Saposin C-LBPA interaction in late-endosomes/lysosomes

Exp Cell Res. 2005 Feb 15;303(2):300-7. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2004.09.029.

Abstract

Acidic phospholipids and saposins associations are involved in the degradation process of glycosphingolipids/sphingolipids in late endosomes/lysosomes. In this report, we showed the colocalization of saposin C and lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA) in human fibroblasts by using cytoimmunofluorescence analysis. This colocalization pattern was not seen with other saposins. Large numbers of saposins A, B, and D illustrated the staining patterns that differ from LBPA. In addition, ingested anti-LBPA antibody altered the location of saposin C in human wild-type fibroblasts. In vitro assays demonstrated that saposin C at nM concentrations induced membrane fusion of LBPA containing phospholipid vesicles. Under the same condition, other saposins had no fusion induction on these vesicles. These results suggested a specific interaction between saposin C and LBPA. Total saposin-deficient fibroblasts showed a massive accumulation of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) by electron microscopic analysis. No significant increase of MVBs was found in saposins A and B deficient cells. Interestingly, the accumulated MVBs were significantly reduced by loading saposin C alone into the total saposin-deficient cells. Therefore, we propose that saposin C-LBPA interaction plays a role in the regulation of MVB formation in cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endosomes / metabolism*
  • Endosomes / ultrastructure
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Liposomes
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism*
  • Lysosomes / metabolism*
  • Lysosomes / ultrastructure
  • Membrane Fusion
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Monoglycerides
  • Protein Precursors / deficiency
  • Protein Precursors / genetics
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism
  • Saposins / deficiency
  • Saposins / genetics
  • Saposins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Liposomes
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Monoglycerides
  • Protein Precursors
  • Saposins
  • bis(monoacylglyceryl)phosphate