The adaptor complex AP-2 regulates post-endocytic trafficking through the non-clathrin Arf6-dependent endocytic pathway

J Cell Sci. 2008 Dec 15;121(Pt 24):4008-17. doi: 10.1242/jcs.033522. Epub 2008 Nov 25.

Abstract

The ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) GTPase functions as a key regulator of endocytic trafficking, participating in clathrin-independent endocytosis in most cell types. Unexpectedly, we found that siRNA-mediated depletion of clathrin or of adaptor protein 2 (AP-2)-complex subunits alters trafficking of Arf6 pathway cargo proteins, such as major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) and beta1 integrin. Internalization of these cargoes from the plasma membrane was not affected in cells depleted of clathrin, but was modestly delayed in cells lacking AP-2. Furthermore, depletion of clathrin or AP-2 altered the intracellular distribution of MHCI and beta1 integrin, inducing clustering in a perinuclear region. Despite this altered localization in both depleted populations, enhanced lysosomal targeting of MHCI was observed uniquely in cells that lack AP-2. Total levels of MHCI were modestly but consistently reduced in AP-2-depleted cells, and restored by the lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin A. Furthermore, the half-life of surface-derived MHCI was reduced in AP-2-depleted cells. Consistent with enhanced degradative sorting, colocalization of Arf6 cargo with the late endosome and lysosome markers CD63 and Lamp1 was increased in cells depleted of AP-2 but not clathrin. These studies indicate a role for AP-2 in maintaining normal post-endocytic trafficking through the Arf6-regulated, non-clathrin pathway, and reveal pervasive effects of clathrin and AP-2 depletion on the endosomal and lysosomal system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • ADP-Ribosylation Factor 6
  • ADP-Ribosylation Factors / metabolism*
  • Adaptor Protein Complex 2 / genetics
  • Adaptor Protein Complex 2 / metabolism*
  • Adaptor Protein Complex alpha Subunits / genetics
  • Adaptor Protein Complex alpha Subunits / metabolism
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Clathrin / genetics
  • Clathrin / metabolism*
  • Endocytosis*
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / drug effects
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Integrin beta1 / metabolism
  • Lysosomal Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Lysosomes / drug effects
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Macrolides / pharmacology
  • Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Protein Transport / physiology
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Tetraspanin 30
  • Transfection

Substances

  • ADP-Ribosylation Factor 6
  • Adaptor Protein Complex 2
  • Adaptor Protein Complex alpha Subunits
  • Antigens, CD
  • CD63 protein, human
  • Clathrin
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Integrin beta1
  • LAMP1 protein, human
  • Lysosomal Membrane Proteins
  • Macrolides
  • Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Tetraspanin 30
  • bafilomycin A
  • ADP-Ribosylation Factors
  • ARF6 protein, human