Tail-anchored Proteins Research Articles

The Nucleotide Dependent Mechanism of Get3 as Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Tail-anchored (TA) proteins, which comprise approximately 5% of all transmembrane proteins, contain a single transmembrane domain (TMD) located near the C-terminus. This unique organization presents a topological problem that prevents the classical cotranslational translocation by the signal recognition particle, thus a distinct posttranslational targeting pathway is required for membrane insertion. In yeast, this is guided entry of TA-proteins (GET) pathway. At the center of this process is Get3, an enzyme that shuttles a TA protein from the cytosolic Get4/Get5/Sgt2 complex to the transmembrane Get1/Get2 site. Biochemical and structural studies have revealed that Get3 is a homodimer that leverages the power gained through ATP binding and hydrolysis to undergo large-scale conformational changes between an “open” and “closed” conformation. Through the use of conventional MD simulations, enhanced sampling, and rigorous free energy calculations in five possible symmetric and non-symmetric nucleotide states, we have mapped out the underlying potential of mean force for the protein as it progresses through the hydrolysis cycle. Results have lead to a mechanistic model that agrees well with experiments on the stabilities of the open and closed conformations in the symmetric states, and were able to not only predict the existence of the very recently discovered semi-open state, but also to closely match its structure. In addition, calculations predict the existence of a wide-open conformation, along with the probabilities of each of these states as nucleotides bind and unbind from Get3. This model improves our interpretation of experiments on Get3, suggests important details about the GET cycle, and provides a model system for understanding the coupling of nucleotide binding and hydrolysis to protein conformational changes.

Chloroplast envelope protein targeting fidelity is independent of cytosolic components in dual organelle assays

The general mechanisms of intracellular protein targeting are well established, and depend on a targeting sequence in the protein, which is recognized by a targeting factor. Once a membrane protein is delivered to the correct organelle its targeting sequence can be recognized by receptors and a translocase, leading to membrane insertion. However, the relative contribution of each step for generating fidelity and efficiency of the overall process has not been systematically addressed. Here, we use tail-anchored (TA) membrane proteins in cell-free competitive targeting assays to chloroplasts to show that targeting can occur efficiently and with high fidelity in the absence of all cytosolic components, suggesting that chloroplast envelope protein targeting is primarily dependent on events at the outer envelope. Efficiency of targeting was increased by the addition of complete cytosol, and by Hsp70 or Hsp90, depending on the protein, but none of these cytosolic components influenced the fidelity of targeting. Our results suggest that the main role of targeting factors in chloroplast localization is to increase targeting efficiency by maintaining recognition competency at the outer envelope.

Cytoskeletal Interactions at the Nuclear Envelope Mediated by Nesprins

Nesprin-1 is a giant tail-anchored nuclear envelope protein composed of an N-terminal F-actin binding domain, a long linker region formed by multiple spectrin repeats and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Based on this structure, it connects the nucleus to the actin cytoskeleton. Earlier reports had shown that Nesprin-1 binds to nuclear envelope proteins emerin and lamin through C-terminal spectrin repeats. These repeats can also self-associate. We focus on the N-terminal Nesprin-1 sequences and show that they interact with Nesprin-3, a further member of the Nesprin family, which connects the nucleus to the intermediate filament network. We show that upon ectopic expression of Nesprin-3 in COS7 cells, which are nearly devoid of Nesprin-3 in vitro, vimentin filaments are recruited to the nucleus and provide evidence for an F-actin interaction of Nesprin-3 in vitro. We propose that Nesprins through interactions amongst themselves and amongst the various Nesprins form a network around the nucleus and connect the nucleus to several cytoskeletal networks of the cell.

Shuttling of Membrane-Bound Cytochrome B5 between Mitochondria and ER

Cytochrome b5 type B has long been described as a tail-anchored protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane (cb5-mito). Using a fusion protein consisting of photoactivatable GFP fused to the C-terminus membrane-targeting segment of cb5-mito, we have found that while this construct concentrates in the mitochondrial membrane, it is continuously exchanged between the membranes of the mitochondrion and the endoplasmic reticulum. This effect does not depend on the presence of mitofusin 1 or 2, as it occurs in Mfn-null MEFs as well as in wild type cells. Interestingly, a point mutation in the hydrophobic, membrane-targeting sequence of cb5-mito that was recently reported to prevent its association with autophagosome membranes, also eliminates its exchange with the ER. While lipids and viral proteins have been shown to traffic from ER to mitochondria, this is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of such a back-and-forth shuttling, representing both a new aspect of the ER-mitochondrial interface and an Mfn-independent pathway for the exchange of an outer mitochondrial membrane protein.

Differential effects of Sec61α-, Sec62- and Sec63-depletion on transport of polypeptides into the endoplasmic reticulum of mammalian cells

Co-translational transport of polypeptides into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) involves the Sec61 channel and additional components such as the ER lumenal Hsp70 BiP and its membrane-resident co-chaperone Sec63p in yeast. We investigated whether silencing the SEC61A1 gene in human cells affects co- and post-translational transport of presecretory proteins into the ER and post-translational membrane integration of tail-anchored proteins. Although silencing the SEC61A1 gene in HeLa cells inhibited co- and post-translational transport of signal-peptide-containing precursor proteins into the ER of semi-permeabilized cells, silencing the SEC61A1 gene did not affect transport of various types of tail-anchored protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated, with a similar knockdown approach, a precursor-specific involvement of mammalian Sec63 in the initial phase of co-translational protein transport into the ER. By contrast, silencing the SEC62 gene inhibited only post-translational transport of a signal-peptide-containing precursor protein.

Restructured endoplasmic reticulum generated by mutant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked VAPB is cleared by the proteasome

VAPB (vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B) is a ubiquitously expressed, ER-resident tail-anchored protein that functions as adaptor for lipid-exchange proteins. Its mutant form, P56S-VAPB, is linked to a dominantly inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS8). P56S-VAPB forms intracellular inclusions, whose role in ALS pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated. We recently demonstrated that these inclusions are formed by profoundly remodelled stacked ER cisternae. Here, we used stable HeLa-TetOff cell lines inducibly expressing wild-type VAPB and P56S-VAPB, as well as microinjection protocols in non-transfected cells, to investigate the dynamics of inclusion generation and degradation. Shortly after synthesis, the mutant protein forms small, polyubiquitinated clusters, which then congregate in the juxtanuclear region independently of the integrity of the microtubule cytoskeleton. The rate of degradation of the aggregated mutant is higher than that of the wild-type protein, so that the inclusions are cleared only a few hours after cessation of P56S-VAPB synthesis. At variance with other inclusion bodies linked to neurodegenerative diseases, clearance of P56S-VAPB inclusions involves the proteasome, with no apparent participation of macro-autophagy. Transfection of a dominant-negative form of the AAA ATPase p97/VCP stabilizes mutant VAPB, suggesting a role for this ATPase in extracting the aggregated protein from the inclusions. Our results demonstrate that the structures induced by P56S-VAPB stand apart from other inclusion bodies, both in the mechanism of their genesis and of their clearance from the cell, with possible implications for the pathogenic mechanism of the mutant protein.

Tail-anchored membrane protein SLMAP is a novel regulator of cardiac function at the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Sarcolemmal membrane-associated proteins (SLMAPs) are components of cardiac membranes involved in excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Here, we assessed the role of SLMAP in cardiac structure and function. We generated transgenic (Tg) mice with cardiac-restricted overexpression of SLMAP1 bearing the transmembrane domain 2 (TM2) to potentially interfere with endogenous SLMAP through homodimerization and subcellular targeting. Histological examination revealed vacuolated myocardium; the severity of which correlated with the expression level of SLMAP1-TM2. High resolution microscopy showed dilation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) and confocal imaging combined with biochemical analysis indicated targeting of SLMAP1-TM2 to the SR/ER membranes and inappropriate homodimerization. Older (28 wk of age) Tg mice exhibited reduced contractility with impaired relaxation as assessed by left ventricle pressure monitoring. The ventricular dysfunction was associated with electrophysiological abnormalities (elongated QT interval). Younger (5 wk of age) Tg mice also exhibited an elongated QT interval with minimal functional disturbances associated with the activation of the fetal gene program. They were less responsive to isoproterenol challenge (ΔdP/dt(max)) and developed electrical and left ventricular pressure alternans. The altered electrophysiological and functional disturbances in Tg mice were associated with diminished expression level of calcium cycling proteins of the sarcoplasmic reticulum such as the ryanodine receptor, Ca(2+)-ATPase, calsequestrin, and triadin (but not phospholamban), as well as significantly reduced calcium uptake in microsomal fractions. These data demonstrate that SLMAP is a regulator of E-C coupling at the level of the SR and its perturbation results in progressive deterioration of cardiac electrophysiology and function.

Interaction of modified tail-anchored proteins with liposomes: Effect of extensions of hydrophilic segment at the COOH-terminus of holo-cytochromes b5

A group of membrane proteins having a single COOH-terminal hydrophobic domain capable of post-translational insertion into lipid bilayer is known as tail-anchored (TA) proteins. To clarify the insertion mechanism of the TA-domain of human cytochrome b(5) (Hcytb5) into ER membranes, we produced and purified various membrane-bound forms of Hcytb5 with their heme b-bound, in which various truncated forms of NH(2)-terminal bovine opsin sequence were appended at the COOH-terminus of the native form. We analyzed the integration of the TA-domains of these forms onto protein-free liposomes. The integration occurred efficiently even in the presence of a small amount of sodium cholate and, once incorporated, such proteoliposomes were very stable. The mode of the integration was further analyzed by treatment of the proteoliposomes with trypsin either on the extravesicular side or on the luminal side. LC-MS analyses of the trypsin digests obtained from the proteoliposomes indicated that most of the C-terminal hydrophilic segment of the native Hcytb5 were exposed towards the lumen of the vesicles and, further, a significant part of the population of the extended C-terminal hydrophilic segments of the modified Hcytb5 were exposed in the lumen as well, suggesting efficient translocation ability of the TA-domain without any assistance from other protein factors. Present results opened a route for the use of the C-terminal TA-domain as a convenient tool for the transport of proteins as well as short peptides into artificial liposomes.

Mechanisms of Insertion of Tail-Anchored Proteins into the Membrane of the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Tail-anchored proteins (TAPs) are a subclass of type II integral membrane proteins that carry out important and diverse functions within cells. Structurally, TAPs present an N-terminal domain exposed to the cytosol and a single transmembrane domain (TMD) close to the C-terminus, the latter is responsible for the targeting and insertion into the proper intracellular membrane (endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, peroxisomes). Due to this particular topology, TAPs insert obligatorily into membranes by post-translational pathways and are excluded from the classical SRP dependent co-translational ER insertion. ER-targeted TAPs can follow two distinct ways of insertion according to the hydrophobicity of their TMD. In the "assisted" pathway, TAPs with more hydrophobic TMDs insert in the ER membrane with the requirement of energy and the involvement of proteinaceous component(s). By contrast neither energy, nor membrane or cytosolic proteins are necessary and do not even improve the "unassisted" insertion of TAPs with moderately hydrophobic TMDs. In this review, we discuss the most relevant recent data regarding the molecular mechanism that underlies these processes.

The Arabidopsis tail-anchored protein PEROXISOMAL AND MITOCHONDRIAL DIVISION FACTOR1 is involved in the morphogenesis and proliferation of peroxisomes and mitochondria.

Peroxisomes and mitochondria are multifunctional eukaryotic organelles that are not only interconnected metabolically but also share proteins in division. Two evolutionarily conserved division factors, dynamin-related protein (DRP) and its organelle anchor FISSION1 (FIS1), mediate the fission of both peroxisomes and mitochondria. Here, we identified and characterized a plant-specific protein shared by these two types of organelles. The Arabidopsis thaliana PEROXISOMAL and MITOCHONDRIAL DIVISION FACTOR1 (PMD1) is a coiled-coil protein tethered to the membranes of peroxisomes and mitochondria by its C terminus. Null mutants of PMD1 contain enlarged peroxisomes and elongated mitochondria, and plants overexpressing PMD1 have an increased number of these organelles that are smaller in size and often aggregated. PMD1 lacks physical interaction with the known division proteins DRP3 and FIS1; it is also not required for DRP3's organelle targeting. Affinity purifications pulled down PMD1's homolog, PMD2, which exclusively targets to mitochondria and plays a specific role in mitochondrial morphogenesis. PMD1 and PMD2 can form homo- and heterocomplexes. Organelle targeting signals reside in the C termini of these proteins. Our results suggest that PMD1 facilitates peroxisomal and mitochondrial proliferation in a FIS1/DRP3-independent manner and that the homologous proteins PMD1 and PMD2 perform nonredundant functions in organelle morphogenesis.

Tail-anchor targeting by a Get3 tetramer: the structure of an archaeal homologue.

Efficient delivery of membrane proteins is a critical cellular process. The recently elucidated GET (Guided Entry of TA proteins) pathway is responsible for the targeted delivery of tail-anchored (TA) membrane proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. The central player is the ATPase Get3, which in its free form exists as a dimer. Biochemical evidence suggests a role for a tetramer of Get3. Here, we present the first crystal structure of an archaeal Get3 homologue that exists as a tetramer and is capable of TA protein binding. The tetramer generates a hydrophobic chamber that we propose binds the TA protein. We use small-angle X-ray scattering to provide the first structural information of a fungal Get3/TA protein complex showing that the overall molecular envelope is consistent with the archaeal tetramer structure. Moreover, we show that this fungal tetramer complex is capable of TA insertion. This allows us to suggest a model where a tetramer of Get3 sequesters a TA protein during targeting to the membrane.

Tail-anchored membrane protein insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum

Membrane proteins are inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by two highly conserved parallel pathways. The well-studied co-translational pathway uses signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor for targeting and the SEC61 translocon for membrane integration. A recently discovered post-translational pathway uses an entirely different set of factors involving transmembrane domain (TMD)-selective cytosolic chaperones and an accompanying receptor at the ER. Elucidation of the structural and mechanistic basis of this post-translational membrane protein insertion pathway highlights general principles shared between the two pathways and key distinctions unique to each.

Ca2+-calmodulin inhibits tail-anchored protein insertion into the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum membrane

Cytosolic components and pathways have been identified that are involved in inserting tail-anchored (TA) membrane proteins into the yeast or mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Searching for regulatory mechanisms of TA protein biogenesis, we found that Ca2+-calmodulin (CaM) inhibits the insertion of TA proteins into mammalian ER membranes and that this inhibition is prevented by trifluoperazine, a CaM antagonist that interferes with substrate binding of Ca2+-CaM. The effects of Ca2+-CaM on cytochrome b5 and Synaptobrevin 2 suggest a direct interaction between Ca2+-CaM and TA proteins. Thus, CaM appears to regulate TA insertion into the ER membrane in a Ca2+ dependent manner.

Epstein-Barr Viral BNLF2a Protein Hijacks the Tail-anchored Protein Insertion Machinery to Block Antigen Processing by the Transport Complex TAP

Virus-infected cells are eliminated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which recognize viral epitopes displayed on major histocompatibility complex class I molecules at the cell surface. Herpesviruses have evolved sophisticated strategies to escape this immune surveillance. During the lytic phase of EBV infection, the viral factor BNLF2a interferes with antigen processing by preventing peptide loading of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. Here we reveal details of the inhibition mechanism of this EBV protein. We demonstrate that BNLF2a acts as a tail-anchored protein, exploiting the mammalian Asna-1/WRB (Get3/Get1) machinery for posttranslational insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, where it subsequently blocks antigen translocation by the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). BNLF2a binds directly to the core TAP complex arresting the ATP-binding cassette transporter in a transport-incompetent conformation. The inhibition mechanism of EBV BNLF2a is distinct and mutually exclusive of other viral TAP inhibitors.

It Takes Two to Get3

Tail-anchored (TA) membrane proteins perform essential cellular functions. They are posttranslationally inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane by interaction of the Get3 chaperone with the Get1/2 receptor. Two independent structural and functional analyses of the Get3/receptor complex by Stefer etal. and Mariappan etal. now provide insights into TA protein insertion.

Post-translational Membrane Insertion of Tail-anchored Transmembrane EF-hand Ca2+ Sensor Calneurons Requires the TRC40/Asna1 Protein Chaperone

Calneuron-1 and -2 are neuronal EF-hand-type calcium sensor proteins that are prominently targeted to trans-Golgi network membranes and impose a calcium threshold at the Golgi for phosphatidylinositol 4-OH kinase IIIβ activation and the regulated local synthesis of phospholipids that are crucial for TGN-to-plasma membrane trafficking. In this study, we show that calneurons are nonclassical type II tail-anchored proteins that are post-translationally inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane via an association of a 23-amino acid-long transmembrane domain (TMD) with the TRC40/Asna1 chaperone complex. Following trafficking to the Golgi, calneurons are probably retained in the TGN because of the length of the TMD and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate lipid binding. Both calneurons rapidly self-associate in vitro and in vivo via their TMD and EF-hand containing the N terminus. Although dimerization and potentially multimerization precludes TRC40/Asna1 binding and thereby membrane insertion, we found no evidence for a cytosolic pool of calneurons and could demonstrate that self-association of calneurons is restricted to membrane-inserted protein. The dimerization properties and the fact that they, unlike every other EF-hand calmodulin-like Ca(2+) sensor, are always associated with membranes of the secretory pathway, including vesicles and plasma membrane, suggests a high degree of spatial segregation for physiological target interactions.

The Core Components of Organelle Biogenesis and Membrane Transport in the Hydrogenosomes of Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protist of the Excavata group. It contains an anaerobic form of mitochondria called hydrogenosomes, which produce hydrogen and ATP; the majority of mitochondrial pathways and the organellar genome were lost during the mitochondrion-to-hydrogenosome transition. Consequently, all hydrogenosomal proteins are encoded in the nucleus and imported into the organelles. However, little is known about the membrane machineries required for biogenesis of the organelle and metabolite exchange. Using a combination of mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, in vitro import assays and reverse genetics, we characterized the membrane proteins of the hydrogenosome. We identified components of the outer membrane (TOM) and inner membrane (TIM) protein translocases include multiple paralogs of the core Tom40-type porins and Tim17/22/23 channel proteins, respectively, and uniquely modified small Tim chaperones. The inner membrane proteins TvTim17/22/23-1 and Pam18 were shown to possess conserved information for targeting to mitochondrial inner membranes, but too divergent in sequence to support the growth of yeast strains lacking Tim17, Tim22, Tim23 or Pam18. Full complementation was seen only when the J-domain of hydrogenosomal Pam18 was fused with N-terminal region and transmembrane segment of the yeast homolog. Candidates for metabolite exchange across the outer membrane were identified including multiple isoforms of the β-barrel proteins, Hmp35 and Hmp36; inner membrane MCF-type metabolite carriers were limited to five homologs of the ATP/ADP carrier, Hmp31. Lastly, hydrogenosomes possess a pathway for the assembly of C-tail-anchored proteins into their outer membrane with several new tail-anchored proteins being identified. These results show that hydrogenosomes and mitochondria share common core membrane components required for protein import and metabolite exchange; however, they also reveal remarkable differences that reflect the functional adaptation of hydrogenosomes to anaerobic conditions and the peculiar evolutionary history of the Excavata group.

The mechanism of membrane-associated steps in tail-anchored protein insertion.

Tail-anchored (TA) membrane proteins destined for the endoplasmic reticulum are chaperoned by cytosolic targeting factors that deliver them to a membrane receptor for insertion. Although a basic framework for TA protein recognition is now emerging, the decisive targeting and membrane insertion steps are not understood. Here we reconstitute the TA protein insertion cycle with purified components, present crystal structures of key complexes between these components and perform mutational analyses based on the structures. We show that a committed targeting complex, formed by a TA protein bound to the chaperone ATPase Get3, is initially recruited to the membrane through an interaction with Get2. Once the targeting complex has been recruited, Get1 interacts with Get3 to drive TA protein release in an ATPase-dependent reaction. After releasing its TA protein cargo, the now-vacant Get3 recycles back to the cytosol concomitant with ATP binding. This work provides a detailed structural and mechanistic framework for the minimal TA protein insertion cycle.

The Mechanism of Tail-Anchored Protein Insertion into the ER Membrane

Tail-anchored (TA) proteins access the secretory pathway via posttranslational insertion of their C-terminal transmembrane domain into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Get3 is an ATPase that delivers TA proteins to the ER by interacting with the Get1-Get2 transmembrane complex, but how Get3's nucleotide cycle drives TA protein insertion remains unclear. Here, we establish that nucleotide binding to Get3 promotes Get3-TA protein complex formation by recruiting Get3 to a chaperone that hands over TA proteins to Get3. Biochemical reconstitution and mutagenesis reveal that the Get1-Get2 complex comprises the minimal TA protein insertion machinery with functionally critical cytosolic regions. By engineering a soluble heterodimer of Get1-Get2 cytosolic domains, we uncover the mechanism of TA protein release from Get3: Get2 tethers Get3-TA protein complexes into proximity with the ATPase-dependent, substrate-releasing activity of Get1. Lastly, we show that ATP enhances Get3 dissociation from the membrane, thus freeing Get1-Get2 for new rounds of substrate insertion.

Membrane Protein Insertion at the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Integral membrane proteins of the cell surface and most intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells are assembled at the endoplasmic reticulum. Two highly conserved and parallel pathways mediate membrane protein targeting to and insertion into this organelle. The classical cotranslational pathway, utilized by most membrane proteins, involves targeting by the signal recognition particle followed by insertion via the Sec61 translocon. A more specialized posttranslational pathway, employed by many tail-anchored membrane proteins, is composed of entirely different factors centered around a cytosolic ATPase termed TRC40 or Get3. Both of these pathways overcome the same biophysical challenges of ferrying hydrophobic cargo through an aqueous milieu, selectively delivering it to one among several intracellular membranes and asymmetrically integrating its transmembrane domain(s) into the lipid bilayer. Here, we review the conceptual and mechanistic themes underlying these core membrane protein insertion pathways, the complexities that challenge our understanding, and future directions to overcome these obstacles.