Caenorhabditis elegans SNAP-29 is required for organellar integrity of the endomembrane system and general exocytosis in intestinal epithelial cells

Mol Biol Cell. 2011 Jul 15;22(14):2579-87. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E11-04-0279. Epub 2011 May 25.

Abstract

It is generally accepted that soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors mediate the docking and fusion of transport intermediates with target membranes. Our research identifies Caenorhabditis elegans homologue of synaptosomal-associated protein 29 (SNAP-29) as an essential regulator of membrane trafficking in polarized intestinal cells of living animals. We show that a depletion of SNAP-29 blocks yolk secretion and targeting of apical and basolateral plasma membrane proteins in the intestinal cells and results in a strong accumulation of small cargo-containing vesicles. The loss of SNAP-29 also blocks the transport of yolk receptor RME-2 to the plasma membrane in nonpolarized oocytes, indicating that its function is required in various cell types. SNAP-29 is essential for embryogenesis, animal growth, and viability. Functional fluorescent protein-tagged SNAP-29 mainly localizes to the plasma membrane and the late Golgi, although it also partially colocalizes with endosomal proteins. The loss of SNAP-29 leads to the vesiculation/fragmentation of the Golgi and endosomes, suggesting that SNAP-29 is involved in multiple transport pathways between the exocytic and endocytic organelles. These observations also suggest that organelles comprising the endomembrane system are highly dynamic structures based on the balance between membrane budding and fusion and that SNAP-29-mediated fusion is required to maintain proper organellar morphology and functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Endosomes / metabolism*
  • Endosomes / ultrastructure
  • Exocytosis*
  • Golgi Apparatus / metabolism*
  • Golgi Apparatus / ultrastructure
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Organelle Shape
  • Protein Transport
  • Q-SNARE Proteins / genetics
  • Q-SNARE Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptors, LDL / metabolism

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Q-SNARE Proteins
  • RME-2 protein, C elegans
  • Receptors, LDL
  • SNAP-29 protein, C elegans