Rab-domain dynamics in endocytic membrane trafficking

Eukaryotic cells depend on cargo uptake into the endocytic membrane system, which comprises a functionally interconnected network of endosomal compartments. The establishment and maintenance of such diverse compartments in face of the high rates of exchange between them, poses a major challenge for obtaining a molecular understanding of the endocytic system. Rab-GTPases have emerged as architectural key element thereof: Individual family members localize selectively to endosomal compartments, where they recruit a multitude of cytoplasmic effector proteins and coordinate them into membrane sub-domains. Such "Rab-domains" constitute modules of molecular membrane identity, which pattern the endocytic membrane system into a mosaic of Rab-domains. The main objective of this thesis research was to link such "static" mosaic-view with the highly dynamic nature of the endosomal system. The following questions were addressed: How are neighbouring Rab-domains coordinated? Are Rab-domains stable or can they undergo assembly and disassembly? Are the dynamics of Rab-domains utilized in cargo transport? The first part of this thesis research focused on the organization of Rab-domains in the recycling pathway. Utilizing Total Internal Reflection (TIRF) microscopy, Rab11-, but neither Rab4- nor Rab5-positive vesicles were observed to fuse with the plasma membrane. Rab4-positive membranes, however, could be induced to fuse in presence of Brefeldin A. Thus, these experiments complete the view of the recycling pathway by the following steps: a) Rab11-carriers likely mediate the return of recycling cargo to the surface; b) such carriers are presumably generated in an Arf-dependent fission reaction from Rab4-positive compartments. Rab11-chromatography was subsequently carried out in the hope of identifying Rab11-effectors functioning at the Rab4-Rab11 domain interface. An as yet uncharacterized ubiquitin ligase was identified, which selectively interacts with both Rab4 and Rab11. Contrary to expectations, however, the protein (termed ...