Study uncovers role of membrane-associated protein in development and function of human T cells

Key insights from small samples
Micrographs showing that the normal FCHO1 protein aggregates in clusters on the cell membrane (left), while the mutant form is found in large, randomly distributed clumps within the cell (right). Credit: Klein/LMU/NComms

All biological cells are bounded by a lipid bilayer known as the plasma membrane. In addition, the cells of higher organisms contain specialized intracellular membrane compartments, which interact with each other and with the plasma membrane. The highly dynamic functional interplay between these membrane systems plays a vital role in many biological processes, and is essential for normal cell function and survival. A new report published by a group of researchers led by Christoph Klein (Professor of Pediatrics at Dr. von Hauner's Children's Hospital, which is part of the LMU Medical Center) throws new light on the action of a key component of this network, and uncovers its significance for the development and function of human T cells. The new findings appear in the online journal Nature Communications.

Klein's research focuses on rare genetic diseases that manifest at an early age and whose etiology is unknown. Nowadays, the first step toward an understanding of such a disorder is the identification of the genetic mutations responsible for the condition. "In the case that concerns us here, we were able to identify mutations in one specific gene in a cohort of 10 patients identified by the global Care-for-Rare Alliance, which I initiated some years ago. This gene codes for a key protein called FCHO1, which is found at the ," Klein explains. "In all, we discovered six different mutations in this gene, each of which interferes with the protein's normal function." All of the children affected suffer from severe, life-threatening associated with defective T-cell function. These implied that FCHO1 is involved in an essential biological process.

This inference is supported by the earlier finding that FCHO1 acts at an early stage in the process of clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). CME is responsible for the uptake of fluids and the retrieval of proteins from the cell membrane, at sites that are marked by binding of the protein clathrin to its inner surface. This interaction triggers the involution of a membrane patch to form a clathrin-coated pit, which then rounds up and pinches off to yield a 'coated vesicle.' The mutations in FCHO1 might therefore be expected to disrupt this process, which could in turn account for the immune deficiency observed in the affected children. To test this hypothesis, Marcin Łyszkiewicz and Natalia Ziętara—joint first authors of the study—set out to characterize the consequences of the different mutations for the biological role of FCHO1 under defined experimental conditions. Indeed, their results demonstrated that the six mutations resulted in the mislocalization of FCHO1 or otherwise interfered with its ability to interact with its normal binding partners. These findings therefore imply that the immunological defects observed in the patient cohort can be attributed to a failure to initiate endocytosis at the plasma membrane.

To investigate the impact of the loss of FCHO1 at the cellular level, Łyszkiewicz and colleagues deleted the gene in a cultured T-cell line, and discovered that the mutant were unable to remove the activated T-cell receptor from the plasma . This receptor protein is expressed on the surface of T cells, and is crucial for the control of their immunological functions. Once activated, it induces various signaling pathways that regulate the cell's immune response, which must subsequently be turned off again at the appropriate time. "Unbalanced signaling can lead either to immune deficiencies like those observed in our patients, or cause autoimmune diseases," says Klein.

Up to now, the significance of the FCHO1 protein for immunological function has not been recognized—perhaps because its association with severe combined immune deficiency in children has been overlooked for so long. "Our study is a very good example of how systematic studies of patients with can contribute to the discovery of new genes and signaling pathways that regulate the differentiation and functions of the cells that orchestrate the immune system," says Klein. The outcome of this study not only enables the molecular diagnosis of the condition, it will also enhance the quality of the advice that genetic counselors can offer to affected families. Furthermore, the results provide new insights into fundamental functions of the human immune system at the cellular level. In collaboration with the Care-for-Rare Foundation's international research network, Klein and his associates will continue to explore the intricate web of proteins that governs the behavior of the immune system.

More information: Marcin Łyszkiewicz et al. Human FCHO1 deficiency reveals role for clathrin-mediated endocytosis in development and function of T cells, Nature Communications (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14809-9

Journal information: Nature Communications
Citation: Study uncovers role of membrane-associated protein in development and function of human T cells (2020, February 27) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-02-uncovers-role-membrane-associated-protein-function.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Mutation disables innate immune system

59 shares

Feedback to editors