Class A scavenger receptor-mediated adhesion and internalization require distinct cytoplasmic domains

Class A scavenger receptors (SR-A) are transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate both ligand internalization and cell adhesion. Previous studies have identified specific amino acids in the cytoplasmic tail of SR-A that regulate receptor internalization; however, the role of cytoplasmic domains in regulating cell adhesion has not been addressed. To investigate the role of cytoplasmic domains in SR-A-mediated adhesion and to address whether SR-A-mediated adhesion and internalization require distinct cytoplasmic domains, different SR-A constructs were stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells. Deleting the entire cytoplasmic tail (SR-A Delta 1-55) greatly reduced receptor protein abundance. Retaining the six amino acids proximal to the membrane (SR-A Delta 1-49) restored receptor protein abundance. Although SR-A Delta 1-49 localized to the cell surface, cells expressing this receptor failed to internalize the ligand acetylated low density lipoprotein. Replacing the cytoplasmic tail of SR-A with that of the transferrin receptor (TfR/SR-A) resulted in retention of the chimeric receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum suggesting a specific role for the membrane-proximal amino acids in trafficking SR-A from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi. Like SR-A expressing cells, cells expressing SR-A Delta 1-49 displayed increased spreading and adhesion, demonstrating that the membrane-proximal amino acids were sufficient for SR-A-mediated cell adhesion. Together, our results indicate a critical role for the membrane-proximal amino acids in SR-A trafficking and demonstrate that SR-A-mediated adhesion and internalization require distinct cytoplasmic domains.