Matthijs Kol | University of Osnabrück (original) (raw)

Papers by Matthijs Kol

Research paper thumbnail of Short Photoswitchable Ceramides Enable Optical Control of Apoptosis

Research paper thumbnail of The topology of the ER-resident phospholipid methyltransferase Opi3 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is consistent with in trans catalysis

Journal of Biological Chemistry

Phospholipid N-methyltransferases (PLMTs) synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC) by methylating phos... more Phospholipid N-methyltransferases (PLMTs) synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC) by methylating phosphatidylethanolamine using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. Eukaryotic PLMTs are integral membrane enzymes located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recently Opi3, a PLMT of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was proposed to perform in trans catalysis, i.e. while localized in the ER Opi3 would methylate lipid substrates located in the plasma membrane at membrane contact sites. Here, we tested whether the Opi3 active site is located at the cytosolic side of the ER membrane, which is a prerequisite for in trans catalysis. The membrane topology of Opi3 (and its human counterpart, phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase [PEMT], expressed in yeast) was addressed by topology prediction algorithms and by the substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM). The results of these analyses indicated that Opi3 (as well as PEMT) has an N-out C-in topology and contains four transme...

Research paper thumbnail of Optical manipulation of sphingolipid biosynthesis using photoswitchable ceramides

eLife

Ceramides are central intermediates of sphingolipid metabolism that also function as potent messe... more Ceramides are central intermediates of sphingolipid metabolism that also function as potent messengers in stress signaling and apoptosis. Progress in understanding how ceramides execute their biological roles is hampered by a lack of methods to manipulate their cellular levels and metabolic fate with appropriate spatiotemporal precision. Here, we report on clickable, azobenzene-containing ceramides, caCers, as photoswitchable metabolic substrates to exert optical control over sphingolipid production in cells. Combining atomic force microscopy on model bilayers with metabolic tracing studies in cells, we demonstrate that light-induced alterations in the lateral packing of caCers lead to marked differences in their metabolic conversion by sphingomyelin synthase and glucosylceramide synthase. These changes in metabolic rates are instant and reversible over several cycles of photoswitching. Our findings disclose new opportunities to probe the causal roles of ceramides and their metaboli...

Research paper thumbnail of Osteoporosis and skeletal dysplasia caused by pathogenic variants in SGMS2

JCI Insight

Mechanisms leading to osteoporosis are incompletely understood. Genetic disorders with skeletal f... more Mechanisms leading to osteoporosis are incompletely understood. Genetic disorders with skeletal fragility provide insight into metabolic pathways contributing to bone strength. We evaluated six families with rare skeletal phenotypes and osteoporosis by next-generation sequencing. In all families we identified a heterozygous variant in SGMS2, a gene prominently expressed in cortical bone and encoding the plasma membrane-resident sphingomyelin synthase SMS2. Four unrelated families shared the same nonsense variant c.148C>T (p.Arg50*) whereas the other families had a missense variant c.185T>G (p.Ile62Ser) or c.191T>G (p.Met64Arg). Subjects with p.Arg50* presented with childhood-onset osteoporosis with or without cranial sclerosis. Patients with p.Ile62Ser or p.Met64Arg had a more severe presentation with neonatal fractures, severe short stature, and spondylometaphyseal dysplasia. Several subjects had experienced peripheral facial nerve palsy or other neurological manifestations. Bone biopsies showed significantly altered bone material characteristics including defective bone mineralization. Osteoclast formation and function in vitro was normal. While the p.Arg50* mutation yielded a catalytically inactive enzyme, p.Ile62Ser and p.Met64Arg each enhanced the rate of de novo sphingomyelin production by blocking export of a functional enzyme from the endoplasmic reticulum. SGMS2 pathogenic variants underlie a spectrum of skeletal conditions ranging from isolated osteoporosis to complex skeletal dysplasia, suggesting a critical role for plasma membrane-bound sphingomyelin metabolism in skeletal homeostasis.

Research paper thumbnail of Ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase SMSr is a target of caspase-6 during apoptotic cell death

Bioscience reports, Jan 31, 2017

Ceramides are essential precursors of sphingolipids with a dual role as mediators of apoptotic ce... more Ceramides are essential precursors of sphingolipids with a dual role as mediators of apoptotic cell death. Previous work revealed that the ER-resident ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE) synthase SMSr/SAMD8 is a suppressor of ceramide-mediated apoptosis in cultured cells. Anti-apoptotic activity of SMSr requires a catalytically active enzyme but also relies on the enzyme's N-terminal sterile α-motif or SAM domain. Here, we demonstrate that SMSr itself is a target of the apoptotic machinery. Treatment of cells with staurosporine or the death receptor ligand FasL triggers caspase-mediated cleavage of SMSr at a conserved aspartate located downstream of the enzyme's SAM domain and upstream of its first membrane span. Taking advantage of reconstitution experiments with SMSr produced in a cell-free expression system, specific caspase-inhibitors and gene silencing approaches, we show that SMSr is a novel and specific substrate of caspase-6, a non-conventional effector caspase implic...

Research paper thumbnail of ER residency of the ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase SMSr relies on homotypic oligomerization mediated by its SAM domain

Scientific reports, Jan 25, 2017

SMSr/SAMD8 is an ER-resident ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase with a critical role in contro... more SMSr/SAMD8 is an ER-resident ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase with a critical role in controlling ER ceramides and suppressing ceramide-induced apoptosis in cultured cells. SMSr-mediated ceramide homeostasis relies on the enzyme's catalytic activity as well as on its N-terminal sterile α-motif or SAM domain. Here we report that SMSr-SAM is structurally and functionally related to the SAM domain of diacylglycerol kinase DGKδ, a central regulator of lipid signaling at the plasma membrane. Native gel electrophoresis indicates that both SAM domains form homotypic oligomers. Chemical crosslinking studies show that SMSr self-associates into ER-resident trimers and hexamers that resemble the helical oligomers formed by DGKδ-SAM. Residues critical for DGKδ-SAM oligomerization are conserved in SMSr-SAM and their substitution causes a dissociation of SMSr oligomers as well as a partial redistribution of the enzyme to the Golgi. Conversely, treatment of cells with curcumin, a drug dis...

Research paper thumbnail of Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1: Identification of nonsense, missense and splicesite mutations of the FAH gene

The American Journal of Human Genetics

Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is an autosomal recessive disease due to deficiency of the en... more Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is an autosomal recessive disease due to deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetase (FAH). The FAH gene has a length of 35 kb and contains 14 exons that encode an mRNA of 1400 nt. To get more insight into the molecular basis of the disorder, probands of nine unrelated HT1 families were screened for abnormalities in the FAH gene using PCR. SSCP analysis and direct sequencing of the amplified exons revealed 7 different mutations. Three mutations involve splice consensus sites viz. IVS6-1(g-a)(identified 4x), IVS7-1(del g)(2x) and IVS12+5(g-a)(7x). Analysis of the FAH mRNA by RT-PCR for the effect of these mutations showed a 1 nt frameshift for IVS7-1 and the skipping of exon 12 for IVS12+5. The IVS6-1 transition results in three different mRNAs: all three transcripts missed the first 5 nt of exon 7; one transcript showed in addition a 13 nt deletion in exon 8. Two nonsense mutations were identified viz. E357X(1x) and E364X (2x); both mutations res...

Research paper thumbnail of Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1: Identification of nonsense, missense and splicesite mutations of the FAH gene

American Journal of Human …, 1994

... annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics, Montreal (Canada), 18-22 Oct 1994; ... more ... annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics, Montreal (Canada), 18-22 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1994. ... Abstract, Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is an autosomal recessive disease due to deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetase (FAH). ...

Research paper thumbnail of Uptake and remodeling of exogenous phosphatidylethanolamine in E. coli

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 2004

The fate of exogenous short-chain analogues of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine wa... more The fate of exogenous short-chain analogues of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine was studied in a deep-rough derivative of E. coli mutant strain AD93 that cannot synthesize phosphatidylethanolamine de novo. Using mass spectrometry, it was shown that dicaproyl(di 6:0)-phosphatidylethanolamine is extensively remodeled, eventually adopting the phosphatidylethanolamine species profile of the parental wild-type strain of AD93. Dicaproyl-phosphatidylserine was decarboxylated to form phosphatidylethanolamine, and yielded a species profile, which strongly resembled that of the introduced phosphatidylethanolamine. This demonstrates transport of phosphatidylserine to the cytosolic leaflet of the inner membrane. The changes of the species profile of phosphatidylethanolamine indicate that the short-chain phospholipids are most likely remodeled via two consecutive acyl chain substitutions, and at least part of this remodeling involves transport to the inner membrane. D

Research paper thumbnail of Switching head group selectivity in mammalian sphingolipid biosynthesis by active-site engineering of sphingomyelin synthases

Journal of Lipid Research, 2016

SM is a fundamental component of mammalian cell membranes that contributes to mechanical stabilit... more SM is a fundamental component of mammalian cell membranes that contributes to mechanical stability, signaling, and sorting. Its production involves the transfer of phosphocholine from phosphatidylcholine onto ceramide, a reaction catalyzed by SM synthase (SMS) 1 in the Golgi and SMS2 at the plasma membrane. Mammalian cells also synthesize trace amounts of the SM analog ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), but the physiological relevance of CPE production is unclear. Previous work revealed that SMS2 is a bifunctional enzyme producing both SM and CPE, whereas a closely related enzyme, sphingomyelin synthase-related protein (SMSr)/SAMD8, acts as a monofunctional CPE synthase in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Using domain swapping and site-directed mutagenesis on enzymes expressed in defined lipid environments, we here identified structural determinants that mediate head group selectivity of SMS family members. Notably, a single residue adjacent to the catalytic histidine in the third exoplasmic loop profoundly influenced enzyme specificity, with glutamic acid permitting SMS-catalyzed CPE production and aspartic acid confining the enzyme to produce SM. An exchange of exoplasmic residues with SMSr proved sufficient to convert SMS1 into a bulk CPE synthase. This allowed us to establish mammalian cells that produce CPE rather than SM as the principal phosphosphingolipid and provide a model of the molecular interactions that impart catalytic specificity among SMS enzymes.

Research paper thumbnail of Membrane-Spanning Peptides Induce Phospholipid Flop: A Model for Phospholipid Translocation across the Inner Membrane of E. coli

Biochemistry Usa, 2001

The mechanism by which phospholipids translocate (flop) across the E. coli inner membrane remains... more The mechanism by which phospholipids translocate (flop) across the E. coli inner membrane remains to be elucidated. We tested the hypothesis that the membrane-spanning domains of proteins catalyze phospholipid flop by their mere presence in the membrane. As a model, peptides mimicking the transmembrane stretches of proteins, with the amino acid sequence GXXL(AL)(n)XXA (with X = K, H, or W and n = 8 or 12), were incorporated in large unilamellar vesicles composed of E. coli phospholipids. Phospholipid flop was measured by assaying the increase in accessibility to dithionite of a 2,6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)aminocaproyl (C(6)NBD)-labeled phospholipid analogue, initially exclusively present in the inner leaflet of the vesicle membrane. Fast flop of C(6)NBD-phosphatidylglycerol (C(6)NBD-PG) was observed in vesicles in which GKKL(AL)(12)KKA was incorporated, with the apparent first-order flop rate constant (K(flop)) linearly increasing with peptide:phospholipid molar ratios, reaching a translocation half-time of approximately 10 min at a 1:250 peptide:phospholipid molar ratio at 25 degrees C. The peptides of the series GXXL(AL)(8)XXA also induced flop of C(6)NBD-PG, supporting the hypothesis that transmembrane parts of proteins mediate phospholipid translocation. In this series, K(flop) decreased in the order X = K > H > W, indicating that peptide-lipid interactions in the interfacial region of the membrane modulate the efficiency of a peptide to cause flop. For the peptides tested, flop of C(6)NBD-phosphatidylethanolamine (C(6)NBD-PE) was substantially slower than that of C(6)NBD-PG. In vesicles without peptide, flop was negligible both for C(6)NBD-PG and for C(6)NBD-PE. A model for peptide-induced flop is proposed, which takes into account the observed peptide and lipid specificity.

Research paper thumbnail of Phospholipid Flop Induced by Transmembrane Peptides in Model Membranes Is Modulated by Lipid Composition

Biochemistry Usa, Feb 1, 2003

Since phospholipid synthesis is generally confined to one leaflet of a membrane, membrane growth ... more Since phospholipid synthesis is generally confined to one leaflet of a membrane, membrane growth requires phospholipid translocation (flip-flop). It is generally assumed that this process is proteinmediated; however, the mechanism of flip-flop remains elusive. Previously, we have demonstrated flop of 2-[6-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]caproyl] (C 6 NBD) phospholipids, induced by the presence of membrane-spanning peptides in vesicles composed of an Escherichia coli phospholipid extract, supporting the hypothesis that the presence of transmembrane stretches of proteins in the bilayer is sufficient to allow phospholipid flip-flop in the inner membrane of E. coli Biochemistry 40, 10500]. Here, we investigated whether the specific phospholipid composition of E. coli is a prerequisite for transmembrane helix-induced flop of phospholipids. This was tested by determining the amount of C 6 NBD-phospholipid that was translocated from the inner leaflet to the outer leaflet of a model membrane in time, using a dithionite reduction assay. The transmembrane peptides GWWL(AL) 8 WWA (WALP23) and GKKL(AL) 8 KKA (KALP23) induced phospholipid flop in model membranes composed of various lipid mixtures. The rate of peptide-induced flop was found to decrease with increasing dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) content of vesicles composed of DOPE and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), and the rate of KALP23-induced flop was shown to be stimulated by higher dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) content in model membranes composed of DOPG and DOPC. Furthermore, the incorporation of cholesterol had an inhibitory effect on peptide-induced flop. Finally, flop efficiency was strongly dependent on the phospholipid headgroup of the NBD-phospholipid analogue. Possible implications for transmembrane helix-induced flop in biomembranes in general are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Transmembrane transport of peptidoglycan precursors across model and bacterial membranes

Molecular Microbiology, May 1, 2007

Translocation of the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is a key st... more Translocation of the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is a key step in bacterial cell wall synthesis, but hardly understood. Using NBD-labelled Lipid II, we showed by fluorescence and TLC assays that Lipid II transport does not occur spontaneously and is not induced by the presence of single spanning helical transmembrane peptides that facilitate transbilayer movement of membrane phospholipids. MurG catalysed synthesis of Lipid II from Lipid I in lipid vesicles also did not result in membrane translocation of Lipid II. These findings demonstrate that a specialized protein machinery is needed for transmembrane movement of Lipid II. In line with this, we could demonstrate Lipid II translocation in isolated Escherichia coli inner membrane vesicles and this transport could be uncoupled from the synthesis of Lipid II at low temperatures. The transport process appeared to be independent from an energy source (ATP or proton motive force). Additionally, our studies indicate that translocation of Lipid II is coupled to transglycosylation activity on the periplasmic side of the inner membrane.

Research paper thumbnail of Regulation of ArfGEF activity in the process of COPI vesicle formation

GBM Annual Spring meeting Mosbach 2007, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Functional characterization of enzymes catalysing ceramide phosphoethanolamine biosynthesis in mice

Journal of Lipid Research, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Coatomer, the coat protein of COPI transport vesicles, discriminates ER-residents from p24-proteins

GBM Annual Spring meeting Mosbach 2007, 2007

In the formation of COPI vesicles, interactions take place between the coat protein coatomer and ... more In the formation of COPI vesicles, interactions take place between the coat protein coatomer and membrane proteins: either cargo proteins for retrieval to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or proteins that cycle between the ER and the Golgi. While the binding sites on coatomer for ER residents have been characterized, how cycling proteins bind to the COPI coat is still not clear. In order to understand at a molecular level the mechanism of uptake of such proteins, we have investigated the binding to coatomer of p24 proteins as examples of cycling proteins as well as that of ER-resident cargos. The p24 proteins required dimerization to interact with coatomer at two independent binding sites in ␥-COP. In contrast, ER-resident cargos bind to coatomer as monomers and to sites other than ␥-COP. The COPI coat therefore discriminates between p24 proteins and ER-resident proteins by differential binding involving distinct subunits.

Research paper thumbnail of Phospholipid flip-flop in biogenic membranes: what is needed to connect opposite sides

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology, 2002

Phospholipids are synthesized in biogenic membranes, but only on one leaflet of the bilayer. To s... more Phospholipids are synthesized in biogenic membranes, but only on one leaflet of the bilayer. To support balanced growth of the membrane, phospholipid translocation, or flip-flop, has to occur. Though consensus has been reached that flip-flop is most likely mediated by (a) membrane-associated protein(s), a dedicated flippase has not been identified yet in any biogenic membrane. The characteristics of the flip-flop process are summarized, and possible mechanisms, including the need for a dedicated flippase, are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Transmembrane transport of peptidoglycan precursors across model and bacterial membranes

Molecular Microbiology, 2007

Translocation of the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is a key st... more Translocation of the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is a key step in bacterial cell wall synthesis, but hardly understood. Using NBD-labelled Lipid II, we showed by fluorescence and TLC assays that Lipid II transport does not occur spontaneously and is not induced by the presence of single spanning helical transmembrane peptides that facilitate transbilayer movement of membrane phospholipids. MurG catalysed synthesis of Lipid II from Lipid I in lipid vesicles also did not result in membrane translocation of Lipid II. These findings demonstrate that a specialized protein machinery is needed for transmembrane movement of Lipid II. In line with this, we could demonstrate Lipid II translocation in isolated Escherichia coli inner membrane vesicles and this transport could be uncoupled from the synthesis of Lipid II at low temperatures. The transport process appeared to be independent from an energy source (ATP or proton motive force). Additionally, our studies indicate that translocation of Lipid II is coupled to transglycosylation activity on the periplasmic side of the inner membrane.

Research paper thumbnail of Translocation of Phospholipids Is Facilitated by a Subset of Membrane-spanning Proteins of the Bacterial Cytoplasmic Membrane

Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2003

The mechanism by which phospholipids are transported across biogenic membranes, such as the bacte... more The mechanism by which phospholipids are transported across biogenic membranes, such as the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, is unknown. We hypothesized that this process is mediated by the presence of the membrane-spanning segments of inner membrane proteins, rather than by dedicated flippases. In support of the hypothesis, it was demonstrated that transmembrane ␣-helical peptides, mimicking the membrane-spanning segments, mediate flop of 2-6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl) aminocaproyl C 6 -NBD)-phospholipids (Kol, M. A., de Kroon, A. I., Rijkers, D. T., Killian, J. A., and de Kruijff, B. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 10500 -10506). Here the dithionite reduction assay was used to measure transbilayer equilibration of C 6 -NBD-phospholipids in proteoliposomes, composed of Escherichia coli phospholipids and a subset of bacterial membrane proteins. It is shown that two well characterized integral proteins of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, leader peptidase and the potassium channel KcsA, induce phospholipid translocation, most likely by their transmembrane domains. In contrast, the ATP-binding cassette transporter from the E. coli inner membrane MsbA, a putative lipid flippase, did not mediate phospholipid translocation, irrespective of the presence of ATP. OmpT, an outer membrane protein from E. coli, did not facilitate flop either, demonstrating specificity of protein-mediated phospholipid translocation. The results are discussed in the light of phospholipid transport across the E. coli inner membrane.

Research paper thumbnail of Transbilayer Movement of Phospholipids in Biogenic Membranes

Biochemistry, 2004

Biogenic membranes contain the enzymes that synthesize the cell's membrane lipids, of which the p... more Biogenic membranes contain the enzymes that synthesize the cell's membrane lipids, of which the phospholipids are the most widespread throughout nature. Being synthesized at and inserted into the cytoplasmic leaflet of biogenic membranes, the phospholipids must migrate to the opposite leaflet to ensure balanced growth of the membrane. In this review, the current knowledge of transbilayer movement of phospholipids in biogenic membranes is summarized and the available data are compared to what is known about lipid translocation in other membranes. On the basis of this, a mechanism is proposed, in which phospholipid translocation in biogenic membranes is mediated via membrane-spanning segments of a subset of proteins, characterized by a small number of transmembrane helices. We speculate that proteins of this subset facilitate lipid translocation via the protein-lipid interface, because they display more dynamic behavior and engage in less stable protein-lipid interactions than larger membrane proteins.

Research paper thumbnail of Short Photoswitchable Ceramides Enable Optical Control of Apoptosis

Research paper thumbnail of The topology of the ER-resident phospholipid methyltransferase Opi3 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is consistent with in trans catalysis

Journal of Biological Chemistry

Phospholipid N-methyltransferases (PLMTs) synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC) by methylating phos... more Phospholipid N-methyltransferases (PLMTs) synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC) by methylating phosphatidylethanolamine using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. Eukaryotic PLMTs are integral membrane enzymes located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recently Opi3, a PLMT of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was proposed to perform in trans catalysis, i.e. while localized in the ER Opi3 would methylate lipid substrates located in the plasma membrane at membrane contact sites. Here, we tested whether the Opi3 active site is located at the cytosolic side of the ER membrane, which is a prerequisite for in trans catalysis. The membrane topology of Opi3 (and its human counterpart, phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase [PEMT], expressed in yeast) was addressed by topology prediction algorithms and by the substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM). The results of these analyses indicated that Opi3 (as well as PEMT) has an N-out C-in topology and contains four transme...

Research paper thumbnail of Optical manipulation of sphingolipid biosynthesis using photoswitchable ceramides

eLife

Ceramides are central intermediates of sphingolipid metabolism that also function as potent messe... more Ceramides are central intermediates of sphingolipid metabolism that also function as potent messengers in stress signaling and apoptosis. Progress in understanding how ceramides execute their biological roles is hampered by a lack of methods to manipulate their cellular levels and metabolic fate with appropriate spatiotemporal precision. Here, we report on clickable, azobenzene-containing ceramides, caCers, as photoswitchable metabolic substrates to exert optical control over sphingolipid production in cells. Combining atomic force microscopy on model bilayers with metabolic tracing studies in cells, we demonstrate that light-induced alterations in the lateral packing of caCers lead to marked differences in their metabolic conversion by sphingomyelin synthase and glucosylceramide synthase. These changes in metabolic rates are instant and reversible over several cycles of photoswitching. Our findings disclose new opportunities to probe the causal roles of ceramides and their metaboli...

Research paper thumbnail of Osteoporosis and skeletal dysplasia caused by pathogenic variants in SGMS2

JCI Insight

Mechanisms leading to osteoporosis are incompletely understood. Genetic disorders with skeletal f... more Mechanisms leading to osteoporosis are incompletely understood. Genetic disorders with skeletal fragility provide insight into metabolic pathways contributing to bone strength. We evaluated six families with rare skeletal phenotypes and osteoporosis by next-generation sequencing. In all families we identified a heterozygous variant in SGMS2, a gene prominently expressed in cortical bone and encoding the plasma membrane-resident sphingomyelin synthase SMS2. Four unrelated families shared the same nonsense variant c.148C>T (p.Arg50*) whereas the other families had a missense variant c.185T>G (p.Ile62Ser) or c.191T>G (p.Met64Arg). Subjects with p.Arg50* presented with childhood-onset osteoporosis with or without cranial sclerosis. Patients with p.Ile62Ser or p.Met64Arg had a more severe presentation with neonatal fractures, severe short stature, and spondylometaphyseal dysplasia. Several subjects had experienced peripheral facial nerve palsy or other neurological manifestations. Bone biopsies showed significantly altered bone material characteristics including defective bone mineralization. Osteoclast formation and function in vitro was normal. While the p.Arg50* mutation yielded a catalytically inactive enzyme, p.Ile62Ser and p.Met64Arg each enhanced the rate of de novo sphingomyelin production by blocking export of a functional enzyme from the endoplasmic reticulum. SGMS2 pathogenic variants underlie a spectrum of skeletal conditions ranging from isolated osteoporosis to complex skeletal dysplasia, suggesting a critical role for plasma membrane-bound sphingomyelin metabolism in skeletal homeostasis.

Research paper thumbnail of Ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase SMSr is a target of caspase-6 during apoptotic cell death

Bioscience reports, Jan 31, 2017

Ceramides are essential precursors of sphingolipids with a dual role as mediators of apoptotic ce... more Ceramides are essential precursors of sphingolipids with a dual role as mediators of apoptotic cell death. Previous work revealed that the ER-resident ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE) synthase SMSr/SAMD8 is a suppressor of ceramide-mediated apoptosis in cultured cells. Anti-apoptotic activity of SMSr requires a catalytically active enzyme but also relies on the enzyme's N-terminal sterile α-motif or SAM domain. Here, we demonstrate that SMSr itself is a target of the apoptotic machinery. Treatment of cells with staurosporine or the death receptor ligand FasL triggers caspase-mediated cleavage of SMSr at a conserved aspartate located downstream of the enzyme's SAM domain and upstream of its first membrane span. Taking advantage of reconstitution experiments with SMSr produced in a cell-free expression system, specific caspase-inhibitors and gene silencing approaches, we show that SMSr is a novel and specific substrate of caspase-6, a non-conventional effector caspase implic...

Research paper thumbnail of ER residency of the ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase SMSr relies on homotypic oligomerization mediated by its SAM domain

Scientific reports, Jan 25, 2017

SMSr/SAMD8 is an ER-resident ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase with a critical role in contro... more SMSr/SAMD8 is an ER-resident ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase with a critical role in controlling ER ceramides and suppressing ceramide-induced apoptosis in cultured cells. SMSr-mediated ceramide homeostasis relies on the enzyme's catalytic activity as well as on its N-terminal sterile α-motif or SAM domain. Here we report that SMSr-SAM is structurally and functionally related to the SAM domain of diacylglycerol kinase DGKδ, a central regulator of lipid signaling at the plasma membrane. Native gel electrophoresis indicates that both SAM domains form homotypic oligomers. Chemical crosslinking studies show that SMSr self-associates into ER-resident trimers and hexamers that resemble the helical oligomers formed by DGKδ-SAM. Residues critical for DGKδ-SAM oligomerization are conserved in SMSr-SAM and their substitution causes a dissociation of SMSr oligomers as well as a partial redistribution of the enzyme to the Golgi. Conversely, treatment of cells with curcumin, a drug dis...

Research paper thumbnail of Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1: Identification of nonsense, missense and splicesite mutations of the FAH gene

The American Journal of Human Genetics

Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is an autosomal recessive disease due to deficiency of the en... more Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is an autosomal recessive disease due to deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetase (FAH). The FAH gene has a length of 35 kb and contains 14 exons that encode an mRNA of 1400 nt. To get more insight into the molecular basis of the disorder, probands of nine unrelated HT1 families were screened for abnormalities in the FAH gene using PCR. SSCP analysis and direct sequencing of the amplified exons revealed 7 different mutations. Three mutations involve splice consensus sites viz. IVS6-1(g-a)(identified 4x), IVS7-1(del g)(2x) and IVS12+5(g-a)(7x). Analysis of the FAH mRNA by RT-PCR for the effect of these mutations showed a 1 nt frameshift for IVS7-1 and the skipping of exon 12 for IVS12+5. The IVS6-1 transition results in three different mRNAs: all three transcripts missed the first 5 nt of exon 7; one transcript showed in addition a 13 nt deletion in exon 8. Two nonsense mutations were identified viz. E357X(1x) and E364X (2x); both mutations res...

Research paper thumbnail of Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1: Identification of nonsense, missense and splicesite mutations of the FAH gene

American Journal of Human …, 1994

... annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics, Montreal (Canada), 18-22 Oct 1994; ... more ... annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics, Montreal (Canada), 18-22 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1994. ... Abstract, Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is an autosomal recessive disease due to deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetase (FAH). ...

Research paper thumbnail of Uptake and remodeling of exogenous phosphatidylethanolamine in E. coli

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 2004

The fate of exogenous short-chain analogues of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine wa... more The fate of exogenous short-chain analogues of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine was studied in a deep-rough derivative of E. coli mutant strain AD93 that cannot synthesize phosphatidylethanolamine de novo. Using mass spectrometry, it was shown that dicaproyl(di 6:0)-phosphatidylethanolamine is extensively remodeled, eventually adopting the phosphatidylethanolamine species profile of the parental wild-type strain of AD93. Dicaproyl-phosphatidylserine was decarboxylated to form phosphatidylethanolamine, and yielded a species profile, which strongly resembled that of the introduced phosphatidylethanolamine. This demonstrates transport of phosphatidylserine to the cytosolic leaflet of the inner membrane. The changes of the species profile of phosphatidylethanolamine indicate that the short-chain phospholipids are most likely remodeled via two consecutive acyl chain substitutions, and at least part of this remodeling involves transport to the inner membrane. D

Research paper thumbnail of Switching head group selectivity in mammalian sphingolipid biosynthesis by active-site engineering of sphingomyelin synthases

Journal of Lipid Research, 2016

SM is a fundamental component of mammalian cell membranes that contributes to mechanical stabilit... more SM is a fundamental component of mammalian cell membranes that contributes to mechanical stability, signaling, and sorting. Its production involves the transfer of phosphocholine from phosphatidylcholine onto ceramide, a reaction catalyzed by SM synthase (SMS) 1 in the Golgi and SMS2 at the plasma membrane. Mammalian cells also synthesize trace amounts of the SM analog ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), but the physiological relevance of CPE production is unclear. Previous work revealed that SMS2 is a bifunctional enzyme producing both SM and CPE, whereas a closely related enzyme, sphingomyelin synthase-related protein (SMSr)/SAMD8, acts as a monofunctional CPE synthase in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Using domain swapping and site-directed mutagenesis on enzymes expressed in defined lipid environments, we here identified structural determinants that mediate head group selectivity of SMS family members. Notably, a single residue adjacent to the catalytic histidine in the third exoplasmic loop profoundly influenced enzyme specificity, with glutamic acid permitting SMS-catalyzed CPE production and aspartic acid confining the enzyme to produce SM. An exchange of exoplasmic residues with SMSr proved sufficient to convert SMS1 into a bulk CPE synthase. This allowed us to establish mammalian cells that produce CPE rather than SM as the principal phosphosphingolipid and provide a model of the molecular interactions that impart catalytic specificity among SMS enzymes.

Research paper thumbnail of Membrane-Spanning Peptides Induce Phospholipid Flop: A Model for Phospholipid Translocation across the Inner Membrane of E. coli

Biochemistry Usa, 2001

The mechanism by which phospholipids translocate (flop) across the E. coli inner membrane remains... more The mechanism by which phospholipids translocate (flop) across the E. coli inner membrane remains to be elucidated. We tested the hypothesis that the membrane-spanning domains of proteins catalyze phospholipid flop by their mere presence in the membrane. As a model, peptides mimicking the transmembrane stretches of proteins, with the amino acid sequence GXXL(AL)(n)XXA (with X = K, H, or W and n = 8 or 12), were incorporated in large unilamellar vesicles composed of E. coli phospholipids. Phospholipid flop was measured by assaying the increase in accessibility to dithionite of a 2,6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)aminocaproyl (C(6)NBD)-labeled phospholipid analogue, initially exclusively present in the inner leaflet of the vesicle membrane. Fast flop of C(6)NBD-phosphatidylglycerol (C(6)NBD-PG) was observed in vesicles in which GKKL(AL)(12)KKA was incorporated, with the apparent first-order flop rate constant (K(flop)) linearly increasing with peptide:phospholipid molar ratios, reaching a translocation half-time of approximately 10 min at a 1:250 peptide:phospholipid molar ratio at 25 degrees C. The peptides of the series GXXL(AL)(8)XXA also induced flop of C(6)NBD-PG, supporting the hypothesis that transmembrane parts of proteins mediate phospholipid translocation. In this series, K(flop) decreased in the order X = K > H > W, indicating that peptide-lipid interactions in the interfacial region of the membrane modulate the efficiency of a peptide to cause flop. For the peptides tested, flop of C(6)NBD-phosphatidylethanolamine (C(6)NBD-PE) was substantially slower than that of C(6)NBD-PG. In vesicles without peptide, flop was negligible both for C(6)NBD-PG and for C(6)NBD-PE. A model for peptide-induced flop is proposed, which takes into account the observed peptide and lipid specificity.

Research paper thumbnail of Phospholipid Flop Induced by Transmembrane Peptides in Model Membranes Is Modulated by Lipid Composition

Biochemistry Usa, Feb 1, 2003

Since phospholipid synthesis is generally confined to one leaflet of a membrane, membrane growth ... more Since phospholipid synthesis is generally confined to one leaflet of a membrane, membrane growth requires phospholipid translocation (flip-flop). It is generally assumed that this process is proteinmediated; however, the mechanism of flip-flop remains elusive. Previously, we have demonstrated flop of 2-[6-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]caproyl] (C 6 NBD) phospholipids, induced by the presence of membrane-spanning peptides in vesicles composed of an Escherichia coli phospholipid extract, supporting the hypothesis that the presence of transmembrane stretches of proteins in the bilayer is sufficient to allow phospholipid flip-flop in the inner membrane of E. coli Biochemistry 40, 10500]. Here, we investigated whether the specific phospholipid composition of E. coli is a prerequisite for transmembrane helix-induced flop of phospholipids. This was tested by determining the amount of C 6 NBD-phospholipid that was translocated from the inner leaflet to the outer leaflet of a model membrane in time, using a dithionite reduction assay. The transmembrane peptides GWWL(AL) 8 WWA (WALP23) and GKKL(AL) 8 KKA (KALP23) induced phospholipid flop in model membranes composed of various lipid mixtures. The rate of peptide-induced flop was found to decrease with increasing dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) content of vesicles composed of DOPE and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), and the rate of KALP23-induced flop was shown to be stimulated by higher dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) content in model membranes composed of DOPG and DOPC. Furthermore, the incorporation of cholesterol had an inhibitory effect on peptide-induced flop. Finally, flop efficiency was strongly dependent on the phospholipid headgroup of the NBD-phospholipid analogue. Possible implications for transmembrane helix-induced flop in biomembranes in general are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Transmembrane transport of peptidoglycan precursors across model and bacterial membranes

Molecular Microbiology, May 1, 2007

Translocation of the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is a key st... more Translocation of the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is a key step in bacterial cell wall synthesis, but hardly understood. Using NBD-labelled Lipid II, we showed by fluorescence and TLC assays that Lipid II transport does not occur spontaneously and is not induced by the presence of single spanning helical transmembrane peptides that facilitate transbilayer movement of membrane phospholipids. MurG catalysed synthesis of Lipid II from Lipid I in lipid vesicles also did not result in membrane translocation of Lipid II. These findings demonstrate that a specialized protein machinery is needed for transmembrane movement of Lipid II. In line with this, we could demonstrate Lipid II translocation in isolated Escherichia coli inner membrane vesicles and this transport could be uncoupled from the synthesis of Lipid II at low temperatures. The transport process appeared to be independent from an energy source (ATP or proton motive force). Additionally, our studies indicate that translocation of Lipid II is coupled to transglycosylation activity on the periplasmic side of the inner membrane.

Research paper thumbnail of Regulation of ArfGEF activity in the process of COPI vesicle formation

GBM Annual Spring meeting Mosbach 2007, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Functional characterization of enzymes catalysing ceramide phosphoethanolamine biosynthesis in mice

Journal of Lipid Research, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Coatomer, the coat protein of COPI transport vesicles, discriminates ER-residents from p24-proteins

GBM Annual Spring meeting Mosbach 2007, 2007

In the formation of COPI vesicles, interactions take place between the coat protein coatomer and ... more In the formation of COPI vesicles, interactions take place between the coat protein coatomer and membrane proteins: either cargo proteins for retrieval to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or proteins that cycle between the ER and the Golgi. While the binding sites on coatomer for ER residents have been characterized, how cycling proteins bind to the COPI coat is still not clear. In order to understand at a molecular level the mechanism of uptake of such proteins, we have investigated the binding to coatomer of p24 proteins as examples of cycling proteins as well as that of ER-resident cargos. The p24 proteins required dimerization to interact with coatomer at two independent binding sites in ␥-COP. In contrast, ER-resident cargos bind to coatomer as monomers and to sites other than ␥-COP. The COPI coat therefore discriminates between p24 proteins and ER-resident proteins by differential binding involving distinct subunits.

Research paper thumbnail of Phospholipid flip-flop in biogenic membranes: what is needed to connect opposite sides

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology, 2002

Phospholipids are synthesized in biogenic membranes, but only on one leaflet of the bilayer. To s... more Phospholipids are synthesized in biogenic membranes, but only on one leaflet of the bilayer. To support balanced growth of the membrane, phospholipid translocation, or flip-flop, has to occur. Though consensus has been reached that flip-flop is most likely mediated by (a) membrane-associated protein(s), a dedicated flippase has not been identified yet in any biogenic membrane. The characteristics of the flip-flop process are summarized, and possible mechanisms, including the need for a dedicated flippase, are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Transmembrane transport of peptidoglycan precursors across model and bacterial membranes

Molecular Microbiology, 2007

Translocation of the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is a key st... more Translocation of the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is a key step in bacterial cell wall synthesis, but hardly understood. Using NBD-labelled Lipid II, we showed by fluorescence and TLC assays that Lipid II transport does not occur spontaneously and is not induced by the presence of single spanning helical transmembrane peptides that facilitate transbilayer movement of membrane phospholipids. MurG catalysed synthesis of Lipid II from Lipid I in lipid vesicles also did not result in membrane translocation of Lipid II. These findings demonstrate that a specialized protein machinery is needed for transmembrane movement of Lipid II. In line with this, we could demonstrate Lipid II translocation in isolated Escherichia coli inner membrane vesicles and this transport could be uncoupled from the synthesis of Lipid II at low temperatures. The transport process appeared to be independent from an energy source (ATP or proton motive force). Additionally, our studies indicate that translocation of Lipid II is coupled to transglycosylation activity on the periplasmic side of the inner membrane.

Research paper thumbnail of Translocation of Phospholipids Is Facilitated by a Subset of Membrane-spanning Proteins of the Bacterial Cytoplasmic Membrane

Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2003

The mechanism by which phospholipids are transported across biogenic membranes, such as the bacte... more The mechanism by which phospholipids are transported across biogenic membranes, such as the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, is unknown. We hypothesized that this process is mediated by the presence of the membrane-spanning segments of inner membrane proteins, rather than by dedicated flippases. In support of the hypothesis, it was demonstrated that transmembrane ␣-helical peptides, mimicking the membrane-spanning segments, mediate flop of 2-6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl) aminocaproyl C 6 -NBD)-phospholipids (Kol, M. A., de Kroon, A. I., Rijkers, D. T., Killian, J. A., and de Kruijff, B. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 10500 -10506). Here the dithionite reduction assay was used to measure transbilayer equilibration of C 6 -NBD-phospholipids in proteoliposomes, composed of Escherichia coli phospholipids and a subset of bacterial membrane proteins. It is shown that two well characterized integral proteins of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, leader peptidase and the potassium channel KcsA, induce phospholipid translocation, most likely by their transmembrane domains. In contrast, the ATP-binding cassette transporter from the E. coli inner membrane MsbA, a putative lipid flippase, did not mediate phospholipid translocation, irrespective of the presence of ATP. OmpT, an outer membrane protein from E. coli, did not facilitate flop either, demonstrating specificity of protein-mediated phospholipid translocation. The results are discussed in the light of phospholipid transport across the E. coli inner membrane.

Research paper thumbnail of Transbilayer Movement of Phospholipids in Biogenic Membranes

Biochemistry, 2004

Biogenic membranes contain the enzymes that synthesize the cell's membrane lipids, of which the p... more Biogenic membranes contain the enzymes that synthesize the cell's membrane lipids, of which the phospholipids are the most widespread throughout nature. Being synthesized at and inserted into the cytoplasmic leaflet of biogenic membranes, the phospholipids must migrate to the opposite leaflet to ensure balanced growth of the membrane. In this review, the current knowledge of transbilayer movement of phospholipids in biogenic membranes is summarized and the available data are compared to what is known about lipid translocation in other membranes. On the basis of this, a mechanism is proposed, in which phospholipid translocation in biogenic membranes is mediated via membrane-spanning segments of a subset of proteins, characterized by a small number of transmembrane helices. We speculate that proteins of this subset facilitate lipid translocation via the protein-lipid interface, because they display more dynamic behavior and engage in less stable protein-lipid interactions than larger membrane proteins.