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First published online 19 August 2008
doi: 10.1242/jcs.028696

Journal of Cell Science 121, 3052-3061 (2008)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2008
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Research Article

FFAT rescues VAPA-mediated inhibition of ER-to-Golgi transport and VAPB-mediated ER aggregation

Derek C. Prosser, Duvinh Tran, Pierre-Yves Gougeon, Carine Verly and Johnny K. Ngsee*

Neuroscience, Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 725 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa ON, K1Y 4E9 Canada

* Author for correspondence (e-mail: jngsee{at}ohri.ca)

Accepted 18 June 2008

The VAMP-associated proteins termed VAP are a small gene family of proteins characterised by the presence of an N-terminal major sperm protein (MSP) domain. The P56S mutation of the B isoform (VAPB) has been linked to late-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS8) and its expression causes formation of large ER aggregates. Overexpression of the wild-type A isoform (VAPA) but not the B isoform (VAPB), inhibited ER-to-Golgi transport of membrane proteins. This transport block by VAPA was primarily due to decreased segregation of membrane cargo into ER vesicles. We also found that VAPA inhibited lateral diffusion of membrane proteins, most likely through its stable association with microtubules. The MSP domain of VAP is known to interact with the FFAT motif (two phenylalanines in an acidic tract) of proteins involved in sterol regulation. Overexpression of FFAT restored ER-to-Golgi transport and lateral diffusion of membrane proteins, and resolved the large ER aggregates in VAPB-P56S. Application of a FFAT peptide restored in vitro ER vesicle budding and disrupted VAP-microtubule association. Thus, overexpression of the two VAP isoforms causes retention of ER membrane proteins by impeding lateral diffusion and their incorporation into transport vesicles. This inhibitory effect can be relieved by expression of the FFAT motif.

Key words: VAPA, VAPB, FFAT motif, Endoplasmic reticulum, ER budding, Lateral diffusion, Microtubule






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