EHD proteins are associated with tubular and vesicular compartments and interact with specific phospholipids

Abstract

The four Eps15 homology (EH) domain-containing proteins, EHD1-EHD4, have recently been ascribed roles in the regulation of the recycling of distinct receptor molecules and are often found associated with tubular structures. Here, we report the analysis of all four EHD proteins with regard to tissue distribution, intracellular localization and lipid binding properties. Specific antibodies reveal distinct expression profiles for the individual proteins in tissues and at intracellular locations, where they potentially interact with specific phospholipids. Moreover, EHD proteins colocalize with vesicular and tubular structures, implying roles in transport processes and cytoskeletal dynamics. Protein variants carrying mutations in the N-terminal nucleotide-binding P-loop region are no longer associated with phospholipids or membrane compartments, while deletion of the C-terminal EH domain affects targeting to tubular structures. All EHD proteins are able to bind to phospholipids, but localizations differ for each protein.