Combinatorial selective ER-phagy remodels the ER during neurogenesis
Harper JW, Melissa Hoyer, Cristina Capitanio, Anna Bieber, Florian Wilfling, Brenda A. Schulman, Ian R. Smith, Julia C. Paoli, Yizhi Jiang, Joao A. Paulo
ASAPCRN
ER-phagy
induced neurons
axons
whole cell proteomics
differentiation
live cell fluorescence microscopy
Keima flux
autophagy
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) employs a diverse proteome landscape
to orchestrate many cellular functions, ranging from protein and lipid
synthesis to calcium ion flux and inter-organelle communication. A case
in point concerns the process of neurogenesis, where a refined tubular
ER network is assembled via ER shaping proteins into the newly formed
neuronal projections to create highly polarized dendrites and axons.
Previous studies have suggested a role for autophagy in ER remodelling,
as autophagy-deficient neurons in vivo display axonal ER accumulation
within synaptic boutons, and the membrane-embedded ER-phagy receptor
FAM134B has been genetically linked with human sensory and autonomic
neuropathy. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying
selective removal of the ER and the role of individual ER-phagy receptors is
limited. Here we combine a genetically tractable induced neuron (iNeuron)
system for monitoring ER remodelling during in vitro differentiation with
proteomic and computational tools to create a quantitative landscape of ER
proteome remodelling via selective autophagy. Through analysis of single
and combinatorial ER-phagy receptor mutants, we delineate the extent to
which each receptor contributes to both the magnitude and selectivity of
ER protein clearance. We define specific subsets of ER membrane or lumenal
proteins as preferred clients for distinct receptors. Using spatial sensors and
flux reporters, we demonstrate receptor-specific autophagic capture of ER
in axons, and directly visualize tubular ER membranes within
autophagosomes in neuronal projections by cryo-electron tomography. This molecular
inventory of ER proteome remodelling and versatile genetic toolkit provide
a quantitative framework for understanding the contributions of individual
ER-phagy receptors for reshaping ER during cell state transitions.