Smyd2 controls cytoplasmic lysine methylation of Hsp90 and myofilament organization

Genes Dev. 2012 Jan 15;26(2):114-9. doi: 10.1101/gad.177758.111. Epub 2012 Jan 12.

Abstract

Protein lysine methylation is one of the most widespread post-translational modifications in the nuclei of eukaryotic cells. Methylated lysines on histones and nonhistone proteins promote the formation of protein complexes that control gene expression and DNA replication and repair. In the cytoplasm, however, the role of lysine methylation in protein complex formation is not well established. Here we report that the cytoplasmic protein chaperone Hsp90 is methylated by the lysine methyltransferase Smyd2 in various cell types. In muscle, Hsp90 methylation contributes to the formation of a protein complex containing Smyd2, Hsp90, and the sarcomeric protein titin. Deficiency in Smyd2 results in the loss of Hsp90 methylation, impaired titin stability, and altered muscle function. Collectively, our data reveal a cytoplasmic protein network that employs lysine methylation for the maintenance and function of skeletal muscle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chick Embryo
  • Connectin
  • Cytoplasm / enzymology
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism*
  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins / metabolism*
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / genetics
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Methylation
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Myocardium / metabolism
  • Myofibrils / metabolism*
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Connectin
  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Muscle Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • TTN protein, human
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
  • Protein Kinases
  • Lysine