Arabidopsis synaptotagmin SYT1, a type I signal-anchor protein, requires tandem C2 domains for delivery to the plasma membrane

J Biol Chem. 2010 Jul 23;285(30):23165-76. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.084046. Epub 2010 May 24.

Abstract

The correct localization of integral membrane proteins to subcellular compartments is important for their functions. Synaptotagmin contains a single transmembrane domain that functions as a type I signal-anchor sequence in its N terminus and two calcium-binding domains (C(2)A and C(2)B) in its C terminus. Here, we demonstrate that the localization of an Arabidopsis synaptotagmin homolog, SYT1, to the plasma membrane (PM) is modulated by tandem C2 domains. An analysis of the roots of a transformant-expressing green fluorescent protein-tagged SYT1 driven by native SYT1 promoter suggested that SYT1 is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, and then delivered to the PM via the exocytotic pathway. We transiently expressed a series of truncated proteins in protoplasts, and determined that tandem C(2)A-C(2)B domains were necessary for the localization of SYT1 to the PM. The PM localization of SYT1 was greatly reduced following mutation of the calcium-binding motifs of the C(2)B domain, based on sequence comparisons with other homologs, such as endomembrane-localized SYT5. The localization of SYT1 to the PM may have been required for the functional divergence that occurred in the molecular evolution of plant synaptotagmins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Arabidopsis / cytology*
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Gene Deletion
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Plant Leaves / cytology
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Plant Roots / cytology
  • Plant Roots / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / classification
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Synaptotagmin I / chemistry*
  • Synaptotagmin I / classification
  • Synaptotagmin I / genetics
  • Synaptotagmin I / metabolism*

Substances

  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Synaptotagmin I