Enhanced Stability of Non-Canonical NPC2 in the symbiosome supports coral-algal symbiosis

Cnidarians such as reef-building corals depend upon nutrient transfer from intracellular symbionts, but the mechanisms and evolution of this process remain unknown. Homologues of the conserved cholesterol binder Niemann-Pick Type C2 (NPC2) in cnidarians are implicated in the transfer of sterol from symbionts. Here, we show that symbionts transfer bulk sterols to the host, host sterol utilization is plastic, and pharmacological inhibition of sterol trafficking disrupts symbiosis. Having undergone an anthozoan-specific expansion, “non-canonical” NPC2s respond to symbiosis and accumulate over time at the lysosomal-like organelle in which the symbiont resides (“symbiosome”). We demonstrate that both a non- and canonical Aiptasia NPC2 bind symbiont-produced sterols, yet only the non-canonical homologue exhibits increased stability at low pH. We propose that symbiotic cnidarians adapted pre-existing cholesterol-trafficking machinery to function in the highly acidic symbiosome environment, allowing corals to dominate nutrient-poor shallow tropical seas worldwide.

Abstract 628: Efficient Excretion of Xenosterols in the Absence of Abcg5/Abcg8

Hypothesis: Xenosterol excretion by the mammalian body is wholly dependent on Abcg5/Abcg8 function. Methods: To test our hypothesis, we loaded Abcg8-/- mice with dietary plant sterols until they manifested biochemical (elevated plant sterols) and pathological changes (poor body weight, macrothrombocytopenia). All dietary xenosterols were eliminated from the diet and kinetics of xenosterol loss monitored over the ensuing 16 days, monitoring plasma, bile, and stool losses, as well as whole body sterol determinations. Results: After loading Abcg8-/- mice with plant sterols, plasma sitosterol levels in both male and female mice averaged 80mg/dL. Surprisingly, there was rapid loss of xenosterols from blood as well as tissues (liver, whole body), with losses of xenosterols detected in bile and feces. By day 16, stool xenosterols were almost undetectable and reflected the dramatic loss of whole body xenosterols. Conclusions: Our data refute our hypothesis. Although loss of sterolin function leads to severe xenosterolemia in both humans and mice, at least in mice, there appears to be a pathway(s) for elimination via the biliary/intestinal route. Characterization of the transporters involved may shed further light on sterol trafficking.