Kiran Kulkarni

Structure of the mitotic checkpoint complex

In mitosis, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) ensures genome stability by delaying chromosome segregation until all sister chromatids have achieved bipolar attachment to the mitotic spindle. The SAC is imposed by the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), whose assembly is catalysed by unattached chromosomes and which binds and inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), the E3 ubiquitin ligase that initiates chromosome segregation. Here, using the crystal structure of Schizosaccharomyces pombe MCC (a complex of mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint proteins Mad2, Mad3 and APC/C co-activator protein Cdc20), we reveal the molecular basis of MCC-mediated APC/C inhibition and the regulation of MCC assembly. The MCC inhibits the APC/C by obstructing degron recognition sites on Cdc20 (the substrate recruitment subunit of the APC/C) and displacing Cdc20 to disrupt formation of a bipartite D-box receptor with the APC/C subunit Apc10. Mad2, in the closed conformation (C-Mad2), stabilizes the complex by optimally positioning the Mad3 KEN-box degron to bind Cdc20. Mad3 and p31comet (also known as MAD2L1-binding protein) compete for the same C-Mad2 interface, which explains how p31comet disrupts MCC assembly to antagonize the SAC. This study shows how APC/C inhibition is coupled to degron recognition by co-activators.

Mechanism of farnesylated CAAX protein processing by the intramembrane protease Rce1

CAAX proteins have essential roles in multiple signalling pathways, controlling processes such as proliferation, differentiation and carcinogenesis. The ∼120 mammalian CAAX proteins function at cellular membranes and include the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, nuclear lamins, the γ-subunit of heterotrimeric GTPases, and several protein kinases and phosphatases. The proper localization of CAAX proteins to cell membranes is orchestrated by a series of post-translational modifications of the carboxy-terminal CAAX motifs (where C is cysteine, A is an aliphatic amino acid and X is any amino acid). These reactions involve prenylation of the cysteine residue, cleavage at the AAX tripeptide and methylation of the carboxyl-prenylated cysteine residue. The major CAAX protease activity is mediated by Rce1 (Ras and a-factor converting enzyme 1), an intramembrane protease (IMP) of the endoplasmic reticulum. Information on the architecture and proteolytic mechanism of Rce1 has been lacking. Here we report the crystal structure of a Methanococcus maripaludis homologue of Rce1, whose endopeptidase specificity for farnesylated peptides mimics that of eukaryotic Rce1. Its structure, comprising eight transmembrane α-helices, and catalytic site are distinct from those of other IMPs. The catalytic residues are located ∼10 Å into the membrane and are exposed to the cytoplasm and membrane through a conical cavity that accommodates the prenylated CAAX substrate. We propose that the farnesyl lipid binds to a site at the opening of two transmembrane α-helices, which results in the scissile bond being positioned adjacent to a glutamate-activated nucleophilic water molecule. This study suggests that Rce1 is the founding member of a novel IMP family, the glutamate IMPs.

The APC/C subunit Cdc16/Cut9 is a contiguous tetratricopeptide repeat superhelix with a homo-dimer interface similar to Cdc27.

The anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), an E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for controlling cell cycle transitions, is a multisubunit complex assembled from 13 different proteins. Numerous APC/C subunits incorporate multiple copies of the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR). Here, we report the crystal structure of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cut9 (Cdc16/Apc6) in complex with Hcn1 (Cdc26), showing that Cdc16/Cut9 is a contiguous TPR superhelix of 14 TPR units. A C‐terminal block of TPR motifs interacts with Hcn1, whereas an N‐terminal TPR block mediates Cdc16/Cut9 self‐association through a homotypic interface. This dimer interface is structurally related to the N‐terminal dimerization domain of Cdc27, demonstrating that both Cdc16/Cut9 and Cdc27 form homo‐dimers through a conserved mechanism. The acetylated N‐terminal Met residue of Hcn1 is enclosed within a chamber created from the Cut9 TPR superhelix. Thus, in complex with Cdc16/Cut9, the N‐acetyl‐Met residue of Hcn1, a putative degron for the Doa10 E3 ubiquitin ligase, is inaccessible for Doa10 recognition, protecting Hcn1/Cdc26 from ubiquitin‐dependent degradation. This finding may provide a structural explanation for a mechanism to control the stoichiometry of proteins participating in multisubunit complexes.

Multiple Factors Confer Specific Cdc42 and Rac Protein Activation by Dedicator of Cytokinesis (DOCK) Nucleotide Exchange Factors

DOCK (dedicator of cytokinesis) guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate the Rho-family GTPases Rac and Cdc42 to control cell migration, morphogenesis, and phagocytosis. The DOCK A and B subfamilies activate Rac, whereas the DOCK D subfamily activates Cdc42. Nucleotide exchange is catalyzed by a conserved DHR2 domain (DOCKDHR2). Although the molecular basis for DOCKDHR2-mediated GTPase activation has been elucidated through structures of a DOCK9DHR2-Cdc42 complex, the factors determining recognition of specific GTPases are unknown. To understand the molecular basis for DOCK-GTPase specificity, we have determined the crystal structure of DOCK2DHR2 in complex with Rac1. DOCK2DHR2 and DOCK9DHR2 exhibit similar tertiary structures and homodimer interfaces and share a conserved GTPase-activating mechanism. Multiple structural differences between DOCK2DHR2 and DOCK9DHR2 account for their selectivity toward Rac1 and Cdc42. Key determinants of selectivity of Cdc42 and Rac for their cognate DOCKDHR2 are a Phe or Trp residue within β3 (residue 56) and the ability of DOCK proteins to exploit differences in the GEF-induced conformational changes of switch 1 dependent on a divergent residue at position 27. DOCK proteins, therefore, differ from DH-PH GEFs that select their cognate GTPases through recognition of structural differences within the β2/β3 strands.

Mechanism of Isoprenylcysteine Carboxyl Methylation from the Crystal Structure of the Integral Membrane Methyltransferase ICMT

The posttranslational modification of C-terminal CAAX motifs in proteins such as Ras, most Rho GTPases, and G protein γ subunits, plays an essential role in determining their subcellular localization and correct biological function. An integral membrane methyltransferase, isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT), catalyzes the final step of CAAX processing after prenylation of the cysteine residue and endoproteolysis of the -AAX motif. We have determined the crystal structure of a prokaryotic ICMT ortholog, revealing a markedly different architecture from conventional methyltransferases that utilize S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) as a cofactor. ICMT comprises a core of five transmembrane α helices and a cofactor-binding pocket enclosed within a highly conserved C-terminal catalytic subdomain. A tunnel linking the reactive methyl group of SAM to the inner membrane provides access for the prenyl lipid substrate. This study explains how an integral membrane methyltransferase achieves recognition of both a hydrophilic cofactor and a lipophilic prenyl group attached to a polar protein substrate.

Atomic-Resolution Structures of the APC/C Subunits Apc4 and the Apc5 N-Terminal Domain

Many essential biological processes are mediated by complex molecular machines comprising multiple subunits. Knowledge on the architecture of individual subunits and their positions within the overall multimeric complex is key to understanding the molecular mechanisms of macromolecular assemblies. The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is a large multisubunit complex that regulates cell cycle progression by ubiquitinating cell cycle proteins for proteolysis by the proteasome. The holo-complex is composed of 15 different proteins that assemble to generate a complex of 20 subunits. Here, we describe the crystal structures of Apc4 and the N-terminal domain of Apc5 (Apc5N). Apc4 comprises a WD40 domain split by a long α-helical domain, whereas Apc5N has an α-helical fold. In a separate study, we had fitted these atomic models to a 3.6-Å-resolution cryo-electron microscopy map of the APC/C. We describe how, in the context of the APC/C, regions of Apc4 disordered in the crystal assume order through contacts to Apc5, whereas Apc5N shows small conformational changes relative to its crystal structure. We discuss the complementary approaches of high-resolution electron microscopy and protein crystallography to the structure determination of subunits of multimeric complexes.

Building a pseudo-atomic model of the anaphase-promoting complex

This article describes an example of molecular replacement in which atomic models are used to interpret electron-density maps determined using single-particle electron-microscopy data.

Dynamics of loops at the substrate entry channel determine the specificity of iridoid synthases

Iridoid synthases belong to the family of short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase involved in the biosynthesis of iridoids. Despite having high sequence and structural homology with progesterone 5β‐reductase, these enzymes exhibit differential substrate specificities. Previously, two loops, L1 and L2 at substrate‐binding pocket, were suggested to be involved in generating substrate specificity. However, the structural basis of specificity determinants was elusive. Here, combining sequence and structural analysis, site‐directed mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics simulations, we have shown that iridoid synthase contains two channels for substrate entry whose geometries are altered by L1‐L2 dynamics, primarily orchestrated by interactions of residues Glu161 and Gly162 of L1 and Asn358 of L2. A complex interplay of these interactions confer the substrate specificity to the enzyme.