Loss of the novel Vcp (valosin containing protein) interactor Washc4 interferes with autophagy-mediated proteostasis in striated muscle and leads to myopathy in vivo.

VCP/p97 (valosin containing protein) is a key regulator of cellular proteostasis. It orchestrates protein turnover and quality control in vivo, processes fundamental for proper cell function. In humans, mutations in VCP lead to severe myo- and neuro-degenerative disorders such as inclusion body myopathy with Paget disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). We analyzed here the in vivo role of Vcp and its novel interactor Washc4/Swip (WASH complex subunit 4) in the vertebrate model zebrafish (Danio rerio). We found that targeted inactivation of either Vcp or Washc4, led to progressive impairment of cardiac and skeletal muscle function, structure and cytoarchitecture without interfering with the differentiation of both organ systems. Notably, loss of Vcp resulted in compromised protein degradation via the proteasome and the macroautophagy/autophagy machinery, whereas Washc4 deficiency did not affect the function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) but caused ER stress and interfered with autophagy function in vivo. In summary, our findings provide novel insights into the in vivo functions of Vcp and its novel interactor Washc4 and their particular and distinct roles during proteostasis in striated muscle cells.

The cell polarity proteins Boi1p and Boi2p stimulate vesicle fusion at the plasma membrane of yeast cells.

Eukaryotic cells can direct secretion to defined regions of their plasma membrane. These regions are distinguished by an elaborate architecture of proteins and lipids that are specialized to capture and fuse post-Golgi vesicles. Here, we show that the proteins Boi1p and Boi2p are important elements of this area of active exocytosis at the tip of growing yeast cells. Cells lacking Boi1p and Boi2p accumulate secretory vesicles in their buds. The essential PH domains of Boi1p and Boi2p interact with Sec1p, a protein required for SNARE complex formation and vesicle fusion. Sec1p loses its tip localization in cells depleted of Boi1p and Boi2p but overexpression of Sec1p can partially compensate for their loss. The capacity to simultaneously bind phospholipids, Sec1p, multiple subunits of the exocyst, Cdc42p and the module for generating active Cdc42p identify Boi1p and Boi2p as essential mediators between exocytosis and polar growth.