The DnaJ-domain protein RME-8 functions in endosomal trafficking

Through a proteomic analysis of clathrin-coated vesicles from rat liver we identified the mammalian homolog of receptor-mediated endocytosis 8 ( RME-8), a DnaJ domain-containing protein originally identified in a screen for endocytic defects in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mammalian RME-8 has a broad tissue distribution, and affinity selection assays reveal the ubiquitous chaperone Hsc70, which regulates protein conformation at diverse membrane sites as the major binding partner for its DnaJ domain. RME-8 is tightly associated with microsomal membranes and co-localizes with markers of the endosomal system. Small interfering RNA-mediated knock down of RME-8 has no influence on transferrin endocytosis but causes a reduction in epidermal growth factor internalization. Interestingly, and consistent with a localization to endosomes, knock down of RME-8 also leads to alterations in the trafficking of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor and improper sorting of the lysosomal hydrolase cathepsin D. Our data demonstrate that RME-8 functions in intracellular trafficking and provides the first evidence of a functional role for a DnaJ domain-bearing co-chaperone on endosomes.