GPI-anchoring is a post-translational, reversible protein modification that is ubiquitous in eukaryotes. Such proteins are primarily present on the exoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane.

GPI-anchor structure

A sequence of 11 enzymatic reactions results in the synthesis of the complete GPI anchor consisting of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic portion. The hydrophobic portion comprises phosphatidylinositol, while the hydrophilic part comprises polar groups like phosphoethanolamine, glucosamine, mannose residues, and phosphate groups. The phosphoethanolamine interacts with the C-terminal of the target protein, while the acyl chains of phosphatidylinositol act as the membrane anchors.

Translocation of the precursor protein

The synthesis of a lipid-anchored protein has precursor stages. The preproprotein comprises two signal sequences, one at each end of the target protein. The ER signal sequence is present at the N-terminal, while the GPI-attachment signal is present towards the C terminal following the last amino acid of the target protein. The start position of the GPI-attachment signal is termed ⍵+1 in the preproprotein. It is a 20-30 amino acid long sequence with 10 hydrophilic residues followed by 20 hydrophobic residues. The mechanism of translocation of the preproprotein into the ER lumen depends on the type of target protein. For example, while the prion protein takes the post-translational route, the CD59 protein uses the signal recognition particle or SRP-dependent cotranslational pathway.

Transfer of the protein to the GPI anchor

After the N-terminal signal is cleaved from the preproprotein, it results in the formation of a proprotein. This proprotein is acted upon by GPI transamidase, a five subunit complex that cleaves between ⍵ and the ⍵+1 residue of the GPI-attachment signal sequence. Additionally, this complex transfers the C-terminal of the protein onto the pre-assembled GPI-anchor.

Role of GPI-anchored proteins in the cells

The GPI-anchored proteins are associated with membrane microdomains or membrane rafts that are sites of dynamic cellular functions like signal transduction, receptor activation, and regulation of membrane traffic. Also, they contribute to the establishment of apical polarity like in the epithelial cell type by associating with the apical surface.