scholarly journals Localisation of Nramp1 in macrophages: modulation with activation and infection

1998 ◽  
Vol 111 (19) ◽  
pp. 2855-2866 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Searle ◽  
N.A. Bright ◽  
T.I. Roach ◽  
P.G. Atkinson ◽  
C.H. Barton ◽  
...  

The murine natural resistance-associated macrophage protein, Nramp1, has multiple pleiotropic effects on macrophage activation and regulates survival of intracellular pathogens including Leishmania, Salmonella and Mycobacterium species. Nramp1 acts as an iron transporter, but precisely how this relates to macrophage activation and/or pathogen survival remains unclear. To gain insight into function, anti-Nramp1 monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are used here to localise Nramp1 following activation and infection. Confocal microscope analysis in uninfected macrophages demonstrates that both the mutant (infection-susceptible) and wild-type (infection-resistant) forms of the protein localise to the membranes of intracellular vesicular compartments. Gold labelling and electron microscopy defines these compartments more precisely as electron-lucent late endosomal and electron-dense lysosomal compartments, with Nramp1 colocalizing with Lamp1 and cathepsins D and L in both compartments, with macrosialin in late endosomes, and with BSA-5 nm gold in pre-loaded lysosomes. Nramp1 is upregulated with interferon-(gamma) and lipopolysaccaride treatment, coinciding with an increase in labelling in lysosomes relative to late endosomes and apparent dispersion of Nramp1-positive vesicles from a perinuclear location towards the periphery of the cytoplasm along the microtubular network. In both control and activated macrophages, expression of the protein is 3- to 4-fold higher in wild-type compared to mutant macrophages. In Leishmania major-infected macrophages, Nramp1 is observed in the membrane of the pathogen-containing phagosomes, which retain a perinuclear localization in resting macrophages. In Mycobacterium avium-infected resting and activated macrophages, Nramp1-positive vesicles migrated to converge, but not always fuse, with pathogen-containing phagosomes. The Nramp1 protein is thus located where it can have a direct influence on phagosome fusion and the microenvironment of the pathogen, as well as in the more general regulation of endosomal/lysosomal function in macrophages.

1998 ◽  
Vol 188 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Hackam ◽  
Ori D. Rotstein ◽  
Wei-jian Zhang ◽  
Samantha Gruenheid ◽  
Philippe Gros ◽  
...  

The mechanisms underlying the survival of intracellular parasites such as mycobacteria in host macrophages remain poorly understood. In mice, mutations at the Nramp1 gene (for natural resistance-associated macrophage protein), cause susceptibility to mycobacterial infections. Nramp1 encodes an integral membrane protein that is recruited to the phagosome membrane in infected macrophages. In this study, we used microfluorescence ratio imaging of macrophages from wild-type and Nramp1 mutant mice to analyze the effect of loss of Nramp1 function on the properties of phagosomes containing inert particles or live mycobacteria. The pH of phagosomes containing live Mycobacterium bovis was significantly more acidic in Nramp1- expressing macrophages than in mutant cells (pH 5.5 ± 0.06 versus pH 6.6 ± 0.05, respectively; P <0.005). The enhanced acidification could not be accounted for by differences in proton consumption during dismutation of superoxide, phagosomal buffering power, counterion conductance, or in the rate of proton “leak”, as these were found to be comparable in wild-type and Nramp1-deficient macrophages. Rather, after ingestion of live mycobacteria, Nramp1-expressing cells exhibited increased concanamycin-sensitive H+ pumping across the phagosomal membrane. This was associated with an enhanced ability of phagosomes to fuse with vacuolar-type ATPase–containing late endosomes and/or lysosomes. This effect was restricted to live M. bovis and was not seen in phagosomes containing dead M. bovis or latex beads. These data support the notion that Nramp1 affects intracellular mycobacterial replication by modulating phagosomal pH, suggesting that Nramp1 plays a central role in this process.


2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1084-1086 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.S. Lapham ◽  
E.S. Phillips ◽  
C.H. Barton

Slc11a1/Nramp1 (solute carrier family 11 member a1/murine natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 gene) encodes a divalent cation transporter that resides within lysosomes/late endosomes of macrophages. Nramp1 modulates the cellular distribution of divalent cations in response to cell activation by intracellular pathogens. Nramp1 expression is repressed and activated by the proto-oncogene c-Myc and Miz-1 (c-Myc-interacting zinc finger protein 1) respectively. Here we demonstrate, using a c-Myc mutant (V394D, Val394→Asp) that is incapable of binding Miz-1, that c-Myc repression of Nramp1 transcription is dependent on its interaction with Miz-1. An oligo pull-down assay demonstrates specific binding of recombinant Miz-1 to the Nramp1 Miz-1-binding site or initiator element(s), and Miz-1-dependent c-Myc recruitment.


2002 ◽  
Vol 363 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoriano MULERO ◽  
Susan SEARLE ◽  
Jenefer M. BLACKWELL ◽  
Jeremy H. BROCK

Solute carrier 11a1 (Slc11a1; formerly Nramp1; where Nramp stands for natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein) is a proton/bivalent cation antiporter that localizes to late endosomes/lysosomes and controls resistance to pathogens. In the present study the role of Slc11a1 in iron turnover is examined in macrophages transfected with Slc11a1Gly169 (wild-type) or Slc11a1Asp169 (mutant = functional null) alleles. Following direct acquisition of transferrin (Tf)-bound iron via the Tf receptor, iron uptake and release was equivalent in wild-type and mutant macrophages and was not influenced by interferon-γ/lipopolysaccharide activation. Following phagocytosis of [59Fe]Tf—anti-Tf immune complexes, iron uptake was equivalent and up-regulated similarly with activation, but intracellular distribution was markedly different. In wild-type macrophages most iron was in the soluble (60%) rather than insoluble (12%) fraction, with 28% ferritin (Ft)-bound. With activation, the soluble component increased to 82% at the expense of Ft-bound iron (< 5%). In mutant macrophages, 40–50% of iron was in insoluble form, 50–60% was soluble and < 5% was Ft-bound. Western-blot analysis confirmed failure of mutant macrophages to degrade complexes 24h after phagocytic uptake. Confocal microscopy showed that complexes were within lysosome-associated membrane protein 1-positive vesicles in wild-type and mutant macrophages at 30min and 24h, implying failure in the degradative process in mature phagosomes in mutant macrophages. NO-mediated iron release was 2.4-fold higher in activated wild-type macrophages compared with mutant macrophages. Overall, our data suggest that iron acquired by phagocytosis and degradation is retained within the phagosomal compartment in wild-type macrophages, and that NO triggers iron release by direct secretion of phagosomal contents rather than via the cytoplasm.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sourav Banerjee ◽  
Rupak Datta

AbstractNatural resistance associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp1) was discovered as a genetic determinant of resistance against multiple intracellular pathogens, including Leishmania. It encodes a transmembrane protein of the phago-endosomal vesicles, where it functions as an iron transporter. But how Nramp1 expression is regulated in an infected macrophage is unknown. Its role in controlling iron availability to the intracellular pathogens and in determining the final outcome of an infection also remains to be fully deciphered. Here we report that Nramp1 protein abundance undergoes temporal changes in Leishmania major infected macrophages. At 12 hours post infection, there was drastic lowering of Nramp1 level accompanied by increased phagolysosomal iron availability and enhanced parasite growth. Leishmania infection-induced downregulation of Nramp1 was found to be caused by ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway. In fact, blocking of Nramp1 degradation with proteasome inhibitor resulted in depletion of phagolysosomal iron pool with significant reduction in the number of intracellular parasites. Further, we uncovered that this degradation process is mediated by the iron regulatory peptide hormone hepcidin that binds to Nramp1. Interestingly, Nramp1 protein level was restored to normalcy after 30 hours of infection with a concomitant drop in the phagolysosomal iron level, which is suggestive of a host counter defense strategy to deprive the pathogen of this essential micronutrient. Taken together, our study implicates Nramp1 as a central player in the host-pathogen battle for iron. It also unravels Nramp1 as a novel partner for hepcidin. The hitherto unidentified ‘hepcidin-Nramp1 axis’ may have a broader role in regulating macrophage iron homeostasis.ImportanceLeishmania parasites are the causative agents of a group of neglected tropical diseases called leishmaniasis. They reside within the phagolysosomes of mammalian macrophages. Since iron is an essential micronutrient for survival and virulence, intracellular Leishmania must acquire it from the tightly regulated macrophage iron pool. How this challenging task is accomplished remains a fundamental question in Leishmania biology. We report here that Leishmania major infection caused ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation of natural resistance associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp1). Nramp1 being an iron exporter at the phago-endosomal membrane, its degradation resulted in increased phagolysosomal iron availability thereby stimulating parasite growth. We also uncovered that Nramp1 degradation is controlled by the iron regulatory peptide hormone hepcidin. Interestingly, at a later stage of infection, Nramp1 protein level was restored to normalcy with simultaneous depletion of phagolysosomal iron. Collectively, our study implicates Nramp1 as a central player in the host-pathogen struggle for acquiring iron.


2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 774-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Bowen ◽  
T. E. Biggs ◽  
S. T. Baker ◽  
E. Phillips ◽  
V. H. Perry ◽  
...  

The Nrampl (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1) gene modulates the growth of intracellular pathogens and encodes a divalent cation transporter within lysosomes/late endosomes of macrophages. Nrampl modulates the cytoplasmic iron pool. Wu, Polack and Dalla-Favera [(1999) Science 283, 676–679] showed reciprocal control of H-ferritin and IRP2 by c-Myc, and suggest that c-Myc regulates genes to increase cytoplasmic iron. A role for c-Myc in Nrampl regulation was evaluated. Co-transfection studies show that c-Myc represses Nrampl promoter function. Five non-canonical Myc-max binding sites (E-box) identified within the Nrampl 5′-flanking sequence are not responsible for the inhibitory effects of c-Myc on Nrampl expression. An initiator(s) adjacent to the transcriptioninitiation site is a candidate for the inhibition observed. Results are consistent with a role for Nrampl removing iron from the cytosol and antagonizing c-Myc function.


2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (8) ◽  
pp. 4831-4833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sukumar Pal ◽  
Ellena M. Peterson ◽  
Luis M. de la Maza

ABSTRACT Elicited macrophages from 129sv mice with a functional deletion of the natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 gene (Nramp1) were shown to be as susceptible as wild-type mice to infection with the Chlamydia trachomatis mouse pneumonitis and L3 serovars and to Chlamydia pneumoniae. Furthermore, the two groups of mice were shown to be similarly susceptible to an intranasal infection with these microorganisms. In conclusion, the Nramp1 gene does not appear to play a major role in the regulation of the susceptibility of mice to a chlamydial infection.


2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 618-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Comabella ◽  
Laura Altet ◽  
Francesc Peris ◽  
Pablo Villoslada ◽  
Armand Sánchez ◽  
...  

Solute carrier 11a1 (SLC11A1; formerly NRAMP1, where NRAMP stands for natural resistance-associated macrophage protein) is a proton/bivalent cation antiporter that localizes to late endosomes/lysosomes. SLC11A1 regulates macrophage functions that are of potential importance in the induction and/or maintenance of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and Crohn’s disease. We investigated SLC11A1 gene as a candidate gene for genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) in our population. Four SLC11A1 gene polymorphisms (5?GT repeat, D543N, 1729 -55del4 and 1729 -271del4) were analysed in a case-control study of 195 patients with MS and 125 control subjects. We found no evidence of association between SLC11A1 polymorphisms and MS susceptibility in the Spanish population.


Author(s):  
Yun Li ◽  
Jingjun Li ◽  
Yihong Yu ◽  
Xia Dai ◽  
Changyi Gong ◽  
...  

Abstract Vacuolar storage of iron (Fe) is important for Fe homeostasis in plants. When sufficient, the excess Fe could be stored in vacuoles for remobilization in case of Fe deficiency. Although the mechanism of Fe remobilization from vacuoles is critical for crop development under low Fe stress, the transporters that mediate vacuolar Fe translocation into the cytosol in rice remains unknown. Here, we showed that under higher Fe 2+ concentrations, the Δccc1 yeast mutant transformed with rice natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 2 (OsNRAMP2) became more sensitive to Fe toxicity. In rice protoplasts and transgenic plants expressing Pro35S: OsNRAMP2-GFP, OsNRAMP2 was localized to tonoplast. Vacuolar Fe contents in osnramp2 knockdown lines were higher than in the wild-type, while the growth of osnramp2 knockdown plants was significantly influenced by Fe deficiency. Furthermore, the germination of osnramp2 knockdown plants was arrested. Inversely, the vacuolar Fe contents of Pro35S: OsNRAMP2-GFP lines were significantly lower than in the wild-type, and overexpression of OsNRAMP2 increased shoot biomass under Fe deficiency. Taken together, we propose that OsNRAMP2 transports Fe from the vacuole to the cytosol and plays a pivotal role in seed germination.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinthia C. Stempin ◽  
Laura R. Dulgerian ◽  
Vanina V. Garrido ◽  
Fabio M. Cerban

A type 1 cytokine-dependent proinflammatory response inducing classically activated macrophages (CaMϕs) is crucial for parasite control during protozoan infections but can also contribute to the development of immunopathological disease symptoms. Type 2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 antagonize CaMϕs inducing alternatively activated macrophages (AaMϕs) that upregulate arginase-1 expression. During several infections, induction of arginase-1-macrophages was showed to have a detrimental role by limiting CaMϕ-dependent parasite clearance and promoting parasite proliferation. Additionally, the role of arginase-1 in T cell suppression has been explored recently. Arginase-1 can also be induced by IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) or even directly by parasites or parasite components. Therefore, generation of alternative activation states of macrophages could limit collateral tissue damage because of excessive type 1 inflammation. However, they affect disease outcome by promoting parasite survival and proliferation. Thus, modulation of macrophage activation may be instrumental in allowing parasite persistence and long-term host survival.


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