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Mr 46,000 mannose 6-phosphate specific receptor: its role in targeting of lysosomal enzymes

M Stein1, J E Zijderhand-Bleekemolen, H Geuze

  • 1Physiologisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, FRG.

The EMBO Journal
|September 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

The cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR) transports internal lysosomal enzymes but does not endocytose external ones. Antibodies targeting this MPR revealed its specific role in endogenous protein transport.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Lysosomal enzymes are crucial for cellular waste degradation.
  • Mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) mediate lysosomal enzyme trafficking.
  • Two main MPRs exist: cation-dependent (46 kDa) and cation-independent (215 kDa).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct roles of the cation-dependent MPR (46 kDa) in lysosomal enzyme transport.
  • To differentiate the MPRs' functions in endogenous protein retention versus exogenous enzyme endocytosis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized antibodies to block the ligand-binding site of the 46 kDa MPR.
  • Studied lysosomal enzyme transport in cell lines expressing different MPR combinations (Morris hepatoma 7777, fibroblasts, HepG2, U937 monocytes).
  • Assessed intracellular enzyme retention, secretion, and endocytosis rates.

Main Results:

  • Blocking the 46 kDa MPR in cells expressing only it decreased enzyme retention and increased secretion.
  • In cells with both MPRs, blocking the 46 kDa MPR only affected enzyme retention when the 215 kDa MPR was also blocked.
  • Morris hepatoma cells lacking the 215 kDa MPR did not endocytose lysosomal enzymes.
  • U937 monocytes, expressing both MPRs, internalized enzymes via the 215 kDa MPR, not the 46 kDa MPR.
  • The 46 kDa MPR's inability to mediate endocytosis stems from ligand-binding impairment, not membrane exclusion.

Conclusions:

  • The cation-dependent 46 kDa MPR primarily mediates the transport of endogenous lysosomal enzymes.
  • The cation-independent 215 kDa MPR is responsible for the endocytosis of exogenous lysosomal enzymes.
  • The 46 kDa MPR's function is specific to intracellular trafficking, distinct from exogenous uptake mechanisms.

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