A Peptidomimetic Ligand Targeting the Chromodomain of MPP8 Reveals HRP2's Association with the HUSH Complex

ACS Chem Biol. 2021 Sep 17;16(9):1721-1736. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00429. Epub 2021 Aug 20.

Abstract

The interpretation of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), specifically lysine methylation, by specific classes of "reader" proteins marks an important aspect of epigenetic control of gene expression. Methyl-lysine (Kme) readers often regulate gene expression patterns through the recognition of a specific Kme PTM while participating in or recruiting large protein complexes that contain enzymatic or chromatin remodeling activity. Understanding the composition of these Kme-reader-containing protein complexes can serve to further our understanding of the biological roles of Kme readers, while small molecule chemical tools can be valuable reagents in interrogating novel protein-protein interactions. Here, we describe our efforts to target the chromodomain of M-phase phosphoprotein 8 (MPP8), a member of the human silencing hub (HUSH) complex and a histone 3 lysine 9 trimethyl (H3K9me3) reader that is vital for heterochromatin formation and has specific roles in cancer metastasis. Utilizing a one-bead, one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial screening approach, we identified UNC5246, a peptidomimetic ligand capable of interacting with the MPP8 chromodomain in the context of the HUSH complex. Additionally, a biotinylated derivative of UNC5246 facilitated chemoproteomics studies which revealed hepatoma-derived growth factor-related protein 2 (HRP2) as a novel protein associated with MPP8. HRP2 was further shown to colocalize with MPP8 at the E-cadherin gene locus, suggesting a possible role in cancer cell plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle Proteins / chemistry*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Histones / chemistry
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Ligands
  • Lysine / chemistry
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Methylation
  • Models, Molecular
  • Peptidomimetics / chemistry*
  • Peptidomimetics / metabolism
  • Phosphoproteins / chemistry*
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Domains
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Proteomics
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Histones
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Peptidomimetics
  • Phosphoproteins
  • hepatoma-derived growth factor
  • Lysine