Endoplasmic Reticulum Luminal Protein Research Articles

Identification of ERAD-dependent degrons for the endoplasmic reticulum lumen.

Degrons are minimal protein features that are sufficient to target proteins for degradation. In most cases, degrons allow recognition by components of the cytosolic ubiquitin proteasome system. Currently, all of the identified degrons only function within the cytosol. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we identified the first short linear sequences that function as degrons from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen. We show that when these degrons are transferred to proteins, they facilitate proteasomal degradation through the ERAD system. These degrons enable degradation of both luminal and integral membrane ER proteins, expanding the types of proteins that can be targeted for degradation in budding yeast and mammalian tissue culture. This discovery provides a framework to target proteins for degradation from the previously unreachable ER lumen and builds toward therapeutic approaches that exploit the highly-conserved ERAD system.

Plasmodesmal endoplasmic reticulum proteins regulate intercellular trafficking of cucumber mosaic virus in Arabidopsis.

Plasmodesmata (PD) are plasma membrane-lined cytoplasmic nanochannels that mediate cell-to-cell communication across the cell wall. A range of proteins are embedded in the PD plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and function in regulating PD-mediated symplasmic trafficking. However, knowledge of the nature and function of the ER-embedded proteins in the intercellular movement of non-cell-autonomous proteins is limited. Here, we report the functional characterization of two ER luminal proteins, AtBiP1/2, and two ER integral membrane proteins, AtERdj2A/B, which are located within the PD. These PD proteins were identified as interacting proteins with cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) movement protein (MP) in co-immunoprecipitation studies using an Arabidopsis-derived plasmodesmal-enriched cell wall protein preparation (PECP). The AtBiP1/2 PD location was confirmed by TEM-based immunolocalization, and their AtBiP1/2 signal peptides (SPs) function in PD targeting. In vitro/in vivo pull-down assays revealed the association between AtBiP1/2 and CMV MP, mediated by AtERdj2A, through the formation of an AtBiP1/2-AtERdj2-CMV MP complex within PD. The role of this complex in CMV infection was established, as systemic infection was retarded in bip1/bip2w and erdj2b mutants. Our findings provide a model for a mechanism by which the CMV MP mediates cell-to-cell trafficking of its viral ribonucleoprotein complex.

CCPG1 recognizes endoplasmic reticulum luminal proteins for selective ER-phagy.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major cell compartment where protein synthesis, folding, and posttranslational modifications occur with assistance from a wide variety of chaperones and enzymes. Quality control systems selectively eliminate abnormal proteins that accumulate inside the ER due to cellular stresses. ER-phagy, that is, selective autophagy of the ER, is a mechanism that maintains or reestablishes cellular and ER-specific homeostasis through removal of abnormal proteins. However, how ER luminal proteins are recognized by the ER-phagy machinery remains unclear. Here, we applied the aggregation-prone protein, six-repeated islet amyloid polypeptide (6xIAPP), as a model ER-phagy substrate and found that cell cycle progression 1 (CCPG1), which is an ER-phagy receptor, efficiently mediates its degradation via ER-phagy. We also identified prolyl 3-hydroxylase family member 4 (P3H4) as an endogenous cargo of CCPG1-dependent ER-phagy. The ER luminal region of CCPG1 contains several highly conserved regions that we refer to as cargo-interacting regions (CIRs); these interact directly with specific luminal cargos for ER-phagy. Notably, 6xIAPP and P3H4 interact directly with different CIRs. These findings indicate that CCPG1 is a bispecific ER-phagy receptor for ER luminal proteins and the autophagosomal membrane that contributes to the efficient removal of aberrant ER-resident proteins through ER-phagy.

The role of NSP6 in the biogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle.

SARS-CoV-2, like other coronaviruses, builds a membrane-bound replication organelle to enable RNA replication1. The SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle is composed of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) that are tethered to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by thin membrane connectors2, but the viral proteins and the host factors involved remain unknown. Here we identify the viral non-structural proteins (NSPs) that generate the SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle. NSP3 and NSP4 generate the DMVs, whereas NSP6, through oligomerization and an amphipathic helix, zippers ER membranes and establishes the connectors. The NSP6(ΔSGF) mutant, which arose independently in the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Eta, Iota and Lambda variants of SARS-CoV-2, behaves as a gain-of-function mutant with a higher ER-zippering activity. We identified three main roles for NSP6: first, to act as a filter in communication between the replication organelle and the ER, by allowing lipid flow but restricting the access of ER luminal proteins to the DMVs; second, to position and organize DMV clusters; and third, to mediate contact with lipid droplets (LDs) through the LD-tethering complex DFCP1-RAB18. NSP6 thus acts as an organizer of DMV clusters and can provide a selective means of refurbishing them with LD-derived lipids. Notably, both properly formed NSP6 connectors and LDs are required for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings provide insight into the biological activity of NSP6 of SARS-CoV-2 and of other coronaviruses, and have the potential to fuel the search for broad antiviral agents.

Phytochrome B Positively Regulates Red Light-Mediated ER Stress Response in Arabidopsis.

Light plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, and light signaling is integrated with various stress responses to adapt to different environmental changes. During this process, excessive protein synthesis overwhelms the protein-folding ability of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing ER stress. Although crosstalk between light signaling and ER stress response has been reported in plants, the molecular mechanisms underlying this crosstalk are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB) induces the expression of ER luminal protein chaperones as well as that of unfolded protein response (UPR) genes. The phyB-5 mutant was less sensitive to tunicamycin (TM)-induced ER stress than were the wild-type plants, whereas phyB-overexpressing plants displayed a more sensitive phenotype under white light conditions. ER stress response genes (BiP2 and BiP3), UPR-related bZIP transcription factors (bZIP17, bZIP28, and bZIP60), and programmed cell death (PCD)-associated genes (OXI1, NRP1, and MC8) were upregulated in phyB-overexpressing plants, but not in phyB-5, under ER stress conditions. The ER stress-sensitive phenotype of phyB-5 under red light conditions was eliminated with a reduction in photo-equilibrium by far-red light and darkness. The N-terminal domain of phyB is essential for signal transduction of the ER stress response in the nucleus, which is similar to light signaling. Taken together, our results suggest that phyB integrates light signaling with the UPR to relieve ER stress and maintain proper plant growth.

Reflux of Endoplasmic Reticulum proteins to the cytosol inactivates tumor suppressors.

In the past decades, many studies reported the presence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐resident proteins in the cytosol. However, the mechanisms by which these proteins relocate and whether they exert cytosolic functions remain unknown. We find that a subset of ER luminal proteins accumulates in the cytosol of glioblastoma cells isolated from mouse and human tumors. In cultured cells, ER protein reflux to the cytosol occurs upon ER proteostasis perturbation. Using the ER luminal protein anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) as a proof of concept, we tested whether the refluxed proteins gain new functions in the cytosol. We find that refluxed, cytosolic AGR2 binds and inhibits the tumor suppressor p53. These data suggest that ER reflux constitutes an ER surveillance mechanism to relieve the ER from its contents upon stress, providing a selective advantage to tumor cells through gain‐of‐cytosolic functions—a phenomenon we name ER to Cytosol Signaling (ERCYS).

Derlin-3 Is Required for Changes in ERAD Complex Formation under ER Stress.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein degradation (ERAD) is a quality control system that induces the degradation of ER terminally misfolded proteins. The ERAD system consists of complexes of multiple ER membrane-associated and luminal proteins that function cooperatively. We aimed to reveal the role of Derlin-3 in the ERAD system using the liver, pancreas, and kidney obtained from different mouse genotypes. We performed coimmunoprecipitation and sucrose density gradient centrifugation to unravel the dynamic nature of ERAD complexes. We observed that Derlin-3 is exclusively expressed in the pancreas, and its deficiency leads to the destabilization of Herp and accumulation of ERAD substrates. Under normal conditions, Complex-1a predominantly contains Herp, Derlin-2, HRD1, and SEL1L, and under ER stress, Complex-1b contains Herp, Derlin-3 (instead of Derlin-2), HRD1, and SEL1L. Complex-2 is upregulated under ER stress and contains Derlin-1, Derlin-2, p97, and VIMP. Derlin-3 deficiency suppresses the transition of Derlin-2 from Complex-1a to Complex-2 under ER stress. In the pancreas, Derlin-3 deficiency blocks Derlin-2 transition. In conclusion, the composition of ERAD complexes is tissue-specific and changes in response to ER stress in a Derlin-3-dependent manner. Derlin-3 may play a key role in changing ERAD complex compositions to overcome ER stress.

Morphologically Discrete ER Subdomains Support the Synthesis of Different Types of Protein

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has a complex morphology comprised of stacked sheets, tubules, and three-way junctions, which together function as a platform for protein synthesis of the membrane and secretory proteins. It is widely believed that specific ER subdomains are spatially organized for protein synthesis activities, but precisely where these domains occur in relation to the ER's overall architecture is unclear due to lack of functional-spatial resolution. Here, we use single-molecule tracking of ribosomes and mRNAs in combination with simultaneous imaging of ER to assess sites of membrane protein synthesis in the ER. We found that ribosomes were widely distributed throughout the different ER morphologies. However, synthesis of membrane proteins (including type I, II and multi-spanning) and an ER luminal protein occurred primarily at the three-way junctions. Unlike mRNAs coding for membrane proteins, mRNA coding for the translocon-independent, tail-anchored protein Sec61β was found primarily on ER tubules and was actively translated on the ER. Surprisingly, mRNA coding for the cytosolic protein β-actin was also primarily associated with ER tubules. These results support the idea that discrete ER subdomains exist to support specific types of protein synthesis activities, with ER morphological features playing an important role in this organization

24(S)-Hydroxycholesterol induces ER dysfunction-mediated unconventional cell death

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by disruption of protein folding activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), which while generally pro-survival in effect can also induce cell death under severe ER stress. 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC), which is enzymatically produced in the ER of neurons, plays an important role in maintaining brain cholesterol homeostasis but also shows neurotoxicity when subjected to esterification by acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) in the ER. In this study, we demonstrated that the accumulation of 24S-OHC esters in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells evoked the UPR with substantially no pro-survival adaptive response but with significant activation of pro-death UPR signaling via regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD). We further found that accumulation of 24S-OHC esters caused disruption of ER membrane integrity and release of ER luminal proteins into cytosol. We also found that de novo synthesis of global proteins was robustly suppressed in 24S-OHC-treated cells. Collectively, these results show that ER dysfunction and the accompanying RIDD-mediated pro-death UPR signaling and global protein synthesis inhibition are responsible for 24S-OHC ester-induced unconventional cell death.

Chaperone-mediated reflux of secretory proteins to the cytosol during endoplasmic reticulum stress

Diverse perturbations to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functions compromise the proper folding and structural maturation of secretory proteins. To study secretory pathway physiology during such "ER stress," we employed an ER-targeted, redox-responsive, green fluorescent protein-eroGFP-that reports on ambient changes in oxidizing potential. Here we find that diverse ER stress regimes cause properly folded, ER-resident eroGFP (and other ER luminal proteins) to "reflux" back to the reducing environment of the cytosol as intact, folded proteins. By utilizing eroGFP in a comprehensive genetic screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that ER protein reflux during ER stress requires specific chaperones and cochaperones residing in both the ER and the cytosol. Chaperone-mediated ER protein reflux does not require E3 ligase activity, and proceeds even more vigorously when these ER-associated degradation (ERAD) factors are crippled, suggesting that reflux may work in parallel with ERAD. In summary, chaperone-mediated ER protein reflux may be a conserved protein quality control process that evolved to maintain secretory pathway homeostasis during ER protein-folding stress.

Neuroprotective and reparative effects of endoplasmic reticulum luminal proteins – mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) are proteins that have received increasing attention in the last decades. Although they are called neurotrophic factors they are drastically different from neurotrophic factors in their expression and physiological actions. They are located in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their basal secretion from neurons is very low. However their secretion is stimulated upon ER calcium depletion by chemical probes such as thapsigargin, a sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pump inhibitor. Exogenous MANF and CDNF possess therapeutic properties in several neurological disease models, including Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Endogenous MANF expression has been shown to be neuroprotective, as well as administration of either CDNF or MANF into the extracellular space. In this review, we focus on their therapeutic effects, regulation of expression and secretion, comparison of their mechanisms of action, and their application to the brain parenchyma as recombinant proteins.

Cell death triggered by the P25 protein in Potato virus X-associated synergisms results from endoplasmic reticulum stress in Nicotiana benthamiana.

The synergistic interaction of Potato virus X (PVX) with a number of potyviruses results in systemic necrosis in Nicotiana spp. Previous investigations have indicated that the viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR) protein P25 of PVX triggers systemic necrosis in PVX-associated synergisms in a threshold-dependent manner. However, little is still known about the cellular processes that lead to this necrosis, and whether the VSR activity of P25 is involved in its elicitation. Here, we show that transient expression of P25 in the presence of VSRs from different viruses, including the helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) of potyviruses, induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR), which ultimately lead to ER collapse. However, the host RNA silencing pathway was dispensable for the elicitation of cell death by P25. Confocal microscopy studies in leaf patches co-expressing P25 and HC-Pro showed dramatic alterations in ER membrane structures, which correlated with the up-regulation of bZIP60 and several ER-resident chaperones, including the ER luminal binding protein (BiP). Overexpression of BiP alleviated the cell death induced by the potexviral P25 protein when expressed together with VSRs derived from different viruses. Conversely, silencing of the UPR master regulator, bZIP60, led to an increase in cell death elicited by the P25/HC-Pro combination as well as by PVX-associated synergism. In addition to its role as a negative regulator of P25-induced cell death, UPR partially restricted PVX infection. Thus, systemic necrosis caused by PVX-associated synergistic infections is probably the effect of an unmitigated ER stress following the overaccumulation of a viral protein, P25, with ER remodelling activity.

Single particle trajectories reveal active endoplasmic reticulum luminal flow.

The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), a network of membranous sheets and pipes, supports functions encompassing biogenesis of secretory proteins and delivery of functional solutes throughout the cell1,2. Molecular mobility through the ER network enables these functionalities, but diffusion alone is not sufficient to explain luminal transport across supramicron distances. Understanding the ER structure-function relationship is critical in light of mutations in ER morphology regulating proteins that give rise to neurodegenerative disorders3,4. Here, super-resolution microscopy and analysis of single particle trajectories of ER luminal proteins revealed that the topological organization of the ER correlates with distinct trafficking modes of its luminal content: with a dominant diffusive component in tubular junctions and a fast flow component in tubules. Particle trajectory orientations resolved over time revealed an alternating current of the ER contents, whilst fast ER super-resolution identified energy-dependent tubule contraction events at specific points as a plausible mechanism for generating active ER luminal flow. The discovery of active flow in the ER has implications for timely ER content distribution throughout the cell, particularly important for cells with extensive ER-containing projections such as neurons.

Plant G proteins interact with endoplasmic reticulum luminal protein receptors to regulate endoplasmic reticulum retrieval.

Maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is essential for the production of biomolecules. ER retrieval, i.e., the retrograde transport of compounds from the Golgi to the ER, is one of the pathways that ensures ER homeostasis. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of ER retrieval in plants remain largely unknown. Plant ERD2-like proteins (ERD2s) were recently suggested to function as ER luminal protein receptors that mediate ER retrieval. Here, we demonstrate that heterotrimeric G protein signaling is involved in ERD2-mediated ER retrieval. We show that ERD2s interact with the heterotrimeric G protein Gα and Gγ subunits at the Golgi. Silencing of Gα, Gβ, or Gγ increased the retention of ER luminal proteins. Furthermore, overexpression of Gα, Gβ, or Gγ caused ER luminal proteins to escape from the ER, as did the co-silencing of ERD2a and ERD2b. These results suggest that G proteins interact with ER luminal protein receptors to regulate ER retrieval.

CNPY2 is a key initiator of the PERK-CHOP pathway of the unfolded protein response.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a highly conserved protein quality control mechanism critical for cells to make survival-or-death decisions under ER stress conditions. However, how UPR sensors are activated remains unclear. Here, we report that ER luminal protein canopy homolog 2 (CNPY2) is released from grp78 upon ER stress. Free CNPY2 then engages protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) to induce expression of the transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), thereby initiating the UPR. Indeed, deletion of CNPY2 blocked the PERK-CHOP pathway and protected mice from UPR-induced liver damage and steatosis. Additionally, CNPY2 is transcriptionally upregulated by CHOP in a forward-feed loop to further enhance the UPR signaling. These findings demonstrate the critical roles of CNPY2 in ER stress, and suggest that CNPY2 is a potential new therapeutic target for UPR-related diseases such as metabolic disorders, inflammation and cancer.

Novel Luminal Regulation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Channel Gating

The ubiquitous, mostly endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor (InsP3R) channel modulates cytoplasmic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) to generate complex Ca2+ signals by releasing Ca2+ from the ER lumen store. Whereas cytoplasmic InsP3 activation and biphasic [Ca2+]i regulation of InsP3R channel have been well studied, the effects of ER luminal free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]ER) on InsP3R channel activity remains poorly understood and controversial. Using single-channel nuclear patch-clamp electrophysiology, we characterized a feed-through effect of [Ca2+]ER on InsP3R channel, whereby Ca2+ ion driven through an open InsP3R channel by the [Ca2+] gradient across the ER membrane can sufficiently raise the local [Ca2+]i around the channel to alter the its activity through its cytoplasmic activating and inhibitory Ca2+-binding sites. Furthermore, even in strong [Ca2+]i-buffering condition where InsP3R channel activity is not affected by Ca2+ flux across the channel, we still observed that [Ca2+]ER exerts a novel flux-independent inhibitory effect. This effect is profound, reducing InsP3R channel open probability in both saturating and sub-saturating [InsP3] by 80-90% in physiological [Ca2+]ER (∼300 μM) compared to non-physiologically low [Ca2+]ER (70 nM). The effect is observed in on-nucleus patch-clamp experiments using nuclei isolated from multiple cell types with different expression levels of various InsP3R isoforms. This effect was irreversibly abrogated when the nuclear membrane patch was excised into the luminal-side-out configuration, and the luminal side of the isolated membrane and channel was perfused with low (70 nM) [Ca2+] solution. Our observations suggest that the [Ca2+]ER inhibitory effect is likely mediated by some ER luminal peripheral accessory protein(s), which is lost during the perfusion.

Heat stress promotes the down-regulation of IRE1α in cells: An atypical modulation of the UPR pathway

Heat stress induces intracellular protein denaturation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which elicits unfolded protein response (UPR) in cells. UPR involves three ER-localized sensor proteins: the inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), the dsRNA-activated protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK), and activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6). However, the precise mechanism by which cells deal with heat stress remains to be elucidated. We report herein that heat stress effectively activates all branches of the UPR. While splicing of the XBP-1 mRNA is usually triggered by activated IRE1α, the level of this protein was found to be decreased immediately after the occurrence of heat stress and the down-regulation gradually recovered thereafter. The protein levels of other UPR sensors or ER luminal proteins were unaffected. The down-regulation of IRE1α was independent of cellular viability. It thus appears that the heat-stress induced down-regulation of the IRE1α protein may lead to the termination of the IRE1α signaling pathway in an attempt to avoid excessive responses. We investigated the machinery causing IRE1α down-regulation and found that heat stress effectively promoted the activation of autophagy. Importantly, the inhibition of either proteasomes or autophagic flux failed to rescue the loss of IRE1α following heat stress. These collective results suggest that heat stress simultaneously activates both the UPR and autophagy, followed by the activation of a negative feedback system in UPR by modulating the responses related to the IRE1α–XBP-1 axis.

Shear Stress Modulates Endothelial VCAM‐1 Expression via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response Pathways

IntroductionComplications from atherosclerosis remain the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. This inflammatory disease is characterized by the accumulation of lipid‐rich plaques within the artery wall at predictable locations, which correlate strongly with the local arterial geometry and associated hemodynamic environment, notably low magnitude and reversing fluid shear stress (SS). Mechano‐responsive endothelial cells (EC) moderate vascular inflammation, including cell adhesion molecule (CAM) presentation and subsequent leukocyte recruitment. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and associated responses have emerged as signaling pathways linking cellular stress to inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Chronic activation of the ER stress response in endothelium has been observed in regions of disturbed flow in the arteries of lesion free swine, and in response to disturbed flow in cultured EC, demonstrating its importance as a possible signature of endothelial dysfunction and atherosusceptibility. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which ER stress serves as a primary signaling pathway by which SS mediates inflammatory responses in endothelium of functional importance to atherosclerosis.MethodsTo recapitulate flow characteristics of the atherogenic niche in vivo, human aortic EC (HAEC) were exposed to a linear gradient of SS (0 to 16 dynes/cm2) in a microfluidic device and stimulated with the pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNFα in the presence and absence of the ER stress inhibitor 4‐phenylbutyric acid (PBA) for 4 hr. ER morphology was examined by immunofluorescence staining for the ER luminal protein calreticulin. Expression of VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1, and the ER stress sensors eIF2α, XBP1, and ATF6 were examined using automated fluorescence microscopy. HAEC were transfected with shRNA against eIF2α, XBP1, or ATF6 to assess each pathway's contribution to VCAM‐1 expression. To determine if the changes in VCAM‐1 were of functional importance, isolated human monocytes were sheared over HAEC treated as above and adhesion events quantified.ResultsTNFα‐induced VCAM‐1 expression varied significantly with SS magnitude, peaking at ~3‐fold of static expression at 2 dynes/cm2. Peak VCAM‐1 expression under low magnitude SS (LSS) correlated with an increase in the CV for calreticulin pixel intensity, a marker for ER expansion and activity. PBA abrogated the peak in VCAM‐1 expression under LSS, effectively normalizing its expression over the entire gradient, without affecting ICAM‐1 expression. Peak VCAM‐1 expression under LSS was abrogated by knock‐down of eIF2α or XBP1, but not ATF6. At 2 dynes/cm2, there was a 78% decrease in monocytes adhered to the monolayer treated with PBA compared to TNFα alone.ConclusionsThese data support a primary role for ER stress response pathways in the regulation of cytokine‐induced VCAM‐1 expression by SS. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms by which SS locally modulates EC inflammatory phenotype. Further elucidation of the pathways involved may have important ramifications for understanding and managing atherosclerosis.Support or Funding InformationSupported by National Institute of Health grant HL082689 (SIS and AGP)

The unfolded protein response and programmed cell death are induced by expression of Garlic virus X p11 in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Garlic virus X (GarVX) ORF3 encodes a p11 protein, which contributes to virus cell-to-cell movement and forms granules on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in Nicotiana benthamiana. Expression of p11 either from a binary vector, PVX or TMV induced ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR), as demonstrated by an increase in transcription of the ER luminal binding protein (BiP) and bZIP60 genes. UPR-related programmed cell death (PCD) was elicited by PVX : p11 or TMV : p11 in systemic infected leaves. Examination of p11 mutants with deletions of two transmembrane domains (TM) revealed that both were required for generating granules and for inducing necrosis. TRV-based VIGS was used to investigate the correlation between bZIP60 expression and p11-induced UPR-related PCD. Less necrosis was observed on local and systemic leaves of bZIP60 knockdown plants when infected with PVXp11, suggesting that bZIP60 plays an important role in the UPR-related PCD response to p11 in N. benthamiana.

Mature lipid droplets are accessible to ER luminal proteins.

Lipid droplets are found in most organisms where they serve to store energy in the form of neutral lipids. They are formed at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane where the neutral-lipid-synthesizing enzymes are located. Recent results indicate that lipid droplets remain functionally connected to the ER membrane in yeast and mammalian cells to allow the exchange of both lipids and integral membrane proteins between the two compartments. The precise nature of the interface between the ER membrane and lipid droplets, however, is still ill-defined. Here, we probe the topology of lipid droplet biogenesis by artificially targeting proteins that have high affinity for lipid droplets to inside the luminal compartment of the ER. Unexpectedly, these proteins still localize to lipid droplets in both yeast and mammalian cells, indicating that lipid droplets are accessible from within the ER lumen. These data are consistent with a model in which lipid droplets form a specialized domain in the ER membrane that is accessible from both the cytosolic and the ER luminal side.