Next-generation yeast-two-hybrid analysis with Y2H-SCORES identifies novel interactors of the MLA immune receptor

PLoS Comput Biol. 2021 Apr 2;17(4):e1008890. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008890. eCollection 2021 Apr.

Abstract

Protein-protein interaction networks are one of the most effective representations of cellular behavior. In order to build these models, high-throughput techniques are required. Next-generation interaction screening (NGIS) protocols that combine yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) with deep sequencing are promising approaches to generate interactome networks in any organism. However, challenges remain to mining reliable information from these screens and thus, limit its broader implementation. Here, we present a computational framework, designated Y2H-SCORES, for analyzing high-throughput Y2H screens. Y2H-SCORES considers key aspects of NGIS experimental design and important characteristics of the resulting data that distinguish it from RNA-seq expression datasets. Three quantitative ranking scores were implemented to identify interacting partners, comprising: 1) significant enrichment under selection for positive interactions, 2) degree of interaction specificity among multi-bait comparisons, and 3) selection of in-frame interactors. Using simulation and an empirical dataset, we provide a quantitative assessment to predict interacting partners under a wide range of experimental scenarios, facilitating independent confirmation by one-to-one bait-prey tests. Simulation of Y2H-NGIS enabled us to identify conditions that maximize detection of true interactors, which can be achieved with protocols such as prey library normalization, maintenance of larger culture volumes and replication of experimental treatments. Y2H-SCORES can be implemented in different yeast-based interaction screenings, with an equivalent or superior performance than existing methods. Proof-of-concept was demonstrated by discovery and validation of novel interactions between the barley nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptor MLA6, and fourteen proteins, including those that function in signaling, transcriptional regulation, and intracellular trafficking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Datasets as Topic
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proof of Concept Study
  • Protein Interaction Maps*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques*

Substances

  • MLA6 protein, Hordeum vulgare
  • Plant Proteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic

Grants and funding

Research supported in part by Fulbright - Minciencias 2015 & Schlumberger Faculty for the Future fellowships to VVZ, USDA-NIFA-ELI Postdoctoral Fellowship 2017-67012-26086 to JME, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) under U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contract number DE-SC0014664 to SB, USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Hatch project IOW03617 to KSD, and National Science Foundation - Plant Genome Research Program grant 13-39348, USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant 2020-67013-31184 and USDA-Agricultural Research Service project 3625-21000-067-00D to RPW. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.