NSF and p97 are related AAA proteins implicated in membrane trafficking and organelle biogenesis. p97 is also involved in pathways that lead to ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis, including ER-associated degradation (ERAD). In this study, we have used dominant interfering ATP-hydrolysis deficient mutants (NSF(E329Q) and p97(E578Q)) to compare the function of these AAA proteins in the secretory pathway of mammalian cells. Expressing NSF(E329Q) promotes disassembly of Golgi stacks into dispersed vesicular structures. It also rapidly inhibits glycosaminoglycan sulfation, reflecting disruption of intra-Golgi transport. In contrast, expressing p97(E578Q) does not affect Golgi structure or function; glycosaminoglycans are normally sulfated and secreted, as is the VSV-G ts045 protein. Instead, expression of p97(E578Q) causes ubiquitinated proteins to accumulate on ER membranes and slows degradation of the ERAD substrate cystic-fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator. In addition, expression of p97(E578Q) eventually causes the ER to swell. More specific assessment of effects of p97(E578Q) on organelle assembly shows that the Golgi apparatus disperses and reassembles normally after treatment with brefeldin A and during mitosis. These findings demonstrate that ATPhydrolysis-dependent activities of NSF and p97 in the cell are not equivalent and suggest that only NSF is directly involved in regulating membrane fusion.
INTRODUCTIONMembrane fusion is an essential step in all forms of vesicle trafficking and organelle assembly. Fusion is driven by a series of regulated protein-protein interactions. Many participating proteins have been identified, and their specific roles are gradually coming to light (reviewed in Jahn et al., 2003). Among these proteins are a number of ATPases.N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor (NSF) was one of the first proteins specifically linked to membrane fusion (Wilson et al., 1989). It belongs to a family of chaperone-like ATPases known as AAA (ATPases associated with a variety of cellular activities) proteins (Neuwald et al., 1999). NSF together with ␣-SNAP (soluble NSF attachment protein) dissociates the SNARE (SNAP receptor) complexes that promote association and fusion of cellular membranes. More recently, NSF has also been implicated in other cellular processes on the basis of its ability to bind the AMPA receptor GluR2, -arrestin 1, and GATE-16 (reviewed in Whiteheart et al., 2001). However, its role in SNARE disassembly and membrane fusion remains its best understood function.Not all ATP-requiring steps that lead to membrane fusion can be attributed to NSF (Goda and Pfeffer, 1991;Latterich and Schekman, 1994;Rodriguez et al., 1994;Wilson, 1995).Other ATPases must therefore be involved. One AAA protein thought to be an alternate to NSF is known as p97 (also referred to as valosin-containing protein, VCP). p97 is an abundant and highly conserved protein (Peters et al., 1990) whose cellular function has been the subject of much debate. A break in the mystery of p97's function came when it turn...