immunoprecipitation. KLCI and KIF5B interacted with GST-ISAP1 fusion proteins, but not with GST alone. An antibody to JSAPI specifically co-immunoprecipitated KIF5s associated with JSAP1 from mouse brain extracts. These results suggest that JSAP1, as KLC1 receptor, is involved in the KIF5 mediated transport.

Regulation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 by protein phosphatase 2Cϵ

ASK1 (apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1), a MKKK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase), is activated in response to cytotoxic stresses, such as H2O2 and TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha). ASK1 induction initiates a signalling cascade leading to apoptosis. After exposure of cells to H2O2, ASK1 is transiently activated by autophosphorylation at Thr845. The protein then associates with PP5 (protein serine/threonine phosphatase 5), which inactivates ASK1 by dephosphorylation of Thr845. Although this feedback regulation mechanism has been elucidated, it remains unclear how ASK1 is maintained in the dephosphorylated state under non-stressed conditions. In the present study, we have examined the possible role of PP2Cepsilon (protein phosphatase 2Cepsilon), a member of PP2C family, in the regulation of ASK1 signalling. Following expression in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells), wild-type PP2Cepsilon inhibited ASK1-induced activation of an AP-1 (activator protein 1) reporter gene. Conversely, a dominant-negative PP2Cepsilon mutant enhanced AP-1 activity. Exogenous PP2Cepsilon associated with exogenous ASK1 in HEK-293 cells under non-stressed conditions, inactivating ASK1 by decreasing Thr845 phosphorylation. The association of endogenous PP2Cepsilon and ASK1 was also observed in mouse brain extracts. PP2Cepsilon directly dephosphorylated ASK1 at Thr845 in vitro. In contrast with PP5, PP2Cepsilon transiently dissociated from ASK1 within cells upon H2O2 treatment. These results suggest that PP2Cepsilon maintains ASK1 in an inactive state by dephosphorylation in quiescent cells, supporting the possibility that PP2Cepsilon and PP5 play different roles in H2O2-induced regulation of ASK1 activity.

G protein βγ subunit interaction with the dynein light-chain component Tctex-1 regulates neurite outgrowth

Tctex-1, a light-chain component of the cytoplasmic dynein motor complex, can function independently of dynein to regulate multiple steps in neuronal development. However, how dynein-associated and dynein-free pools of Tctex-1 are maintained in the cell is not known. Tctex-1 was recently identified as a Gbetagamma-binding protein and shown to be identical to the receptor-independent activator of G protein signaling AGS2. We propose a novel role for the interaction of Gbetagamma with Tctex-1 in neurite outgrowth. Ectopic expression of either Tctex-1 or Gbetagamma promotes neurite outgrowth whereas interfering with their function inhibits neuritogenesis. Using embryonic mouse brain extracts, we demonstrate an endogenous Gbetagamma-Tctex-1 complex and show that Gbetagamma co-segregates with dynein-free fractions of Tctex-1. Furthermore, Gbeta competes with the dynein intermediate chain for binding to Tctex-1, regulating assembly of Tctex-1 into the dynein motor complex. We propose that Tctex-1 is a novel effector of Gbetagamma, and that Gbetagamma-Tctex-1 complex plays a key role in the dynein-independent function of Tctex-1 in regulating neurite outgrowth in primary hippocampal neurons, most likely by modulating actin and microtubule dynamics.

Inhibition of the Dopamine D1 Receptor Signaling by PSD-95

Dopamine D1 receptors play an important role in movement, reward, and learning and are implicated in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. These receptors are concentrated in dendritic spines of neurons, including the spine head and the postsynaptic density. D1 within spines is thought to modulate the local channels and receptors to control the excitability and synaptic properties of spines. The molecular mechanisms mediating D1 trafficking, anchorage, and function in spines remain elusive. Here we show that the synaptic scaffolding protein PSD-95 thought to play a role in stabilizing glutamate receptors in the postsynaptic density, interacts with D1 and regulates its trafficking and function. Interestingly, the D1-PSD-95 interaction does not require the well characterized domains of PSD-95 but is mediated by the carboxyl-terminal tail of D1 and the NH(2) terminus of PSD-95, a region that is recognized only recently to participate in protein-protein interaction. Co-expression of PSD-95 with D1 in mammalian cells inhibits the D1-mediated cAMP accumulation without altering the total expression level or the agonist binding properties of the receptor. The diminished D1 signaling is mediated by reduced D1 expression at the cell surface as a consequence of an enhanced constitutive, dynamin-dependent endocytosis. In addition, genetically engineered mice lacking PSD-95 show a heightened behavioral response to either a D1 agonist or the psychostimulant amphetamine. These studies demonstrate a role for a glutamatergic scaffold in dopamine receptor signaling and trafficking and identify a new potential target for the modulation of abnormal dopaminergic function.

Recognition of Age-damaged (R,S)-Adenosyl-L-methionine by Two Methyltransferases in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The biological methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) can exist in two diastereoisomeric states with respect to its sulfonium ion. The S configuration, (S,S)-AdoMet, is the only form that is produced enzymatically as well as the only form used in almost all biological methylation reactions. Under physiological conditions, however, the sulfonium ion can spontaneously racemize to the R form, producing (R,S)-AdoMet. As of yet, (R,S)-AdoMet has no known physiological function and may inhibit cellular reactions. In this study, we found two Saccharomyces cerevisiae enzymes that are capable of recognizing (R,S)-AdoMet and using it to methylate homocysteine to form methionine. These enzymes are the products of the SAM4 and MHT1 genes, identified previously as homocysteine methyltransferases dependent upon AdoMet and S-methylmethionine, respectively. We found here that Sam4 recognizes both (S,S)- and (R,S)-AdoMet, but that its activity is much higher with the R,S form. Mht1 reacts with only the R,S form of AdoMet, whereas no activity is seen with the S,S form. R,S-Specific homocysteine methyltransferase activity is also shown here to occur in extracts of Arabidopsis thaliana, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans, but has not been detected in several tissue extracts of Mus musculus. Such activity may function to prevent the accumulation of (R,S)-AdoMet in these organisms.

Proteomics of experimental stroke in mice

Multi-Western blots of more than 400 proteins were performed from brain extracts of mice submitted to transient focal ischemia induced by 1 h middle cerebral artery (MCA) thread occlusion. Measurements were carried out in groups of six animals in sham-operated controls, at the end of 1 h ischemia, and after 3 and 12 h recirculation. After MCA occlusion up to 45% of proteins were up- or downregulated in the ipsilateral hemisphere by a factor of 1.5 or more, as compared to sham-operated controls. The temporal regulation of several proteins in the ischemia-affected hemisphere after 1 h MCA thread occlusion is described. In the non-ischemic hemisphere the number of regulated proteins was close to 50%, indicating a hitherto unrecognized involvement of the opposite side. The proteomic approach of brain injury analysis goes beyond previous screenings of gene expression at the transcriptional level and although our study provides further evidence for the complexity of multiinjury pathways in the evolution of ischemic brain damage it may help to identify key mediators of ischemic injury. Correspondence should be addressed to Th. Trapp, Email: trapp@itz.uni-duesseldorf.de

Metallothionein-3 Is a Component of a Multiprotein Complex in the Mouse Brain

Metallothionein (MT)-3, originally called growth inhibitory factor (GIF), was initially identified through its ability to inhibit the growth of neuronal cells in the presence of brain extract. MT-3 is the brain specific isoform of the MT family whose specific biological activity associates it with neurological disorders. Indeed, studies report that MT-3 is decreased by ~30% in brains of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Furthermore, many lines of evidence suggest that MT-3 engages in specific protein interactions. To address this, we conducted immunoaffinity chromatography experiments using an immobilized anti-mouse MT-3 antibody. We identified five associated proteins from the pool of sixteen recovered using mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry after in-gel trypsin digestion of bands from the affinity chromatography. The proteins identified were: heat shock protein 84 (HSP84), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), dihydropyrimidinase-like protein-2 (DRP-2), creatine kinase (CK) and beta-actin. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments, also conducted on whole mouse brain extract using the anti-mouse MT-3 antibody along with commercially available antibodies against HSP84 and CK, confirmed that these three proteins were in a single protein complex. Immunohistochemical experiments were then conducted on the perfused mouse brain that confirmed the in situ colocalization of CK and MT-3 in the hippocampus region. These data provide new insights into the involvement of MT-3 in a multiprotein complex, which will be used to understand the biological activity of MT-3 and its role in neurological disease.

Rab33A: Characterization, Expression, and Suppression by Epigenetic Modification

Rab33A, a member of the small GTPase superfamily, is an X-linked gene that is expressed in brain, lymphocytes, and normal melanocytes, but is downregulated in melanoma cells. We demonstrate that in normal melanocytes Rab33A colocalizes with melanosomal proteins and that a constitutively active GTPase mutant suppresses their transport to the melanosomes. In the brain, Rab33A is present throughout the cortex, as well as in the hippocampal CA fields. A survey of melanocytic lesions demonstrated that aberrant downregulation of Rab33A is an early event that is already prevalent in melanocytes of giant congenital nevi. Analyses of bisulfite-modified DNA revealed that Rab33A is regulated by DNA methylation of a specific promoter region proximal to the transcription initiation site, and that suppression of Rab33A in melanoma cells recapitulates normal processes that control silencing of X-linked genes, but not tissue specific gene expression. This information is important for understanding carcinogenesis as well as other aberrant processes because Rab33A may have an important role in disorders involving X-chromosome-linked genes associated with vesicular transport.

P1-404: LRP6 interacts with the retromer protein, vacuolar sorting protein 35

LRP6 (arrow) is a co–receptor for Wnt signal transduction. We performed GST pulldown assays from mouse brain extracts using the LRP6 ICD. Proteins isolated by GST pulldown were identified by tandem mass spec. Among these was the retromer protein, VPS35. We decided to pursue this interaction because of data suggesting that intracellular APP and A–beta are present in endosomes and lysosomes. Direct co–IPs using transfected VPS35 constructs could not reproduce our finding, suggesting that the interaction may be indirect. In support of this interpretation, neither LRP6 nor APP interacted with VPS35 in a direct Y2H assay. Using chemical crosslinkers, a weak interaction with APP was identified by co–IP in transfected cells. Transient transfections of VPS35 and N–terminal deletion constructs in SH–SY5Y cells resulted in more APP in peripheral membrane compartments. We made TET–on VPS35 (and N–terminal deletion mutant) SH–SY5Y cell lines to look further at Wnt signaling and APP metabolism. By ICC, V5–tagged VPS35 is present in a peripheral cytoplasmic, fine punctate distribution. We have found that transfected Dvl–1 is also present in peripheral membrane compartments, and partially co–localizes with VPS35 and proteins found in multivesicular endosomes, but not early endosomes, lysosomes, or ER. This distribution was unchanged by treament with chloroquine or bafilomycin. Co–transfection of VPS35 and Dvl–1 in SH–SY5Y cells did not affect Dvl–1 stimulation of canonical Wnt signaling in Luciferase reporter assays. ELISA was used to measure A–beta secretion in these cells and preliminary data suggest that both full–length and N–terminal deleted VPS35 slightly increase A–beta secretion, but the increase was not statistically significant. Interestingly, induction of VPS35 constructs in these cells is associated with cell toxicity and death. We are currently examining the relationship between VPS35, Dvl–1, and apoptosis. We conclude, at this time, that Wnt–1 signaling elements may interact with the endosomal retrieval complex, retromer, and that this interaction may be associated with apoptotic mechanisms.