Identification of essential residues in the type II Hsp40 Sis1 that function in polypeptide binding

Sis1 is an essential yeast Type II Hsp40 protein that assists cytosolic Hsp70 Ssa1 in the facilitation of processes that include translation initiation, the prevention of protein aggregation, and proteasomal protein degradation. An essential function of Sis1 and other Hsp40 proteins is the binding and delivery of non-native polypeptides to Hsp70. How Hsp40s function as molecular chaperones is unknown. The crystal structure of a Sis1 fragment that retains peptide-binding activity suggests that Type II Hsp40s utilize hydrophobic residues located in a solvent-exposed patch on carboxyl-terminal domain I to bind non-native polypeptides. To test this model, amino acid residues Val-184, Leu-186, Lys-199, Phe-201, Ile-203, and Phe-251, which form a depression in carboxyl-terminal domain I, were mutated, and the ability of Sis1 mutants to support cell viability and function as molecular chaperones was examined. We report that Lys-199, Phe-201, and Phe-251 are essential for cell viability and required for Sis1 polypeptide binding activity. Sis1 I203T could support normal cell growth, but when purified it exhibited severe defects in chaperone function. These data identify essential residues in Sis1 that function in polypeptide binding and help define the nature of the polypeptide-binding site in Type II Hsp40 proteins.     

The crystal structure of the peptide-binding fragment from the yeast Hsp40 protein Sis1

BACKGROUND: Molecular chaperone Hsp40 can bind non-native polypeptide and facilitate Hsp70 in protein refolding. How Hsp40 and other chaperones distinguish between the folded and unfolded states of proteins to bind nonnative polypeptides is a fundamental issue. RESULTS: To investigate this mechanism, we determined the crystal structure of the peptide-binding fragment of Sis1, an essential member of the Hsp40 family from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The 2.7 A structure reveals that Sis1 forms a homodimer in the crystal by a crystallographic twofold axis. Sis1 monomers are elongated and consist of two domains with similar folds. Sis1 dimerizes through a short C-terminal stretch. The Sis1 dimer has a U-shaped architecture and a large cleft is formed between the two elongated monomers. Domain I in each monomer contains a hydrophobic depression that might be involved in binding the sidechains of hydrophobic amino acids. CONCLUSIONS: Sis1 (1-337), which lacks the dimerization motif, exhibited severe defects in chaperone activity, but could regulate Hsp70 ATPase activity. Thus, dimer formation is critical for Sis1 chaperone function. We propose that the Sis1 cleft functions as a docking site for the Hsp70 peptide-binding domain and that Sis1-Hsp70 interaction serves to facilitate the efficient transfer of peptides from Sis1 to Hsp70.     

In vivo bipartite interaction between the Hsp40 Sis1 and Hsp70 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The essential Hsp40, Sis1, is a J-protein cochaperone for the Ssa class of Hsp70's of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sis1 is required for the maintenance of the prion [RNQ(+)], as Sis1 lacking its 55-amino-acid glycine-rich region (G/F) does not maintain [RNQ(+)]. We report that overexpression of Sis1DeltaG/F in an otherwise wild-type strain had a negative effect on both cell growth and [RNQ(+)] maintenance, while overexpression of wild-type Sis1 did not. Overexpression of the related Hsp40 Ydj1 lacking its G/F region did not cause inhibition of growth, indicating that this dominant effect of Sis1DeltaG/F is not a characteristic shared by all Hsp40's. Analysis of small deletions within the SIS1 G/F region indicated that the observed dominant effects were caused by the absence of sequences known to be important for Sis1's unique cellular functions. These inhibitory effects of Sis1DeltaG/F were obviated by alterations in the N-terminal J-domain of Sis1 that affect interaction with Ssa's ATPase domain. In addition, a genetic screen designed to isolate additional mutations that relieved these inhibitory effects identified two residues in Sis1's carboxy-terminal domain. These alterations disrupted the interaction of Sis1 with the 10-kD carboxy-terminal regulatory domain of Ssa1, indicating that Sis1 has a bipartite interaction with Ssa in vivo.     

Structure of TPR domain-peptide complexes: critical elements in the assembly of the Hsp70-Hsp90 multichaperone machine

The adaptor protein Hop mediates the association of the molecular chaperones Hsp70 and Hsp90. The TPR1 domain of Hop specifically recognizes the C-terminal heptapeptide of Hsp70 while the TPR2A domain binds the C-terminal pentapeptide of Hsp90. Both sequences end with the motif EEVD. The crystal structures of the TPR-peptide complexes show the peptides in an extended conformation, spanning a groove in the TPR domains. Peptide binding is mediated by electrostatic interactions with the EEVD motif, with the C-terminal aspartate acting as a two-carboxylate anchor, and by hydrophobic interactions with residues upstream of EEVD. The hydrophobic contacts with the peptide are critical for specificity. These results explain how TPR domains participate in the ordered assembly of Hsp70-Hsp90 multichaperone complexes.     

Interaction of the Hsp90 cochaperone cyclophilin 40 with Hsc70

The high-affinity ligand-binding form of unactivated steroid receptors exists as a multicomponent complex that includes heat shock protein (Hsp)90; one of the immunophilins cyclophilin 40 (CyP40), FKBP51, or FKBP52; and an additional p23 protein component. Assembly of this heterocomplex is mediated by Hsp70 in association with accessory chaperones Hsp40, Hip, and Hop. A conserved structural element incorporating a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain mediates the interaction of the immunophilins with Hsp90 by accommodating the C-terminal EEVD peptide of the chaperone through a network of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. TPR cochaperones recognize the EEVD structural motif common to both Hsp90 and Hsp70 through a highly conserved clamp domain. In the present study, we investigated in vitro the molecular interactions between CyP40 and FKBP52 and other stress-related components involved in steroid receptor assembly, namely Hsp70 and Hop. Using a binding protein-retention assay with CyP40 fused to glutathione S-transferase immobilized on glutathione-agarose, we have identified the constitutively expressed form of Hsp70, heat shock cognate (Hsc)70, as an additional target for CyP40. Deletion mapping studies showed the binding determinants to be similar to those for CyP40-Hsp90 interaction. Furthermore, a mutational analysis of CyP40 clamp domain residues confirmed the importance of this motif in CyP40-Hsc70 interaction. Additional residues thought to mediate binding specificity through hydrophobic interactions were also important for Hsc70 recognition. CyP40 was shown to have a preference for Hsp90 over Hsc70. Surprisingly, FKBP52 was unable to compete with CyP40 for Hsc70 binding, suggesting that FKBP52 discriminates between the TPR cochaperone-binding sites in Hsp90 and Hsp70. Hop, which contains multiple units of the TPR motif, was shown to be a direct competitor with CyP40 for Hsc70 binding. Similar to Hop, CyP40 was shown not to influence the adenosine triphosphatase activity of Hsc70. Our results suggest that CyP40 may have a modulating role in Hsc70 as well as Hsp90 cellular function.     

Exchangeable chaperone modules contribute to specification of type I and type II Hsp40 cellular function

Hsp40 family members regulate Hsp70s ability to bind nonnative polypeptides and thereby play an essential role in cell physiology. Type I and type II Hsp40s, such as yeast Ydj1 and Sis1, form chaperone pairs with cytosolic Hsp70 Ssa1 that fold proteins with different efficiencies and carry out specific cellular functions. The mechanism by which Ydj1 and Sis1 specify Hsp70 functions is not clear. Ydj1 and Sis1 share a high degree of sequence identity in their amino and carboxyl terminal ends, but each contains a structurally unique and centrally located protein module that is implicated in chaperone function. To test whether the chaperone modules of Ydj1 and Sis1 function in the specification of Hsp70 action, we constructed a set of chimeric Hsp40s in which the chaperone domains of Ydj1 and Sis1 were swapped to form YSY and SYS. Purified SYS and YSY exhibited protein-folding activity and substrate specificity that mimicked that of Ydj1 and Sis1, respectively. In in vivo studies, YSY exhibited a gain of function and, unlike Ydj1, could complement the lethal phenotype of sis1 Delta and facilitate maintenance of the prion [RNQ+]. Ydj1 and Sis1 contain exchangeable chaperone modules that assist in specification of Hsp70 function.     

Functions of yeast Hsp40 chaperone Sis1p dispensable for prion propagation but important for prion curing and protection from prion toxicity

Replication of amyloid-based yeast prions [PSI(+)], [URE3], and [PIN(+)] depends on the protein disaggregation machinery that includes Hsp104, Hsp70, and Hsp40 molecular chaperones. Yet, overexpressing Hsp104 cures cells of [PSI(+)] prions. An Hsp70 mutant (Ssa1-21p) antagonizes propagation of [PSI(+)] in a manner resembling elevated Hsp104. The major cytosolic Hsp40 Sis1p is the only Hsp40 required for replication of these prions, but its role in [PSI(+)] curing is unknown. Here we find that all nonessential functional regions of Sis1p are dispensable for [PSI(+)] propagation, suggesting that other Hsp40's might provide Hsp40 functions required for [PSI(+)] replication. Conversely, several Sis1p functions were important for promoting antiprion effects of both Ssa1-21p and Hsp104, which implies a link between the antiprion effects of these chaperones and suggests that Sis1p is a specific Hsp40 important for [PSI(+)] curing. These contrasting findings suggest that the functions of Hsp104 that are important for propagation and elimination of [PSI(+)] are either distinct or specified by different Hsp40's. This work also uncovered a growth inhibition caused by [PSI(+)] when certain functions of Sis1p were absent, suggesting that Sis1p protects cells from cytotoxicity caused by [PSI(+)] prions.     

Molecular chaperones and the assembly of the prion Ure2p in vitro

The protein Ure2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses prion properties at the origin of the [URE3] trait. In vivo, a high molecular weight form of inactive Ure2p is associated to [URE3]. The faithful and continued propagation of [URE3]is dependent on the expression levels of molecular chaperones from the Hsp100, -70, and -40 families; however, so far, their role is not fully documented. Here we investigate the effects of molecular chaperones from the Hsp40, Hsp70, Hsp90, and Hsp100 families and the chaperonin CCT/Tric on the assembly of full-length Ure2p. We show that Hsp104p greatly stimulates Ure2p aggregation, whereas Ssa1p, Ydj1p, Sis1p, and Hsp82p inhibit aggregation to different extents. The nature of the high molecular weight Ure2p species that forms in the presence of the different molecular chaperones and their nucleotide dependence is described. We show that Hsp104p favors the aggregation of Ure2p into non-fibrillar high molecular weight particles, whereas Ssa1p, Ydj1p, Sis1p, and Hsp82p sequester Ure2p in spherical oligomers. Using fluorescently labeled full-length Ure2p and Ure2p-(94-354) and fluorescence polarization, we show that Ssa1p binding to Ure2p is ATP-dependent, whereas that of Hsp104p is not. We also show that Ssa1p preferentially interacts with the N-terminal domain of Ure2p that is critical for prion propagation, whereas Ydj1p preferentially interacts with the C-terminal domain of the protein, and we discuss the significance of this observation. Finally, the affinities of Ssa1p, Ydj1p, and Hsp104p for Ure2p are determined. Our in vitro observations bring new insight into the mechanism by which molecular chaperones influence the propagation of [URE3].     

The yeast hsp70 homologue Ssa is required for translation and interacts with Sis1 and Pab1 on translating ribosomes

The 70-kDa heat shock proteins are molecular chaperones that participate in a variety of cellular functions. This chaperone function is stimulated by interaction with hsp40 proteins. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene encoding the essential hsp40 homologue, SIS1, appears to function in translation initiation. Mutations in ribosomal protein L39 (rpl39) complement loss-of-function mutations in SIS1 as well as PAB1 (poly(A)-binding protein), suggesting a functional interaction between these proteins. However, while a direct interaction between Sis1 and Pab1 is not detectable, both of these proteins physically interact with the essential Ssa (and not Ssb) family of hsp70 proteins. This interaction is mediated by the variable C-terminal domain of Ssa. Subcellular fractionations demonstrate that the binding of Ssa to ribosomes is dependent upon its C terminus and that its interaction with Sis1 and Pab1 occurs preferentially on translating ribosomes. Consistent with a function in translation, depletion of Ssa protein produces a general translational defect that appears similar to loss of Sis1 and Pab1 function. This translational effect of Ssa appears mediated, at least in part, by its affect on the interaction of Pab1 with the translation initiation factor, eIF4G, which is dramatically reduced in the absence of functional Ssa protein.     

Molecular chaperones and the assembly of the prion Sup35p, an in vitro study

The protein Sup35 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses prion properties. In vivo, a high molecular weight form of Sup35p is associated to the [PSI+] factor. The continued propagation of [PSI+] is highly dependent on the expression levels of molecular chaperones from the Hsp100, 70 and 40 families; however, so far, their role in this process is unclear. We have developed a reproducible in vitro system to study the effects of molecular chaperones on the assembly of full-length Sup35p. We show that Hsp104p greatly stimulates the assembly of Sup35p into fibrils, whereas Ydj1p has inhibitory effect. Hsp82p, Ssa1p and Sis1p, individually, do not affect assembly. In contrast, Ssa1p together with either of its Hsp40 cochaperones blocks Sup35p polymerization. Furthermore, Ssa1p and Ydj1p or Sis1p can counteract the stimulatory activity of Hsp104p, by forming complexes with Sup35p oligomers, in an ATP-dependent manner. Our observations reveal the functional differences between Hsp104p and the Hsp70-40 systems in the assembly of Sup35p into fibrils and bring new insight into the mechanism by which molecular chaperones influence the propagation of [PSI+].     

Ubiquitin conjugation triggers misfolded protein sequestration into quality control foci when Hsp70 chaperone levels are limiting

Ubiquitin accumulation in amyloid plaques is a pathological marker observed in the vast majority of neurodegenerative diseases, yet ubiquitin function in these inclusions is controversial. It has been suggested that ubiquitylated proteins are directed to inclusion bodies under stress conditions, when both chaperone-mediated refolding and proteasomal degradation are compromised or overwhelmed. Alternatively, ubiquitin and chaperones may be recruited to preformed inclusions to promote their elimination. We address this issue using a yeast model system, based on expression of several mildly misfolded degradation substrates in cells with altered chaperone content. We find that the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperone pair Ssa1/Ssa2 and the Hsp40 cochaperone Sis1 are essential for degradation. Substrate ubiquitylation is strictly dependent on Sis1, whereas Ssa1 and Ssa2 are dispensable. Remarkably, in Ssa1/Ssa2-depleted cells, ubiquitylated substrates are sequestered into detergent-insoluble, Hsp42-positive inclusion bodies. Unexpectedly, sequestration is abolished by preventing substrate ubiquitylation. We conclude that Hsp40 is required for the targeting of misfolded proteins to the ubiquitylation machinery, whereas the decision to degrade or sequester ubiquitylated proteins is mediated by the Hsp70s. Accordingly, diminished Hsp70 levels, as observed in aging or certain pathological conditions, might be sufficient to trigger ubiquitin-dependent sequestration of partially misfolded proteins into inclusion bodies.     

Ligand discrimination by TPR domains. Relevance and selectivity of EEVD-recognition in Hsp70 x Hop x Hsp90 complexes

Protein-protein interaction modules containing so-called tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs) mediate the assembly of Hsp70/Hsp90 multi-chaperone complexes. The TPR1 and TPR2A domains of the Hsp70/Hsp90 adapter protein p60/Hop specifically bind to short peptides corresponding to the C-terminal tails of Hsp70 and Hsp90, respectively, both of which contain the highly conserved sequence motif EEVD-COOH. Here, we quantitatively assessed the contribution of TPR-mediated peptide recognition to Hsp70.Hop.Hsp90 complex formation. The interaction of TPR2A with the C-terminal pentapeptide of Hsp90 (MEEVD) is identified as the core contact for Hop binding to Hsp90. (In peptide sequences, italics are used to highlight residues specific for Hsp70 or Hsp90.) In contrast, formation of the Hsp70.Hop complex depends not only on recognition of the C-terminal Hsp70 heptapeptide (PTIEEVD) by TPR1 but also on additional contacts between Hsp70 and Hop. The sequence motifs for TPR1 and TPR2A binding were defined by alanine scanning of the C-terminal octapeptides of Hsp70 and Hsp90 and by screening of combinatorial peptide libraries. Asp0 and Val-1 of the EEVD motif are identified as general anchor residues, but the highly conserved glutamates of the EEVD sequence, which are critical in Hsp90 binding by TPR2A, do not contribute appreciably to the interaction of Hsp70 with TPR1. Rather, TPR1 prefers hydrophobic amino acids in these positions. Moreover, the TPR domains display a pronounced tendency to interact preferentially with hydrophobic aliphatic and aromatic side chains in positions -4 and -6 of their respective peptide ligands. Ile-4 in Hsp70 and Met-4 in Hsp90 are most important in determining the specific binding of TPR1 and TPR2A, respectively.     

15-Deoxyspergualin modulates Plasmodium falciparum heat shock protein function

Heat shock proteins are essential for the survival of all cells. The C-terminal EEVD motif of Hsp70 has previously been implicated in binding 15-deoxyspergualin (DSG), an immunosuppressant with antimalarial activity whose mechanism of action is uncertain. We report the cloning, overexpression, and characterization of three members of the heat shock family, PfHsp70-1 (an Hsp70 protein with a C-terminal EEVD motif), PfHsp70-2 (an Hsp70 protein without the EEVD motif), and PfHsp70 interacting protein. The chaperone activity of PfHsp70-1, and PfHsp70-2 was enhanced by ATP and by PfHip. Interestingly, while binding of protein substrates to PfHsp70-1, PfHsp70-2 and PfHip was unaffected in the presence of DSG, the ATP enhanced chaperone activity of PfHsp70-1 but not PfHsp70-2 was stimulated further by DSG. Our finding suggests that the binding partner of DSG in the parasite cellular milieu is PfHsp70-1 and paves the way for the elucidation of the mechanism of antimalarial action of DSG.     

Crystal structure of yeast mitochondrial outer membrane translocon member Tom70p

A majority of the proteins targeted to the mitochondria are transported through the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex. Tom70 is a major surface receptor for mitochondrial protein precursors in the TOM complex. To investigate how Tom70 receives the mitochondrial protein precursors, we have determined the crystal structure of yeast Tom70p to 3.0 A. Tom70p forms a homodimer in the crystal. Each subunit consists primarily of tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motifs, which are organized into a right-handed superhelix. The TPR motifs in the N-terminal domain of Tom70p form a peptide-binding groove for the C-terminal EEVD motif of Hsp70, whereas the C-terminal domain of Tom70p contains a large pocket that may be the binding site for mitochondrial precursors. The crystal structure of Tom70p provides insights into the mechanisms of precursor transport across the mitochondrion's outer membrane.     

Two distinct classes of cochaperones compete for the EEVD motif in heat shock protein 70 to tune its chaperone activities

Chaperones of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family engage in protein–protein interactions with many cochaperones. One “hotspot” for cochaperone binding is the EEVD motif, found at the extreme C terminus of cytoplasmic Hsp70s. This motif is known to bind tetratricopeptide repeat domain cochaperones, such as the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP. In addition, the EEVD motif also interacts with a structurally distinct domain that is present in class B J-domain proteins, such as DnaJB4. These observations suggest that CHIP and DnaJB4 might compete for binding to Hsp70’s EEVD motif; however, the molecular determinants of such competition are not clear. Using a collection of EEVD-derived peptides, including mutations and truncations, we explored which residues are critical for binding to both CHIP and DnaJB4. These results revealed that some features, such as the C-terminal carboxylate, are important for both interactions. However, CHIP and DnaJB4 also had unique preferences, especially at the isoleucine position immediately adjacent to the EEVD. Finally, we show that competition between these cochaperones is important in vitro, as DnaJB4 limits the ubiquitination activity of the Hsp70–CHIP complex, whereas CHIP suppresses the client refolding activity of the Hsp70–DnaJB4 complex. Together, these data suggest that the EEVD motif has evolved to support diverse protein–protein interactions, such that competition between cochaperones may help guide whether Hsp70-bound proteins are folded or degraded.     

Tetratricopeptide repeat motif-mediated Hsc70-mSTI1 interaction. Molecular characterization of the critical contacts for successful binding and specificity

Murine stress-inducible protein 1 (mSTI1) is a co-chaperone that is homologous with the human Hsp70/Hsp90-organizing protein (Hop). Guided by Hop structural data and sequence alignment analyses, we have used site-directed mutagenesis, co-precipitation assays, circular dichroism spectroscopy, steady-state fluorescence, and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy to both qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the contacts necessary for the N-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat domain (TPR1) of mSTI1 to bind to heat shock cognate protein 70 (Hsc70) and to discriminate between Hsc70 and Hsp90. We have shown that substitutions in the first TPR motif of Lys(8) or Asn(12) did not affect binding of mSTI1 to Hsc70, whereas double substitution of these residues abrogated binding. A substitution in the second TPR motif of Asn(43) lowered but did not abrogate binding. Similarly, a deletion in the second TPR motif coupled with a substitution of Lys(8) or Asn(12) reduced but did not abrogate binding. These results suggest that mSTI1-Hsc70 interaction requires a network of interactions not only between charged residues in the TPR1 domain of mSTI1 and the EEVD motif of Hsc70 but also outside the TPR domain. We propose that the electrostatic interactions in the first TPR motif made by Lys(8) or Asn(12) define part of the minimum interactions required for successful mSTI1-Hsc70 interaction. Using a truncated derivative of mSTI1 incapable of binding to Hsp90, we substituted residues on TPR1 potentially involved in hydrophobic contacts with Hsc70. The modified protein had reduced binding to Hsc70 but now showed significant binding capacity for Hsp90. In contrast, topologically equivalent substitutions on a truncated derivative of mSTI1 incapable of binding to Hsc70 did not confer Hsc70 specificity on TPR2A. Our results suggest that binding of Hsc70 to TPR1 is more specific than binding of Hsp90 to TPR2A with serious implications for the mechanisms of mSTI1 interactions with Hsc70 and Hsp90 in vivo.     

Toxoplasma gondii Sis1-like J-domain protein is a cytosolic chaperone associated to HSP90/HSP70 complex

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite in which 36 predicted Hsp40 family members were identified by searching the T. gondii genome. The predicted protein sequence from the gene ID TGME49_065310 showed an amino acid sequence and domain structure similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sis1. TgSis1 did not show differences in its expression profile during alkaline stress by microarray analysis. Furthermore, TgSis1 showed to be a cytosolic Hsp40 which co-immunoprecipitated with T. gondii Hsp70 and Hsp90. Structural modeling of the TgSis1 peptide binding fragment revealed structural and electrostatic properties different from the experimental model of human Sis1-like protein (Hdj1). Based on these differences; we propose that TgSis1 may be a potentially attractive drug target for developing a novel anti-T. gondii therapy.     

Propagation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae [PSI+] prion is impaired by factors that regulate Hsp70 substrate binding

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae [PSI(+)] prion is believed to be a self-propagating cytoplasmic amyloid. Earlier characterization of HSP70 (SSA1) mutations suggested that [PSI(+)] propagation is impaired by alterations that enhance Ssa1p's substrate binding. This impairment is overcome by second-site mutations in Ssa1p's conserved C-terminal motif (GPTVEEVD), which mediates interactions with tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) cochaperones. Sti1p, a TPR cochaperone homolog of mammalian Hop1 (Hsp70/90 organizing protein), activates Ssa1p ATPase, which promotes substrate binding by Ssa1p. Here we find that in SSA1-21 cells depletion of Sti1p improved [PSI(+)] propagation, while excess Sti1p weakened it. In contrast, depletion of Fes1p, a nucleotide exchange factor for Ssa1p that facilitates substrate release, weakened [PSI(+)] propagation, while overproducing Fes1p improved it. Therefore, alterations of Hsp70 cochaperones that promote or prolong Hsp70 substrate binding impair [PSI(+)] propagation. We also find that the GPTVEEVD motif is important for physical interaction with Hsp40 (Ydj1p), another Hsp70 cochaperone that promotes substrate binding but is dispensable for viability. We further find that depleting Cpr7p, an Hsp90 TPR cochaperone and CyP-40 cyclophilin homolog, improved [PSI(+)] propagation in SSA1 mutants. Although Cpr7p and Sti1p are Hsp90 cochaperones, we provide evidence that Hsp90 is not involved in [PSI(+)] propagation, suggesting that Sti1p and Cpr7p functionally interact with Hsp70 independently of Hsp90.     

Structure of minimal tetratricopeptide repeat domain protein Tah1 reveals mechanism of its interaction with Pih1 and Hsp90

Tah1 and Pih1 are novel Hsp90 interactors. Tah1 acts as a cofactor of Hsp90 to stabilize Pih1. In yeast, Hsp90, Tah1, and Pih1 were found to form a complex that is required for ribosomal RNA processing through their effect on box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein assembly. Tah1 is a minimal tetratricopeptide repeat protein of 111 amino acid residues that binds to the C terminus of the Hsp90 molecular chaperone, whereas Pih1 consists of 344 residues of unknown fold. The NMR structure of Tah1 has been solved, and this structure shows the presence of two tetratricopeptide repeat motifs followed by a C helix and an unstructured region. The binding of Tah1 to Hsp90 is mediated by the EEVD C-terminal residues of Hsp90, which bind to a positively charged channel formed by Tah1. Five highly conserved residues, which form a two-carboxylate clamp that tightly interacts with the ultimate Asp-0 residue of the bound peptide, are also present in Tah1. Tah1 was found to bind to the C terminus of Pih1 through the C helix and the unstructured region. The C terminus of Pih1 destabilizes the protein in vitro and in vivo, whereas the binding of Tah1 to Pih1 allows for the formation of a stable complex. Based on our data, a model for an Hsp90-Tah1-Pih1 ternary complex is proposed.     

Identification of a regulatory motif in Hsp70 that affects ATPase activity, substrate binding and interaction with HDJ-1.

The Hsp70 family of molecular chaperones has an essential role in the synthesis, folding and translocation of the nascent peptide chain. While the general features of these activities are well documented, less is understood about the regulation of these activities. The ATPase rate is stimulated by non-native proteins, furthermore, interaction with ATP leads to the release of protein substrate concurrent with a conformational change in Hsp70. One interpretation of these data is that the two domains of Hsp70 interact. In the process of mapping the carboxyl-terminal boundary of the substrate binding domain for human Hsp70, we identified a regulatory motif, EEVD, which is conserved at the extreme carboxyl terminus among nearly all cloned cytosolic eukaryotic Hsp70s. Deletion or mutation of EEVD affects the ATPase activity, the ability to interact with substrates, and interferes with the ability of the mutant Hsp70 to interact with HDJ-1 in the refolding of denatured firefly luciferase. Examination of the biophysical properties of the mutant Hsp70s reveals a change in the overall shape and conformation of the protein consistent with reduced interactions between the two domains. These data suggest that the EEVD motif is involved in the intramolecular regulation of Hsp70 function and intermolecular interactions with HDJ-1.