Large-scale identification of human genes implicated in epidermal barrier function

Identification of genes expressed in epidermal granular keratinocytes by ORESTES, including a number that are highly specific for these cells

The Ubiquitous Dermokine Delta Activates Rab5 Function in the Early Endocytic Pathway

The expression of the recently identified dermokine (Dmkn) gene leads to four families of proteins with as yet unknown functions. The secreted α, β and γ isoforms share an epidermis-restricted expression pattern, whereas the δ isoform is intracellular and ubiquitous. To get an insight into Dmknδ function, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening and identified the small GTPases Rab5 as partners for Dmknδ. The Rab5 proteins are known to regulate membrane docking and fusion in the early endocytic pathway. GST pull-down assays confirmed the direct interaction between Rab5 and Dmknδ. Transient expression of Dmknδ in HeLa cells led to the formation of punctate structures colocalized with endogenous Rab5 and clathrin, indicating Dmknδ involvement in the early steps of endocytosis. Dmknδ indeed colocalized with transferrin at early stages of endocytosis, but did not modulate its endocytosis or recycling kinetics. We also showed that Dmknδ was able to bind both inactive (GDP-bound) and active (GTP-bound) forms of Rab5 in vitro but preferentially targeted GDP-bound form in HeLa cells. Interestingly, Dmknδ expression rescued the Rab5S34N-mediated inhibition of endosome fusion. Moreover, Dmknδ caused the enlargement of vesicles positive for Rab5 by promoting GTP loading onto the small GTPase. Together our data reveal that Dmknδ activates Rab5 function and thus is involved in the early endosomal trafficking

Rab5 is a partner of Dmknδ5.

<p><i>A.</i> By yeast two-hybrid screening, positive clones were identified as Rab5b and Rab5c. Rab5a, subsequently tested, was also able to grow on selective medium and was positive for the β–galactosidase filter assay. Three representative clones of each double transformant corresponding to Dmknδ5/Rab5b, -c or -a are shown. <i>B.</i> GST-Dmknδ5 fusion protein or GST alone were captured on glutathione-sepharose beads before loading HeLa protein extract (HeLa) or purified recombinant wild-type Rab5 (Rab5). Proteins initially loaded onto the column (input) or eluted from the column (output) were detected by immunoblotting with an antibody directed against Rab5. <i>C.</i> HeLa cells were transiently transfected with GFP-Dmknδ5 (green) and processed for immunofluorescence analysis using an anti-Rab5 antibody (red). Representative transfected cells are shown, where GFP-Dmknδ5 is found in punctate structures (arrowheads) partially colocalized with endogenous Rab5.</p

Corneodesmosin gene ablation induces lethal skin-barrier disruption and hair-follicle degeneration related to desmosome dysfunction.

International audienceCorneodesmosin (CDSN) is specific to desmosomes of epithelia undergoing cornification, mainly the epidermis and the inner root sheath of the hair follicles. CDSN nonsense mutations are associated with hypotrichosis simplex of the scalp, a rare disease that leads to complete baldness in young adults. CDSN displays adhesive properties, mostly attributable to its N-terminal glycine-rich domain, and is sequentially proteolyzed as corneocytes migrate towards the skin surface. K14-promoter driven Cre-mediated deletion of Cdsn in mice resulted in neonatal death as a result of epidermal tearing upon minor mechanical stress. Ultrastructural analyses revealed a desmosomal break at the interface between the living and cornified layers. After grafting onto nude mice, knockout skin showed a chronic defect in the epidermal permeability barrier. The epidermis was first hyperproliferative with a thick cornified layer, then, both the epidermis and the hair follicles degenerated. In adults, Cdsn deletion resulted in similar histological abnormalities and in a lethal barrier defect. We demonstrate that Cdsn is not essential for skin-barrier formation in utero, but is vital throughout life to preserve this barrier by maintaining desmosome integrity. The strong adhesive function that the protein confers on corneodesmosomes also seems necessary for maintaining the architecture of the hair follicle

Dmknδ interacts with active and inactive Rab5.

<p><i>A.</i> After capture of GST-Dmknδ5 fusion protein or GST alone on glutathione-sepharose beads, purified recombinant wild-type Rab5 (Rab5), incubated beforehand with GppNHp (active conformation) or GDP (inactive conformation), was loaded. Proteins initially loaded onto the column (input) or eluted from the column (output) were detected by immunoblotting with an antibody directed against Rab5. <i>B.</i> HeLa cells were transiently transfected with GFP-Dmknδ5 (green) and DsRed-Rab5Q79L or DsRed-Rab5S34N (red), respectively. Cells were then visualized by confocal microscopy. Bars, 5 µm</p

Dmknδ5 colocalizes early with endocytosed transferrin and does not influence transferrin uptake or recycling kinetics.

<p><i>A</i>. HeLa cells transiently transfected with GFP-Dmknδ5 were incubated with AlexaFluor-555 conjugated-transferrin at 4°C (<i>0 min</i>). Transferrin uptake was then carried out for 4, 10, 15 or 30 min at 37°C, as indicated. Localization of GFP-Dmknδ5 (green) and Alexa Fluor-555 conjugated-transferrin (red) was then observed by confocal microscopy. Arrowheads show colocalization between GFP-Dmknδ5 and transferrin. Bars, 5 µm. <i>B, C.</i> Kinetics of endocytosis (<i>B</i>) and recycling (<i>C</i>) of transferrin in HeLa cells transiently expressing GFP-Dmknδ5 (black square) or GFP alone (open circle). For transferrin endocytosis, results are expressed as the percentage of internalized transferrin with respect to the prebound transferrin at +4°C (<i>B</i>). For recycling of intracellular transferrin, results are expressed as the percentage of initial (time 0, 100%) intracellular tranferrin (<i>C</i>). In <i>B</i> and <i>C</i>, the graphs are mean ± SD of three independent experiments.</p

The N-terminal region of Dmknδ5 is responsible for the interaction with Rab5.

<p><i>A.</i> δ5-Nt and δ5-Ct were tested for interaction with Rab5 using the yeast two-hybrid system. Expression of the reporter genes assay is shown for three representative clones of each double transformant (δ5-Nt/Rab5 and δ5-Ct/Rab5). <i>B.</i> HeLa cells were transiently transfected with DsRed-Rab5wt (red) and GFP-δ5-Nt or GFP-δ5-Ct (green) and observed by confocal microscopy. Bar, 5 µm</p