GPR37 protein trafficking to the plasma membrane regulated by prosaposin and GM1 gangliosides promotes cell viability

Abstract

Background: Intracellular GPR37 accumulation is neurotoxic and associated with parkinsonism, whereas plasma membrane association is protective. Results: The endogenous GPR37 ligand prosaposin promotes GPR37 surface density and association with GM1-enriched lipid rafts. Conclusion: GPR37, prosaposin, and GM1 constitute a pathway that improves cell viability through GPR37 trafficking to the plasma membrane. Significance: Targeting this pathway could reduce toxic intracellular GPR37 accumulation observed in parkinsonism. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.