Structural determinants for rCNT2 sorting to the plasma membrane of polarized and non-polarized cells

rCNT2 (rat concentrative nucleoside transporter 2) (Slc28a2) is a purine-preferring concentrative nucleoside transporter. It is expressed in both non-polarized and polarized cells, where it is localized in the brush border membrane. Since no information about the domains implicated in the plasma membrane sorting of rCNT2 is available, the present study aimed to identify structural and functional requirements for rCNT2 trafficking. The comprehensive topological mapping of the intracellular N-terminal tail revealed two main features: (i) a glutamate-enriched region (NPGLELME) between residues 21 and 28 that seems to be implicated in the stabilization of rCNT2 in the cell surface, since mutagenesis of these conserved glutamates resulted in enhanced endocytosis; and (ii) mutation of a potential protein kinase CK2 domain that led to a loss of brush border-specific sorting. Although the shortest proteins assayed (rCNT2-74AA, -48AA and -37AA) accumulated intracellularly and lost their brush border membrane preference, they were still functional. A deeper analysis of CK2 implication in CNT2 trafficking, using a CK2-specific inhibitor [DMAT (2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole)] and other complementary mutations mimicking the negative charge provided by phosphorylation (S46D and S46E), demonstrated an effect of this kinase on rCNT2 activity. In summary, the N-terminal tail of rCNT2 contains dual sorting signals. An acidic region is responsible for its proper stabilization at the plasma membrane, whereas the putative CK2 domain (Ser(46)) is implicated in the apical sorting of the transporter.