Structure and assembly of the mitochondrial membrane remodelling GTPase Mgm1.

Balanced fusion and fission are key for the proper function and physiology of mitochondria1,2. Remodelling of the mitochondrial inner membrane is mediated by the dynamin-like protein mitochondrial genome maintenance 1 (Mgm1) in fungi or the related protein optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) in animals3-5. Mgm1 is required for the preservation of mitochondrial DNA in yeast6, whereas mutations in the OPA1 gene in humans are a common cause of autosomal dominant optic atrophy-a genetic disorder that affects the optic nerve7,8. Mgm1 and OPA1 are present in mitochondria as a membrane-integral long form and a short form that is soluble in the intermembrane space. Yeast strains that express temperature-sensitive mutants of Mgm19,10 or mammalian cells that lack OPA1 display fragmented mitochondria11,12, which suggests that Mgm1 and OPA1 have an important role in inner-membrane fusion. Consistently, only the mitochondrial outer membrane-not the inner membrane-fuses in the absence of functional Mgm113. Mgm1 and OPA1 have also been shown to maintain proper cristae architecture10,14; for example, OPA1 prevents the release of pro-apoptotic factors by tightening crista junctions15. Finally, the short form of OPA1 localizes to mitochondrial constriction sites, where it presumably promotes mitochondrial fission16. How Mgm1 and OPA1 perform their diverse functions in membrane fusion, scission and cristae organization is at present unknown. Here we present crystal and electron cryo-tomography structures of Mgm1 from Chaetomium thermophilum. Mgm1 consists of a GTPase (G) domain, a bundle signalling element domain, a stalk, and a paddle domain that contains a membrane-binding site. Biochemical and cell-based experiments demonstrate that the Mgm1 stalk mediates the assembly of bent tetramers into helical filaments. Electron cryo-tomography studies of Mgm1-decorated lipid tubes and fluorescence microscopy experiments on reconstituted membrane tubes indicate how the tetramers assemble on positively or negatively curved membranes. Our findings convey how Mgm1 and OPA1 filaments dynamically remodel the mitochondrial inner membrane.

Quantitative interaction mapping reveals an extended UBX domain in ASPL that disrupts functional p97 hexamers.

Interaction mapping is a powerful strategy to elucidate the biological function of protein assemblies and their regulators. Here, we report the generation of a quantitative interaction network, directly linking 14 human proteins to the AAA+ ATPase p97, an essential hexameric protein with multiple cellular functions. We show that the high-affinity interacting protein ASPL efficiently promotes p97 hexamer disassembly, resulting in the formation of stable p97:ASPL heterotetramers. High-resolution structural and biochemical studies indicate that an extended UBX domain (eUBX) in ASPL is critical for p97 hexamer disassembly and facilitates the assembly of p97:ASPL heterotetramers. This spontaneous process is accompanied by a reorientation of the D2 ATPase domain in p97 and a loss of its activity. Finally, we demonstrate that overproduction of ASPL disrupts p97 hexamer function in ERAD and that engineered eUBX polypeptides can induce cell death, providing a rationale for developing anti-cancer polypeptide inhibitors that may target p97 activity.

Membrane fission by dynamin: what we know and what we need to know.

The large GTPase dynamin is the first protein shown to catalyze membrane fission. Dynamin and its related proteins are essential to many cell functions, from endocytosis to organelle division and fusion, and it plays a critical role in many physiological functions such as synaptic transmission and muscle contraction. Research of the past three decades has focused on understanding how dynamin works. In this review, we present the basis for an emerging consensus on how dynamin functions. Three properties of dynamin are strongly supported by experimental data: first, dynamin oligomerizes into a helical polymer; second, dynamin oligomer constricts in the presence of GTP; and third, dynamin catalyzes membrane fission upon GTP hydrolysis. We present the two current models for fission, essentially diverging in how GTP energy is spent. We further discuss how future research might solve the remaining open questions presently under discussion.

AKAP18:PKA-RIIα structure reveals crucial anchor points for recognition of regulatory subunits of PKA.

A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) interact with the dimerization/docking (D/D) domains of regulatory subunits of the ubiquitous protein kinase A (PKA). AKAPs tether PKA to defined cellular compartments establishing distinct pools to increase the specificity of PKA signalling. Here, we elucidated the structure of an extended PKA-binding domain of AKAP18ß bound to the D/D domain of the regulatory RIIα subunits of PKA. We identified three hydrophilic anchor points in AKAP18ß outside the core PKA-binding domain, which mediate contacts with the D/D domain. Such anchor points are conserved within AKAPs that bind regulatory RII subunits of PKA. We derived a different set of anchor points in AKAPs binding regulatory RI subunits of PKA. In vitro and cell-based experiments confirm the relevance of these sites for the interaction of RII subunits with AKAP18 and of RI subunits with the RI-specific smAKAP. Thus we report a novel mechanism governing interactions of AKAPs with PKA. The sequence specificity of each AKAP around the anchor points and the requirement of these points for the tight binding of PKA allow the development of selective inhibitors to unequivocally ascribe cellular functions to the AKAP18-PKA and other AKAP-PKA interactions.

The immunity-related GTPase Irga6 dimerizes in a parallel head-to-head fashion.

BACKGROUND: The immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) constitute a powerful cell-autonomous resistance system against several intracellular pathogens. Irga6 is a dynamin-like protein that oligomerizes at the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) of Toxoplasma gondii leading to its vesiculation. Based on a previous biochemical analysis, it has been proposed that the GTPase domains of Irga6 dimerize in an antiparallel fashion during oligomerization. RESULTS: We determined the crystal structure of an oligomerization-impaired Irga6 mutant bound to a non-hydrolyzable GTP analog. Contrary to the previous model, the structure shows that the GTPase domains dimerize in a parallel fashion. The nucleotides in the center of the interface participate in dimerization by forming symmetric contacts with each other and with the switch I region of the opposing Irga6 molecule. The latter contact appears to activate GTP hydrolysis by stabilizing the position of the catalytic glutamate 106 in switch I close to the active site. Further dimerization contacts involve switch II, the G4 helix and the trans stabilizing loop. CONCLUSIONS: The Irga6 structure features a parallel GTPase domain dimer, which appears to be a unifying feature of all dynamin and septin superfamily members. This study contributes important insights into the assembly and catalytic mechanisms of IRG proteins as prerequisite to understand their anti-microbial action.

Dynamics of the Ligand Binding Domain Layer during AMPA Receptor Activation.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors are postsynaptic tetrameric ligand-gated channels whose activity mediates fast excitatory transmission. Glutamate binding to clamshell-shaped ligand binding domains (LBDs) triggers opening of the integral ion channel, but how the four LBDs orchestrate receptor activation is unknown. Here, we present a high-resolution x-ray crystal structure displaying two tetrameric LBD arrangements fully bound to glutamate. Using a series of engineered metal ion trapping mutants, we showed that the more compact of the two assemblies corresponds to an arrangement populated during activation of full-length receptors. State-dependent cross-linking of the mutants identified zinc bridges between the canonical active LBD dimers that formed when the tetramer was either fully or partially bound by glutamate. These bridges also stabilized the resting state, consistent with the recently published full-length apo structure. Our results provide insight into the activation mechanism of glutamate receptors and the complex conformational space that the LBD layer can sample.

Crystal structure of the dynamin tetramer.

The mechanochemical protein dynamin is the prototype of the dynamin superfamily of large GTPases, which shape and remodel membranes in diverse cellular processes. Dynamin forms predominantly tetramers in the cytosol, which oligomerize at the neck of clathrin-coated vesicles to mediate constriction and subsequent scission of the membrane. Previous studies have described the architecture of dynamin dimers, but the molecular determinants for dynamin assembly and its regulation have remained unclear. Here we present the crystal structure of the human dynamin tetramer in the nucleotide-free state. Combining structural data with mutational studies, oligomerization measurements and Markov state models of molecular dynamics simulations, we suggest a mechanism by which oligomerization of dynamin is linked to the release of intramolecular autoinhibitory interactions. We elucidate how mutations that interfere with tetramer formation and autoinhibition can lead to the congenital muscle disorders Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy and centronuclear myopathy, respectively. Notably, the bent shape of the tetramer explains how dynamin assembles into a right-handed helical oligomer of defined diameter, which has direct implications for its function in membrane constriction.

Oligomerization of dynamin superfamily proteins in health and disease.

Proteins of the dynamin superfamily are mechanochemical GTPases, which mediate nucleotide-dependent membrane remodeling events. The founding member dynamin is recruited to the neck of clathrin-coated endocytic vesicles where it oligomerizes into helical filaments. Nucleotide-hydrolysis-induced conformational changes in the oligomer catalyze scission of the vesicle neck. Here, we review recent insights into structure, function, and oligomerization of dynamin superfamily proteins and their roles in human diseases. We describe in detail the molecular mechanisms how dynamin oligomerizes at membranes and introduce a model how oligomerization is linked to membrane fission. Finally, we discuss molecular mechanisms how mutations in dynamin could lead to the congenital diseases, Centronuclear Myopathy and Charcot-Marie Tooth disease.

Structural insights into oligomerization and mitochondrial remodelling of dynamin 1-like protein.

Dynamin 1-like protein (DNM1L) mediates fission of mitochondria and peroxisomes, and dysfunction of DNM1L has been implicated in several neurological disorders. To study the molecular basis of mitochondrial remodelling, we determined the crystal structure of DNM1L that is comprised of a G domain, a bundle signalling element and a stalk. DNM1L assembled via a central stalk interface, and mutations in this interface disrupted dimerization and interfered with membrane binding and mitochondrial targeting. Two sequence stretches at the tip of the stalk were shown to be required for ordered assembly of DNM1L on membranes and its function in mitochondrial fission. In the crystals, DNM1L dimers further assembled via a second, previously undescribed, stalk interface to form a linear filament. Mutations in this interface interfered with liposome tubulation and mitochondrial remodelling. Based on these results and electron microscopy reconstructions, we propose an oligomerization mode for DNM1L which differs from that of dynamin and might be adapted to the remodelling of mitochondria.

Structural insights into dynamin-mediated membrane fission.

Dynamin is a multidomain mechanochemical guanine triphosphatase that catalyzes membrane scission, most notably of clathrin-coated endocytic vesicles. A number of recent publications have provided structural and mechanistic insights into the formation of helical dynamin filaments assembled by dynamic interactions of multiple domains within dynamin. As a prerequisite for membrane scission, this oligomer undergoes nucleotide-triggered large scale dynamic rearrangements. Here, we review these structural findings and discuss how the architecture of dynamin is poised for the assembly into right-handed helical filaments. Based on these data, we propose a structure-based model for dynamin-mediated scission of membranes.

Structure of myxovirus resistance protein a reveals intra- and intermolecular domain interactions required for the antiviral function.

Human myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA) is an interferon-induced dynamin-like GTPase that acts as a cell-autonomous host restriction factor against many viral pathogens including influenza viruses. To study the molecular principles of its antiviral activity, we determined the crystal structure of nucleotide-free MxA, which showed an extended three-domain architecture. The central bundle signaling element (BSE) connected the amino-terminal GTPase domain with the stalk via two hinge regions. MxA oligomerized in the crystal via the stalk and the BSE, which in turn interacted with the stalk of the neighboring monomer. We demonstrated that the intra- and intermolecular domain interplay between the BSE and stalk was essential for oligomerization and the antiviral function of MxA. Based on these results, we propose a structural model for the mechano-chemical coupling in ring-like MxA oligomers as the principle mechanism for this unique antiviral effector protein.

Crystal structure of nucleotide-free dynamin.

Dynamin is a mechanochemical GTPase that oligomerizes around the neck of clathrin-coated pits and catalyses vesicle scission in a GTP-hydrolysis-dependent manner. The molecular details of oligomerization and the mechanism of the mechanochemical coupling are currently unknown. Here we present the crystal structure of human dynamin 1 in the nucleotide-free state with a four-domain architecture comprising the GTPase domain, the bundle signalling element, the stalk and the pleckstrin homology domain. Dynamin 1 oligomerized in the crystals via the stalks, which assemble in a criss-cross fashion. The stalks further interact via conserved surfaces with the pleckstrin homology domain and the bundle signalling element of the neighbouring dynamin molecule. This intricate domain interaction rationalizes a number of disease-related mutations in dynamin 2 and suggests a structural model for the mechanochemical coupling that reconciles previous models of dynamin function.

Conserved beta-hairpin recognition by the GYF domains of Smy2 and GIGYF2 in mRNA surveillance and vesicular transport complexes.

The yeast suppressor of myosin 2 protein (Smy2) interacts with mRNA-processing proteins through recognition of proline-rich sequences (PRS). Here, we describe the crystal structure of the GYF domain of Smy2 in association with a PRS from the yeast branch point binding protein (BBP/ScSF1). Complex formation requires that the beta-hairpin of the central PPGL motif of the ligand is accommodated by an extended hydrophobic cleft in the domain-a specificity feature that is maintained in the human protein GIGYF2. SILAC/MS experiments in combination with PRS site inhibition show that Smy2 associates with the Ccr4-NOT deadenylase complex, whereas GIGYF2 interacts not only with mRNA surveillance factors, but also with vesicular transport proteins and Atrophin-1. GIGYF2 is shown to associate with COPII-vesicle proteins and localize to the ER and Golgi in resting cells, whereas environmental challenge drives GIGYF2 into stress granules. The current study highlights the structural basis for PRS recognition by Smy2-type GYF domains, and implicates Smy2 and GIGYF2 in both mRNA processing and the secretory pathway.

Identification of hydroxyl protons, determination of their exchange dynamics, and characterization of hydrogen bonding in a microcrystallin protein.

Heteronuclear correlation experiments employing perdeuterated proteins enable the observation of all hydroxyl protons in a microcrystalline protein by MAS solid-state NMR. Dipolar-based sequences allow magnetization transfers that are >50 times faster compared to scalar-coupling-based sequences, which significantly facilitates their assignment. Hydroxyl exchange rates were measured using EXSY-type experiments. We find a biexponential decay behavior for those hydroxyl groups that are involved in side chain-side chain C-O-H...O horizontal lineC hydrogen bonds. The quantification of the distances between the hydroxyl proton and the carbon atoms in the hydrogen-bonding donor as well as acceptor group is achieved via a REDOR experiment. In combination with X-ray data and isotropic proton chemical shifts, availability of (1)H,(13)C distance information can aid in the quantitative description of the geometry of these hydrogen bonds. Similarly, correlations between backbone amide proton and carbonyl atoms are observed, which will be useful in the analysis of the registry of beta-strand arrangement in amyloid fibrils.

High-resolution double-quantum deuterium magic angle spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy of perdeuterated proteins.

We show in this manuscript that (2)H,(13)C correlation spectra in uniformly (2)H,(13)C isotopically enriched peptides and proteins can be recorded in MAS solid-state NMR with site specific resolution. A resolved deuterium dimension is obtained by evolving (2)H double-quantum coherences. Experimental (2)H line widths are obtained that are as small as 16 Hz (0.17 ppm at 600 MHz) in the double-quantum dimension. The unprecedented resolution in the deuterium dimension obtained for proteins opens new perspectives for correlation experiments and, in particular, for the characterization of dynamics of proteins in the solid-state.

Differential line broadening in MAS solid-state NMR due to dynamic interference.

Many MAS (magic angle spinning) solid-state NMR investigations of biologically relevant protein samples are hampered by poor resolution, particularly in the 15N chemical shift dimension. We show that dynamics in the nanosecond-microsecond time scale in solid-state samples can induce significant line broadening of 15N resonances in solid-state NMR experiments. Averaging of 15NH(alpha/beta) multiplet components due to 1H decoupling induces effective relaxation of the 15N coherence in case the N-H spin pair undergoes significant motion. High resolution solid-state NMR spectra can then only be recorded by application of TROSY (Transverse Relaxation Optimized Spectroscopy) type techniques which select the narrow component of the multiplet pattern. We speculate that this effect has been the major obstacle to the NMR spectroscopic characterization of many membrane proteins and fibrillar aggregates so far. Only in very favorable cases, where dynamics are either absent or very fast (picosecond), high-resolution spectra were obtained. We expect that this approach which requires intense deuteration will have a significant impact on the quality and the rate at which solid-state NMR spectroscopic investigations will emerge in the future.

Characterization of dynamics of perdeuterated proteins by MAS solid-state NMR.

We show in this communication that dynamic information for uniformly 2H,13C,15N isotopically enriched, crystalline proteins can be obtained by MAS solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The experiments make use of the deuterium quadrupolar tensor, which is the dominant interaction mechanism. Dynamic properties are accessed by measurement of the size of the quadrupolar coupling constant, Cq, and the value of the asymmetry parameter, eta, via evolution of the deuterium chemical shift, as well as by measurement of deuterium T1 relaxation times. Three-dimensional experiments are performed in order to obtain site-specific resolution. Due to proton dilution, no proton decoupling is required in the carbon evolution periods at MAS rotation frequencies of 10 kHz.

Detection of dynamic water molecules in a microcrystalline sample of the SH3 domain of alpha-spectrin by MAS solid-state NMR.

Water molecules are a major determinant of protein stability and are important for understanding protein-protein interactions. We present two experiments which allow to measure first the effective T(2) decay rate of individual amide proton, and second the magnetization build-up rates for a selective transfer from H(2)O to H(N) using spin diffusion as a mixing element. The experiments are demonstrated for a uniformly (2)H, (15)N labeled sample of a microcrystalline SH3 domain in which exchangeable deuterons were back-substituted with protons. In order to evaluate the NMR experimental data, as X-ray structure of the protein was determined using the same crystallization protocol as for the solid-state NMR sample. The NMR experimental data are correlated with the dipolar couplings calculated from H(2)O-H(N) distances which were extracted from the X-ray structure of the protein. We find that the H(N) T(2) decay rates and H(2)O-H(N) build-up rates are sensitive to distance and dynamics of the detected water molecules with respect to the protein. We show that qualitative information about localization and dynamics of internal water molecules can be obtained in the solid-state by interpretation of the spin dynamics of a reporter amide proton.