Regulatory sites in the Mon1-Ccz1 complex control Rab5 to Rab7 transition and endosome maturation

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.03.01.530579v1?rss=1 Authors: Borchers, A.-C., Janz, M., Schaefer, J.-H., Moeller, A., Kuemmel, D., Paululat, A., Ungermann, C., Langemeyer, L. Abstract: Maturation from early to late endosomes depends on the exchange of their marker proteins Rab5 to Rab7. This requires Rab7 activation by its specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Mon1-Ccz1. Efficient GEF activity of this complex on membranes depends on Rab5, thus driving Rab-exchange on endosomes. However, molecular details on the role of Rab5 in Mon1-Ccz1 activation are unclear. Here we identify key features in Mon1 involved in GEF regulation. We show that the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain of Mon1 autoinhibits Rab5-dependent GEF-activity on membranes. Consequently, Mon1 truncations result in higher GEF activity in vitro, and a shift from Rab5 to more Rab7 positive structures in Drosophila nephrocytes and yeast, suggesting faster endosomal maturation. Using modeling, we further identify a conserved Rab5 binding site in Mon1. Mutations impairing Rab5 interaction result in poor GEF activity on membranes and growth defects in vivo. Our analysis provides a framework to understand the mechanism of Rab-conversion and organelle maturation along the endomembrane system. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC