Divergent Pathways in COS-7 Cells Mediate Defective Internalization and Intracellular Routing of Truncated G-CSFR Forms in SCN/AML

Background Expression of truncated G-CSFR forms in patients with SCN/AML induces hyperproliferation and prolonged cell survival. Previously, we showed that ligand internalization is delayed and degradation of truncated G-CSFR forms is defective in patients with SCN/AML. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we investigated the potential roles of dileucine and tyrosine-based motifs within the cytoplasmic domain of the G-CSFR in modulating ligand/receptor internalization. Using standard binding assays with radiolabeled ligand and COS-7 cells, substitutions in the dileucine motif or deletion of tyrosine residues in the G-CSFR did not alter internalization. Attachment of the transferrin receptor YTRF internalization motif to a truncated G-CSFR form from a patient with SCN/AML corrected defective internalization, but not receptor degradation suggesting that receptor internalization and degradation occur independently via distinct domains and/or processes. Conclusions Our data suggest that distinct domains within the G-CSFR mediate separate processes for receptor internalization and degradation. Our findings using standard binding assays differ from recently published data utilizing flow cytometry.