Functional co-localization of monocytic aminopeptidase N/CD13 with the Fc gamma receptors CD32 and CD64.

Information about the function of aminopeptidase N/CD13 on monocytes is limited. In order to gain more insight into its interaction with other proteins, we have identified molecules that co-localize with the membrane ectoenzyme at the cell surface of monocytes. Using laser scanning and electron microscopy as well as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measured by flow cytometry we show that monocytic CD13 co-localized with the Fc gamma receptor II/CD32 after Fc receptor ligation by a CD32-specific antibody. FRET was also observed between CD13 and the Fc gamma receptor I/CD64, but not with the myeloid marker CD33 representing a member of the sialoadhesin family. Our results imply a novel functional role of CD13 and Fc gamma receptors as members of a multimeric receptor complex. Further studies have to be done to elucidate common signaling pathways of these molecules.

Two C-terminal cysteines are necessary for proper folding of the peptidase neprilysin/CD10.

Neprilysin (NEP) consists of 749 amino acids with two conserved cysteines (734, 746) and a putative CAAX motif (residues 746-749, CRVW) at the C-terminus. To investigate the role of the C-terminal conserved cysteine residues, three NEP mutants (C734S, C746S, and double mutant C734S/C746S) were constructed by use of site-directed mutagenesis. Western blot analysis of lysates of transfected cells revealed the presence of three NEP forms in wild type and mutants with a different glycosylation pattern. Point mutations of C734 as well as C746 by serine dramatically diminished the plasma membrane association of NEP as detected by flow cytometry and laser scanning microscopy. Endoprotease enzyme activity was slightly diminished in the C746S-NEP variant and was not detectable in the C734S-form of NEP suggesting a pivotal role of the C734 in the proper folding of the enzyme. Prenylation of NEP was not detected in an in vivo assay.