Multiscale Characterization of a Unique Class of Duplex, Multivalent IDP systems

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Summary A wide variety of subcellular complexes are composed of one or more intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that are multivalent, flexible, and characterized by dynamic, reversible binding of diverse partner proteins. A common but understudied type of multivalent IDP assembly exhibits a unique duplex topology, characterized by parallel alignment of two IDP chains reversibly cross-linked by the ubiquitous LC8 hub protein, where the IDPs allosterically enhance affinity for additional bivalent ligands. These duplexes can serve as a girder-like element in large complexes, act as sensors, and facilitate or `template' the formation of large supra-molecular assemblies (such as the dynein motor and nucleopore complex). Key features of these systems were identified in MPI Barbar's lab, but studies of the structural and biochemical basis for this wide range of functionalities are challenged by the diversity, internal mobility, and heterogeneity of the complexes formed. This proposal will significantly advance our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of multivalent LC8 complex assemblies, by integrating an array of novel and existing methods of computational modeling - such as weighted-ensemble molecular dynamics simulation - with experiments including isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and structural characterization such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron microscopy (EM), and native mass spectrometry (native MS). These techniques were selected to address critical unanswered questions in the field: How much conformational and compositional heterogeneity is intrinsic to these reversibly assembled duplexes, and how do they avoid a disordered state? How does LC8 concentration, which is tightly controlled by the cell, modulate the heterogeneity? What do the allosteric effects and associated mechanistic pathways indicate about regulation of the duplexes? What differences are observed among duplex systems optimized for architectural vs. complex-scaffolding vs. sensing roles? To address these questions, three largely independent aims will probe the ensemble thermodynamics via ITC and theory dissecting species populations, the conformational ensemble via EM and theory from whole complex- to atomistic-scale, and finally the atomistic basis of kinetic and cooperative behavior via simulations and kinetics measurements. The efforts will be guided by an experienced biophysics team with a wide-range of complementary expertise who have been collaborating for several years - experts in theoretical biophysics (Zuckerman, MPI); in LC8 structural biology, ITC and NMR (Barbar, MPI); in electron microscopy (Reichow, Co-I); and in native MS (Prell, Co-I). Our track record of pioneering work on structure-function relations of LC8, success in both producing useful protein constructs and handling these complex and partially disordered proteins, and the team's expertise in the battery of computational, structural, biophysical, and biochemical techniques required to probe these systems, make us uniquely suited to significantly advance the frontiers in the study of IDP multivalency.