In silico investigation of Alsin RLD conformational dynamics and phosphoinositides binding mechanism

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 18;17(7):e0270955. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270955. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Alsin is a protein known for its major role in neuronal homeostasis and whose mutation is associated with early-onset neurodegenerative diseases. It has been shown that its relocalization from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane is crucial to induce early endosomes maturation. In particular, evidences suggest that the N-terminal regulator of chromosome condensation 1 like domain (RLD) is necessary for membrane association thanks to its affinity to phosphoinositides, membrane lipids involved in the regulation of several signaling processes. Interestingly, this domain showed affinity towards phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PI(3)P], which is highly expressed in endosomes membrane. However, Alsin structure has not been experimentally resolved yet and molecular mechanisms associated with its biological functions are mostly unknown. In this work, Alsin RLD has been investigated through computational molecular modeling techniques to analyze its conformational dynamics and obtain a representative 3D model of this domain. Moreover, a putative phosphoinositide binding site has been proposed and PI(3)P interaction mechanism studied. Results highlight the substantial conformational stability of Alsin RLD secondary structure and suggest the role of one highly flexible region in the phosphoinositides selectivity of this domain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • Phosphatidylinositol Phosphates* / metabolism
  • Phosphatidylinositols* / metabolism
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Phosphatidylinositol Phosphates
  • Phosphatidylinositols
  • phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate

Grants and funding

The present research is part of the CRYSTAL project. This work was supported by Fondazione Telethon (Grant #GSP 20005_PAsIAHSP007). The work was also supported by CINECA ISCRA C initiative (Project CRYSTALC, Project code HP10CWRPPV).