Multiple features within the syntaxin Sed5p mediate its Golgi localization

Protein retention and the transport of proteins and lipids into and out of the Golgi is intimately linked to the biogenesis and homeostasis of this sorting hub of eukaryotic cells. Of particular importance are membrane proteins that mediate membrane fusion events with and within the Golgi-the Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). In the Golgi of budding yeast cells, the syntaxin SNARE Sed5p oversees membrane fusion events. Determining how Sed5p is localized to and trafficked within the Golgi is critical to informing our understanding of the mechanism(s) of biogenesis and homeostasis of this organelle. Here we establish that the steady-state localization of Sed5p to the Golgi appears to be primarily conformation-based relying on intra-molecular associations between the Habc domain and SNARE-motif while its tribasic COPI-coatomer binding motif plays a role in intra-Golgi retention.