Autophagosome-lysosome fusion is independent of V-ATPase-mediated acidification

Nat Commun. 2015 May 11:6:7007. doi: 10.1038/ncomms8007.

Abstract

The ATP-dependent proton pump V-ATPase ensures low intralysosomal pH, which is essential for lysosomal hydrolase activity. Based on studies with the V-ATPase inhibitor BafilomycinA1, lysosomal acidification is also thought to be required for fusion with incoming vesicles from the autophagic and endocytic pathways. Here we show that loss of V-ATPase subunits in the Drosophila fat body causes an accumulation of non-functional lysosomes, leading to a block in autophagic flux. However, V-ATPase-deficient lysosomes remain competent to fuse with autophagosomes and endosomes, resulting in a time-dependent formation of giant autolysosomes. In contrast, BafilomycinA1 prevents autophagosome-lysosome fusion in these cells, and this defect is phenocopied by depletion of the Ca(2+) pump SERCA, a secondary target of this drug. Moreover, activation of SERCA promotes fusion in a BafilomycinA1-sensitive manner. Collectively, our results indicate that lysosomal acidification is not a prerequisite for fusion, and that BafilomycinA1 inhibits fusion independent of its effect on lysosomal pH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acids / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Autophagy* / drug effects
  • Drosophila melanogaster / drug effects
  • Drosophila melanogaster / enzymology*
  • Lysosomes / drug effects
  • Lysosomes / metabolism*
  • Lysosomes / ultrastructure
  • Macrolides / pharmacology
  • Membrane Fusion* / drug effects
  • Models, Biological
  • Phagosomes / drug effects
  • Phagosomes / metabolism*
  • Phagosomes / ultrastructure
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases / metabolism
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Acids
  • Macrolides
  • Protein Subunits
  • bafilomycin A1
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases