The FTS-Hook-FHIP (FHF) complex interacts with AP-4 to mediate perinuclear distribution of AP-4 and its cargo ATG9A

Mol Biol Cell. 2020 Apr 15;31(9):963-979. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E19-11-0658. Epub 2020 Feb 19.

Abstract

The heterotetrameric adaptor protein complex 4 (AP-4) is a component of a protein coat associated with the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Mutations in AP-4 subunits cause a complicated form of autosomal-recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia termed AP-4-deficiency syndrome. Recent studies showed that AP-4 mediates export of the transmembrane autophagy protein ATG9A from the TGN to preautophagosomal structures. To identify additional proteins that cooperate with AP-4 in ATG9A trafficking, we performed affinity purification-mass spectrometry followed by validation of the hits by biochemical and functional analyses. This approach resulted in the identification of the fused toes homolog-Hook-FHIP (FHF) complex as a novel AP-4 accessory factor. We found that the AP-4-FHF interaction is mediated by direct binding of the AP-4 μ4 subunit to coiled-coil domains in the Hook1 and Hook2 subunits of FHF. Knockdown of FHF subunits resulted in dispersal of AP-4 and ATG9A from the perinuclear region of the cell, consistent with the previously demonstrated role of the FHF complex in coupling organelles to the microtubule (MT) retrograde motor dynein-dynactin. These findings thus uncover an additional mechanism for the distribution of ATG9A within cells and provide further evidence for a role of protein coats in coupling transport vesicles to MT motors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Protein Complex 4 / metabolism*
  • Autophagy-Related Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dyneins / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Protein Transport
  • Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary / metabolism
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • trans-Golgi Network / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adaptor Protein Complex 4
  • ATG9A protein, human
  • Autophagy-Related Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins
  • Dyneins