Metal ions and redox balance regulate distinct amyloid-like aggregation pathways of GAPR-1

Sci Rep. 2019 Oct 21;9(1):15048. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-51232-7.

Abstract

Members of the CAP superfamily (Cysteine-rich secretory proteins, Antigen 5, and Pathogenesis-Related 1 proteins) are characterized by the presence of a structurally conserved CAP domain. The common structure-function relationship of this domain is still poorly understood. In this study, we unravel specific molecular mechanisms modulating the quaternary structure of the mammalian CAP protein GAPR-1 (Golgi-Associated plant Pathogenesis-Related protein 1). Copper ions are shown to induce a distinct amyloid-like aggregation pathway of GAPR-1 in the presence of heparin. This involves an immediate shift from native multimers to monomers which are prone to form amyloid-like fibrils. The Cu2+-induced aggregation pathway is independent of a conserved metal-binding site and involves the formation of disulfide bonds during the nucleation process. The elongation process occurs independently of the presence of Cu2+ ions, and amyloid-like aggregation can proceed under oxidative conditions. In contrast, the Zn2+-dependent aggregation pathway was found to be independent of cysteines and was reversible upon removal of Zn2+ ions. Together, our results provide insight into the regulation of the quaternary structure of GAPR-1 by metal ions and redox homeostasis with potential implications for regulatory mechanisms of other CAP proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Copper / metabolism
  • Cysteine / metabolism
  • Disulfides / metabolism
  • Ions
  • Kinetics
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Metals / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Protein Conformation
  • Zinc / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Disulfides
  • Ions
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Metals
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Cysteine