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Usage Information

PLEKHM1/DEF8/RAB7 complex regulates lysosome positioning and bone homeostasis
Toshifumi Fujiwara, Shiqiao Ye, Thiago Castro-Gomes, Caylin G. Winchell, Norma W. Andrews, Daniel E. Voth, Kottayil I. Varughese, Samuel G. Mackintosh, Yunfeng Feng, Nathan Pavlos, Takashi Nakamura, Stavros C. Manolagas, Haibo Zhao
Toshifumi Fujiwara, Shiqiao Ye, Thiago Castro-Gomes, Caylin G. Winchell, Norma W. Andrews, Daniel E. Voth, Kottayil I. Varughese, Samuel G. Mackintosh, Yunfeng Feng, Nathan Pavlos, Takashi Nakamura, Stavros C. Manolagas, Haibo Zhao
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Research Article Bone biology

PLEKHM1/DEF8/RAB7 complex regulates lysosome positioning and bone homeostasis

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Abstract

Mutations of the Plekhm1 gene in humans and rats cause osteopetrosis, an inherited bone disease characterized by diminished bone resorption by osteoclasts. PLEKHM1 binds to RAB7 and is critical for lysosome trafficking. However, the molecular mechanisms by which PLEKHM1 regulates lysosomal pathways remain unknown. Here, we generated germline and conditional Plekhm1-deficient mice. These mice displayed no overt abnormalities in major organs, except for an increase in trabecular bone mass. Furthermore, loss of PLEKHM1 abrogated the peripheral distribution of lysosomes and bone resorption in osteoclasts. Mechanistically, we indicated that DEF8 interacts with PLEKHM1 and promotes its binding to RAB7, whereas the binding of FAM98A and NDEL1 with PLEKHM1 connects lysosomes to microtubules. Importantly, suppression of these proteins results in lysosome positioning and bone resorption defects similar to those of Plekhm1-null osteoclasts. Thus, PLHKEM1, DEF8, FAM98A, and NDEL1 constitute a molecular complex that regulates lysosome positioning and secretion through RAB7.

Authors

Toshifumi Fujiwara, Shiqiao Ye, Thiago Castro-Gomes, Caylin G. Winchell, Norma W. Andrews, Daniel E. Voth, Kottayil I. Varughese, Samuel G. Mackintosh, Yunfeng Feng, Nathan Pavlos, Takashi Nakamura, Stavros C. Manolagas, Haibo Zhao

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Usage data is cumulative from May 2025 through May 2026.

Usage JCI PMC
Text version 1,620 208
PDF 311 31
Figure 730 31
Supplemental data 67 21
Citation downloads 150 0
Totals 2,878 291
Total Views 3,169
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Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.

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