Unc51-like kinases 1 and 2 (ULK1/2) are best characterized for their roles in autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved response to starvation that allows cells to recycle cellular components. We recently discovered that, in addition to their well-established roles in autophagy, ULK1/2 regulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi trafficking. This molecular connection between autophagy and COPII transport may answer the long-standing question as to what mechanism(s) underlie the differential export of secretory cargoes from the ER in response to metabolic cues. Because ULK1/2 regulates ER-to-Golgi trafficking under basal conditions, initiates autophagosome formation near ERESs in response to metabolic stress, and is a direct target of nutrient- and energy-sensing kinases (i.e., mTOR and AMPK), it is poised to coordinate metabolic cues and protein trafficking from the ER. Our preliminary studies suggest that cargoes destined for the plasma membrane are differentially trafficked in response to metabolic stress, and this switch may depend on ULK1/2 activity. ER export of some cargoes (exemplified by the serotonin transporter SERT) decreases in response to metabolic stress, whereas trafficking of other cargoes (exemplified by the amino acid transporter CD98) increases. Although nutrient-dependent ER export is of importance to a broad range of cell types, the potential implications of ULK1/2's role in regulating this process are immediately relevant in serotonergic neurons, which not only rely on SERT to terminate serotonergic neurotransmission but also rely on the regulated uptake of amino acids by CD98 for serotonin production. Serotonin signaling is linked to nutrient availability, and dysregulation of serotonin signaling leads to perturbations in neuronal circuits that increase the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, depression, and eating disorders. This proposal seeks to answer the following questions from the perspective of ULK1/2: How is COPII-dependent ER-to-Golgi trafficking suppressed in response to nutrient deprivation? How does nutrient deprivation stimulate the ER export of certain cargoes? Defining ULK1/2 as a potential mechanistic link between nutrient availability and key aspects of serotonergic neurotransmission ? namely, SERT-mediated serotonin reuptake and the production of serotonin via CD98-mediated Trp uptake ? may provide a model of how neurons coordinate metabolic signals with neurotransmission to maintain homeostasis.
The proper coordination of the cell surface protein repertoire with metabolic cues is important for a wide variety of cell types, but is critical to the function of neurons because these proteins define and shape their communication with other neurons. The long term goal of this proposal is to understand how serotonergic neurons regulate the trafficking of cell surface proteins in response to changes in nutrient availability in order to maintain cellular homeostasis and neuronal function. Aberrant serotonin signaling contributes to a variety of psychiatric and autism spectrum disorders, therefore, successful completion of the proposed studies should lead to new insights regarding the complex pathophysiologic basis of these diseases.
