Scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) clustered on microvillar extensions suggests that this plasma membrane domain is a way station for cholesterol trafficking between cells and high-density lipoprotein.
Receptor-mediated trafficking of cholesterol between lipoproteins and cells is a fundamental biological process at the organismal and cellular levels. In contrast to the well-studied pathway of LDL receptor-mediated endocytosis, little is known about the trafficking of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI). SR-BI mediates HDL cholesteryl ester uptake in a process in which HDL lipids are selectively transferred to the cell membrane without the uptake and degradation of the HDL particle. We report here the cell surface locale where the trafficking of HDL cholesterol occurs. Fluorescence confocal microscopy showed SR-BI in patches and small extensions of the cell surface that were distinct from sites of caveolin-1 expression. Electron microscopy showed SR-BI in patches or clusters primarily on microvillar extensions of the plasma membrane. The organization of SR-BI in this manner suggests that this microvillar domain is a way station for cholesterol trafficking between HDL and cells. The types of phospholipids in this domain are unknown, but SR-BI is not strongly associated with classical membrane rafts rich in detergent-resistant saturated phospholipids. We speculate that SR-BI is in a more fluid membrane domain that will favor rapid cholesterol flux between the membrane and HDL.
Peng
Yinan
Y
Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University Medical Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA.
Akmentin
Wendy
W
Connelly
Margery A
MA
Lund-Katz
Sissel
S
Phillips
Michael C
MC
Williams
David L
DL
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology; D018955:CD36 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D019556:COS Cells; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D021941:Caveolae; D051242:Caveolin 1; D022461:Caveolins / Q000378:metabolism*; D022081:Cell Surface Extensions / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism*; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051379:Mice; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron; D008958:Models, Molecular; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D018110:Receptors, Lipoprotein / Q000378:metabolism*; D051116:Receptors, Scavenger; D051122:Scavenger Receptors, Class B
D018955:CD36 Antigens; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C495541:Cav1 protein, mouse; D051242:Caveolin 1; D022461:Caveolins; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D018110:Receptors, Lipoprotein; D051116:Receptors, Scavenger; C454739:Scarb1 protein, mouse; D051122:Scavenger Receptors, Class B; C031616:high density lipoprotein receptors; C075197:high density lipoprotein binding protein; D002784:Cholesterol